Westwards Great Big Bus!
A fast trek to Ottawa,
fans say its a must!

Tosh, McCann, and all the rest, all the best with the upcoming promo tour!  May all life's twists and turns keep you all safe, sounding great and your bus tires firmly planted on the road.

Hey Tosh,
Oh, my gosh,
Would love to see you
in a secret city
I have to wait to see
you at the Ottawa Blues Fest
Can't wait to see you
all singing pretty.......
Go GBS Go!!!!!!

Get over here fast so I can rub you're belly! I'm a horrible writer and need to get into the show somehow.

Now for the contest, but for fun, Tosh!

Fortune's Favour comes
A beagle documents it
Who holds the cam'ra?

That was NOT for the contest, Tosh! My typing skills need sharpening along with your claws.

Anne

East coast fires blaze
As westbound planes kiss sunlight:
Flying TO respite.

Tosh - In other words, I'm writing to you from my mother-in-law's computer, a haven from the wild fire on the eastern shore outside Halifax. All roads home are closed but everybody's safe, and I can still access T.O. via the airport!  :D

Cheers, Tina

Ice melting on rock:
Shattered fragments carried off
To a great big sea


I'd be happy to be at either the Vancouver or Toronto shows. This is a great contest idea.

Halifax waits
Two years too long between shows.
Play here, godammit!

ah frack, to heck with that !
The GBS boys know I love 'em so,
To each concert I try and go,
Buy the merchandise galore,
order all their CDs, so there are no more !

At the bar, I ordered Tosh a Mojito at last call,
but he couldn't drink it, he was too busy lickin' his.....

hey I'm a poet and didn't even know it !

How's that Sean ?

Free Mojitos for the night perhaps ? would that do it ? haha !

Hey, I'll even shoot the video of the event in 1080p and give ye'all a copy !, just reserve me a good tiny spot near the front of the stage :-)


Seriously, good luck to those who win, and make sure you have Great Big Sea Fun ! :-)

Frosty

Not being in a Canadian city, here is my bitter little contribution

Haiku:
A celebration
Of form, not content.
Counting syllables.
Nonsense.

(and, just in case)
Montreal:
La Rue Ste. Catherine,
Blooms in summertime.
Like flow'rs, everywhere,
boobies.

a heart weary
of scholarly ennui
is Toronto bound

beseeching this hound
a few precious hours please
of blessed rhapsody

a drink dance and song
tantric verses ever sweet
satiate this tweet

Great idea!  -- And nobody needs to see my Haiku,
but rest assured, we'll be there to cheer 'ya on!
I could easily record the whole event... hmmm wait, I'd rather enjoy the drink instead!

Good Luck to everyone with their Haiku - Tosh, me tinks you'll have lots of belly rubs coming your way!
... Lucky Dawg!

OK, here goes nothing....

Aiming far from home
Heading westward once again
Great Big Sea men go

Have a great day and all the best from the Vancouver area. I saw a book called "The Art of Racing in the Rain" which appears to have been written by another Canine author. It could be an interesting read.

Lonely CornDog dreams,
offered as bribe for tickets,
will meet Tosh for drinks.

(see avatar for photo)

In case Montreal or Ottawa hit the list...

Grates Cove

Wind and whales at play
This is just where I belong
Hilltop by the cove

Great Big Sea music
Alan, Sean, Bob, Murray, Kris
Shantyman is best.

In Harbour Lecou,
On hard Rocks of Merasheen
Yarmouthtown Rover.

Atlantic City,
Oysterband, what a great time,
Want Montreal too.

It's apparently a Tri-aku

The music calls me
It's voice strong it asks of me
please put your pants on

________________

Husbands suffer now
wives love the band way too much
those are my boobies!

__________________

Sean can sing so well
Ev'ryone loves his bodhram
thoses are my boobies!!

Montreal... where I keep my wives boobies.

hehe... for Montreal... I vote for JimmyD!

Missed the Freudian slip at the end... Wife's not Wives... *lol*

Rub the dog's belly
Wish in B.C.  heart to see
The B'ys in St John's
_________________________

I languish in cold
first fog then rain, fog again
this spring is too long

That one is in honour of our great St John's weather this year.
__________________________

Horse falls through the ice
Widow in the window
Not consequence free

I'll give it a try!

If Alan is King,
Bob must be Prime Minister
Sean as Court Jester?

Murray is stoic
Bass firmly strapped to his chest
Then Kris cracks him up

Strains of Great Big Sea
Starts the vertical movement
Thank God for sports bras!

Trip to Canada?
Great Big Sea rocks my world
I need a passport!

Faraway, glazed look
Sea shanties before coffee
Hubby thinks I'm strange!

Tosh the Wonder Dog
Perhaps a bribe of Milkbones
Will get me somewhere?

Thanks for the opportunity!

Come to the US
Where you're loved the best
Canadian music never rest
And Toronto is the closest

Turning 33
and loving thee!

Here's a few

Secret show St. John's
CFA needs to see it
Bowl of Screech for Tosh
-----------------------------------------
The Rock full fog
St. John's Show will brighten day
Miss Florida sun
-----------------------------------------
A bribe for you Tosh
Get belly rubs down the street
St. John's show I see

correction

The Rock full of fog
St. John's show will brighten day
Miss Florida sun

St John's town we go
To see the next Great Big show
Just hope it don't blow

From my friend in windy St John's

Booze and fresh cookies
Drop tickets at 8 Gower
And you get them both

alcoholic dog
Sean McCann's enabler
I think you're the best

MUN takes my money
So I can't get off the rock
Let me see you here

I'm guessing I can't
enter this contest again
but haikus are fun

_______________________

General Taylor
He's dead and he's gone...
Give me his tickets

______________________

There's Alan and Bob
Do you think I forgot Sean
I wish my wife would

______________________

Rant, Roar, and pass out
Drunk whenever I'm ready
that's fortune's favour

______________________

I've written a lot
but my wife wants the tickets
I want the boobies

______________________

Montreal... still where the boobies are.

Fortune's Favour show
Midwife to the progeny
In the sunset land.

(Vancouver that is)

There's no limit to how many haikus we can submit?

Frantic packing, border delays
Outdoor venues and frothy tastes
Kitchen parties to create.

A dog lover in T.O who will not only rub your belly but through in a rawhide or pig's ear or both as a bribe!!

Frantic packing, border delays
Outdoor venues and frothy tastes
Kitchen parties to create.

A dog lover in T.O who will not only rub your belly but throw in a rawhide or pig's ear or both as a bribe!!

I don't know if there's
a limit... but darn it to
heck! Hiaku's are fun!

(If there is a limit, please ignore my second message...
It's father's day... I'm allowed one free mistake).

My apologies for not being a good writer, but my pups George and Bella can attest to me being a good belly scratcher.  If you roll over, I can show you?  

Alison in Ottawa :)

Woof woof!  says George

I'll go anywhere
In Southern Ontario
I just want tickets.

I love Great Big Sea
Listen to then constantly
Please give me tickets

To see Great Big Sea
I will travel anywhere
In the next two weeks

Alan, Sean and Bob
Doyle, McCann and Hallett
That is Great Big Sea

I live in Cambridge
By Kitchener/Waterloo
Play here, give tickets

Hi Tosh, as a fellow Mutt, I understand about compulsions.
My Mum has a few as well, one of them is seeing Great Big Sea shows. Help her out if you can.

Buddy


Great Big Sea to play
Secret show in Calgary
Dog Mum wants to go

Tosh and the by's are
crossing the country in a bus
to promote a CD

Calgary is great
Tickets are rare for the concert
I want to win them

Tosh needs dog friends too
Come to my house to meet some
you won't regret it

I love Great Big Sea
They rock my world with music
I want to see them

Only one ticket pair
I need to have them badly
Please can I have them

Sean, Alan, Bob, Tosh
Coming to Calgary very soon
Hope I can see them

Very excited
Great Big Sea coming by me
to play for a time

As Summer comes 'round
Can't wait to hear music's call
A chance to escape

Okay, I live in St. John's, NL, and I'm not too sure if we're going to be graced with a secret show, but I figured that it couldn't hurt to enter anyway.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

There once was a girl
Her home was in Nantucket
Conclusion implied

Love to see you in Vancouver!!

For Ottawa:

Sleepless nights awaiting
Haikus I am contemplating
Just for your company

Up the four-o-one
I shouln't but if I must
Deadlines skipped! For shame!

Melodic Mayhem!
A drink or two... bouncy ensues.
Where are my shoes? Gone!

Buxom Glamazon
Dances unabashedly
Dangerous curves sway

Watching close nearby
McCann loses an eye... poor b'y
His own damned fault!

Capital contest
please declare, don't delay
Call my name dear Tosh...
Horatia!

Would greatly prefer to stay in Toronto, but I'm a sucker... will go where I'm told... no will! Just want to play!

oOps... Counting syllables, not my forte! A few corrections required:

For Ottawa:

Sleepless nights waiting
Haikus I'm contemplating
For your company

Up the four-o-one
I shouldn't but if I must
Deadlines skipped! For shame!

Melodic Mayhem!
Drink or two... bouncy ensues.
Where are my shoes? Gone!

Buxom Glamazon
Dances unabashedly
Dangerous curves sway

Watching close nearby
Sean loses an eye... poor b'y
McCann's own damned fault!

Capital contest
please declare, please don't delay
Call my name dear Tosh...
Horatia!

Okay...here goes nothin'.  Although I don't know if Halifax or close will make it on the list of secret cities I've decided to write this fingers crossed.  Thanks for all the times you make me smile.

As the years go passed,
in heart your music kept held.
The gift you give, joy.

Laboring to do
McCann-as-Tosh's bidding
To hear a new song


Haiku? Say what, man?
My line isn't long enough?
"Haiku" to you too!


Vancouver's still looking good.

Kay not a poet by any means!!! but here is my go!!!

One great sound dances.
Generous music beats.
The Sea nearer to me!

EDMONTON would be awesome!!!

OK, here's my first try - it's fun, I may do more:

Fortune's Favour shines
On b'ys (and beagle) westward ho
Summer's lovely start.

Reality intrudes:

Day of show winners?
I'm 300 miles south.
How 'bout more notice?

TOSH SAYS:

Can't hold a Sony
Damn- no opposable thumbs!
Can drink beer from bowl.  
------------------

TOSH SAYS:
Summer on the rock.
Stuck on bus with farting men.
Even dogs have limits.
-------------------------

TOSH SAYS:  
Accordians, b'ys.
Have you seen my ears? Forget
the accordians.  
--------------------------

If we win the tickets, we'll take a raincheck (and I do mean raincheck) for PDX, OR, USA  

Nadine and Ande shiver
Vancouver's too cold and wet this June
GBS brings warmth and light.

Help out a fellow Maritimer and her American friend, will ya?

A scoff and scuff 'tis
what the maid needs to launch right
Her summer firkin'

I do not do well at this poetry stuff...but here goes anyways!!!

heading out on the road
fans wait for the beat of the drum
keep the bus from falling

Looking forward to GBS in Vancouver!

Best idea ever!  Wish this was an option for every show!

Tosh, your kind favour
Neglect not the Bytown scribe
in twilight delight

...

Beagle prize a treat
But fraking hard to do, so
Now, my work is late

to long between smiles
need a reason for singing
horizon rising

surrendering hope
to one adopted puppy
my heart holds the leash

the boys back on tour
lightens my heart to hear it
feeling fortunate


Can't wait for the Toronto show!  Good luck to everyone...the haiku's have all been fantastic!

Alcohol? Then perhaps I won't be able to attend. None the less you guys are amazing and bonus tickets I desire. Here goes:

I guide weathered sails
In storms and rocky waves to
Cross the great big sea


By the way. Your probably the most awesome beagle ever and a very funny drunk.

What was an inspired idea last night seems somewhat less than original today.  So here goes a blatant appeal to a beagle:

arf, arf, sniff, scratch, shake
scratch, treat, bark, fetch, fetch, fetch, fetch
play, eat, pee, poo, nap

Thinking Vancouver is lovely this time of year...

For Ottawa!

Grates Cove

Wind and whales at play
This is just where I belong
Hilltop by the cove

I already posted this one, but Ottawa hadn't been announced then... reposting just in case!

Riding a tour bus?
With those b'ys?  For weeks on end?
...I need mojitos.

(Poor Tosh ;))

Hope you see you in TO!

Start nights and end fights
In the old Vancouver town
With my fav'rite b'ys!!

No possible way I can go to a show in Canada on short notice, but since I spent half the weekend writing this (and speaking solely in haiku, much to everyone else's annoyance), I'm posting it anyway.

Would you like to hear
A CornDog's tale in haiku?
Then keep on reading.

Ancestry unknown
Looks like a giant beagle
Except for her ears.

Abandoned three times
Hates to be left by herself
Neuroses abound.

Mistrusts other dogs
Get them before they get you
Became her mantra.

Likes to chew on bones
And to roast by the fire
Tummy rubs are good.

Dislikes wet weather
Is not allowed on the couch
Goes there anyway.

Lesson not yet learned
Where dog's noses don't belong
Cat is so annoyed.

CornDog on patrol
Is constantly vigilant
Squirrels may exist.

...and an extra verse for Tosh, to go with my other one above,

CornDog's obsession
Check Dogblog! Check Dogblog now!
Hundred times a day.

Secret shows? Oh yeah!
Not in my country! Oh no!
Toronto, I'll come!

Alas... I am not a poet.  But I can give a great belly rub and ear scritches to lovely pups.  :)  

"Friday night?" She asks.
A Fool lays on the table.
Beagle reads the deck.

Peering puppy eyes
see gypsy truth in whispers.
Cards sing on their backs.

"Toronto!" She rasps,
hopeful, scratches floppy ears.
Crystal ball goes dark.

"I see." said the dog.
"See what?" a hand surrenders.
"Favour's in your grasp."

Palm to paw extends.
Beagle follows with his eyes.
Plot lines dance on skin.

Velvet nose nudges
cards and lines and symbols deep
in white porcelain.

Suddenly she stands,
Finger to her rosey lips,
"See you later, friend."

:D

FROM MY HUMAN 'COMPANION':  

What Fortune's Favour?
This fair maid from Newfoundland
Needs to dance a jig!

FROM THE DOG:

Singing 'Lukey' loud,
Off key, with her iPod on,
I howl with her too.

I will take a raincheck for future concert  in the Pacific Northwest (Seattle, Portland, Eugene).  
 

For Toronto, dear Tosh

Border Guards inquire
Toronto bound for music?
Bring us back a disc!

 Ottawa my home
 Distances I have travelled
 Must see you now here

Ok , my poetry might suck but I give the best belly rubs.

Toronto

Twenty-two faithful
Will converge on secret show
Tosh, blackberry me

Toronto

Friday morning comes
What "sickness" will befall me
A plane, I must catch

Ottawa is where they go,
to put on a grand ol' show!
They will chant and cheer,
As we all have a round of beer.
Alan, Sean, and Bob will sing some dandy tunes
and no it won't be jazz or the blues
just some good ol' Newfoundland masterpieces!

BTW I tried making some reference to Bluesfest in mine lol.
(scratches Tosh) Hope that helps good pup!

Toronto

Way too much ocean,
between me and your next show
please help me get there

Toronto

No woman, no cry
If you will blackberry me
Friday mornin' waits

I'm done, the measily creative juices have flown

Anticipation
Waiting to walk on the moon
shantyman's secret

Minneapolis
Is the show I can attend
Two children under 4

No road trips for me
Kindergarten doesn't pay tons
Gas costs too much see.

When in the US
Minnesota show I want
Send tickets then please.

Cannot make Canada, the children won't let me leave, and wow the gas would kill me!  I will be at the show when you come to MN but if you want to send prize tickets I would love it!!!

Hey Tosh,

My Doggy Momma is a huge fan.I just know that there will be lots of treats coming my way if she is choosen. I bet she'll even let me pee on her new bushes! Please, help a fellow canine out!


Eight shows she has seen
Never will she get enough
Buddy begs for nine!


Sincerly,
Buddy

Haiku X 2

A swift bus carries
Elvises of Newfoundland,
Secrets to reveal.

Tosh basks in spotlight,
'Haiku, Haiku, very much."
Shantyman trumps King.



Still and always Vanoouver.

Hey Tosh, hope to see ya in Calgary.

A dog licks his balls
May not be consequence free
If shanty man sees

Halifax Hal
ifax Halifax Hali
fax. Dartmouth will do.

In a great, big sea
uprooted souls united,
bonded through music.

Lard tundering jasus I'm writing pathic poetry to a mutt(no offense doggy)desperation setting in:

Sedate Ottawa
Asleep til you awaken
Guess what will occur

I wonder if Jesus
Would say "Lord T'und'rin' Me" if
He went to St. Johns.

to see great big sea
and tosh too in Halifax
will make me happy

For Toronto, Tosh:


Secret show passes,
elusive to say the least.
Haiku for tickets?

Payment here in words
with fierce cheering to follow!
The beagle gets rum.

I am so not a poet it's ridiculous.  So I will ply you with guilt...

Frig it all, I have been a devoted Great Big Fan for 13 years now.  13 years!!!!  That's dedication!  And yet somehow, the cosmos have always intervened and prevented me from seeing the b'ys in concert...and believe me, the cosmos have had to work pretty frakin' hard to intervene.  So, if the mystery tour bus that nobody knows about will be stopping in St. John's, nobody will enjoy the tickets more than me.  Darn it.

And Tosh, I make fantastic dog biscuits.

Rant off.  

OK, a (h'mm, not a quartet, maybe a triplet?), one already listed:

Day of show winners?
I'm 300 miles south.
How 'bout more notice?

So what about us?
Too far to drive on show day.
We're SOL, right?

Wait! I can't give up!
I'll just camp in Buffalo,
expecting good news.

Tosh - I have a 3-year-old golden retriever, and she's pretty hot, if you like 'em a bit bigger than you...yes, I will pimp out my dog for this.

Just took my last final yesterday and I'm writing haiku???

Well this time it's for something that counts (tix, not grades!)

Here goes. . .

Tickets:
It will be the end
of the world as we know it
if I don't get them.

School's out, really bored.
It's an ordinary day
and I want some fun!

Mari-Mac is now
married and gone forever.
now I'm your best fan!

I want the tickets
and I'll dig up Charley Horse
if I don't get them!

The world will sing when
I am king and I will sing
when I get these tix!

I introduced her
To your music one summer
She deserves tickets

Just hoping for Montreal.

Running deep in the woods
Mind moving faster than feet
Composing Haiku

I look like a dork
As I count on my fingers
Marching up the trail

And here's the product:

As the forest speaks
I listen with my souls ear
Grateful for wisdom

See you in Vancouver?

For tix to Vancouver, please!

Ready for the tour?
Be cautious around the bus...
They can be tipsy!

---

A sober rover
craves whiskey. Will drink with dog.
Meet me at the show.

For Toronto's Show:

Old black rum
to Blackberry notice
I wait by the CN Tower

I also offer a belly rub and milkbones!

(Janeill, I, too, realized today how stupid I must've looked on the bus counting on my fingers)

I was very happy with my submissions but am starting to hyperventilate so I needed to let it out.

Still holding out, hope
for Montreal secret show.
Getting desp'rate now.

Would accept T.O.
but Tosh waiting til morn of,
Won't help for travel.

Plea to Shantyman
for tickets to secret show.
In Montreal, be.

Saw you last, April.
Had an amazing time yet
it wasn't your show.

Calling up The Mix,
radio airplay to get.
Working for you! Please?

Include Montreal
in major town secret shows.
(and for Sharn, Hal'fax)

Can't make any of the shows day of notification, but these were floating around my head.  



“RRRrrrrmm"         sadeyes            wagtail
Whosagoodboy?                    I’mgoodboy
“RRRrrrrmm”         sadeyes            wagtail  

Notes on Beg...
"RRRrrrrmmm" are Hero's, Violet's, Lizzy's, Maggie's  and Krypto's trademarked whines.
Word combinations are maiming of E.E. Cumming's style, and entirely my own mistake...

Sorry...

 

Delectable smell.
gobble it up? roll in it?
Or do I do both?

Notes on Hard Decision...
This is not about a half rotten dead animal,  the inspirations (Hero, and Krypto) have never had thoughts on rolling around or eating (or both) the not aforementioned half rotten dead animal, after the case of not rolling in and not eating the not aforementioned half rotten dead animal the inspirations did not in turn get a <Gasp!>  bath, and the incident that did not happen has thankfully not been repeated...


to that extent...


yet :)

 

Tosh, I regret that it has come to this...

now considering
full-frontal, double barrelled,
saucer eyed begging.


WOOF!

Tosh, I am hoping for the clearest indication I will see you in Calgary next week. If you are a good boy, I will have a special treat for you!


Alan, Bob, and Sean
A group of Newfies so fine
Great Big Sea was first

Turn, Play, Up, Road Rage
Three cheers for Sea of No Cares
Something Beautiful shines

Your latest did have
Two horses fall through the ice
Oh my, what sorrow

Vertical movement
And don’t forget “make some noise”
From the stage you sang

What Fortune’s Favour
Brings a secret show my way
In Cow-Town I await!

Oh me, oh my, I think I'm gonna cry
I haven't heard the Byes are coming to Windsor, SIGH!
Please Tosh whisper in McCann's Ear,
STOP THE BUS, when they get close to here?
There's little more that I can do
So my furry friend I'll leave it with you
Luv ya  xo :)


P.S  How bout Tosh T Shirts???

A simple Haiku for Vancouver show:

Alan, Sean, Bob
Men of countless talents
Each one of them unique

Are my words enough?
...my only currency now,
plus HOPE, which dies hard.

Singing! Want to jump
on the bridge in "Here and Now" -
...haiku seppuku?

LOL.


Morning Tosh. I'm in Toronto on Friday. CANNOT believe there will be GBS shows in town, while I'm there. I've had a rare long weekend with friends booked since March. Dada is staying home with Baby and Toddler, so Mama can have a well-deserved break...yes, I know you can relate.

In truth, I want to SING and JUMP and DANCE and LAUGH and hear the NEW GBS TUNES more than anything else going on in town. All other plans are subject to revision. My friends understand! They know I'm a GBS diehard from way back, so please forgive the relentless hammering at Fortune's door. I have to give my best go in between meals, bottles, diapers, and Toddler soccer. Ever hopeful...WOOF!  :)

Oh, what the heck -- Toronto show entry, yeah?

To sniff or be sniffed--
Do dogs consider whether they'd
prefer a fish tail?

(Tosh, please remember
we're not above bribery.
*proffers tasty treats*)

If it really is okay to enter more than once, here's anotehr one, about the upcoming tour:


Fortunate favours
Bold venture brings a new song
From the smiling land

Crowds cheer, lights dazzle
Celebrants dream restless dreams
Of the frozen land

Success accomplished
Weariness returns gladly
To the windswept land


(Your business travels and mine are coinciding, which makes both the Toronto and Vancouver secret shows good for me. Safe travels to you! Keep your bus wheels on the groud, your feet too...two legged and four legged creatures alike.)

One last try for Toronto:

I have Dream't to Live
and traveled far and wide to
find where I belong

Every path up hill
and yet I wander still
search for better days

Salvation at hand
of thee, please, I do beseech
my Walk on the Moon!

Here and Now I pray
Tosh, be not a Heart of Stone
Don't leave me at home

Lest my hopes be dashed
lost and shattered upon the
Rocks of Merasheen...

... I've done my best to
pass this test and be amongst
the Comp'ny of Fools!

__________________

All other bribes stand... particularly the 3Bs... Belly Rubs, Boobs & Beer (or other alcoholic substitutes). If needed I can add a 4th... which is the promise to Behave (though it may pain me to do so).

To Tosh,

Here is a prayer for you that is also my mantra for life!  And Sean, how I love thee!  Thanks for the sip of your Mojito on that faithful night and see you again on Ships & Dip V.  Maybe Tosh can come too this time?  :)
---
When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.
Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
Take naps.  Stretch before rising.
Run, romp and play daily.
Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
On warm days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.
When you are happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout… run right back and make friends.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
Stop when you have had enough.
Be loyal.
Never pretend to be something you’re not.
If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Stacey

Within hearts and minds
Music of Fortune's Favour
Flavours Halifax

Home in Halifax
Music flavours the senses
It's Fortune's Favour

Rock to Gallow's Pole
City of lakes land meets sea
Dream of Great Big Sea

Tosh and greatbigsean
I've waited so long to sing
Come to Haliwood

Feel the heart lifted
Fortune's Favour the winner
Smiles in Hali

Okay, let's try this again.  This time my husbands handywork has been removed, sorry to those of you who read his attempt at humour before the post was deleted.  

So this is what I've come up with in the past few days, and since it looks like this is the last hope for me, I really hope it's enough.  

Each Haiku will stand on it's own, but in a series they will flow somewhat.  I wanted to give a good sense of my beautiful city (Vancouver), as well as make mention of GBS and the secret show.  I hope to get some points for the few poems that I managed to rhyme a bit.  Here goes...

Gray, rain, cozy, snug
In between Mountains and Sea
Home smells like puddles

Sunshine warms through me
Soft music, Long Lost Love plays
Trying to find ways

Sun day turns to rain
Open umbrellas abound
Protection from life

Water and sunshine
Vancouver summer sound bites
Energy crackles

Green trees enrich us
Islands like jewels adorn
Great music completes

Both kids slip-n-slide
Backyard laughter and sunshine
Fortune has favored

Laid back West Coast vibe
Sunshine and seawall riding
Birds and trees and  Sea

Beautiful BC
Secret spot and long lost love
Just ocean and Sea

Secrets bloom like weeds
Pull to cultivate beauty
Truth revealed shines

Cool ocean, hot street
Vancouver sounds like heaven
Private shows excite!

Beautiful children
Leave them awhile, for mom time
Vancouver tickets

Vancouver is long
Syllables high, fraked am I
Are there still tickets?

Ticket compulsion
Website, email, all say no
Vancouver show please

West coast warm sunshine
At UBC I will wait
Tosh twitter tickets!

Breeze past the line up
No hot waiting hopeful now
The show is inside

Clinking drinks low light
New sounds are our ears delight
Vancouver tonight!

Krista Wood
following on twitter as - KMWood

I have switched allegiances:

I write not for me.
Give tickets to TinaMack.
She's driving us bats.

Tosh, can I rub your belly for the Ottawa show? And, please give Tina tickets for the Toronto show!  She is awesome.

Stacey

Ummmm...allegiances?

Sweeeet! Guilty as charged. :D

Ok - this is lame but here's my attempt at getting tickets for Toronto on friday...  (or ottawa next week)

For Fortune's Favour
I'd follow from east to west
drunk on the music

Summer Solstice night
Centre of the Universe!
Songs in harmony

(an entry for Toronto, if that wasn't evident)

Haikus are great (just finished teaching them to my grade 6s), here's my shot at those CALGARY tickets...

Eagerly waiting
For a Great Big Sea party
So excited now!

Thanks for this chance Tosh, hope to hear from you. I've got the night marked on my calendar, a babysitter arranged, my dancing shoes waiting by the door, now all I need are the tickets. Love ya!

I am a syllable short for a true Haiku and not near clever enough to use my own words but I will share a piece from a favorite author..Lucy Maud Montgomery...here goes.

"If I can't love you I at least mean to be proud you"  

I think of this at times when my children are misbehaving and I suspect that Sean may feel this way towards you at times Tosh.

Hoping to win or buy tickets in Calgary.

Ok, so I said you didn't need to see my Haiku.  But once you start...

Never post in here
Too many fans to compete
I enjoy watching!


ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz..........................

Ready for a beer
Secret concert so lofty
Great Big Sea to hear!

Well, Tosh, you've certainly challenged me; a Haiku I haven't composed in years!  I'll keep my fingers crossed and all the best of luck to every composer!  Cheers!!

Friday to Toronto
I'd love to travel
And see a secret show

Seems its been too long
Since Ships and Dip III
Need a good GBS fix!

Tosh your blogs are
Amusing to read
Had no idea dogs thought these

I'd love to shoot some
Interesting pics
Centered around Old Black Rum

We can be Consequence Free
And again savour
Straight to Hell and more

If you don't like my Haiku
Friday will be an
Ordinary Day

We're ready for
Vertical Movement again from
The top East Coast band

We're an hour from TO
And I promise to give
A good belly rub

I am not beyond bribing
A beagle to get into
A cool show

So how 'bout it Tosh,
Just say Oh Yeah to this Haiku
and here we come

For songs, rum and laughter
A better night you could not
Ever ask for!

Tosh runs past us
A song in his heart, oh Great Big Sea
in Ottawa, please let it be

I have seen so many with more than one entry....i couldn't help myself...once the creative juices are flowing - has anyone else started thinking in Haiku?

four more for hope of toronto tickets"

wasting time again
searching for that long lost friend
right there unnoticed


tears leak from your eyes
laugh like you no longer care
oblivion gone


wild mood, swings around
hurtles you back to the ground
lost but can be found

and finally....

pen between my teeth
struggling to find the words
that bring victory

good luck everyone!!

cheers

TOSH!

Good fortune found me!
Let the wild rumpus start.
Won tix from Warner!!!

Sooo...I'm pulling out of this haiku kung-fu tournie. It's been a lot of FUN! I like your style, beagle. Dr. Suess next? You know you want to. I'm all in for Halifax if you decide to torment us further. I'll even karaoke if you're feeling up to the  inevitable high-pitched howling that will ensue.

The offer for rum stands, btw. Now that I'm unconstrained by syllabic limits, however, choose your poison. 'Cept pea soap. Enough stomach churning this week!

So flippin' excited!! WOOF!

England, Oh Yeah!, Hard Case--
Are songs I will hear,
While I enjoy an ice cold beer!

Singing, dancing, cheering,
All the while
The bys sing Fortune's Favour

No voice will I have,
A headache I will get,
But its well worth the trip!

Tosh, Please pick us for Calgary...we'll bring you a beer from Edmonton, a mojito in a yellow plastic Carnical cruise line cup for Sean, plus a nice belly rub for both of you!

My heart is yours Tosh
Should you choose me for this show
Forever I'm yours


Would love to join Tina for the show here in Toronto tomorrow!!!

In addition to a very large box of Milkbones...

Too long a wait to
Celebrate Fortune's Favour
Must see the live show!

CD in radio
A daily dance in the car
As I head to work

Daughter loves the tunes
Instilling a love of jigs
In my toddler girl

Have seen the boys in Ottawa many times but am now in CALGARY and would love to be at the Secret SHow on the 26th.  

I sit on the edge
Wait in anticipation
Hope for tomorrow

(will offer whatever bribes work for such a handsome beagle such as yourself!)

Toronto toronto toronto

Tina your a class act for saying you already won tickets. It'd be nice if other fans who wrote Haiku and won tickets other places would do what you did too. Cheers to you & have a great time!

my wife is des'prate
we both sit and type haiku
you can stop this craze

i think she's crying
i hear whimpers and whining
behind the locked door

now she is wailing
kicking and screaming "But why?"
she needs a hobby

i hope this prose works
it will make me so happy
not as much as her

jennyb's the gal
she's my baby that's for sure
but please let her win!

toronto's the place
what else can i say to you
my poem beats hers

Here in toronto
This girl waits so eagerly
To see Great Big Sea

I am not whining
well maybe a little bit
I just wanna go

my po-em does suck
But I am all out of luck
If you don't choose me

I wasn't gonna to enter again but after reading Sean's tweet today about being out with the dogs, I couldn't resist.


A new road beckons
Fog lifts - potential revealed
Pups wait patiently



Toronto or Vancouver, if you please, beagle b'y. Thanks for helping me remember how cool haiku can be too. :)

since i last wrote you
she has taken a turn for worse
staring into space

her hope is sinking
but her husband is thinking
there is still a chance

if you let her go
i'll give her cash to buy stuff
cd's and more merch

so wha'd'ya say
will you choose to make her day
can she watch them play?

For the Ottawa Show:

Sea men Great and Big
For "Fortune's Favour" I ask
Secret show to see!

Dear Tosh

I am not a patient girl -- there, my secret is out!  I strayed from your haiku contest because, well, frankly, they weren't very good.  Found some tix thru Warner Music today so I am bowing out of this contest.  Can I still rub yer belly?  see ya in Toronto!

Sheila

I can't believe I'm posting this - for Vancouver, should I be so lucky.

"And" is my nickname (which you need to know if you actually read through to the end).  

My story is wee
’92 I fell in love
- not with great big sea

Extreme, Adams, Sass
and Steve Miller played en masse
- Paul gave me his pass

“Greet Moxy Fruvous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Said the man at Molson Park
“Wha--?” was our response

Twas Green Eggs and Ham
When Mur gained himself a fan
Voice!  Stance! Smile!  Hot Damn!

Although ‘best in hair’
Fruvous left us in despair
- Sighting Mur now rare

In June of 02
Saw a band I thought I knew
But who’s the bass dude?

Now I’m a huge fan
Of Sean, Bob, Kris and Alan
And of course, the MAN

I was in Russia
When you put the contest on
The net there just bombs

I missed the deadline
For GBS show this time
Those sobs you hear – mine!

Me, they’ve never met
My absence they’ll not detect
But I’ll be bereft

Please Tosh, be a friend
I need tickets in my hand
Gotta have your And!!!

My last Haiku...  

An offer for Tosh
cleavage shots... thirty eight F
"F" not a typo  

What is that you say?
Are they are talking to you?
Please, They need to dance!

My previous date now has tickets. Don't leave me home alone. Will gladly take runner up. Share the love... you know I will!

Forgot to mention one last time... entry was for Toronto. Grazie, Bello!

Tosh, you are sooo gorgeous. Hoping to see you in Vancouver.

Sean's sweet mermaid dance
Tosh, I just can't get enough
Consequence free please

This Haiku business is tricky (next time let's do limericks).
Here is one more attempt.  Good luck, everyone!!

More than thirteen shows
GBS on the West Coast
I have danced and sang

Turn. Up. Rant and Roar
Oh, Tosh I have seen them all
Fortune's Favour NEXT

Alas, no tickets
At the ticketmaster site
Haiku I must write

Tosh, my naughty Tosh
Please help this poor, young-ish lass
Graceful and Charming

Tosh, please be my King
Blackberry me the good news
So everything shines

Tosh saves the lass
All of Vancouver will sing
Sing when Tosh is King

Last ditch effort for Toronto...

Doctor oh Doctor
Oh dear doctor sean - music
so pure and so strong

Keep hopes from sinking
down in the soil, let me see
Sean, Bob and the Doyle

Love to be there in Ottawa!!!


Excursion Around The Capital

Well it was almost Wednesday Evening
And the day be calm and fine
An Ottawa excursion
With the boys to have a time
And just before the show starts
An email from the Tosh
To get my ass in order
And head to the Secret Spot

Oh me, oh my, I heard me old wife cry
Oh me, oh my, I think I'm gonna die!
Oh me, oh my, I heard me old wife say,
"I hope the Fortune's Favour keeps me home from work Thursday"

There are many pubs in Ottawa, where do I head tonight
Darcys, Gracies, the Village, they all sound so so right
And meself liking the doubles, it doesn't matter much
Do anything for a ticket, Tosh's belly I'll surely touch

Oh me, oh my, I heard me old wife cry
Oh me, oh my, I think I'm gonna die!
Oh me, oh my, I heard me old wife say,
"I hope the Fortune's Favour keeps me home from work Thursday"

My wife she loves the music, for Newfoundland she longs
I dragged her here to Ottawa, just so I could keep my job
The Rocks of Merasheen, we visit when we can
Her dad's an aging fisherman on the Banks of Newfoundland

Oh me, oh my, I heard me old wife cry
Oh me, oh my, I think I'm gonna die!
Oh me, oh my, I heard me old wife say,
"I hope the Fortune's Favour keeps me home from work Thursday"

Many congrats "danarion" on winning the TO tix - have a GREAT time tonite!

Alright - I've never posted on the site before, but for free tickets, I'll dust off my poetry skills and let fly with a few attempts!  Anything for a cute puppy dog (and GBS tickets)!  Writing from Ottawa.  (Tessamolly)


Nation's capital
badly desiring tickets
camera is ready!


Mom of two toddlers
badly needs exciting night
concert tickets please!


Oh cute and wise Tosh,
would love those Ottawa tix
be a kind puppy


Would walk on the moon
for a chance at the tickets
in Ottawa-town


Haven't seen the boys
in almost a full year now
uh-oh - withdrawal!


Here's hoping!!

Ok... the offer for belly rubs and ear scritches (pooch pampering!) still stands, but I guess that I should make an attempt at a haiku after reading the other submissions.

I will admit, I am not a poet and have gotten the help of a random internet haiku writing website... :)

ALL BRIGHT IN THE SKY,
I HEAR FAINT STARS IN THE NIGHT.
HUSH! THE STREAK HAS SMASHED.

My fingers are crossed that I might have the chance to see you and the boys when you come to Ottawa next week!

I've got doggie treats, and belly rubs galore if only I can score some tickets.  This if from a mommy in desperate need of a night out and I can think of no better night out than a GBS concert in Ottawa.
Here is my attempt at a Haiku.

Live concert awaits
Great big sea of no cares
for those who attend

Good luck to everyone.

I tried to restrain myself, but one haiku, leads to another, etc... so here are some silly ones.

Ode to Bob was good
My hailku needs lots of work
who invented this?

-----------------


I scratch a belly
I forget about the music
It's a dog's life

----------------

Newfoundland has fog
West Coast has far too much rain
Just can't win this game

------------------

Never say Never
Often times things just happen
Just can't win this game

----------------

Wow!!  I just can't stop!!!  I'll post more later -- why not?

ok,   one more....

Scattered thoughts abound
The drink makes me think real clear
I just bought a round

Hello Sandra here from Edmonton... I know the concert is in Calgary but I would so be willing to go... So here is the peom.

This poem was written by Rusty (my wonderpup) who is a Basset Coon hound Cross, I think they are kindred spirits.  When I told him of the chance to meet Tosh he couldn't control himself.  This is his creation.  

A Day of my Dreams
For this chance to meet the Tosh
Fortune Favour Please

See he is quite talented for a Dog!!!

Haiku from your friend in Vancouver!!!!

Tosh is one hot dog
Add some mustard and ketchup
Give me tickets please

Katie

Hey Tosh,
I'm throwing my haiku into the competition! I'll give you two...the first one I borrowed from a friend, but it's so hilarious that it has to be shared:

Haikus are easy
But sometimes they don't make sense
Refridgerator

Ya, you loved it! Now for one made up just for you by yours truly:

How to bribe a pup
Do beagles enjoy guiness?
That's rhetorical!

I'd be so greatful if you could send some Vancouver passes my way!
-Amy:)

Ottawa

Festivals abound;
With lights, flowers and music (!!!)
This city's alive

.... and one more for good luck

Politicians lurk
Our dollars grabbed and dispersed
Thanks very much Steve

I've never Haiku'd before, Tosh, but I'd really love to see the boys in Vancouver, so I've got this ditty, that I am submitting in honour of Mr. Keith! Ah-hem...here goes

Hops, green like the grass
Barley, grows high in the field
Beer, golden elixer

T'anks

Ottawa Secret Show Haiku(s)

we come together
to live and play and govern
Canada herself

Ottawa's best day
Hockey night in Canada
A Sens Stanley Cup

Beastly things...who made up Haiku's? I'll try to keep it to a minimum here, Tosh, but a girl can't always make promises that she can keep...

The rock so jagged
Fishing towns dot rugged shores
Moose roam free and wild

*****

Cool breeze on my face
Salt water stinging my eyes
Ocean sings to me

*****

Stars dance in the night
Moon glow lights our weary way
Counting the sheep helps

*****

The babbling brook stops
Listen, fish break the surface
Glorious spring song

*****

The whispering pines
Leaves rustle in the zephyr
Celtic colours fall

-----------

Sorry, Tosh, I do seem to go on; I'm done (for now).
Sue

Yup.  I am addicted to Haiku.
It's true.

More nature...........

Waves break on the beach
The sea reclaims what it owns
We watch with wonder

----------

Green flash, sun is gone
Moon rises with stars in tow
A new day dawning

----------

I think I'm done for now.  You know, it just occurred to me that Bob is gonna be p**sed... I remember him talking about the number of responses he got for certain topics.  Sorry Bob. --Nicely done Sean!

Oh nutz!  I was just inspired again... sorry

Ode to the Mira:

Old men go fishing
Stars on the riverface spin
Can you imagine?


Okay, now I'm really done.  The suns out and I have to catch it before it's gone!
ZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....................

Just for you Tosh with much affection...
(not for tickets... got my fill of the show last night here in TO - Was truely unforgettable :o)

Big puppy dog eyes
A hard to resist offer
Show of a lifetime

Well worth the night out
Saw band in a whole new light
So entertaining


Looking forward to seein all of the b'ys again soon ;o)

Cheers!
JennyB  xo

I am three years old
Oh me oh my got me hooked
I can't get enough

I play the guitar
I made myself a bodhran
I want a squeeze box

When I go to bed
My mom sings River Driver
To lull me to sleep

I'm a Great Big fan
All I want is five minutes
To meet my heros

Age doesn't matter
Music is universal
Make my dream come true

A pub is probably not the best place for a 3yr old at night, (but I wouldn't turn down the tickets) and I had to share his absolute love of the music and fascination with Alan, Sean and Bob. Any chance we could meet the band 'backstage' in Ottawa at one of their upcoming performances or at the CTV studios in Ottawa when they perform on Canada AM? Can't blame a mom for trying...

Ok, the profile picture didn't upload the first time so I'm reposting...

I am three years old
Oh me oh my got me hooked
I can't get enough

I play the guitar
I made myself a bodhran
I want a squeeze box

When I go to bed
My mom sings River Driver
To lull me to sleep

I'm a Great Big fan
All I want is five minutes
To meet my heros

Age doesn't matter
Music is universal
Make my dream come true

A pub is probably not the best place for a 3yr old at night, (but I wouldn't turn down the tickets) and I had to share his absolute love of the music and fascination with Alan, Sean and Bob. Any chance we could meet the band 'backstage' in Ottawa at one of their upcoming performances or at the CTV studio if it's in Ottawa when they perform on Canada AM? Can't blame a mom for trying... and I really do sing River Driver to him every night before he goes to sleep.

whisper in my ear
join me at the water's edge
jump in and be free

I'll be at the show,
Mister Gainey's big gala,
I'll buy you a beer.
________________________

If Mari Mac's Mom
Makes me marry Mary Mac,
That's just Big of me!

(or it's Bigamy,
and my wife will just kill me
or break my tipper)
_______________________

I assume there is
No free show for Montreal
but Haikus are fun.
_______________________

** I'm guessing there's not a show in Montreal, but I got on a roll.
We're going to the Montreal Show anyways, and I'm sure we'll have fun. (Look me up if you still want the beer... I'll be the one with the wife grinning ear to ear.)

I will let Tosh Pee,
On my leg if need be,
Pick me for Vancouver

asia_hathaway@yahoo.ca

Jimmy D... makes me think of the Bigamy song from Blossom... too funny.

her eyes dey shine like da diamonds
you tink she was queen of da land
come on down to hamilton
so we can see the gbs band
  lard tunderin
i dies at you guys

I reschedul'd work
Just to try to see my faves
Its been years too long.

In Calgary I've tried to come see the boys at Folk Fest but the past two years I've been working! Or on a band tour of my own!
I love the boys and I've seen them 4 times I think! <3
REally need a good GBS FIX!
I'm shaking!

...so...cold...

Hey Tosh... I'm giving it another shot...can't blame a girl for trying!

Long nights with Black Rum
Gentle lads long to become
Wandering Rovers


Awaiting word in Calgary...

Sorting through hundreds of Haikus is a tough job for a dog, aint' it? You must be one smart pup.
Here's another shot at the Calgary tickets.

Wouldn't it be great
The band just never ended
Boys are ON tonight

Vancouver show!

After a brief brush up on my Language Arts . . .

Summers hit will be
Another song from Great Big Sea
Go Fortune’s Favour!

Number one for sure
Fortune’s Favour will endure
As all those before

Fine-looking beagle
Melty brown eyes I see
Looking up at me

Sassyt and me
picked by a good-looking hound
To be concert bound

Tosh

As it is my birthday on this summers day
let me drink to thee and listen to Great Big Sea
of songs from the down in the bay.



Tosh I would love more then any thing to celebrate my 30th Birthday with you and the Band... it is on June 27th...

Thank you
Mike Stask
Vancouver,bc

Calgary
Is the place to be
Where GBS is concerned

And too am I
Will surely fly
to a venue where Alan, Sean, and Bob can play

With treats for Tosh
And tummy rubs too
With Stampede nummies if requested.

DaleC of Calgary
MN Immigrant to his friends

Just bought some tickets,
Long time paying customers,
You sell it we'll buy!

On a sad sad note,
anyone want to buy a
slightly used kidney?

how about some hair?
only used by one person!
just a little gray.

Here's another shot at some tickets.  I'm dying to get into this show.  I've loved every GBS show I've been to and after the posts about the Toronto show I MUST go to the Ottawa concert.... please...

Excitement building
Pulse quickens as the band takes the stage
Euphoric applause.

On Canada Day
My spouse turns 50 in Ottawa
Will she be in fortune or in favour?

Vancouver will come
With or without BlackBerry
How will Tosh post now?

---------

A pause for the paws
And mourne the BlackBerry's loss
Hold your head high Tosh!

-------
ZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz...................

Hey Tosh,

My wife's birthday is coming up and this would be the ultimate birthday gift.. a surprise visit to ottawa and a GBS concert!!!!

These new tunes will bring luck
the Leafs will win the Stanley Cup
For it will be held high
In honour of GBS and Canada B"YE OH B"YE!!!!

Come on Tosh. Start my vacation home off right!

Eastward I will fly
Morning after Calgary
Great Big Seacret show

Vancouver Tix

So many concerts enjoyed along the westcoast. So many more to come!  Hopefully that'll include the Secret Vancouver Concert!

Countless memories
All standing at the footlights
Wide-eyed in wonder

Across the land
Newfoundland awaits
To be seen by all

With each new CD
Joyous music calls to us
Making memories

Unforgetable
From the only Great Big Sea
Past concerts delight

All at Great Big Sea
Our most heart-felt thanks
The concerts delight

Tosh, this Haiku thing is getting addictive!

Congrats to the winners and good luck to all!

CONGRATS TO THE WINNERS!!!!

Enjoy the show!  Thanks Sean for getting us all on the Haiku Bandwagon.  What a hoot!  Or, what a Haikuut!

silly thangz!

Tickets to St. John's!

A hometown girl awaits
For tickets to see her boys
Maybe on George Street

When I was the age
Of 5 years old, I began
To Play with Mari

(Now) Finally legal
To enjoy the boys with beer
And sing my heart out



I'll have a belly rub for you too Tosh! It's almost been a year since I've seen them in Mount Pearl, and I need my GBS fix!

One rowdy folk band
One peaceful,quiet city
Time to rant and roar!

Ottawa needs the boys back!

The room small and dark
Cold beer sweats in my warm hand
We are all alone...


Hope to see you in Vancouver!

        Carmela

Just watched the video of Walk on the Moon. What's to say?

A tear A tingle
Fortune shines launching the boys
To their dreams and ours



Hope to see you in Vancouver before the CD goes through the roof. Which it will. And then the tour tix will be impossible to get! Drink to that Tosh

Hold on Canada
Fortune's Favour is released
All over this great land.

Dance, Dance, Jump Around
From the Banks of Newfoundland
Bound for Vancouver.

The excitement builds
Secret details of a show
I hope you pick me!!

Hope to see you in Vancouver Tosh!!

I have just found this glimmer of hope to win tickets to the Vancouver show. Tosh, you are a task master to make us write a Haiku! Didn't McCann get enought of this stuff in university! Jesus B'y!
okay here goes (with apologies to my English professor!)

The Western sun
A glimmer of hope
I hold my breath.

Okay, that all I've got after a long day - look I'll introduce to a nice lady beagle who likes long walks in the woods and doesn't mind beagle breath - I'll also buy you decadent doggies cookies (you don't have to share with Marley or McCann!)
Hope to hear from you soon Tosh!
(has it really come to this - begging for GBS tickets from a beagle!)

The man with long hair
sings, smiles, broadly with joy
Happiness abounds

Where East meets the West
Fortune's Favour released and
We'll dance for the Sea

Hoping, praying, begging, braying, Vancouver show for my girl and me!

We've roved east to west.
Want to sing, dance, rant and roar.
Pints of smiles for all!

PLEASE some passes for the show in Vancouver!!!  We've been to the pub and back, with no luck so far... so I hope that your good fortune can favour me!!!

Thank you!!!

Tosh you ticket-teasing flea bag. Sadly you've been and gone from Ottawa and are off toying with the emotions of others. Never again shall I bare my poetic soul to a dog. A desperate act to be sure.  At least have the decency of posting the winning poems from each city.  It will give us losers the chance to bitterly know ours was indeed better.