The citizens of Morton, Minnesota, are probably doing a repeat performance of this pyrotechnic display today as they join the rest of the US in a celebration of Independence Day. If you want to blow the minds of your family and friends at the barbecue, steer the conversation toward fireworks and casually drop this truth bomb: Gunpowder, the fuel that makes the fireworks explode, was invented in ancient China by Taoist alchemists who hoped to create an immortality elixir. That’s some dramatic irony, at least in hindsight. Be safe!
Let’s celebrate
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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International Talk Like a Pirate Day
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Marie Lake, John Muir Wilderness near Bishop, California
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Blue walls of Chefchaouen, Morocco
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Oymyakon, Russia
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Ancient art in the Amazon
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Happy 300th, NOLA!
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Where is this gorgeous peak?
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Santa Catalina Arch, Antigua, Guatemala
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The circular castle of Cornwall
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Lizard of mystery
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Handmade gnomes at a Christmas market
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Sibiu Christmas market, Romania
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Barn swallows of different subspecies resting together
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San Gimignano, Siena Tuscany, Italy
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Siblings Day
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The Blue City of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
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An improbable tribute for Towel Day
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Mitsumata blossoms
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A water loch-ed castle
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Icelandic horses, Iceland
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Hello, harbinger of spring
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Pumpkin patch
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International Rock Day
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Chinese New Year
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Autumn in the cypress swamp
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Bluespotted ribbontail ray
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Trunks stick together
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Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah
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A theatrical dream
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High tide at the walled city
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

