re: Artificial Meteor Shower
I was thinking the same thing back in 1999 for the 2000 celebration. Launch a rocket from Florida to make 1 low orbit (not really in orbit, so it all comes down) perhaps 85 miles and reenter over California. About half way around open the canister and distribute all the BBs to reenter and produce a spectacular fireworks show over the entire state of California. Of course it would be very expensive and never get by any environmental requirements.