2015 started with a bang, unfortunately

The ferocious booms of illegal fireworks reverberated throughout Honolulu on New Year’s Eve, clear evidence that greater enforcement is needed to restrict such risky celebrations in densely packed neighborhoods.

At least 10 people on Oahu were injured by fireworks, five times the number hurt last year, authorities reported. What a tragic way to usher in 2015.

‘Selfie stick’ actually pretty cool

Setting aside all that peace-and-good-will stuff for a second, the commercial side of Christmas has always had a kind of it’s-all-about-me vibe, let’s just admit it.

And now, with the hot Yuletide gift of 2014 being the selfie stick, egomania has just rocketed to new heights, right? Well, maybe we should cut ourselves a little slack. If the smartphone has made the camera ubiquitous, the retractable monopod enabling easier self-portraits was bound to become popular.

There’s nothing wrong with preferring to get everyone in the picture independently without pestering some poor person to take the shot for us. And if the cam is held on high, it’s less likely to be blocking the view of anyone who, sans any camera, is just there to take something in with their own eyes.