Round 1 – Let the Revels Begin
The crowd gathers, bringing their coolers and sunscreen. The children fidget, awaiting darkness.
Then, everyone’s attention rises skyward. The music competes with the roar of the spectacular pyrotechnics.
All is right with the world again.
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Round 2 – Light It Up
Most people go to concerts to hear the hits and feel the excitement. I was one who thrilled at the inclusion of an obscure selection by the band. If I heard it, it made my night.
Hey Dave, Light Up the Sky!!
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Round 3 – Burn It Down
Small guys aren’t supposed to be main event wrestlers. Every once in a while, you’ll get one who beats the odds.
You may not always like him, but you have to respect him. Burn it down, Seth…
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Round 4 – Cold Brew/Hot Moon
She changed from hot to cold brew because of the season. Sitting on her porch, watching the fireflies flit about, the iced drink gave little relief.
“I bet even the moon is hot tonight,” she whispered to herself.
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Round 5 – Short Fuse/Long Night
Every long night it was the same. His short fuse; her acquiescence, his satisfaction, her staring at the ceiling.
She longed for the day when the only rage he could expend would be at himself.
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Round 6 – Stars Bursting/Dazzling Display
She had grown up dreaming of what she finally accomplished – an astronomer assigned to the Hubble Telescope. If she did nothing else, it would be enough for her.
Every day she saw a dazzling display of stars bursting in every way imaginable.
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Round 7 – Gunpowder and Smoke
It was impossible to see anything with all of the gunpowder and smoke. The battle turned into chaos, hundreds of men losing their lives.
Too many battles turned into chaos. Hundreds of thousands of men losing their lives.
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Round 8 – Thunderous Sound/Ears Ringing
The band had grown so popular so quickly. Their tour still had smaller theaters booked, even though they sold out easily.
They soldiered on, bringing their thunderous sound, making fans’ ears ring for weeks afterward.
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Round 9 – Shower of Sparks
“Be careful up there!”
Woody couldn’t hear his foreman. The welding put up a huge racket, producing a shower of sparks that rained on those below.
Woody would never again feel as powerful.
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Round 10 – Explosive/Tradition
In the finest American tradition, a boatload of explosives was floated on the man-made lake and fired in coordinated salvos to an appreciative crowd.
No one thought twice about the cost or the danger. Another American tradition.
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Encore Round 1 – 7 Wonders/7 Seas
“To see the seven wonders, I must sail the seven seas!”
“That’s great, Tommy, but let’s finish your bath first.”
“Yo ho hooooo!”
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Encore Round 2 – Freedom Is…
Freedom is…
Fundamental
Liberating
Comforting
Imprecise
Elusive
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Encore Round 3 – Roman Candle
All of your training has led to this. Ten seconds to glory, to shine like a Roman candle in the night sky.
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Encore Round 4 – Fiery Flowers
He walked through the garden seeking the perfect fiery flowers for his love. He was sure she would be set alight.
He was only a little bit off.
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Encore Round 5 – Blueberries, Strawberries & Whipped Cream (Red, White, and Blue)
Barbara arrived at the party with a themed dessert. Despite her pleas to eat it, it was just too pretty to touch.
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Encore Round 6 – On Parade
The heartiest laugh I had in many moons was when some idiot complained that this band had recently turned political.
Bulls on parade…
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Encore Round 7 – Rattle & Boom
The dishes rattled in the cupboard, signaling that all was not well. Then, a huge Boom!
Everyone suspected the neighborhood meth lab, but now we had proof.
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Encore Round 8 – Bonfires & Beers/Rowdy
After a year of enforced sabbatical, the rowdy bonfires blaze and the beer flows.
It’s OK – no one I know has gotten sick…
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Encore Round 9 – Nostalgia/Thick in the Air
The smoke hung thick in the air. It was a majestic fireworks display.
It would make Grandpa feel a pang of nostalgia, remembering the buddies he left behind on the battlefield.
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Encore Round 10 – Grand Finale/Hazy Aftermath
The grand finale seemed to last forever. Volley after volley lit up the sky. When it was finally done, the lights came up, uncovering the hazy aftermath.
Everyone got their money’s worth tonight.
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