On Sat, 20 Apr 2013 21:48:04 -0500, "Lloyd E. Sponenburgh"
lloydspinsidemindspring.com wrote:

Ed Huntress fired this volley in
:

There's no presumption there. It's a serious question. It's not a
field that I know anything about, but "amateur pyrotechnician"
implies, to me, someone who's working with the explosives and
propellants themselves. Is that a fair distinction?

I'm not answering for Richard, but you should know that the craft
attracts many professionals from highly technical trades, because it can
be as technical as one wishes. Physicians, engineers, research chemists,
and lawyers are just as commonly found arm-deep in star compositions as
are less technically-inclined folks.

LLoyd

I'm sure that it does. But I'm also sure that you realize your comment
about losing "freedoms," in the context of the Boston bombings and the
ensuing discussion about explosives, suggests that you were talking
about direct involvement with explosives. In fact, your last post
suggests the same thing.

I'll reply to that one, which I appreciate your taking the time to
explain. Right now I have to run off. I'll be back at it.

--
Ed Huntress