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Fourth of July by the Numbers
How many states have a complete ban on all consumer fireworks?
Getty Images
Fourth of July by the Numbers
How many states have a complete ban on all consumer fireworks?
Getty Images
There's not a legal firework or sparkler to be found in these five states: New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. While many states have fireworks laws between counties, or allow sparklers or novelty fireworks, these five states have banned any type of consumer firework from bottle rockets to party poppers.
jupiterimages
What was the first Fourth of July blockbuster movie?
Digital Stock
Jaws. This summer beach spooker did more than just keep folks off the beach, it got their butts in the theater. The 1975 flick was the first major Independence Day blockbuster, pulling in an impressive $6.1 million dollars for the holiday weekend. It may seem like a paltry sum compared to last year's major Fourth flick, Hancock, which raked in $66 million, but keep in mind that Spielberg's marine thriller was shown on less than 700 screens for just $2 a ticket.
Universal Pictures, Everett Collection
How many hot dogs did Joey Chestnut eat in 2008 to win Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest?
Henny Ray Abrams, AP
64. Chestnut and storied competitor, Japan's Takeru Kobayashi, tied at the end of the ten minute regulation with 59 hot dogs. To settle the tie, the two eaters were forced to down five additional dogs as quickly as possible. Chestnut scarfed his in 50 seconds, seven seconds faster than Kobyashi.
Ed Ou, AP
What is the name of the veteran whom the book and movie Born on the 4th of July is based on?
Everett Collection
Ron Kovic was a Vietnam-veteran who became paralyzed during the war and returned an anti-war activist. Kovic, who was actually born on the Fourth, wrote the book in a little under two months, telling his tale of joining the Marines right after high school, shipping to Vietnam, getting shot and becoming paralyzed. The book became an Academy Award-winning film in 1989, directed by Oliver Stone and starring Tom Cruise as Kovic.
Jennifer Midberry, AOL
How many people were injured by fireworks between June 22 and July 22?
Photodisc
6,300 fireworks-related injuries occurred in the 30 days surrounding Independence Day reveling. From sparkler burns to ill-fated Black Cat explosions, the majority of injuries was burns on the hands, eyes, and legs according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Children aged 10 to 14 had the highest per capita injury rate. Use caution if you'll be setting off any fireworks of your own.
ALI AL-SAADI, AFP / Getty Images
