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Post by Richard on May 11, 2014 7:35:06 GMT
This was the winning entry in last night's Eurovision Song Contest. I'm making no further comment whatsoever!   Richard  |
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Post by Richard on May 11, 2014 7:44:24 GMT
This was the United Kingdom's entry: Richard  |
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Joe
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Supporting Hayley since 2003!
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Post by Joe on May 11, 2014 14:28:40 GMT
Hi Richard! I've been following the Eurovision through the BBC news website, and the UK's entry this year. Too bad Molly's performance was not well-received, placing 17th I think. Good on Austria for winning though!  |
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Post by martindn on May 11, 2014 14:30:11 GMT
Best UK entry for years I thought. And a nice Leicestershire young lady from Rothley, about 5 miles from here.
Martin D
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Post by Richard on May 11, 2014 14:44:09 GMT
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Post by comet on May 11, 2014 18:14:48 GMT
I really loved the song Calm After The Storm by The Netherlands entry The Common Linnets,
It sounded like it would have been at home on Fleetwood Mac's album Rumours.
Should have been first place on merit.
But I guess "Novelty Value" gained 1st place for Austria.
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Post by martindn on May 11, 2014 21:49:06 GMT
You must enlighten us Richard. It lloks like about 3 million to about 100,00 from here I am. But I know which I prefer.
I actually avoided watching the Eurovision song Contest by going to an organ recital at our church, given by a long term friend (I've known him since he was a small child) who is a professional cathedral organist. It was a no brainer, A superb evening of wonderful organ music as I knew it would be. There were only about 40 people there, but he gave a superb performance. Who are all those millions that would rather see an Austrian transvestite win a meaningless prize. He even bought me a pint in the local hostelry afterwards (the organist, not the transvestite). Which as it happens, was showing the ESC on TV, but I couldn't be bothered to wait for the voting. Anyone who thinks women are better at multitasking than men needs to answer the question of why most organists are men. Playing the organ requires both hands and both feet to do different things. And how some works call for the hands and feet playing in different keys, which as my friend Tom said, messes with the brain somewhat.
Martin D
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Post by comet on May 11, 2014 22:40:27 GMT
You must enlighten us Richard. It lloks like about 3 million to about 100,00 from here I am. But I know which I prefer. I actually avoided watching the Eurovision song Contest by going to an organ recital at our church, given by a long term friend (I've known him since he was a small child) who is a professional cathedral organist. It was a no brainer, A superb evening of wonderful organ music as I knew it would be. There were only about 40 people there, but he gave a superb performance. Who are all those millions that would rather see an Austrian transvestite win a meaningless prize. He even bought me a pint in the local hostelry afterwards (the organist, not the transvestite). Which as it happens, was showing the ESC on TV, but I couldn't be bothered to wait for the voting. Anyone who thinks women are better at multitasking than men needs to answer the question of why most organists are men. Playing the organ requires both hands and both feet to do different things. And how some works call for the hands and feet playing in different keys, which as my friend Tom said, messes with the brain somewhat. Martin D Multitasking..one of the words Hayley used in the Hayley online chatroom on the unusual occasion when she did join us there. Personally, I would rather do one thing well, than try and do two things badly or compromised. |
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Post by Bamafan on May 11, 2014 23:40:53 GMT
One word: Freaky. -Taylor  |
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Dave
Administrator
HWI Admin
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Post by Dave on May 12, 2014 0:35:24 GMT
I really loved the song Calm After The Storm by The Netherlands entry The Common Linnets, It sounded like it would have been at home on Fleetwood Mac's album Rumours. Should have been first place on merit. But I guess "Novelty Value" gained 1st place for Austria. Absolutely, Calm After The Storm was the stand-out song and performance for me and I realised that on first hearing. No gimmicks either, thank goodness for that. But sadly, a gimmicky performance was always destined to win, as usually happens. Well done Netherlands for the best of the night and for achieving second place, much to most people's surprise! Here it is from the official site!  Cheers, Dave |
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Post by Jeff on May 12, 2014 17:40:59 GMT
This was the winning entry in last night's Eurovision Song Contest. I'm making no further comment whatsoever! Richard I thought he carried it off rather well, Richard ! Ha ! At least it's better than Poland whose offering was nothing more than soft porn and I'm ashamed to say it topped the phone vote in the UK. Laura Wright and the other judges went for Malta but with the judges scores only counting for 50% (and the public the other 50%)when added together they gave Austria 12 points. This is a new system and suggests the UK viewers can't be trusted to make a sensible decision. Bearing in mind they voted for Poland, this would seem to be true ! Actually my favourite lost in the semis but I defy anyone not to feel happier after hearing it ! |
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Post by Richard on May 13, 2014 7:19:26 GMT
Thanks Jeff!  Portugal's entry was definitely better than some of the finalists, and I can't wait to see Suzy's top when it's finished!  Richard |
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Post by Richard on May 13, 2014 12:49:55 GMT
I must share this picture that Joyce posted on Facebook.  New ... at the butcher!!!  Wurst is German for sausage! Richard |
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Post by Jeff on May 13, 2014 14:03:47 GMT
Well, all I can say is I'm glad I'm vegetarian ! I agree with Dave that the Dutch were to be applauded for their "back to basics" approach, although in the party atmosphere it felt a bit as if they'd wandered into the wrong venue and left their costumes and props at home! Even more so Norway. Like the Netherlands they had a heartfelt ballad which was a great song in another context but stuck out like a sore thumb with the flag-waving audience who just wanted to celebrate. 40 years ago songs like Norway or the Dutch would have won but since then the contest has become more glitzy,more camp, much to the displeasure of the Russians it seems.
When the Russians criticised the Austrian entry for being "perverse and corrupt" they merely ensured the European audience of millions would deliver a massive verdict on Russia's anti-gay laws and incursions into Ukraine. Indeed the winner acknowledged that in their speech. Whether such an agenda belongs in a song contest is an entirely different matter of course and it also resulted in a hostile reception for their own song which was a pity for the Russian twins. Ironically, had the Russians kept their opinions to themselves then Conchita Wurst may not have won !
So, next year the 60th anniversary contest will be held in Austria. Last time it was held there the UK won, with Sandie Shaw so here's hoping....but I'm not holding my breath !
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Post by comet on May 13, 2014 16:13:59 GMT
All the Eurovision Winners since 1956 in one video. About twenty minutes long.
Interesting when you realise what year you start to recognise the songs from.
There is a certain pleasure in the simple stages or backdrops for the earlier contests.
It seemed to change in a giant leap around 2000
In this years show
It is both amazing and distracting to watch what is going on in the background apart from the actual performers.
I find the background so confusing sometimes I can't figure out where the performer is on the screen.
The technology in video screens and lighting, water features and special effects is spectacular.
It is also a great opportunity for the hosting country to display their capabilities and wealth at staging what is becoming something of a "Greatest Show on Earth" type display, where nothing is "too much".
I'm still puzzled how Isreal is in Europe, Is it really ?
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