Like many great things in this world, fireworks were discovered entirely by accident. Around 800 AD alchemists in China searching for the mythical “elixir of life” instead stumbled upon gunpowder—a blend of saltpeter, charcoal, and sulfur. When they packed the mixture into bamboo tubes or paper and lit it, the first fireworks burst to life. They may not grant immortality, but they’ve been lifting spirits ever since.

THIS WEEK IN AWA AWESOMENESS

🫘 Bonjour Beantown
🧖 Spa day, anyone?
🌭 A hot dog a day…
🏆 Win a Wes signed poster!

SEE YOU SOON, BOSTON!

AWA is coming! AWA is coming! We're heading to Beantown for an unforgettable Adventure with our architecturally awesome friends at Shepley Bulfinch. On the itinerary? Lobster rolls, design gems, and as many charming corners as we can find. Got a must-see spot or secret rec? Send it our way! Here's hoping our red beanies are more welcome than the Redcoats.

Hooo boy! Summer has officially arrived in the Northern Hemisphere, and the temperatures (along with our internal thermostats) are climbing fast. While we can’t deliver an AC unit via this Bulletin, we can offer a few cool tidbits to help you chill out—if only in spirit.

🎢 Some hilly summertime fun
🐕 Dog days of summer
🏖️ Art for beachgoers
🏊 Largest pool on earth?

818

From Memorial Day to Labor Day—aka peak summer—Americans scarf down an estimated 7 billion hot dogs. That’s about 818 dogs every second during the (dog) days of summer. Frankly, we’re not even surprised, it is tradition after all!

And speaking of franks, astronauts get in on the action too—hot dogs are one of the few foods approved by NASA for space travel. Care to join us for a zero-gravity weenie on the moon?

So, unfortunately we still cannot give you an AC unit. BUT, if you find today’s secret link, you’ll win a Wes (and the rest of the TPS cast!) signed Phoenician Scheme poster! A pretty solid alternative prize don’t you think? Happy searching!