1. A letter criticizing noise from fireworks took off like a rocket, if you'll pardon the metaphor. "Fireworks noise objectionable" had 97 comments posted, with a raucous debate going between fireworks fans and those criticizing them.

"I don't care at all that my fireworks will keep you up past midnight, or that Fluffy has to hide under your bed all day," Chris said. "I feel sorry for people that are so bitter that they get all bent out of shape when 95% of the population is having a good time."

Be Honest said: "Don't hide under the facade that this is all about 'celebrating our independence.' Baloney! You just want to blow stuff up!"

2. Larry gives Lincoln redneck, white and blue 4th; 82 comments.

The value of Larry the Cable Guy's show depended on your viewpoint of the show, judging from the comments.

"We want to thank Larry (Dan) for the most awesome 4th of July ever," DS York said. "His unselfish giving back to the state of Nebraska is overwhelming."

Disappointed wrote: "I personally was very disappointed in the show and eventually our group of eight, including two from McCook, left early. … We were unable to see the stage or the big screens and were unable to hear most of what was said."

3. Palin resigning as Alaska governor; 79 comments.

Sarah Palin's surprise announcement delighted many, some because she's out of public office but others because she could be getting ready for a presidential run.

"Good riddance to Palin and the GOP for coddling her, putting her on a pedestal and trying to manipulate us into thinking she is a great leader," Good Riddance commented.

Palin2012 wrote: "I fully expect to cast my vote in support of Governor Palin in the 2012 presidential campaign. I genuinely enjoy how scared people (liberals) get when they seriously consider that she may enter the race."

4. Group working to get Ayers to Nebraska; 74 comments.

This past week brought back memories of the general election when Sarah Palin and Bill Ayers were hot topics. Many weren't as upset about using private money to bring Ayers, the former Weather Underground member, to Omaha.

"The question to ask clearly is why? Why, other than to publicize your organization at any cost, or pure shock value, would you invite Bill Ayers to speak anywhere on anything?" Huckleberry opined.

Parent wrote: "Totally support any efforts to bring this man to Lincoln and let him speak. (Gov. Dave) Heineman and company simply played politics last fall to pander to Republican nonsense about 'palling around with terrorists,' etc."

5. Council to reduce city employees' retirement match; 60 comments.

Commenters reacted favorably to this development, with the exception of people identifying themselves as city employees.

"It''s about time. It used to be that the private sector total compensation was higher than the public sector. … Nowadays, not only are the benefits better (i.e., more sick leave, paid time off, and retirement), they get paid a higher salary than comparable jobs in the private sector," Cowboy George said.

Also a City Employee commented: "I've been with the city for 10 years. I make good money, but I could make 10-20% more in the private sector easily. … I enjoy my job, but that retirement match was the only thing that keeps me here."

Reach Victoria Ayotte Brown at vayotte@journalstar.com or 473-7338.