Is it safe to start my engine w/out the cam cover on?

Don't flame me guys - I don't know. I just took off my valve cover because I wanted to see the camshaft, rockers and valves, and to see if it's a true VTec. Anyway, I love looking at all that stuff, and I want to get some performance cams (my newest craze)...anyway, I know oil would squirt everywhere, but would it be safe to start up the motor for like 5 seconds so I could see it all work?

- Dzur