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America's Top 5 Fireworks Displays

These are the Top 5- 4th of July Fireworks Displays in all of the country. Here's some pics and highlights on these top shows. If you were lucky enough to attend on of these- we envy you! Regardless of where you were, we hope you had an amazing 4th of July!

Top 5 Fireworks Displays

Source: AOL Travel

chriscarder, flickr

Fourth of July Fireworks should be larger than life. As Independence Day rounds the corner for the 235th time, we decided to take a look at the biggest pyrotechnic celebrations across the U.S.

Though some familiar names top the list of biggest firework displays – New York and Atlantic City's shows have been around for years and attract millions of visitors – there are also a few impressive but lesser known shows in more out-of-the-way locations.

Fireworks are to be taken seriously and the rankings below are the result of a highly scientific statistical analysis utilizing both publicly available data and the measurements of some of the nations great pyrotechnicians.

The calculation wound up looking something like this: (Attendance/2,000,000)5 + (Cost/2,500,000)5 + (Amount of Explosive Material/75,000)5 + (Length of show/46)5)/20 x 100 = Percentage awesome.

Of course values were not available for every category. When asked the number of fireworks used for his show, Philip Butler, producer of Atlantic City's extravaganza, said: "You wouldn't ask Michelangelo how buckets of paint he used on the Sistine Chapel, would you?" So some expert judgment was exercised along with 8th grade math.

1. Macy's Firework Spectacular - New York, NY

1987porsche944, flickr

SCORE: 92

Macy's annual firework show over the Hudson River regularly attracts around 2 million people, but vantage points are scattered all over the West Side and New Jersey so the crowd doesn't get too thick. The 26-minute show, which sets off approximately 75,000 pounds of fireworks, begins between 9 p.m. and 9:20. 23rd-59th Street along the West Side highway will be closed to traffic beginning at 4 p.m., so head over and nab a seat early – they fill up fast.

2. Atlantic City Firework Spectacular - Atlantic City, NJ

stevenmaciejewski, flickr

SCORE: 90

Atlantic City's show has two parts, making it one of the longest in the country. The first 22-minute show over the Marina is followed by a 24-minute display along the beach and boardwalk. With 200,000 attendees, it's important to get to the beach early to claim a spot. And, those from out of town should make those reservations fast – the city will be jam-packed this weekend.

3. Kaboom Town! - Addison, TX

heroiclife, flickr

SCORE: 86.7

Addison's 30-minute show is a three-decade old tradition that attracts a good 500,000 viewers. The fireworks can be seen from anywhere in Addison, including the city's 170 restaurants, which broadcast the show. The show itself takes place in Addison Circle Park and begins with an air show by the Addison Airport. Parking spaces, however, may be impossible to find – the best way to go is to park in a nearby town and walk.

4. Boston Pops Firework Spectacular - Boston, MA

jiangning, flickr

SCORE: 82

Boston's show is easily one of the most well known, and, at $2.5 million for the entire show, one of the most expensive. Over 20,000 pounds of fireworks are set off during the 21-minute spectacle as 500,000 revelers "ohh" and "ahh." The fireworks are shot over the Charles River, so both Harvard and Longfellow bridges offer unobstructed views. The riverbank tends to get crowded, so bring a blanket and stake out a spot early.

5. A Capitol Fourth - Washington, D.C.

dan-lem2001, flickr

SCORE: 80

The 20-minute show on the National Mall shoots 66,000 pounds of fireworks for its 500,000 visitors. The fireworks begin after 9 p.m., following a parade, and are set to a soundtrack by The National Symphony Orchestra. To sit on the Mall, be prepared to go through a security checkpoint where all bags and coolers are examined. It's worth it, though – the base of the Lincoln Memorial is a beautiful place to watch the show.

No Parking Allowed...Beware of Creepy Clowns

FUNNY THINGS HEARD 'ROUND THE SF OFFICE

1. Is what I'm looking for where I think it is? Ummm.....Yes?
2. I want biscuits and butt rubs! -canine thoughts from Kona, our office dog.
3. I wonder if it's a company requirement that all UPS deliveryman have to look good in brown shorts?
4. "I am not going to die in the men's room surrounded by 20 of you people!" -comment made by a staff member as we were discussing where to go for safety should a tornado touch down during the recent storms

The REAL Mad Men of Design

(From l to r): George Nelson, Edward Wormley, Eero Saarinen, Harry Bertoia, Charles Eames and Jens Risom. Playboy Magazine, July 1961.









For fans of Mid-Centry Modern Design, this classic image above from Playboy, July 1961 is like the Holy Grail. Design masters & fellow peers in their prime, beautifully captured in a time that was aesthetically crisp, uncluttered and innovative.

The World's Coolest Home Office...Make Yours Too

If you need inspiration for design, this should help. This is one of the coolest home office setups I've seen. This is a glorious fusion of Victorian wood, 19th century organ parts, computers, creativity, and a whole lot of free time.

Yes, that is his webcam...get out.

And USB Jump Drive?!...I know right.

The proud owner and his workstation.

Now, although we can't ship you one of these- we do have a load of incredible products to help you create your office or workspace into something a little more pleasing. Our designers can also do a custom layout and offer guidance for you at anytime. Check out our newest secret, yes it's true- enter Smart Office here.

Fun Stuff for Friday - 10 Work Excuses for Mondays

1. When I got up this morning I accidentally took two Ex-Lax in addition to my Prozac. I can't get off the john but I feel good about it.
2. The voices told me to clean all the guns today.
3. I threw my back out bowling.
4. My stigmata is acting up again.
5. I will be stalking my previous boss who fired for not showing up for work.
6. I am stuck in the blood pressure machine down at the local pharmacy.
7. Yes, I seem to have contracted some attention-deficit disorder and..hey, how about those Dodgers, huh? So I won’t be able to..yes, could I help you? No, no, I'll be sticking with Sprint but thanks for calling!
8. I just found out that I was switched at birth. Legally, I shouldn't come to work knowing my employee records may now contain false information.
9. I prefer to remain an enigma.
10. The dog ate my car keys. We're going to hitchhike to the vet.