Best printers for Home

Best Mixer Grinder

Best wired Earphones

Best 43 Inch TV in India

Best Wi Fi Routers

Best Home Theatre in India

Smart Watch under 5000

Best Laptops for Education

Best Laptop for Students

7 astronomical events to look forward to in July 2024—Buck Moon, meteor showers and more!

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Mike Tockstein is a pyrotechnician for Pyro Spectaculars by Souza based in California.</li><li>He got his start at 18 as an apprentice and has worked NFL, MLB, and NASCAR events.</li></ul><p><em>This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Mike Tockstein, a 42-year-old pyrotechnician from Southern California. It has been edited for length and clarity.</em></p><p>I've loved <keyword id="12206242" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fireworks" source="Orion">fireworks</keyword> ever since I was a little boy. Growing up in California, my parents would often take me to see fireworks displays near where we lived. </p><p>During the smaller shows, which usually took place in the off-season, I'd always inch my way up to the front of the barricades to try and catch the attention of the crew in the hopes of talking to the operator. I wanted to learn everything I could about how they did what they did.</p><p>In California, you must be at least 18 years old to become part of a fireworks display crew. When I turned 18, my parents discovered that <a href="https://www.pyrospec.com/">Pyro Spectaculars by Souza,</a> the company known for doing the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular for 40 years, was doing a show near where we lived. After the show, we reached out to them, and shortly after, I was able to secure an apprenticeship there. </p><div type="image" title="Tockstein product testing in 2001" height="872" width="1163" msid="92636783" hostid="261"></div><p>In California, you're required to apprentice for a minimum of two years and work at least eight public fireworks displays during that time period. You're also required to obtain five written letters of recommendation from California-based pyrotechnic operators before you can apply for a license and take the state fire marshal's written <keyword id="14334688" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pyrotechnics" source="Orion">pyrotechnics</keyword> exam. Then, if you want to be able to transport fireworks to and from show sites, you also need a commercial driver's license with a hazardous-materials endorsement from the local DMV.</p><p>Two weeks after my 21st birthday, I passed the exam and got my operator's license, and continued working at Pyro Spectaculars. Now, more than 20 years later, I'm responsible for supervising a crew in the setup and firing of public fireworks and producing fireworks displays all over Southern California. I've worked on a variety of shows ranging from <keyword id="14314575" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fourth-of-july" source="Orion">Fourth of July</keyword> celebrations to NFL, MLB, and NASCAR events and the Special Olympics World Games, in addition to red-carpet affairs, weddings, and corporate functions.</p><h2><strong>While we produce fireworks shows for a variety of occasions, July 4th is the pinnacle of the year for guys like me </strong></h2><p><strong></strong></p><div type="image" title="Tockstein at work at a baseball game." height="3240" width="4320" msid="92636785" hostid="261"></div><p>I think what makes Independence Day celebrations so unique is that people come together with the express purpose of seeing fireworks, as opposed to other events where fireworks may simply be a great addition. It's our country's birthday party, and we expect to celebrate with fireworks. </p><p>At my very first professional show, we hand-fired aerial display shells, similar to the way it was done back in the day, meaning we manually light every mortar by hand with a road flare. Talk about an adrenaline rush! </p><p>But while hand-firing can certainly be exhilarating, it can also be very dangerous. A lot of shows are still done this way, but I haven't done a hand-fired show in close to 20 years, as many companies have phased them out and moved entirely toward electrical firing systems. This is the biggest change I've seen since joining the industry.  </p><div type="image" title="A firing system Tockstein built" height="1936" width="2581" msid="92636788" hostid="261"></div><p>These days, there are two types of electrically-fired systems: The first, known as an analog pinboard firing system, is when an operator manually pushes a button for each shot. In this particular instance, you're most likely listening to a cue track that syncs to the music the crowd hears, signaling you to press each of the cues on command. The other is a computerized-firing system, where the operator presses a button and the computer then fires the entire show in sequence with the musical soundtrack. </p><p>But before we get to that part of the show, there's a lot of fairly intensive manual labor involved.</p><h2><strong>On show days, we start out early in the morning </strong></h2><div type="image" title="Tockstein loading a 10-inch shell for the Statue of Liberty's 125th anniversary in 2011." height="1936" width="2581" msid="92636792" hostid="261"></div>I always pack lots of food, water, and Gatorade to ensure we all stay hydrated through the day. Then I head to the warehouse to pick up our preloaded truck and make my way to the show site to meet the crew. <p>As part of our safety measures, everyone wears safety goggles, hard hats, long pants, long-sleeve shirts made of nonsynthetic material in the event of a fire, and close-toed shoes. I always say, "What comes up, must come down" and fireworks are no exception, so it pays to be prepared.</p><p>Onsite, we're responsible for everything, from unloading trucks to building fireworks racks to unboxing shells to set-up and layout, which may include moving hundreds, sometimes thousands, of pounds of equipment.</p><p>We also orchestrate continuity checks, where your firing system has a mode that sends a tiny current through each electric match to ensure everything is connecting properly. For bigger shows, we'll also do a dress rehearsal. </p><div type="image" title="Tockstein (right) and crew." height="931" width="1242" msid="92636793" hostid="261"></div><p>We can go through hundreds and often thousands of fireworks during a single show. It comes down to a host of variables, including specific site logistics, the desired length of the show, and the client's budget. This year, Macy's signature fireworks show produced by Souza will use nearly<a href="https://www.pyrospec.com/where-to-watch-the-macys-july-4th-fireworks-for-free-in-nyc/"> 50,000 shells and effects shot from five barges</a> floating in New York's East River.  </p><p>Like many industries affected by COVID-19, supply-chain gaps, shipping container shortages, and transportation delays out of China into the US caused <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/fireworks-in-short-supply-ahead-4th-of-july-prices-rise-2021-6">a fireworks shortage</a>, which resulted in increased pricing. In addition to those price increases, when it comes to premium times of the year like the Fourth of July, companies traditionally set a minimum client spend because there are only so many licensed operators out there. On average, I'd say you're looking at a minimum range of $20,000 to $25,000 as a starting point. </p><p>Once the show is over and the crowd goes home, long after they've gone to bed, our crew is still onsite doing the reverse of what we did earlier: breaking everything down, packing up all our supplies and equipment, and surveying the site and doing what we refer to as "dud sweeps" to ensure there aren't any fireworks remnants or unexploded shells left. Then it's time to drive back to the warehouse with the truck.</p><h2>I like to say, there's a reason the word 'work' is in the word 'fireworks' because you've truly got to love what you're doing</h2><div type="image" title="The LA Memorial Coliseum show for someone's birthday" height="562" width="750" msid="92636794" hostid="261"></div><p>You may enjoy working on that first show, but if you come back to work a second one, it means you really must love it. </p><p>In addition to having a passion for fireworks and no felony record, the best person for this type of work is a self-starter, not the type of person who waits around for someone to tell them what to do. You've also got to be responsible and hard-working, and comfortable being a team player because setting up and breaking down shows and handling logistics is a team effort — and you also need to look out for one another from a safety standpoint. </p><p>At this point in my career, I've probably worked 250 shows, but it never gets old. Every time, I can still feel my heart racing and my adrenaline pumping, and when I hear the cheers from the audience, well, that's as close as it gets to having a rock-star moment — and man, does it feel great. </p>

I'm a pyrotechnician. I've worked hundreds of fireworks shows, but the adrenaline rush never gets old.

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Phil Grucci, 59, is the CEO and creative director of <a href="https://www.grucci.com/home.html?pgid=1">Fireworks by Grucci, Inc.</a></li><li>His family has produced pyrotechnic displays in America since 1870. He's the fifth generation.</li></ul><p><em>This as-told-to essay is based on a transcribed conversation with Phil Grucci, the CEO and creative director of <a href="https://www.grucci.com/home.html?pgid=1">Fireworks by Grucci</a>. It has been edited for length and clarity.</em></p><p>As a kid in New York, there was nothing I loved more than hopping inside the family truck, sitting in between my father and uncle, and heading to one of the <keyword id="12206242" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fireworks" source="Orion">fireworks</keyword> shows my family would produce. </p><p>My grandfather, Felix Grucci Sr., produced a show at Coney Island every Tuesday and one each Wednesday at Rockaways' Playland. Going out on the barge and watching everyone prepare for the show was just about the coolest thing a boy my age could ask for.</p><div type="image" title="Phil Grucci, 7, at Coney Island Barge in 1970, cutting the string" height="911" width="922" msid="92620595" hostid="261"></div><p>Once, when I was 7 years old, my dad allowed me to tie two firework fuses together in a knot, and then just like my grandfather taught us, my father then handed me a pair of scissors to cut off the excess string, signifying the last step in the process before lighting.</p><p>All it took was one cut of that string, and a feeling of exhilaration came over me that I'd never experienced before. Suddenly, I felt like a hero. </p><h2>It was at that fireworks show that I realized one day, I too would work for the <keyword id="12085276" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="family-business" source="Orion">family business</keyword></h2><p>These days, my family is known as "America's First Family of Fireworks."</p><p>Back when I was a kid, I'd watch in awe after the fireworks shows as the commissioners and crowds of people came over to my grandfather to pat him on the back and give him all sorts of accolades. Seeing this only confirmed my strong desire to join the business.  </p><div type="image" title="Company founder Angelo Lanzetta at the first factory in 1900" height="590" width="401" msid="92620598" hostid="261"></div><p>In 1981, I attended college at CW Post in Long Island to study finance. The following year at the age of 20, I expected to spend the summer working at our factory.</p><p>But then my dad asked me if I wanted to spend three months in Knoxville, Tennessee, working for the World's Fair. When I asked him who was running the crew, he said: "You are."</p><p>He told me to gather my friends who'd gone through our training to join us. We spent three months doing a fireworks show every night, without missing a beat. That experience helped build my confidence, allowing me to take on bigger and better performances. </p><div type="image" title="A fireworks show." height="1504" width="1700" msid="92620600" hostid="261"></div><p>The following May, I worked at the 100th anniversary of the Brooklyn Bridge celebration. It was also on my birthday, which was a major highlight for me. Things were going well. </p><h2>6 months later, my father and cousin Donna were killed when our Long Island factory caught fire</h2><p>It was the worst day of my life, and my whole family was devastated. Not only had we just lost two members of our tight-knit family, but our factory was also leveled, and we'd lost everything.</p><div type="image" title="Workers preparing for a show." height="4912" width="7360" msid="92620603" hostid="261"></div><p>Shortly after, our family gathered around my grandmother's table to decide whether we should remain in business. My grandmother was understandably hesitant after losing her son, but as a family, we unanimously decided to forge ahead. </p><p>Rather than scare me off, losing my father only strengthened my desire to remain in the industry. I knew how passionate he was about our business and the art form,  and I wanted to continue that legacy for his sake. </p><h2>In addition to events like the <keyword id="11896183" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="olympics" source="Orion">Olympics</keyword> and Presidential Inaugurations, we break world records</h2><p>I wake up every morning and love going to work. What's not to love? Every occasion we're called to work on is a happy one.</p><p>To date, we've done eight US Presidential Inaugurations and the Olympics in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. In 2008, I was commissioned as the lead designer and engineer for all the fireworks for the Olympics in Beijing, which was a huge honor for me.</p><div type="image" title="A fireworks show." height="2634" width="2171" msid="92620606" hostid="261"></div><p>We've also held 11 unique Guinness Book world records, including the world's largest fireworks display for shooting a little less than a million shells in less than 10 minutes in Dubai. The show required 250 pyrotechnicians to install the job over a month's time period.  </p><p>The record that means the most to me though is for the largest single aerial shell. My father broke that record with my aunt and uncle in 1979, but it was later beaten by someone in Japan. Then, six years ago, a client in the Middle East commissioned us to break the record again. </p><h2>Today, I'm the fifth generation working in our family business</h2><p>We employ just under 200 people full-time between our New York design studio, a small factory located in Upstate New York, and a much larger one in Virginia, where we lease 400 acres on an active army ammunition plant. </p><p>In 1995, after reading up on military contracts over $25,000, I came across one that mentioned pyrotechnics. I explored the opportunity and wound up bidding and winning the contract to develop training devices for the military, such as simulated hand grenades and ground bombs.</p><div type="image" title="A fireworks show." height="1637" width="2196" msid="92620608" hostid="261"></div><p>Since we work with the military, our Virginia factory was deemed an essential business during COVID-19 and we were able to keep the business up and running. We even relocated our New York factory employees to Virginia in an effort to keep them employed. </p><p>Right now, approximately half of our revenue is the result of our military work, but that figure can fluctuate from year to year depending on the types of events we do. </p><p>While the Department of Defense's work is consistent, our event work can waver from year to year. </p><h2>In a typical year, we produce about 250 shows. Because of COVID-19, that number dropped to 39 in 2020.</h2><p>With the help of 400 pyrotechnicians, we'll produce just under 70 fireworks shows from New York to Hawaii over the next four days.</p><div type="image" title="A fireworks show." height="1493" width="1179" msid="92620610" hostid="261"></div><p>While these crew members are exclusive to Grucci and undergo the same rigorous in-house training our full-time pyrotechnicians do, they only work for us part-time and as needed. </p><p>During the year, they work a variety of jobs — dentists, accountants, mechanics, car dealers, police officers, schoolteachers, you name it. They often take a week of their vacation time to work for us, heading anywhere from Vegas or Hawaii to Dubai or Saudi Arabia. </p><div type="image" title="Phil Grucci" height="2508" width="2006" msid="92620613" hostid="261"></div><p>These people are an extension of the Grucci family. Some of them are high school and college buddies. My own high school science teacher was even on a crew for a while. Our CFO, Scott Raso, happens to be my old college roommate. </p><h2>We're constantly training new pyrotechnicians</h2><p>Just last month, we trained 55 people in <a href="https://www.grucci.com/main.html?pgid=7">our in-house training seminar</a>.</p><div type="image" title="A fireworks show." height="4016" width="6016" msid="92620617" hostid="261"></div><p>At some point, people age out. After all, it's an intense job with long hours and a lot of manual labor involved. However, it really is a family affair. Pyros often get their own kids engaged, so we wind up training the next generation. </p><h2>This year, I'm staying local for Independence Day</h2><p>My daughter recently had a baby boy, and I plan on taking my grandson to experience his first fireworks show. Once the smoke settles after the <keyword id="14314575" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fourth-of-july" source="Orion">Fourth of July</keyword>, my own family has lots of celebrating to do.</p><p>My grandson turns one in August, and my son — who's a quality engineer in our Virginia factory — is getting married in September. Neither event would be a party without fireworks!</p>

I run a fireworks company that dazzles crowds from the Olympics to the White House. Here's what it's like.

13 of the best cities to celebrate Fourth of July this year

<ul><li><strong>India's largest carmaker saw a</strong><strong> 1.1% fall in monthly car sales in July compared to an estimated 13% fall, according to the broking firm Nirmal Bang. </strong></li><li><strong><keyword id="401927" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="July-exports">July exports</keyword> fell 27% to 6,757 units compared to the same period last year.</strong></li><li><strong>Check out the latest news and updates on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Business Insider</a>. </strong></li></ul><strong></strong>Automobile major <keyword id="44883" type="DOMAIN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Maruti-Suzuki">Maruti Suzuki</keyword> on Saturday reported a marginal year-on-year decline of 1.1 per cent in total sales during July 2020.<br /><br /> Accordingly, the company's total off-take declined to 108,064 units from 109,264 units sold during July 2019.<br /> <br /> The total sales include 100,000 units off-take in the <keyword id="6382118" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="domestic-market">domestic market</keyword> and 1,307 units to other OEM.<br /> <br /> As per a company statement, exports during the period under review fell to 6,757 units from 9,258 units being shipped out in July 2019.<br /> <br /> "Maruti Suzuki India Limited posted total sales of 108,064 units in July 2020. This is a growth of 88.2 per cent over June 2020 and a fall of 1.1 per cent over July 2019,"<br /> <br /> "This includes domestic sales of 100,000 units and 1,307 units for other OEMs in the domestic market. In addition, the company exported 6,757 units in July 2020."<br /><br />SEE ALSO:<br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/maruti-suzuki-india-first-quarterly-results-and-share-price-chart/articleshow/77238578.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">Maruti records its first quarterly loss in at least a decade - lockdown pain drags revenues lower by 79%</a><br /><a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/business/auto/news/maruti-mahindra-and-mahindra-hero-moto-bajaj-auto-and-other-july-auto-sales-data-estimate/articleshow/77275348.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">There may be little solace for Maruti, M&amp;M, Hero Moto, Bajaj Auto and others in the July auto sales data</a><br /><br />

Maruti's July sales data sparks hope for other carmakers

<ul><li><keyword id="379877" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Sonal-Dabral">Sonal Dabral</keyword> has been an integral part of Indian advertising and is credited with creating some pathbreaking campaigns through his career.</li><li>Dabral who was part of a recent panel discussion at Business Insider's Global Trends Festival 2020 took us back in time and told us the story of how the famous 'Humko Binnies Mangta' jingle and campaign was created.</li></ul>Sonal Dabral wears many hats. He’s a creative genius, a TV host, a film director, an actor, a scriptwriter and even a playwright. But he is also a music lover, a passion that came handy pretty often during his illustrious advertising career.<br /><br />Recently on a panel discussion on ‘How music has become the real social connector in today’s digital world’ for Business Insider’s Global Trends Festival, Dabral shared an anecdote about a very catchy campaign he had created in the late 80’s.<br /><br />Dabral grew up in a big family where there was a lot of musical influence and this love for music helped him crack a creative pitch back in the day when he was just finding his place in the ad world.<br /><br />The brand he was working on was <keyword id="10139970" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="20" keywordseo="Binnies-Chips">Binnies Chips</keyword> and the task at hand was to help it reach out to teenagers. This was in the later 80’s, when most of the advertising was still being done in English. So when Binnies Chips called for a pitch, Dabral, who then was a part of Mudra, set to work with the rest of the team. They created a campaign that they thought was cool and energetic. The tagline read, ‘Looking for fun? Binnies’ the one!’<br /><br />Taking us back in time, Dabral said, “The campaign looked good but was a bit stereotypical. There were teens with guitars and of course packets of chips.”<br /><br />However, it was an important multi-agency pitch, and <keyword id="871717" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mudra-Delhi">Mudra Delhi</keyword> which back then was a small office, wanted to desperately win the pitch. “We had to be absolutely sure of the work,” said Dabral.<br /><br />And the easiest way to do that was to test the campaign on the audience they were trying to target. The Mudra team called a group of teenagers to a house in Lajpat Nagar in New Delhi, the idea was to gauge their reactions.<br /><br />Most of the kids invited said they liked the line. However, in that group, there was a young child who had come there with his elder brother. “This kid was barely 6 or 7 years old but he had an attitude. I asked him if he liked the work and he said he did. Then I asked him if his brother bought chips for him. To that he answered with a lot of swag that he goes to the shop himself, points to whatever he wants and says, ‘I want that.’ And he said all of this in a mix of Hindi and Punjabi and I was loving his attitude,” shared Dabral.<br /><br />And it was then that inspiration struck him. “We were saying things like looking for fun, Binnies the one, but here was a kid with real energy and attitude. He knew exactly what he was looking for and he would demand that from the shopkeeper. That’s when the idea for ‘Humko Binnies Mangta’ struck me. And the moment I thought of these lines, it felt disruptive and fresh,” said Dabral with a laugh. Most of the advertising back then used to be primarily western in look and feel. And even if Hindi was used, it was hardly ever colloquial. It was usually translated from the original English idea by translators. <br /><br />This was the time when a song from the movie Jeete Hain Shaan Se featuring actors <keyword id="14672" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Mithun-Chakraborty">Mithun Chakraborty</keyword> and Mandakini called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkU67ylZvW0" data-type="tilCustomLink">Julie Julie</a> had become immensely popular. “The lyrics of the song went, <keyword id="1353389" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Julie-Julie">Julie Julie</keyword>, Johnny ka dil tujhpe aaya Julie. A colleague used to keep humming that song. So once I had the line Humko Binnies Mangta, I wrote the lyrics, ‘Binnies Binnies, naya naya ye chips Binnies. Iski hai har baat nayi, yehi toh meri jaan hai jaan hai jaan hai… Humko Binnies mangta’. And the song was ready. I remember we recorded a scratch and cut a film with footage from the movie ‘Grease’ with <keyword id="38952" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="John-Travolta">John Travolta</keyword> dancing to ‘Humko Binnies Mangta’ for the pitch.” <br /><br />Dabral was also the art director on the campaign so he decided that the best way to do the print and the billboards would be to add a bit of that young boy’s attitude to it and to make it big and bold. “I hand crafted the typography as I didn’t find any typeface that would do justice to the bold attitude. So the billboards and out-of-home material had a big bold ‘Humko Binnies Mangta’ emblazoned against a red background and a big pack just below it. No body copy. Nothing else to describe the idea,” he shared. “The idea was, if we could have a line with so much attitude, it would do its job,” he added.<br /><br />This is how ‘Humko Binnies Mangta’ was born. <br /><br /><div type="Youtube" id="de7RnLvYlZM" title="Binnies Chips - An Age Old Ad" thumbUrl="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/de7RnLvYlZM/mqdefault.jpg"></div><br />“While the term Hinglish had not yet been coined, one can say that it was ‘Humko Binnies Mangta’ that set the ball rolling for Indian English in our advertising, real conversational lines as against the very formal language of the past," said Dabral.<br /><br />At the pitch, the team presented both the ideas including the two scratch edits. “We won the pitch due to the sheer cut-through quality of ‘Humko Binnies Mangta’," added he. <br /><br />The client loved the idea but was a little unsure owing to the fact that the lyrics were in a very conversation street-style Hinglish, something that had never been done before. The team however heard that the client had done a quick test of the two campaigns with his children and their friends, and all of them had loved it. <br /><br />The campaign when released became an instant hit.<br /><br />On the day of the launch, there were full page ads all with one single line ‘Humko Binnies Mangta’ and a pack below it. There was a promo that was run on the day of the launch. Free Binnies hampers were given off to the first 100 callers who called in and said ‘Humko Binnies Mangta’. “Though it was meant for only 100 callers, the phones didn’t stop ringing till late in the night,” reminisced Dabral. <br /><br />On analyzing why the campaign performed as well as it did, Dabral said he realized while it was the disruptive nature and the freshness of the campaign line and the focused and targeted advertising, it was also the fact that they wrote the catchy lyrics to a massively popular tune that made it very hummable and was able to connect with a wide set of audience. “It also shows what the right music and words can do to your content. Even today when you hear those lines, you can visualize the ad with those dancing kids saying Humko Binnies Mangta,” added Dabral with a laugh<br />

Sonal Dabral tells us how a 6-year-old boy and this hit Mithun Chakrabarty song became the inspiration behind the catchy 80’s jingle, ‘Humko Binnies Mangta’

<ul class="summary-list"><li>The <a href="https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/">Gun Violence Archive</a> counted 375 shootings in the US over <keyword id="1069878" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Fourth-of-July">Fourth of July</keyword> weekend.</li><li>At least 140 people died of gun-related violence from Saturday to Monday evening.</li><li>The GVA's tally included 18 shootings with four or more victims.</li></ul><p>The return of <keyword id="1615836" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Mass-shootings">mass shootings</keyword> in America was felt over the Fourth of July weekend, as cities from Chicago to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to Fort Worth, Texas, were gripped by <keyword id="1183519" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Gun-Violence">gun violence</keyword>.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/">Gun Violence Archive</a>, a nonprofit that tracks shootings nationwide, recorded <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1xfMMtybHSxLgU-Kfu5TEtBH9JOfRrK19H_MkqBGJ1EI/edit?usp=sharing">375 shootings</a>, including 18 mass shootings, in the US from Friday to Monday evening.</p><p>The spike was a dark reminder that as normal life resumes in the country, so too does gun violence.</p><p>The frequency of so-called mass shootings, which involve numerous injuries or fatalities, had briefly subsided in the 15 months since the coronavirus outbreak was declared a pandemic and offices, schools, and movie theaters closed their doors. <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/after-two-mass-shootings-americans-ask-what-return-normal-looks-n1261841">Experts warn</a> that the return of frequent mass shootings is imminent, so long as weapons designed to kill people quickly and in large numbers <a href="https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/the-return-of-mass-shootings">are widely available</a>.</p><p>To be clear, gun violence <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/2020-more-gun-deaths-than-any-year-over-two-decades-2021-3">was up</a> last year through the pandemic, even though there were fewer mass shootings.</p><p>On Sunday, a clothing-store owner in West Philadelphia was holding a cookout outside his store when one or more gunmen fired as many as 100 shots into the crowd, <a href="https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/deadly-shooting-west-philadelphia-july-4th/2869469/">killing the 23-year-old store owner</a> and another man. The shooting happened while fireworks were being set off, making it hard to know where the bullets were coming from, NBC Philadelphia reported.</p><p>At least 92 people were shot, 16 of them killed, in what was the deadliest and most violent weekend this year in Chicago, according to <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/crime/2021/7/3/22561910/chicago-weekend-shootings-july-2-5-homicide-gun-violence">the Chicago Sun-Times</a>. In the early hours Monday, a person driving past <a href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/7/5/22563650/2-killed-4-injured-including-12-year-old-13-year-old-children-in-washington-park-shooting">fired on a group</a> hanging out in a park on the South Side, killing two and wounding two, including a 12-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy.</p><p>The definition of a mass shooting differs by source, but the Gun Violence Archive defines it as an incident in which four or more people are shot (not counting the shooter) in roughly the same time and place.</p><p>By this definition, at least 18 people died and 71 were injured in 18 mass shootings over Independence Day weekend.</p><p>Last year's Fourth of July weekend was also marred by violence with 26 mass shootings, the nonprofit reported.</p><h3>Here are all the mass shootings recorded across the US by the Gun Violence Archive over the Fourth of July weekend:</h3><table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; height: 252px;" border="1"><tbody><tr><td style="width: 8.40764%;"><strong>Date</strong></td><td style="width: 27.7707%;"><strong>Location</strong></td><td style="width: 39.2357%;"><strong>Address</strong></td><td style="width: 10.9554%;"><strong># Killed</strong></td><td style="width: 13.5032%;"><strong># Injured</strong></td></tr><tr><td style="width: 8.40764%;">July 3</td><td style="width: 27.7707%;">Lancaster, PA</td><td style="width: 39.2357%;">50 block of W Orange St</td><td style="width: 10.9554%;">0</td><td style="width: 13.5032%;">4</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 8.40764%;">July 3</td><td style="width: 27.7707%;">Chadbourn, NC</td><td style="width: 39.2357%;">Broadway Rd</td><td style="width: 10.9554%;">3</td><td style="width: 13.5032%;">1</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 8.40764%;">July 3</td><td style="width: 27.7707%;">Swainsboro, GA</td><td style="width: 39.2357%;">229 S Main St</td><td style="width: 10.9554%;">1</td><td style="width: 13.5032%;">3</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 8.40764%;">July 3</td><td style="width: 27.7707%;">Hammond, IN</td><td style="width: 39.2357%;">5900 block of Wallace Rd</td><td style="width: 10.9554%;">2</td><td style="width: 13.5032%;">2</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 8.40764%;">July 3</td><td style="width: 27.7707%;">Chicago, IL</td><td style="width: 39.2357%;">1000 block of W 89th St</td><td style="width: 10.9554%;">0</td><td style="width: 13.5032%;">4</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 8.40764%;">July 4</td><td style="width: 27.7707%;">Thermal, CA</td><td style="width: 39.2357%;">Jackson St and Airport Blvd</td><td style="width: 10.9554%;">0</td><td style="width: 13.5032%;">4</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 8.40764%;">July 4</td><td style="width: 27.7707%;">Omaha, NE</td><td style="width: 39.2357%;">2311 N 24th St</td><td style="width: 10.9554%;">1</td><td style="width: 13.5032%;">4</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 8.40764%;">July 4</td><td style="width: 27.7707%;">Danville, IL</td><td style="width: 39.2357%;">12 S College St</td><td style="width: 10.9554%;">0</td><td style="width: 13.5032%;">4</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 8.40764%;">July 4</td><td style="width: 27.7707%;">Fort Worth, TX</td><td style="width: 39.2357%;">3400 block of Horne St</td><td style="width: 10.9554%;">0</td><td style="width: 13.5032%;">8</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 8.40764%;">July 4</td><td style="width: 27.7707%;">Rantoul, IL</td><td style="width: 39.2357%;">400 block of S Maplewood Dr</td><td style="width: 10.9554%;">0</td><td style="width: 13.5032%;">5</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 8.40764%;">July 4</td><td style="width: 27.7707%;">North Las Vegas, NV</td><td style="width: 39.2357%;">1200 block of W Helen Ave</td><td style="width: 10.9554%;">2</td><td style="width: 13.5032%;">7</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 8.40764%;">July 4</td><td style="width: 27.7707%;">Dallas, TX</td><td style="width: 39.2357%;">3700 Dixon Ave</td><td style="width: 10.9554%;">0</td><td style="width: 13.5032%;">5</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 8.40764%;">July 4</td><td style="width: 27.7707%;">Dallas, TX</td><td style="width: 39.2357%;">8200 block of Towns St</td><td style="width: 10.9554%;">3</td><td style="width: 13.5032%;">2</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 8.40764%;">July 4</td><td style="width: 27.7707%;">Chicago, IL</td><td style="width: 39.2357%;">39 N Menard Ave</td><td style="width: 10.9554%;">1</td><td style="width: 13.5032%;">3</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 8.40764%;">July 5</td><td style="width: 27.7707%;">Santa Rosa, CA</td><td style="width: 39.2357%;">1500 block of Beachwood Dr</td><td style="width: 10.9554%;">1</td><td style="width: 13.5032%;">3</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 8.40764%;">July 5</td><td style="width: 27.7707%;">Cincinnati, OH</td><td style="width: 39.2357%;">166 W Mehring Way</td><td style="width: 10.9554%;">2</td><td style="width: 13.5032%;">3</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 8.40764%;">July 5</td><td style="width: 27.7707%;">Toledo, OH</td><td style="width: 39.2357%;">Lawrence Ave and Wall St</td><td style="width: 10.9554%;">0</td><td style="width: 13.5032%;">5</td></tr><tr><td style="width: 8.40764%;">July 5</td><td style="width: 27.7707%;">Chicago, IL</td><td style="width: 39.2357%;">6108 S Wabash Ave</td><td style="width: 10.9554%;">2</td><td style="width: 13.5032%;">4</td></tr></tbody></table><p><em>Source: <a href="https://www.gunviolencearchive.org/last-72-hours">Gun Violence Archive</a></em></p>

At least 140 people died in shootings across the US over Fourth of July weekend

New Delhi India's exports contracted by 15.88 per cent to USD 32.25 billion in July this year from USD 38.34 billion in the same month last year, the government data showed on Monday.  Imports during the month also declined by 17 per cent to USD 52.92 billion from USD 63.77 billion in July 2022. <br /><br /> During April-July this fiscal, the exports dipped by 14.5 per cent to USD 136.22 billion. <br /><br /> Imports during the period also declined by 13.79 per cent to USD 213.2 billion. <br /><br /> Commerce secretary Sunil Barthawal said that the global headwinds are still there. There is decline in exports and imports of several countries.

India's Exports dip 16% to $32.25 billion in July 2023

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="12291920" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="julie-andrews" source="Orion">Julie Andrews</keyword> said she isn't exactly sure what character she plays in 2018's "<keyword id="12323487" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="aquaman" source="Orion">Aquaman</keyword>."</li><li>"I play some kind of a sea serpent or something," she said. </li></ul><p>Julie Andrews expressed some confusion about the nature of the character she voiced in 2018's "Aquaman" in an <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2022/06/julie-andrews">interview with Vanity Fair</a>. </p><p>In the interview, Andrews was asked about the origins of her pivot to voicing acting over the last decade, to which she responded: "Yes, it sort of started and grew—and it's wonderful. I don't have to get hair and makeup anymore. I just go into the studio and do my voiceovers." </p><p>Andrews continued: "It's a whole other kind of moviemaking. You just chuck everything at the wall and they take what they want out of it. So there's a lot of experimentation." </p><p>Andrews — who is best known for her work in Hollywood classics like "Mary Poppins" — continued to break down some of her most recent voiceover work, including "Aquaman."</p><p>"Apart from 'Despicable Me' and 'Bridgerton,' and, umm … I'm not going to mention 'Aquaman,' where I play some kind of a sea serpent or something. But what interesting things to get one's voice into!" she said.</p><p>"Of course, now, 'Minions' is just coming out where I play Gru's mum. I love the Minions. I adore them."</p><div type="image" title="aquaman" height="726" width="1409" msid="92103656" hostid="261"></div><p>In "Aquaman," Andrews voices an underwater sea creature called the Karathen, who is the most powerful being on the planet and aids Jason Momoa's titular superhero in his quest to unite the underwater world. </p><p>Back when the film was released in 2018, producer Peter Safran also <a href="https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2018/12/aquaman-julie-andrews-cameo-karathen">told Vanity Fair</a> that Andrews recorded her scenes for the film at her home with director James Wan dialing in on a conference call to direct her. </p><p>"She was fantastic," Safran said. "She really nailed it, gave James everything he wanted, and that was it. You listen to Mary Poppins, and you listen to the Karathen. And if you don't? You do it at your own peril."</p><p>It has yet to be announced whether Andrews will reprise her role in the upcoming "Aquaman" sequel. The film is officially titled "Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom" and is currently slated for a March 2023 release. </p>

Julie Andrews isn't sure what character she plays in 'Aquaman:' 'I play some kind of a sea serpent'

A week of unannounced fireworks shows in NYC ended with a finale atop the Empire State Building

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="26567" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Matthew-MCConaughey">Matthew McConaughey</keyword> shared a message to Americans on <keyword id="28240" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Independence-day">Independence Day</keyword> across his social media.</li><li>The country is "basically going through puberty," the <keyword id="271" type="POSITION" weightage="60" keywordseo="actor">actor</keyword> said.</li><li>The video follows months of speculation around McConaughey's potential bid for <keyword id="15710" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="texas">Texas</keyword> governor. </li></ul><p>Matthew McConaughey had a message to share on <keyword id="1730181" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="July-Fourth">July Fourth</keyword>: America is going through puberty.</p><p>The 51-year-old actor - and <a href="https://www.insider.com/matthew-mcconaughey-texas-governor-run-interview-politics-career-2021-3">speculated candidate</a> for Texas' upcoming gubernatorial race - posted a short video on Sunday with the caption "happy 245th birthday America - lets rock" to his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ62fRXAs49/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/McConaughey/status/1411792440411889664">Twitter</a> accounts. </p><p>"We're basically going through puberty in comparison to other countries' timelines, and we're going to go through growing pains," McConaughey said in the video. "We are going through growing pains."</p><p>McConaughey looks back on the last "head-scratcher" of a year in the video and speaks about his vision for America's path forward - complete with a large American flag standing behind him.</p><p>"We gotta make sure we maintain hope along the way, as we continue to evolve," he said. "Why? Because it's who we are. Why? Because the alternative sucks."</p><p>"As we celebrate the red, white and blue this weekend, let's be sure and just reflect just a minute, take a little bit of inventory on where we've come from, where we are, and how and where we want to go from here on the way to being the best we can be," McConaughey continued.</p><p>He wrapped up his Independence Day message with a birthday wish for the United States, pointing at the screen: "Let's rock, America. Happy Birthday. Just keep livin'. I'll see you there."</p><p>McConaughey has still not confirmed whether or not he will be running for governor of Texas in 2022, but <a href="https://www.insider.com/texas-matthew-mcconaughey-ahead-of-gov-greg-abbott-says-poll-2021-4">some polls</a> have already illustrated favorability among voters.</p><p>The actor said a run for Texas governor was a "true consideration," which he revealed in an episode of <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kftQJ1RSWBk&amp;t=8st=8s">"The Balanced Voice" podcast.</a></p><p>At the end of May, McConaughey alluded again to a potential gubernatorial bid. </p><p>"I'm not interested in going and putting a bunch of band-aids on that will be ripped off as soon as I'm out. I'm interested in building something that will last," McConaughey <a href="https://www.insider.com/watch-matthew-mcconaughey-calls-out-anti-maskers-teases-governor-run-2021-5">said in an interview </a>on OZY's "The Carlos Watson Show."</p>

Matthew McConaughey says America is 'basically going through puberty' in a Fourth of July message

The 10 most patriotic states in the US, ranked

<ul class="summary-list"><li><strong>Although they can be entertaining for people, <a href="http://www.insider.com/fireworks-timelapse-gif-los-angeles-2017-7">fireworks</a> can be scary for <a href="http://www.insider.com/best-airlines-pets-2018-6">pets</a>. </strong></li><li><strong>If possible, <a href="http://www.insider.com/best-dog-gate">keep your pets indoors</a> during firework displays and keep them company.</strong></li><li><strong>Try to play soothing sounds for your pet during <keyword id="54214" type="ENTERTAINMENT" weightage="60" keywordseo="Fireworks">fireworks</keyword> and try to distract them with treats.</strong></li></ul><p>Although <a href="http://www.insider.com/how-do-fireworks-work-the-chemistry-of-fireworks-2017-6">fireworks</a> can be entertaining for humans, they're oftentimes a complete nightmare for animals.</p><p><a href="https://www.today.com/pets/july-4th-fireworks-tips-protect-your-dog-or-cat-jackson-t100478">Cats have extremely sensitive ears</a>, so fireworks are extra traumatic for them. Plus many <a href="http://www.insider.com/things-dogs-actually-hate-2018-5">dogs </a>will typically do anything to escape the noise, such as digging under fences, breaking through windows, or running through gates, according to Hilary Hanson's reporting for the <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/fourth-of-july-animal-shelters-busy-pet-safety_us_5956a9d6e4b0da2c732379a6">San Diego County Department of Animal Services.</a></p><p>Here are some ways to keep your pet safe and calm during firework displays. </p><h2><strong>Make sure your <keyword id="6358374" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="pets">pets</keyword>' collars and microchips are up to date</strong></h2><p>In the event that your <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/dog-safety-tips-4th-of-july-fireworks-run-away_n_7689108?1435763932=">pet runs away out of fear of the fireworks</a>, make sure they have collars with phone numbers and home addresses that are up to date.</p><p>If your pets are microchipped, check that <a href="https://www.avma.org/Events/pethealth/Pages/Check-the-Chip-Day.aspx">the information associated</a> with the microchip is current.</p><h2><strong>Don't bring your dog to see fireworks</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="fireworks" height="2325" width="3100" msid="76753520" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Dog trainer David Wright told The Denver Post that you should resist the urge to bring your <a href="https://www.denverpost.com/2015/07/01/fourth-of-july-is-top-holiday-for-missing-pets/">dog with you to any Fourth of July festivities</a> or firework displays.</p><p>If your pup is already scared of fireworks from inside the house, they'll be even more scared seeing them up close.</p><h2><strong>Use a crate or keep your pet in a quiet room</strong></h2><p>The <a href="https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/July-4-Safety.aspx">American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)</a> suggests keeping your pet in a crate or closed room for two reasons. First, doing so will keep your pet from running away. Second, a quiet room will help muffle the noise from outdoors.</p><p>If you have an "outdoor cat" or a dog who usually stays in the backyard, make an exception on the <keyword id="1069878" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Fourth-of-July">Fourth of July</keyword> (or during firework displays in your neighborhood) and bring them inside. </p><h2><strong>Take your dog for a long walk before the fireworks start</strong></h2><p><strong><div type="image" title="dog" height="3171" width="4229" msid="76753524" hostid="261"></div></strong></p><p>Taking your dog for a walk before dusk ahead of firework displays can help your pup relax and feel more tired, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/01/dog-safety-tips-4th-of-july-fireworks-run-away_n_7689108.html?1435763932"></a><a href="http://dogvacay.com/">animal trainer</a> Nicole Ellis, who works for DogVacay, told <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/dog-safety-tips-4th-of-july-fireworks-run-away_n_7689108?1435763932=">Kate Bratskeir for HuffPost.</a><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/07/01/dog-safety-tips-4th-of-july-fireworks-run-away_n_7689108.html?1435763932"></a></p><p>If your dog is sleepy, they will likely feel calmer during firework displays. </p><h2><strong>Play soothing sounds or white noise to calm your pets</strong></h2><p>The <a href="https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/july-4-safety">AVMA</a> also suggests playing soothing tunes or calming white noise in an attempt to drown out the sound of the fireworks.</p><p>Keeping your windows and doors shut during the displays may also help muffle the sounds of the fireworks.</p><h2><strong>Have treats on-hand as a distraction</strong></h2><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/mistakes-youre-making-when-getting-toys-for-your-pets-veterinarians">Treats, bones, chew-toys, catnip</a> — whatever is it, have it on hand to try to distract your pet while the firework display is going on.</p><h2><strong>Be sure to keep your pet hydrated</strong></h2><p>Fear can make <keyword id="32596" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Dogs">dogs</keyword> pant and, though they might want to hide out and avoid the water bowl, it's important to <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-get-pet-to-drink-water-2019-7">make sure your frightened pet is staying hydrated.</a></p><p>Some tricks for doing so include purchasing a water fountain, providing multiple water sources for your pet, and regularly refilling their dishes with fresh water. </p><h2><strong>Consider a sedative if your pet has a history of anxiety</strong></h2><p><div type="image" title="nervous sad dog" height="3686" width="4914" msid="76753533" hostid="261"></div></p><p>If your pet has shown severe reactions to fireworks in the past, consult with your <a href="https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/July-4-Safety.aspx">veterinarian about the use of a sedative</a>.</p><p>This may also be an option if your pet is <a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-tell-if-your-dog-cat-is-stressed-what-to-do">regularly experiencing anxiety</a> — some signs of it include excessive shedding, yawning, or grooming.</p><p>You might even want to see a <a href="https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-health/veterinary-behaviorist/">veterinary behaviorist</a>, a type of veterinarian that has a special focus on animal behavior. </p><h2><strong>Consider getting your pet a Thundershirt or other anxiety-reducing wearable item</strong></h2><p>A <a href="http://www.thundershirt.com/classic-thundershirt.html">Thundershirt</a> is an anxiety-reducing vest for pets and it's sort of similar to swaddling a baby. The Thundershirt says it provides "gentle, constant pressure to calm all types of anxiety, fear, and over-excitement issues."</p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/products-for-anxious-dogs-2018-9">You can purchase these for dogs and cats,</a> and there are other wearable anxiety-reducing clothing items out there for pets, too. </p><h2><strong>Consider staying home with your animal </strong></h2><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/what-should-i-do-with-my-pet-during-social-distancing-for-coronavirus">If your presence typically calms your pet</a> and brings them joy, consider staying indoors and keeping them by your side during firework displays. </p><p><strong>Read More:</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/common-cat-owner-problems-and-solutions-explained-by-vets">Veterinarians share their solutions to 10 common problems cat owners have</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-keep-dogs-safe-during-hot-weather-2019-7">6 things you should never do to your dog during warm-weather months</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/how-to-tell-if-your-dog-cat-is-stressed-what-to-do">Veterinarians share 13 surprising signs your pet could be stressed, and how to help them</a></p><p><a href="https://www.insider.com/things-you-should-never-do-to-a-dog">Veterinarians share 10 things you should never do to your dog</a></p>

You Searched For "Julie Julie" and got 13 results

7 astronomical events to look forward to in July 2024—Buck Moon, meteor showers and more!

Kunal Kambli

I'm a pyrotechnician. I've worked hundreds of fireworks shows, but the adrenaline rush never gets old.

Jenny Powers

I run a fireworks company that dazzles crowds from the Olympics to the White House. Here's what it's like.

Jenny Powers

13 of the best cities to celebrate Fourth of July this year

Erin McDowell

Maruti's July sales data sparks hope for other carmakers

IANS

Sonal Dabral tells us how a 6-year-old boy and this hit Mithun Chakrabarty song became the inspiration behind the catchy 80’s jingle, ‘Humko Binnies Mangta’

Samarpita Banerjee

At least 140 people died in shootings across the US over Fourth of July weekend

Melia Russell

India's Exports dip 16% to $32.25 billion in July 2023

PTI

Julie Andrews isn't sure what character she plays in 'Aquaman:' 'I play some kind of a sea serpent'

Zac Ntim

A week of unannounced fireworks shows in NYC ended with a finale atop the Empire State Building

Michelle Mark

Matthew McConaughey says America is 'basically going through puberty' in a Fourth of July message

Sydney Bradley

The 10 most patriotic states in the US, ranked

Gabbi Shaw

How to keep your pets safe and calm during fireworks

Madison Vanderberg

Popular Keywords

Buying Guides