Building Bridges: The 2015 Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Final 1

OK, so it's been a few years since I did one of these, but I'm all excited so here are my super quick reviews of this years 40 Eurovision entrants.

Forty? I know right. I'm breaking them down into the two semi-finals and the the direct-to-final qualifiers to make it a bit more bearable.

I'll give you a summary of the song and rate the song on the following criteria:

Genre of music
How much of this can I remember - I'm already skipping some

Better than last year's entry? - compared to the country in 2014

Current reviews
Qualifier?
Will I be listening to this in a year?
Anyone fanciable?
Arbitrary Eurovision style score: (i.e. 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10 or 12)

First up is Semi-Final 1, due to broadcast on Tuesday 19th May 2015 at 2100 CEST (2000 BST). Here there all are (with links to EuroVision.tv)

Moldova

01

Moldova TRM

Eduard Romanyuta view participant profile

I Want Your Love Watch video

This lumps along to each chorus, but there's nothing much about Moldova's Eduard to get you excited, and I suspect this will become a right screechfest on stage. Don't worry if you get home late and miss the first five minutes of the show eh? 

Genre: Pop (and wants to be Rock)

How much of this can I remember?: Chorus is irritatingly repetitive

Better than last year's entry?: Nope
Best lyric: "The picture that you’re paintin’ got me all anticipating"

Current reviews: "You want my love, but I want you to shut up" (Wiwibloggs)

Qualifier?: No

Will I be listening to this in a year?: No. I'm already skipping within seconds of the intro.

Anyone fanciable?: If you're a 13 year old girl, then maybe in some of his promo shots.

Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 2

 

Armenia

02

Armenia AMPTV

Genealogy view participant profile

Face The Shadow Watch video

This has really grown on me. I love the story - 6 singers of Armenia heritage from America, Asia, Africa, Europe, Australasia & Armenia have come together to sing a song that blatantly asks its geographical neighbours to consider their official positions on the historical genocide. There's an awkward start with bad pronunciation, and some slight jarring of musical syles, but it's the package on the whole I like.

Genre: Pop-Opera-Ballad

How much of this can I remember?: I'm humming it all the time

Better than last year's entry?: I prefer it but, Aram MP3 was favourite to win so perhaps not quite as good.
Best lyric: "Time is ticking and you keep thinking that you are tricking your heart"
Current reviews: "Face the Shadow does improve and the retro-soft-rock chorus does appeal, but from 2:00, the song builds into a vomit-inducing frenzy of noise." (ESCTips.com)

Qualifier?: Yes, should benefit from ok song and large Armenia diaspora

Will I be listening to this in a year?: Yes

Anyone fanciable?: Vahe Tilbian (Ethiopian-Armenian) and Tamar Kaprelian (American-Armenian) are good examples of why you should mix those genes up.

 

Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 10

 

Belgium

03

Belgium RTBF

Loïc Nottet view participant profile

Rhythm Inside Watch video

This is a bit different. I thought Loic was a woman for quite a while, but it doesn't matter, he has a unique voice and the song is dark and quirky; it reminds you a bit of Lorde's Royals.You'll be rap-bap-bapping tonight too after a listen.

Genre: Electro-Pop-Rap

How much of this can I remember?: All, I'm t

Better than last year's entry?: So much it's hard to believe this is the same country. Loic could be Belgium's Anouk moment (Netherlands entry that revived their poor fortunes).
Best lyric: "On a cosmic track, love attack, I‘m gonna get that rhythm back"
Current reviews: The song is addictive and ... Loic is ahead of the times, which, unfortunately, may put some people off. Best Belgium entry of the 10s. (Wiwibloggs)
Qualifier?: Hope so, but nervous that the juries won't get, being as this is current music and their average age is... old.

Will I be listening to this in a year?: Yes, and probably getting his album.

Anyone fanciable?: I wouldn't say no...

 Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 12

 

The Netherlands

04

The Netherlands AVROTROS

Trijntje Oosterhuis view participant profile

Walk Along Watch video

Shame. They were doing so well with Anouk and then the magnificent Common Linnets. The near-unpronounceable Trijntje sings this likeable but unfortunately rather plain pop song that has a great hook. It actually will be better to not have heard it before and so might do well, but doesn't feel like a classic in the making.

Genre: Pop

How much of this can I remember?: "Way-ay-ay" will never leave you.

Better than last year's entry?: No.
Best lyric: "Why, why-aiaiai, why-aiaiai"  (obviously)

Current reviews: "Trijntje’s problem is that Walk Alone lacks sufficient build and variation in the arrangement to retain interest after the one-minute mark... the bridge ends at 2:15, so the song drifts along on a seemingly continuous loop for the remaining 45-seconds." (ESCtips.com)

Qualifier?: It will be close.

Will I be listening to this in a year?: Probably... and still uncertain as to whether I actually like it or not.

Anyone fanciable?: A bit of a MILF but don't get too excited.
Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 6

 

Finland

05

Finland YLE

Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät view participant profile

Aina Mun Pitää Watch video

Sigh. It's all about the "concept" this year. Conchita started a thing - which is lovely - but it has resulted in the first of our faux-shock entrants this year, the intellectually-disabled PKN with a very short punk song. I equally have little to say.

Genre: Punk

How much of this can I remember?: None.

Better than last year's entry?: Really not.

Current reviews: "The problem with “Aina mun pitää” is that there doesn’t seem to be any melody or hook to draw in viewers. Just one and a half minutes of pure punk noise, that’s all."
Qualifier?: No. Well... it does stand out so I wouldn't be surprised if it sails through.

Will I be listening to this in a year?: No

Anyone fanciable?: Pass.
Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 1

 

Greece

06

Greece NERIT

Maria Elena Kyriakou view participant profile

One Last Breath Watch video

One Last Breath is... I'm largely indifferent. It might sound good live on stage with atmospheric staging but there's little special about it. It's timed 6th, allowing for a strategic toilet break.
 

Genre: Ballad

How much of this can I remember?: Very little

Better than last year's entry?: Nothing will top "Alcohol is Free".

Best lyric: "Just pain, fake love and drunken lie, Ι struggle to survive, I’m still alive" (maybe lay off the Ouzo love?)
Current reviews: "Where is the overrated dance-pop diva that you bring almost every year? This is a new low for Greece, it’s as if Portugal sent an entry completely in English." (Wiwibloggs)
Qualifier?: Unlikely.

Will I be listening to this in a year?: No

Anyone fanciable?: Maria is lovely, but not enough of a stunner for me to bother to upload a photo.

Arbitrary Eurovision style score:3

 

 

Estonia

07

Estonia ERR

Elina Born & Stig Rästa view participant profile

Goodbye To Yesterday Watch video

This is cute. Elina and Stig are among the favourites to win. It's also the first of our duets this year, in a move that makes you wonder whether some Eurovision strategist sits and figures that... "well a duo haven't won in a few years". They sing a song of lovers whove fallen out, though their stage presence doesn't seem to convey this, so I'm not sure just how well it will do.

Genre: Guitar-ballad

How much of this can I remember?: Humming the tune.

Better than last year's entry?: Tanja's gravity-defying dance routine and flawless vocals that were cheated out of the final? C'mon, it's not THAT good, but it's a nice follow-up.

Best lyric: "I was frozen by the jingle of my keys at the door
as I got outside I smiled to the dog" 
Current reviews: "I want to love this song, but it keeps letting me down." (Wiwibloggs)
Qualifier?: Should do, but not as certain as everyone thought.

Will I be listening to this in a year?: Yes

Anyone fanciable?: Depends on your taste but black and white is flattering.

 

Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 8

 

 

FYR Macedonia

08

F.Y.R. Macedonia MKRTV

Daniel Kajmakoski view participant profile

Autumn Leaves Watch video

This is a lovely ballad from the Balkans. Daniel was the first entrant to be declared back in 2014, losing the advantage of seeing what everyone was doing. He changed from Macedonian to English which makes the song flow better with no jarring translations. The song is cute and leans towards Ed Sheeran-lite. It's a grower, not always a good thing for a song in the middle of the show, but I'd love 2015 to see a resurgence of the old Yugoslav countries.


Genre: Guitar-ballad

How much of this can I remember?: The chorus has a good hook

Better than last year's entry?: He's not as fun as Tijana, but probably a more solid performer.

Best lyric:  "Hanging from our knees up in the willow trees easy like the month of June"

Current reviews:
"The song is a little slow to get started, but the chorus has an enjoyably massive feeling to it. But yet it’s still not a stand-out song – very middle table." (Wiwibloggs)
Qualifier?: It's close. Macedonia never does too well but this might be enough.

Will I be listening to this in a year?: Yes

Anyone fanciable?: As long as he doesn't let the moustache grow.

 

Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 6

 

Serbia

09

Serbia RTS

Bojana Stamenov view participant profile

Beauty Never Lies Watch video

Well this is a welcome change of pace. I think Bojana won Serbia's Got Talent or something and she is, politely put, a happier Michelle McManus type. The song starts as another ballad, but builds its lyrics of tolerance and inclusiveness to a "hands in the air dancing round the handbag" moment. It's glorious.

Genre: Powerballad-disco

How much of this can I remember?: When drunk I swear I know it all.

Better than last year's entry?: Serbia took a break last year - welcome back!

Best lyric: "Beauty never lies, no, it cries “Here I am!”"
Current reviews: "Bojana certainly looks like a formidable women and has the vocal power to match. " (ESCtips.com)
Qualifier?: Surely.

Will I be listening to this in a year?: Yes

Anyone fanciable?: I think Bojana's admirers will be rather niche.

 

Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 8

 

 

Hungary

10

Hungary MTV

Boggie view participant profile

Wars For Nothing Watch video

Snooze. This song is a "message" song, but it just doesn't get off the ground. The accompanying video is mildly interesting, but I don't think the unfortunately named Boggie is headed to the final. 

Genre: Ballad

How much of this can I remember?: Minimal.

Better than last year's entry?: "Running" was an example of a message song (child abuse) that really worked, only making this seem worse in comparison.

Best lyric: "Just pain, fake love and drunken lie, Ι struggle to survive, I’m still alive" (maybe lay off the Ouzo love?)
Current reviews: "If there’s one reason end all wars, it would be to stop these fucking banal world peace songs being entered every few years." (ESCtips.com)
Qualifier?: No.

Will I be listening to this in a year?: No

Anyone fanciable?: Who cares?

Arbitrary Eurovision style score:1

 

Belarus

11

Belarus BTRC

Uzari&Maimuna view participant profile

Time Watch video

This works for me. I love a musical instrument, and Maimuna gets to show off a real violin before Slovenia debut the air-violin in SF2. Uzari has an accent that does marvellous things to the lyrics and I think they'll look good on stage. Totalitarian government may not be good for normal Belarussians, but they have cracked creating good Eurovision songs year after year. 

Genre: Pop-Classical

How much of this can I remember?: I think I even know the violin bits.

Better than last year's entry?: I loved the bizarre Cheesecake but this entry is genuinely good!

Best lyric: "Time is like thunder a-a-a"
Current reviews: "It’s got a catchy hook, a hummable melody and distinctive vocals. One of Belarus’ better entries, and it’s frustrating to see this being tipped to not qualify."
Qualifier?: Yes. Should benefit from having a tempo above the resting heart rate of a corpse.

Will I be listening to this in a year?: Yes

Anyone fanciable?: I've got a crush on Uzari for sure.

 

Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 10

 

Russia

12

Russia C1R

Polina Gagarina view participant profile

A Million Voices Watch video

The last few years have seen Russia's entry walk onto stage to face boos, presumably relating to their country's questionable international interactions and human rights record. A bit unfair (I doubt a humble Eurovision singer has much to do with it all) , but I'm not sure sending ever increasing messages of inclusion and peace in songs is going to convince anyone otherwise. Nevertheless, A Million Voices is quite catchy, and deserves to do better than it will.

Genre: Power-ballad

How much of this can I remember?: "A Mill-ion Voy-says!" with choreographed backing-singer finger clicks and sways.

Better than last year's entry?: She may not have a twin but I don't think she needs one to make this Shine.

Best lyric: "Praying for peace and healing, hoping we can start again". Ahem.
Current reviews: "If there’s one reason end all wars, it would be to stop these fucking banal world peace songs being entered every few years." (ESCtips.com)
Qualifier?: An absence of usual allies may see Russia relegated this year.

Will I be listening to this in a year?: Yes

Anyone fanciable?: There's a lot of blonde women with good voices out there.

 

Arbitrary Eurovision style score:7

 

Denmark

13

Denmark DR

Anti Social Media view participant profile

The Way You Are Watch video

I've struggled to write about this. It exists. I'm indifferent. I don't mind if it doesn't qualify, but won't miss it if they don't.

Genre: 60s style pop-rock

How much of this can I remember?: I switched off before it could infect me

Better than last year's entry?: Is this Denmark's thing now? Songs with vaguely irritating hooks that you don't really like but end up singing as if you do?

Best lyric: "Movie stars and caviar couldn't get me where you are"
Current reviews: "A simple, catchy piece of retro pop. When I first saw Anti-Social Media in a PR video, I didn’t think the lads had the visual appeal to attract the all-important female vote." (ESCtips.com)
Qualifier?: Yes

Will I be listening to this in a year?: No

Anyone fanciable?: Dubious. Think Ron Weasley before puberty hit.

Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 4

 

Albania

14

Albania RTSH

Elhaida Dani view participant profile

I'm Alive Watch video

This sounds great in both Albanian and English, though she'll be singing in the latter. It says a lot about ESC 2015 when this is one of the more up-tempo songs. Elhaida featured on The Voice of Italy and tackles this well, right up until the breathy last note. Delightful.

Genre: Pop rock-Ballad

How much of this can I remember?: I can't recall the lyrics but feel like I know then whenever I hear the song.

Better than last year's entry?: Much better. Albania get a rough deal with few natural allies and I want this in part of my Balkan resurgence.

Best lyric: "This love can't stop screaming out your name so loud"
Current reviews: "Modern, catchy and radio-friendly, this song gives me Jessie J and Beyonce vibes." (Wiwibloggs)
Qualifier?: Yes, please?

Will I be listening to this in a year?: Yes

Anyone fanciable?: She's a fox

 

Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 8

 

 

Romania

15

Romania TVR

Voltaj view participant profile

De La Capat/ All Over Again Watch video

It's another message song. For the UK especially, it's interesting to see a song about the effects of EU migration on the families that end up dispersed. First time I saw this and the accompanying video, I actually cried. It's beautiful, and the Romanian lyrics flow much better than the English.

Genre: Rock Ballad

How much of this can I remember?: I've taken to the Lyric Video to churn out my best Romanian - I wanted to be able to sing along to this.

Better than last year's entry?: As much as I love Paula and Ovi, I really connect with this song.

Best lyric: "Tu ai fi motivul, tu ai fi motivul sa pot,  Sa pot s-o iau de la capat"
[You will be the reason, you will be the reason to start, To start all over again.] 

Current reviews: "While “De la capat” is a song with a message, it doesn’t feel like they’re trying to force it upon the audience." (Wiwibloggs)
Qualifier?: Yes, every ex-pat Romanian will see themselves in this.

Will I be listening to this in a year?: Yes

Anyone fanciable?: No. But that's not the point.

 

Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 12

 

 

Georgia

16

Georgia GPB

Nina Sublatti view participant profile

Warrior Watch video

Finishing the first semi-final is Nina's Warrior (Malta's Amber also sings a song with the same title in SF2). It builds and will probably sage better than it sounds on an initial listen, but its rousing and energetic.

Genre: Pop-Rock

How much of this can I remember?: The chorus is pretty good

Better than last year's entry?: Last year's car-crash could be followed with 3 minutes silence and be an improvement.

Best lyric: "World's gonna get up and see"
Current reviews: "Innovation, thrills, drama, excitement – Georgia have them all in bucket-loads.." (Wiwibloggs)
Qualifier?: You sort of hope they do and Russia doesn't.

Will I be listening to this in a year?: Yes

Anyone fanciable?: She rocks the emo thing

 

Arbitrary Eurovision style score: 7

The Patients Association

I've not blogged in a long time, but this woman makes my blood boil every time I see a quote from her.

Who is she? Katherine Murphy, of the Patients Association.

In the misplaced need to supposedly provide "balance" to every article, she provides a handy soundbite to any journalist that asks.
Don't get me wrong, we need people like Katherine and her organisation to stand up for patients, especially when a system has failed. There is some great work from the organisation which has undoubtedly helped improve services. 
But I often find myself, as an actual healthcare worker, wondering if she exists in some sort of parallel universe where everything is perfect, resources are unlimited, and no-one is responsible for their own actions. She rarely compliments, and is freely criticising in her approach, often taking individual situations and extrapolating them, as well as generalising and not taking into context the entire situation at hand.
It's easy to throw out soundbites like "GPs are crap and there should be 24/7 immediate access" without actually stating how that is achievable.
In case you think I'm being melodramatic... here is her direct quote in the Daily Mail:

"Patients should have access to GP services 24/7 and the GP should be the first point of contact for anyone who requires healthcare."

I don't think this is something unreasonable to strive for, but within the same article she also states:

"There is no continuity of care  out of hours, and this is the danger to patients when the service isn’t provided by their GP but by private contractors."

So how on Earth does she propose a system should then run? Should all GPs be personally available, all the time (as in 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year)?

As a doctor, or indeed, an NHS worker, I cannot simply say what I want to the press. For one, I'm bound by the Duties of a Doctor, to "not bring the profession into disrepute":

"Never abuse your patients' trust in you or the public's trust in the profession."

 And, for some, speaking out can prove a career- or life-ending move:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/10397842/Whistleblower-doctors-punished-by-mafia-code.html
http://www.ajustnhs.com/case-histories-of-victimised-nhs-staff/

Doctors are bound by codes of conduct that make it hard to defend what they do, especially when facing attack from someone with no such code of conduct. It's an unfair playing field, where one side can say whatever they like, whether backed up with plans/evidence/statistics, but the other can't. It doesn't help that the professional organisations (such as the BMA or RCGP) who could, aren't often invited to give a soundbite, or when they do, fail to actively engage the audience as well as Katherine does.

So here is today's article that has led to me writing this blog:
Worried parents 'put pressure on A&E' BBC 29/04/2015

Let's take Katherine's quote in this article shall we?

But Katherine Murphy, chief executive of the charity the Patient's Association, said there also needed to be better access to GPs.
She said: "It can be frightening for children to end up in A&E. They might be better cared for in the community in many cases.
"But very often parents take their children to A&E because they can't get access to their GPs.
"They know they won't be turned away from A&E and won't need to wait days for an appointment.
"We need better access. And there needs to be more awareness raised of services such as minor injury units."

I'm going to examine this in more detail...

 "It can be frightening for children to end up in A&E. They might be better cared for in the community in many cases."
I agree. Children with minor illness should be kept away from health care if they don't need it, especially a busy A&E department. 

"But very often parents take their children to A&E because they can't get access to their GPs."
I'll provide a recent source (the Kings Fund, about as independent, impartial and trustworthy as you can get), as Katherine doesn't, that suggests that actually most A&E attendance is within working hours, and that available evidence doesn't suggest GP access is the cause of problems with A&E waiting times. 
If Katherine is allowed, then I'll give some anecdotal "evidence" too, both as a GP and A&E doctor. I've yet to come across a practice that doesn't respond in some way to a request for an on-the day appointment that same day (whether by telephone or clinic appointment) for children under 2, and often under 5s too. By the same token, I've dealt with triage call for an "urgent" appointment, only to have my suggestion that I see the child within 30 minutes rejected as "inconvenient".
When in A&E, we would often be told "there were no GP appointments" by parents, only to find the GP quite willing to see the child when we asked. 


"They know they won't be turned away from A&E and won't need to wait days for an appointment."
As I've said, seeing ill children is a priority for GPs, as failure to spot serious illness is hardly likely to lead to anyone, including the GP, being happy. The trouble comes when the definition of seriousness is left so vague. Is a minor bang to the head, leaving no bruise "urgent"? Should parents try some paracetamol and a cuddle, or should they call the GP, or should they attend A&E?
In response to demand, many GPs operate a triage system (just like A&E), in order to prioritise the patients needing seeing sooner, meaning that some have to wait. It may not be convenient for everyone, all of the time, but then the politically-unspoken commodity in the NHS is patient's time. Rather than higher taxes, or a pay-as-you-go system that would allow for more access, and quicker access, we use patient's time to keep healthcare accessible for all.
So if you have to wait days for an appointment, I'm sorry on behalf of the NHS, but know that it's because someone somewhere has to wait to allow that ill child to be seen quickly. It's not perfect, but it's probably the best we can expect as a public that funds the NHS as we do.


"We need better access. And there needs to be more awareness raised of services such as minor injury units."
No. This should read "We want better access". As review over and over again shows, the NHS is one of the most efficient systems in the world, despite the much-trumpeted access "problem". If it were truly detrimental to wait, then how come the outcomes remain so good? 
Do we need more awareness of minor injury units? I would argue that we need more awareness of when and where to access health care, if it is needed:

 

I think the one question not answered here though is just how many of those anxious parents needed to see either a GP or the NHS at all.
Community care includes parents and guardians providing simple First Aid, trying over-the-counter medicines and reassurance. Successive media campaigns have driven an idea that every cut or bruise needs to be dressed by a nurse in an A&E, every tiny bump to a head a full neurological assessment or a "scan", and every cough or sore throat a thorough "check-up" within hours of onset.  
Parents are anxious because we've created a narrative that every minor illness may just be the one in a million that is serious. So what are they to do? No wonder they head to A&E worried about their child.

Research this week shows how potentially harmful this may turn out to be:

Parents 'may pass anxiety on to their children' 
http://www.nhs.uk/news/2015/04April/Pages/Parents-may-pass-anxiety-on-to-their-children.aspx

We need to re-instill confidence in our population about how to manage their own illnesses, accept a degree of personal risk and responsibility, and to use the finite NHS resource with consideration for all that need to access it.

Like most problems, its important to look at the cause and not the effect when trying to generate a solution.
And that is why I struggle to empathise with Katherine Murphy, for rather than support a way of tackling the root problems, she jumps to conclusions, which make great soundbites, but perhaps ironically, do little to actually help the patients she purports to be an advocate for.

Webchat with Hannah Mancini

Here's the webchat with Hannah Mancini from RTV SLO ahead of tonight's Eurovision Semi-Final.

It's in Slovene so Google Translate has been my friend although it has its limitations

Looking good Hannah!

Just FYI - I am HannahFanUK!

En2: Hi, Hannah! How are you today? Do you feel FINALy? :) How are your feelings about yesterday, on the second rehearshal, when jury voted? I wish you all the best, and see you in Arena in sathurday! Go, girl! ;)

Hannah Mancini: Hej, počutim se dobro, toda priznam, da sem se včeraj počutila malce živčno.
 
Peter: Kakšne občutke imaš po včerajšnji 2. generalki, če se primerjaš z ostalimi iz tvojega polfinala?
Vprasanje poslano....
 
Hannah Mancini: Čutila sem, da je bila prisotna dobra energija, čeprav sem bila malce živčna. Plesalci Maestra so bili izjemni. Res je bila dobra energija na odru.
 
Senna-Maze: Lepo pozdravljeni Hannah! Meni sta vaša pesem in koreografija zelo všeč. Zanima me, kako ste vi zadovoljni s scenografijo, lučmi, efekti na odru? Se bi dalo še kaj izboljšati?
 
Hannah Mancini: Všeč so mi barve v ozadju in oder je izjemen in dovoljuje meni in plesalcem Maestra, da res predstavimo energijo, ki jo čutimo ob sami pesmi. To je zame bistvo vsega: da ljudje na odru naredijo čim več, kar je v njihovi zmožnosti.
 
Dalton: Pozdravljeni. Čestiteke za odlično pesem, glas in stas. Ali držijo govorice, da včerajšnji nastop na generalki, kjer so strokovne žirije ocenjevale nastope, ni šel po pričakovanjih?
 
Norge10: Hannah, bravo! Yesterdays first dress rehearsal was excellent! Rumor has it that the second one with juries didn't go so as well ... How did you feel it? Nevertheless, we all wish you a great performance and vocal tonight. We believe in final for Slovenia till the last envelope!
 
Hannah Mancini: Najlepša hvala. Sem prefekcionistka, zato mislim, da bi vedno lahko šle stvari bolje. Sem precej kritična, ampak energija, ki je bila potrebna za uspešen nastop, je bila tam.
 
smiley: Živjo Hannah! Ali imaš kakšen poseben ritual za srečo preden greš na oder. Vso srečo danes! Mi navijamo za finale!!!
 
Hannah Mancini: Meditiram, če je možno (smeh). Skušam se skoncentirati na nastop in to je pravzaprav vse.
 
En2: Who, do you think, will pass the final tonight?
 
Hannah Mancini: Zagotovo Rusija, Ukrajina in Danska. Mislim, da bi lahko šla skozi tudi Nizozemska, ker jih predstavlja Anouk. Pa Srbija.
 
miš: Vam je 100 % všeč vaša zunanja oprava za nastop?
 
HanaMancinibejbi: zakaj ne kažeš nog na odru?
 
Hannah Mancini: Ja, zelo mi je všeč naša oprava. Saj kažem noge :), samo bolj udobno se počutim v hlačah, ker se v njih tudi lažje pridružujem plesalcem pri izvajanju plesnega dela nastopa.

esc: hannah, nocoj dajte živce na stran. pojte zase, se zabavajte in uživajte v soju žarometov! me pa kljub temu zanima, o čemu razmišjlate zadnjih 10 sekund, ko se v ozadju vrti predstavitveni film?
 
Hannah Mancini: Vsi smo zbrani v krogu in si izmenjujemo dobre želje, potem pa že letimo na oder (smeh).
 
HannahFansUK: Have you had much time to have fun and relax whilst in Malmo?
 
David: Pozdravljeni, kakšno je kaj razpoloženje? Se čuti v mestu ta utrip Evrovizije in po vašem lastnem mnenju, kako daleč lahko sežete, je pesem med tamkašnjo publiko dobro sprejeta?! Lp. veliko sreče in gremo v finale. ;)
 
Hannah Mancini: Zagotovo sem zelo uživala do zdaj in upam, da bom še naprej. Malo manj je bilo časa za sproščanje.
 
Senna-Maze: Hannah se tudi vam zdi, da evrosong vse bolj postaja podoben politični kuhinji? Opaziti je namreč možno, da ne zmaga vedno najboljša pesem , ampak tista, ki je pripravljena vložiti največ denarja. 

Hannah Mancini: Evrovizijska vročica je še kako prisotna, saj je Malmö precej malo mesto. Je pa res, da naša pesem ni morda narejena za vse evrovizijske oboževalce, toda je naša - in to je najbolj pomembno, da predstaviš pesem, za katero stojiš.
Hannah Mancini: Evrovizija je polna presenečenj. :)
 
mikyca: Hannah, pozdravljena! Katere pesmi pa so Vam osebno najbolj všeč? Želimo Vam odličen šov danes in držimo pesti :)
 
smiley: Kdo je tvoj favorit?
 
Hannah Mancini: Hvala. :) Res so mi zelo všeč Norveška, Črna gora in Francija.
 
HannahFansUK: Are there any plans for some remixes of "Straight Into Love"?
 
Hannah Mancini: Da, seveda. Imamo tri remikse, ki so že skoraj končani.
 
Stella T: Lepo pozdravljena, zanima me kako, kako to, da imajo plesalci na začetku šova maske? Želim ti veliko sreče in čudovit nastop danes. Držim pesti
 
Hannah Mancini: Menimo, da z njimi ustvarjajo dober učinek. Saj veste gre za nastop na odru. :)
 
moderator: Klepet se počasi končuje, saj ima Hannah zelo omejen čas. Sprejeli bomo še zadnja vprašanja.
dinao: Pozdravljena. Kateri je ključni atrubut s katerim menite, da boste vi in vaša ekipa prepričali gledalce.
 
Hannah Mancini: Mislim, da dober odrski nastop. Naš nastop je edini v prvem polfinalu, ki gradi na odrski dinamiki akterjev na odru in to daje dodatno vrednost našemu nastopu.
 
HanaMancinibejbi: CAw! Hannah, kaj si obetaš od sodelovanja na Evroviziji? Pa to ne mislim zgolj v okvitu tega festivala ampak bolj v smislu tvoje kariere? Ti bo Evrosong odpru pot na tuja tržišča, glede na to da je tvoj stil glasbe globalen?
 
Hannah Mancini: Ja, Evrovizija je čudovita priložnost, da se izvajalec predstavi. Evrovizija je enkratna priložnost, ki pride v življenju in ti omogoča, da predstaviš svoje delo - čeprav samo v 3 minutah - zelo širokemu občinstvu.
 
milkshake: who will be supporting you in malmo?
 
Hannah Mancini: Kar nekaj prijateljev je prišlo s Slovenije, ki bodo navijali za me. In upam, da boste tudi vi navijali zame.
 
Coco: Bo kaj razočaranja, če vam ne uspe priti v finale?
 
Hannah Mancini: Seveda. Veliko trdega dela je vloženega v to in veliko ljudi se je močno trudilo, da smo sestavili takšen nastop. Toda na koncu bo pomembna tudi izkušnja. Ampak upamo na najboljše!

Hannah and Maestro on stage in Malmo

ENGLISH-ISH TRANSLATION

EN2: Hi, Hannah! How are you today? Do you feel FINALy? :) How are your feelings about Yesterday, on the second rehearshal, When jury Voted? I wish you all the best, and see you in the Arena and sathurday! Go, girl! ;) 

Hannah Mancini: Hey, I feel good, but I confess that I felt a little nervous today. 

Peter: What are you feeling after yesterday's 2 rehearsal, if you compare with the rest of your semi-final?

 Hannah Mancini: I felt that there was a good energy, even though I was a bit nervous. Maestra dancers were excellent. It was really good energy on stage. 

Senna-Maze: Welcome Hannah! Considers both your song and choreography very much. I wonder how you are satisfied with the scenery, lights, effects on stage? Will you give anything to improve? 

Hannah Mancini: I like the colors in the background and the stage is remarkable and allows me and the dancers Maestra to really introduce energy that you feel the songs themselves. This is my whole point: that the people on stage do as much as is within their capabilities.

 Dalton: Hello. Čestiteke for a great song, voice and stature. Or stick to rumors that yesterday's performance at the rehearsal where the jury evaluated the performances did not go as expected?

 Norge10: Hannah, bravo! Yesterdays first dress rehearsal was excellent! Rumor Has It That second one with the juries did not go as well as ... How did you feel it? Nevertheless, we all wish you a great performance and vocal tonight. We believe in final for Australia till the last envelope! 

Hannah Mancini: Thank you very much. I prefekcionistka, so I think it would still be things went better. I am quite critical, but the energy that was necessary for the successful performance, it was there. 

smiley: Hi Hannah! Do you have any particular ritual for good luck before you go on stage. Good luck today! We cheer for the finale!

 Hannah Mancini: meditate, if possible (laughs). I'm trying to skoncentirati a show and that's all. 

EN2: Who, do you think, Will pass the final tonight? 

Hannah Mancini: Certainly Russia, Ukraine and Denmark. I think I could go through the Netherlands, because it represents Anouk. But Serbia. 

Mouse: 100% Did you like your outdoor outfit for the performance?HanaMancinibejbi: why do not you show legs on stage?

Hannah Mancini: Yeah, I like our outfits. I show my legs :) You just feel more comfortable in pants, because they also help join the dancers dance in the implementation of performance.

 esc: hannah, tonight put nerves aside. Sing to yourself, have fun and enjoy the limelight! I nevertheless wonder about what razmišjlate the last 10 seconds when the background turns movie presentation? 

Hannah Mancini: We all gathered in a circle and share their good wishes, then we'll fly to the stage (laughs). 

HannahFansUK: Have you had much time to have fun and relax whilst and Malmo?

 David: Hi, what is the mood of what? Be felt in the pulse Contest and in your own opinion, how far you can reach into, the song during tamkašnjo audience well received?! Lp. Good luck and go to the finals. ;) 

Hannah Mancini: I must have really enjoyed so far and I hope to continue. It was a little less time for relaxation.

 Senna-Maze: Hannah also you seem to Eurosong becoming increasingly similar political kitchen? It is significant potential that is not always the best victory song, but one that is willing to invest the most money.
 
Hannah Mancini: Eurovision fever is very much present, as it is quite a bit of Malmö city. It is true that our song is perhaps made for all Eurovision fans, but it is our - and this is most important to present yourself a song for which you stand.Hannah Mancini: Eurovision Song Contest is full of surprises. :)

 mikyca: Hannah, hello! What song are you personally like best? We wish you a good show today and keep our fingers crossed :)Smiley: Who is your favorite? 

Hannah Mancini: Thank you. :) It is true that I love Norway, Montenegro and France. 

HannahFansUK: Are there Any plans for some remixes of "Straight Into Love"?
 
Hannah Mancini: Yes, of course. We have three remixes that are almost completed. 

Stella T: Hello and welcome, I wonder how, how is it that the dancers at the beginning of the show masks? I wish you good luck and great performance today. I keep fingers crossed

 Hannah Mancini: We believe that they produce a good effect. You know it is a performance on stage. :) 

moderator: Chat is coming to an end, as Hannah has a very limited time. We will take one last question.dinao: Hello. What is the key atrubut which you think that you and your team to convince the viewers.
 
Hannah Mancini: I think a good stage presence. Our performance is only in the first semi-final, which builds on the dynamic stage actors on stage and this gives an additional value to our appearance. 

HanaMancinibejbi: CAW! Hannah, what do you obetaš of cooperation in the Eurovision Song Contest? This does not mean merely the okvitu this festival but more in terms of your career? You will Eurosong odpru way to foreign markets, given that your style of music globally?

 Hannah Mancini: Yes, a movie is a wonderful opportunity to present the contractor. Eurovision is a unique opportunity that comes in your life and allows you to introduce yourself your work - even though only 3 minutes - a very wide audience.

 milkshake: Who will you be Supporting and Malmo?

 Hannah Mancini: Quite a few friends came from Slovenia, who will be cheering for me. And I hope that you will also be rooting for me. 

Coco: What Will the disappointment if you do not make it to the finals? 

Hannah Mancini: Of course. A lot of hard work put into this and a lot of people have been working hard to compose such an approach. But in the end the important experience. But hope for the best!

UK throws it's Eurovision oar in for 2013

Okay, so, here is the United Kingdom's entry for the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest. It's called "Believe in Me" and it's by Bonnie Tyler - yes her off the 80s classics "Total Eclipse of the Heart"/ "Holding Out for a Hero". Not, as reported by the ever happy to dish up whatever misheard rumours they can Daily Fail suggested earlier in the week, Bonnie Langford!

For the second year in a row the BBC have selected the artist and song representing the UK. The majority of countries in Europe hold some sort of event to select their entries, ranging from the bigger-than-Eurovision-itself Melodifestivalen in Sweden to the bizarre vote-for-whoever-cos-we'll-change-it-if-we-want Belarus. The BBC had a go with that, but followed up the magnificent Jade Ewen (singing Andrew Lloyd Webber's "My Time" - watch the YouTube clip at 1:06 for the amazing violin bashing she gets) with the letdown of Josh Dubovie ("That Sounds Good To..." well no-one really), and so went on the pre-selection scavenge therafter, with the mixed results of boyband Blue and last year's Englebert Humperdink.

And herein lies our first problem. Bonnie is not a bad singer or artist, but she doesn't feel particularly current; her last non-compilation album release was in 2005. But she is releasing one this year, and so because the UK populace and BBC still see Eurovision as a bit of a joke, she gains publicity without risking losing anything. If only we had the balls to send our greatest acts like Russia or Sweden do, we might do a bit better... but that's a debate for someone else.

Let's take a look at the video shall we?

00:02 - Ok, so it's gonna be a ballad
00:08 - Is this an IKEA showroom?
00:15 - Nice quasi-rhyming! "And you laugh at thought of putting your faith in stuff... like love"
00:30 - Still no face-on shot and lots of cameras poking round corners - but it's already clear that she's had more than just a good make-up artist.
00:50 - And the chorus hits - I am already doing the "fist-grab" move like a backing singer
01:10 - I am liking these lyrics: "The way I speak the truth; I'll never lie to you"
01:34 - Now I get why no head-on shots; dead behind the eyes
01:40 - God this beach is depressing
01:51 - Hands in the air moment - I can already hear the G-A-Y remix kicking in at this point
02:01 - Those lip fillers are weird right?
02:16 - She actually looks a little drunk now as hit a middle 8 section
02:25 - Suddenly lots of cuts, either she fell over or we're building to that chorus...
02:30 - And here we are. I'm singing along... "Believe in Meeeeeeeeee-yeah-eh"...
02:40 - ...*eyes closed, fist-grab aplenty, wind machine* "The way I speak the truth; I'll never lie to you"
02:56 - Oh its over, was waiting for a bigger finish.

Well, that 3 minutes went quicker than I thought. Initial impressions - quite cute but probably not a show stopper... or a winner. But now I think about it, perhaps it will do better than it seems - a lot of entries this year are uptempo, dance-music infused given Loreen's Euphoria last year. If Bonnie is scheduled in between some of those, they annihilate the audience with some killer staging, and her croaky voice does that powerful-yet-vulnerable thing, this might translate well.

I'm gonna listen again now...

"Believe in Meeeeeeeeeeeeee, yeah-hee-yeah-eh"

I'm sold.

See you in Malmo Bonnie!

An Open Letter to Yodel

I thought I would share this with you, given the difficulty I have had contacted Yodel regarding it. Feel free to share, I for one would be happy for market forces to see Yodel's business redistributed to some other players in the delivery market.

http://www.yodel.co.uk/

Dear Very:

 

I wanted to write to you to tell you about my experience with your chosen delivery partner, Yodel.

My previous experience with Yodel has not been positive. The first delivery I had from them (from a purchase at BigGreenSmile) was not delivered on the day paid for, and nor was a card left. No email or SMS had been sent, so there was no actual way to track my delivery, nor a contact that was able to do this. Eventually I contacted the original company, whom had had the parcel delivered back to them, and we rearranged delivery with a different company.

The last Yodel delivery I had, from a clothing retailer, resulted in my purchase being left in a "safe place". This happened to be a recycling bin, which is perhaps not a terrible idea, except that it was my neighbour's bin, and the delivery on the day before our bins are collected. Needless to say I am lucky that my neighbour is observant, for yet again, no card was left. The Yodel website and contact centre could only inform me that the parcel had "been delivered", but not to where.

And so perhaps you can understand that my heart sank when I confirmed my order with you and saw that Yodel would be responsible delivering my new Sony Xperia T phone. I decided to try and have an open mind, but my previous experience was to be repeated.

I had paid for delivery between 0700-1200 on Very.co.uk (a slightly more expensive option). I was already suspicious from the day before, when I received an SMS and email from Yodel, inviting me to change the delivery date, but brushed this off as a technical issue (after all, I had paid extra for "next day" delivery).

I was duly awake and ready from 0645, but as midday approached, I realised that my delivery was not coming. I gave an hour or so's grace, then called you at Very, where you were very pleasant, but regretfully unable to help. You too, could see that my parcel had been loaded onto a van at 0949. I contacted Yodel, who's automated system informed me it might be 2100 before my parcel arrived. I remained at home until that time, but no delivery came. It was interesting then to note that delivery had apparently been attempted at 1019. There is no polite way to say this, but either Yodel is lying, or they did not attempt to deliver to the right address; neither of which is acceptable.

The Yodel tracking itself was not updated until later in the evening, a fact of which I am aware as I was unable to rearrange delivery until the next day. I contacted Yodel and expressed my dissatisfaction, but they were unable to do much more as the parcel was again on the van. They stated they would inform the local centre that my parcel was not to be left in a "safe place" (i.e. a bin) and that I would collect directly from the warehouse the following day. I noted that no card had been left by the supposed delivery agent (Do Yodel drivers even carry cards I wonder? - I have yet to see one)

When I returned home that evening, it was with some surprise to see that a parcel had been posted through my letterbox, containing my new phone. Although I was pleased to have received my purchase, I note the Yodel tracking website states "Parcel delivered - with signature 7130_MIDN_02" at 1414. As there was no-one in at that time, I am fascinated to whom this signature belongs to. Perhaps more amusing is the fact that my parcel was somehow delivered through that convenient medium, my letterbox, which had not been possible the day before, despite the added convenience of my presence for 14 hours.

I could perhaps add some questions about the appropriateness of shoving a £300 phone through a letterbox without a signature, but I suppose if I were vindictive enough it would be easy for me to claim I had never received the phone, given the lack of evidence it has taken place.

I think that the essence of what I am describing is that Yodel clearly did not bother to deliver the parcel when they had been contracted by you at Very.co.uk to do so. Delivery on Tuesday was perhaps inconvenient, so they left it for a day. I'm an amiable person but I would have preferred a more honest approach.

For me it is third time unlucky, and I am not prepared to go through this ridiculous rigmarole on further occasions. I would urge you at Very to seriously consider your choice of delivery agent. For me personally, no offer or incentive would persuade me to purchase from you again if Yodel were to be entrusted with a task that they have repeatedly demonstrated to me they are incapable of doing.

As a personal customer, I seriously doubt anyone at Yodel could care less about my custom, but I suspect they might care about yours.

I would be grateful for a refund of the delivery charge I paid, which I sincerely hope you claim back from Yodel, as I think I have given enough detail to understand just how much the delivery service failed on this occasion. I'd also been keen to hear your feedback about this delivery from Yodel.

Thanks for your time.

Seb

 

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "donotreply@sms.yodel.co.uk"
To: SEB Sent: Tuesday, 5 March 2013, 20:19
Subject: From Very

From Very - Sorry we missed you! We have just attempted to deliver your parcel for your order reference Very but unfortunately we missed you. A Calling Card was left by the Yodel driver but to speed up redelivery you can go to the re-delivery booking website at www.myyodel.co.uk  If you enter the parcel ref, your home postcode you will be able to choose a new day for delivery. Thank you.