Toadfish Monastery

Open Water => Miscellaneous Discussion => Topic started by: Griffin NoName on May 14, 2011, 09:58:49 PM

Title: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Griffin NoName on May 14, 2011, 09:58:49 PM
I don't watch this, honest, I just had the TV on sort of by mistake. Actually Jedwood might be worth a look (listen?) (Ireland). Might have been. I missed them.

However, I started wondering how any country got through the semi-finals, as one would.

Looking at the main web page does not help. They list two lots of semi-finals but not all countries are listed as taking part in the semis. Why is this? Do some countries not have to take part in the semis? The lists are not winners of semis so they must be countries taking part, except they aren't that either. What are the lists under semis?

http://www.eurovision.tv/page/dusseldorf-2011
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Sibling Zono (anon1mat0) on May 14, 2011, 11:48:39 PM
Perhaps related to the population/potential contestants of the country?
---
Having the TV on while they show the stuff sounds like an accident, a big one like a plane crash or the sinking of a cruise ship, or American idol. Not the kind of thing I would like to witness to tell the truth.
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Aggie on May 15, 2011, 05:29:52 AM
Quote from: Griffin NoName on May 14, 2011, 09:58:49 PM
I don't watch this, honest, I just had the TV on sort of by mistake. Actually Jedwood might be worth a look (listen?) (Ireland). Might have been. I missed them.

From what I have heard, I like the farting turkey better. ;)
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Swatopluk on May 15, 2011, 08:34:02 AM
Not in possession of a TV set, so I could easily resist the temptation.
Just heard in the radio news that Aserbaijan won and Germany reached rank 10 (I had expected 5).
To be honest, I would have thought Aserbaijan to be Asian already (directly behind the border to Europe).
I have to look it up (Israel has participated too in the past and is definitely not geographically part of Europe).
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Griffin NoName on May 16, 2011, 12:19:19 AM
Quote from: Sibling Zono (anon1mat0) on May 14, 2011, 11:48:39 PM
Having the TV on while they show the stuff sounds like an accident, ..........

Believe me, it sounded like an accident. I could hear no reason for any voting at all, let alone broadcasting.
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Griffin NoName on May 12, 2012, 12:02:56 AM
Quote from: Griffin NoName on May 14, 2011, 09:58:49 PM
I don't watch this, honest, I just had the TV on sort of by mistake.


Oooops. It's sort of happened again. This time I was watching Graham Norton...............

in case you don't know Graham Norton..........   watch, it's funny.....

[youtube=425,350]kRSdjZcXKow[/youtube]

so, back to the EU song contest.......... I was watching Graham Norton tonight and unfortunately the singer was Englebert Humperdink with this year's entry.....................

[youtube=425,350]pFNv9pjqZkk[/youtube]

..............probably not a winner......................  though it does pick up a  bit towards the end, if you don't mind some shouting.

Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: pieces o nine on May 12, 2012, 02:41:13 AM
Graham Norton: one of the best things about BBCAmerica.    :)
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Bob in a quantum-state-of-faith on May 12, 2012, 03:45:09 AM
*sigh*

Robin Williams is always a treat to watch--especially if he's given a free-reign to just run with it...
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Roland Deschain on May 13, 2012, 02:47:32 PM
I'm glad Engelbert Humperdink is our entry this year. I think this will be one of the best entries since Finland fielded Lordi a few years ago, although Rambo Amadeus from Montenegro is different. And yes I do watch the final each year. For the lulz, mind you. ;)

Saying this, i'm liking Iceland's entry. I love Eurovision, and i'm not ashamed to say that! :mrgreen:

http://www.eurovision.tv/page/baku-2012/about/shows/participants

Graham Norton and Robin Williams are both great comedians. I'm glad Graham has a following in the US.
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Swatopluk on May 13, 2012, 03:36:21 PM
Quote from: Roland Deschain on May 13, 2012, 02:47:32 PM
Saying this, i'm liking Iceland's entry. I love Eurovision, and i'm not ashamed to say that! :mrgreen:

Nice indeed but they should have stuck with their own language. The tune shows Icelandic colour, although it has been trimmed for international consumption. To sing it in English shifts it even further  away from originality.
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Griffin NoName on May 13, 2012, 04:43:56 PM
Quote from: Roland Deschain on May 13, 2012, 02:47:32 PM
I love Eurovision, and i'm not ashamed to say that! :mrgreen:

Oh well, Toadfish have to be tolerant :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: pieces o nine on May 13, 2012, 07:50:52 PM
Not related to Eurovision, but a question for the Yurpeons regarding Graham Norton:
is there some back story to the ranks of nekkid Barbie dolls and robots rising up from the digital waters at the start of each show?
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Griffin NoName on May 13, 2012, 11:46:06 PM
Probably, but I don't know. Anyone?
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Roland Deschain on May 14, 2012, 04:21:32 PM
Quote from: pieces o nine on May 13, 2012, 07:50:52 PM
Not related to Eurovision, but a question for the Yurpeons regarding Graham Norton:
is there some back story to the ranks of nekkid Barbie dolls and robots rising up from the digital waters at the start of each show?
He used to have an army of Barbie dolls in the studio, but they were removed. This is what i've found:-

Barbie removed (http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/reality/eurovision/interviews/graham-norton-talks-barbie-dolls-and-gaudy-suits/7012)

I believe they were there originally to be provocative and different, although if there is another reason for it, I cannot find one. That's Graham Norton all over.
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: pieces o nine on May 14, 2012, 09:03:44 PM
^ that explains it well enough.
I am surprised that people still attempt the red chair without proper coaching.   :)
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Bob in a quantum-state-of-faith on May 22, 2012, 05:07:48 AM
Norton is a hoot to watch, I'll agree.  Nothing is sacred on his show, something I can agree with.

:D
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Griffin NoName on May 23, 2012, 12:53:53 AM
The Telegraph:

"Iran recalls Azerbaijan ambassador over Eurovision 'gay parade'

Iran has recalled its ambassador to Azerbaijan after accusing its neighbour of planning a "gay parade" for Saturday's Eurovision Song Contest. "

Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Roland Deschain on May 23, 2012, 02:38:14 PM
Quote from: Griffin NoName on May 23, 2012, 12:53:53 AM
The Telegraph:

"Iran recalls Azerbaijan ambassador over Eurovision 'gay parade'

Iran has recalled its ambassador to Azerbaijan after accusing its neighbour of planning a "gay parade" for Saturday's Eurovision Song Contest."
:bees:

I'm surprised at Azerbaijan having a gay parade, given its other human rights abuses. Maybe this is the start of change in the region. Eurovision has certainly changed other countries, so it can do so here. Good on Azerbaijan!
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Griffin NoName on May 23, 2012, 05:38:40 PM
Eurovision's statutes demand it is a-political. Everything that is happenning around this one appears very political to me. I saw an official representative interviewed and she kept ducking the question.
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Griffin NoName on May 27, 2012, 04:16:33 PM
Double Post..

Why do countries vote for their "friend" countries? Is it due to similar tastes in music, or more likely political. Whatever, it really annoys me.

Why do all the songs sound the same to me?
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Swatopluk on May 27, 2012, 04:29:58 PM
Quote from: Griffin NoName on May 27, 2012, 04:16:33 PM
Why do all the songs sound the same to me?

You oscillate in resonance, so the Doppler effect turns them all into a'. :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Roland Deschain on May 27, 2012, 11:34:28 PM
Quote from: Swatopluk on May 27, 2012, 04:29:58 PM
Quote from: Griffin NoName on May 27, 2012, 04:16:33 PM
Why do all the songs sound the same to me?

You oscillate in resonance, so the Doppler effect turns them all into a'. :mrgreen:
;D

Eurovision has always been about political voting. If you remember the days of Terry Wogan, as he slowly became more...drunk (to be polite), he'd comment on it. I suppose that's part of the appeal, although sometimes some truly strange and wonderful things happen, such as when Lordi won it several years ago (that was the best Eurovision ever, drinking beer, watching the show, and chatting about it in SWG).

I've introduced a few people to it over the years, specifically foreigners, the last being a South African flatmate last year. Am I evil? :mrgreen:
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Swatopluk on May 28, 2012, 12:31:47 AM
Eternal constants: Germans vote for Turks, Turks for Germans, and Austrians never for Germans.
Since voting for oneself is not allowed, the notorious problem in football/soccer is avoided (Turks and Germans cheer each other unless they play against each other. Then, at least for Turks, there is a huge conflict in loyalty).
Title: Re: Eurovision Song Contest
Post by: Darlica on May 28, 2012, 05:10:00 PM
Great heavens the whole circus is coming to Sweden next year... Lets hope it land in Göteborg or Malmö 'cause Stockholm Will have it's hands full with the Ice hockey world championships...  ::)

I must remember to plan at least a week of vacation in may next year. :)