#croatia won I don't care

[beigale-shtuchim]

JUSTICE FOR CROATIA.

[somnaboolist]

Ok you know what?

I am not gonna be depressed.

Because every year Eurovision gives me a bunch of artists I usually wouldn't find myself and they fill my soul for the rest of my life. Like how will I ever find Kaarija if there wasn't Eurovision? How would I know about two lovely lesbian Edgar Allan Poe stans? How would I fall in love with witchy cult from Czechia? Obviously I know about Let 3 because I'm from Croatia but how would you, citizens of the world find your communist grandpas in drag if not on Eurovision?

So I just literally don't care generic pop song won, there are artists who won my heart this week.

[butchscientist]

They might night care about the boycott if they do good numbers regardless. The bottom line is what they care.

let's say for the sake of this argument that if people who have been boycotting continue to do so and do not vote, Israel is guaranteed to win (i'm also not going to get into the fact that the jury counts for 50% of the results anyways). people organize a mass voting campaign where people vote for Croatia and Israel, who would have otherwise won, ends up in second place. or maybe it gets distributed across a few different countries and Israel ends up somewhere else in the top 10. that's still a fucking win for Israel! simply being included in the competition is in itself a huge win for them. the EBC's message is that "a bunch of people still voted and we had a fair and wholesome competition".

or, alternatively, there is a successful boycott where people do not vote or watch the competition leading to a clear decrease in voting & viewership. Israel wins, yes, and I'm sure Eden Golan and the Israeli broadcasting corporation think that's neat, but it's not really the most satisfying win. the EBC & its members now have to deal with the fact that a) televoting and viewership are embarrassingly low, b) ESC2025 is now set to be held in Israel and considering the anger at their mere participation, they would absolutely have to expect major protests & even more pressure not to participate, and c) that would harm the ESC's reputation even further and almost certainly amplify argument about the competition being biased (I will not be entertaining any antisemitic arguments about Jewish people controlling the media, but there's also always accusations of politics influencing Eurovision winners and the competition being biased and I really don't have any opinion on that).

tl;dr here is that Israel simply being allowed to participate is already a huge win for Israeli propaganda, and placing high but not first is another huge win and honestly i'm not convinced Israel placing 2nd (or anywhere in the top 10) would be any worse than winning from an Israeli propaganda perspective. the point of no return in that aspect has been reached, now we need to show that allowing Israel to participate has markedly damaged the competition's reputation and success.

[the-chibi-sempai]

okay I know it might sound strange but boycotting eurovision by not watching at this point just rigs the scales even more so in israel's favour. kinda like saying you're not going to vote in the elections and then be surprised that the shitty candidate won, because the supporters of the shitty candidate in question will always vote.

instead, you can watch as you do, and turn of your screen/browser when israel is on stage, and if you can vote (because ppl who don't care will vote for israel), some good choices (and absolute bangers) are Croatia (currently on the lead in betting sites and according to wiwibloggs), Ireland (Bambie Thug is nonbinary, a trans rights advocate, and talked about being ordered by the ebu to change their makeup for the ceasefire message included) and Greece (Marina Satti has received a lot of negative comments, both in media and social media due to the post-semifinal press conference. because she was yawning - she was on stage while sick, and also made a comment that can be considered a jab at israel's actions).

like, obviously, I can't tell you what to do, but it feels more impactful to see a sudden drop in viewers during any given program than a steady one, and eurovision is watched by millions of people. that's all I guess, regardless what you do tonight, I hope you have a good time.

[tara-in-our-hearts]

Eurovision final 2024

Croatia was my favorite and I wanted them to win so badly, and it got the most votes from the public. I'm disappointed they came second, but on the other hand I did like Switzerland too and it's pretty cool that they are the first non-binary winner. I didn't expect juries to like a song about gender identity, but maybe I overestimated their conservativeness? Seeing countries like Azerbaijan, Georgia, Albania and Ukraine where LGBTQ people have few rights, give 12 points to Switzerland gives me hope for a better future.

And most importantly, Israel didn't win, which would probably have caused uproar and countries pulling out of the contest. I was scared there for a bit that Israel would win after hearing they won 40% of the people's vote in Italy in the semi final.

This year was such a shitshow and while politics have always been a part of the competition now they overshadowed everything. I really felt for the poor Swedes having to deal with this mess. But Switzerland winning is a good ending and I hope that the contest will be back to normal again eventually. I also hope EBU learned something from their mistakes this year.

Just from my personal, selfish perspective it has been a bit sad that I wasn't able to be very open about watching the competition this year or even talk about it. Usually I do talk about it a lot! Eurovision is the best thing that happens in the spring and I don't think watching means supporting the Israeli government. We were 5 friends who watched it from one unit this year, so I don't think that made a significant difference. We abstained from voting. And I donate to NGO:s who work to save lives in Gaza too, I do care about the horrible things that happen there even if I watch Eurovision. Ceasefire now, please.

[irkimatsu]

It's been a mess, but despite everything, I'm glad I watched the Contest this year.

The EBU still aren't off the hook. Letting Israel compete was a disaster from the start, and their ideas of "neutral" turned more into "which country isn't part of our organization and therefore we don't have to care about them", which sucked more and more balls the further into things we got. I've also been hearing rumors swirling about the Israeli delegation being a bunch of pricks just looking for a fight, and I don't know how much of that is rumors, but I feel like they wouldn't have been so bold if the EBU wasn't so clearly taking sides beneath their fence sitting. I'm desperately hoping that someone learns from all this fuckery and does better next year. And that's not even touching what happened to Joost - if I'm interpreting what happened there correctly, disqualifying him was bullshit. If someone asks you to please get the camera out of his face because he's been followed by the media for a week and would like five fucking minutes to himself thank you very much, you respect his wishes. There were 15 other acts for that camerawoman to go bother. I'm still not clear what the "aggressive gesture" was, but if it really was just something like him shoving the camera out of his face, that's self-defense, leave him alone. Really wish I could have seen him in the final, but alas, this year just had to throw in one final clusterfuck.

Seeing Israel on top after that ridiculous televote, even if only for a moment, also sickened me. That song was not worth 300 points. I sincerely doubt all of those those votes were for the song. Eat shit.

But in the end, I got to see two non-binary acts competing and being their authentic selves, and most importantly, one of them won! I may have cried a little during Nemo's encore, I'm not going to lie. I may be developing a little bit of a crush. They're such a sweetheart and they deserved that win. I would have been happy for Croatia, too, of course! But from one genderfucked individual to another, I love to see it, and I can't help but feel that they're going to do good things with this win. Maybe they can give someone at the EBU the kick in the ass they need.

Overall, I'm glad the event went ahead as planned. At least it brought into the open some things that some people needed to hear. Now the EBU knows what happens when they continue to let Israel play, and it ain't pretty. If you want to play the non-political card, maybe hold the Israeli delegation to that same standard? Fucking hell.

Congrats to Nemo, though. <3

[huevokinder24]

All I can say is

1. ABOLISH THE JURY'S VOTE FOR FUCKS SAKE THEY'RE JUST A BUNCH OF TASTELESS CUNTS

2. Finland, Austria and Croatia you guys deserved so much better. ESPECIALLY FINLAND YOU WON THE PUBLIC VOTE YOU ARE THE REAL WINNER I DON'T CARE WHAT ANYBODY ELSE SAYS

3. Germany, I'm so sorry. You actually slayed this year.

4. Loreen was voted not because her song was the best but because she's loreen and that's the tea.

5. I can't believe the hypocrisy of the countries going "we stand with you Ukraine 🥺✊" AND THEN THEY VOTE ISRAEL WHAT THE FUCK ISRAEL SHOULD BE BANNED FROM THE COMPETITION TOO

[thommi-tomate]

Interview with Wout Weghorst pt 2

By: TSG Hoffenheim

You played for the Netherlands at the World Cup last year. Was that perhaps the biggest dream that has come true for you?

That was the absolute highlight, yes. It was crazy. In particular the quarter-final against Argentina, even though we lost on a penalty shootout. I wasn't even aware of a lot of it, it was only when I saw the pictures that I realised what had happened. I came on when we were 2-0 down, but everything worked out for me. It was like a frenzy

You mentioned the game against Argentina: you scored two goals and also scored in the penalty shootout, but you were still eliminated. Do you still look back on that game with pride or is disappointment the prevailing feeling?

I've learned to appreciate moments like that. But of course you still think about it. If we had won, the semi-final would have been against Croatia; we would've had a chance there too. The question mark remains about what would have been possible for us if we had survived the penalty shoot-out. But in the end, pride prevailed. When I went to bed afterwards, I knew immediately that this was a very special game for me. I couldn't sleep for two or three nights

But the game is also always associated with your conflict with Lionel Messi. Do you think that's a shame?

No. I was just the way I am. And I don't care whom I'm facing on the pitch. I came on, quickly scored to make it 2-1 and then deliberately sought contact with Messi in a challenge. I wanted to apologise and lift him up, but he didn't take my hand. Then it got out of hand. But it's no longer an issue for me. I see it as a compliment that such a great player was upset with me, I earned that on the pitch through my performance. But I've always been respectful. I don't know what I should have done differently

Messi called you "bobo" in an interview, which can be translated as idiot or fool. Did that hurt you?

Absolutely not. When I joined Manchester United, I met Lisandro Martinez, who also won the World Cup with Argentina. In the first training session I noticed straightaway that there was still a certain level of tension; then I called him "bobo" once and the ice was broken. From then onwards, the boys in Manchester always called me "bobo" and then it became a big thing. (laughs)

Are you someone who sometimes causes trouble?

That's hard for me to judge. I'm just me. I am extreme in everything I do. Not only as a footballer; I do everything with pure passion and try to do my best. You do learn of course and as you get older, you also become a bit calmer. But all in all, I don't worry too much. That's not always beneficial either, but I've never done anything to please anyone. Everything I do, I do out of full conviction. Whether it's on the pitch or at home with my family

You have three daughters, so you're at home with four women. Is that sometimes demanding?

I don't feel under any strain at all, it's super. I had a lot of dreams as far as football is concerned, whether it was the Premier League or the World Cup. For my private life, I always had one dream: lots of children, preferably four girls. Now there are three, let's see if there can be one more. (laughs)

Has starting a family changed you?

I became a father for the first time when I was 25; that really changed a lot. You see a lot of things from a different perspective. Until that point it was just football, 24 hours a day. I gave everything for it every day and put everything else on the backburner. When my first daughter was born, a lot of things changed. I still have the same ambitions and the same desire on the pitch, but I'm really different on a personal level too. My family is very important to me, they have always accompanied me, even through all the transfers

You now live with your family in Germany again. How does it feel to be playing in the Bundesliga again after one and a half years?

The Bundesliga was a league that suited me well back then. But I always dreamt of playing in the Premier League; that's why I moved at the time. Thanks to TSG, the opportunity arose to come back to Germany this summer. I've always felt at home in Germany and been held in high regard. That's why I had a good feeling about playing in the Bundesliga again right from the beginning

The past year and a half has been very turbulent. You played for Burnley, Besiktas and Manchester United. What have you taken away from that time?

Despite all the transfers, it was a super experience. I became even more mature and developed not only as a player but also as a person. At Burnley, I played in the Premier League for the first time and fulfilled my dream. In Istanbul, I experienced a passion from the fans that you can't compare to anything else. And then came Manchester United and my chance to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world. I made a lot of appearances there, so that was another childhood dream that came true

How do you look back on your six months in Manchester?

I went there after the World Cup; it all happened very quickly. I played many games from the start; we won many matches and also the League Cup. But in the end – and I have to admit this to myself – I didn't score enough goals. As a United striker, you are judged by that. There's no need to sugarcoat it, two goals in 31 games is not enough. But that didn't lessen the appreciation from the United fans, because they realised that I always gave 100%. That's why it was a wonderful time

But you still scored a goal at Old Trafford, against Real Betis in the Europa League. Take us into your emotional world after that moment.

I said in my first interview that I could hardly wait to score my first goal. It normally happens faster for me, but I had to wait a few weeks. But after the goal against Betis, all the emotions came out of me; it was a very special moment for me. It was to remain my only goal at Old Trafford. That makes it special in retrospect

[delphiis]

✨My opinion on the ESC songs this year ✨

(before rehearsals and stuff)

Albania: I've seen many people ranking it low but I actually like it. By far not my fav but it's still good imo.

Armenia: I really like this one, added it to my playlist. And her live vocals are good, so that's nice.

Australia: Not my cup of tea tbh.

Austria: This song absolutely slaps, I love it. One of my favs this year

Azerbaijan: Also not my cup of tea but I still think it's a good song.

Belgium: At first, I wasn't a big fan but after listening to it from time to time I like it better.

Croatia: This one I really love. It's peak ESC. I wouldn't listen to it in my free time, but for esc it's perfect.

Cyprus: I kinda forget about that song most of the time. I mean it's good and stuff, but easy to forget, for me at least haha.

Czechia: Also one of my favs this year! Been listening to it since they won national selection. Sadly their staging and live vocals weren't that good at the pre parties but I'm hoping they'll improve.

Denmark: Not a fan of this style of song to be honest.

Estonia: It's a good song but not something I would listen to after ESC.

Finland: That is my favourite this year! I love this song so much and Käärijä is also such a sweetheart. It's crazy, it's party.

France: Probably an unpopular opinion but I liked their entry last year more. Song still slays.

Georgia: The lyrics don't really make sense but she can sing live, so that's a plus!

Germany: What can I say? I don't have to be ashamed of our song this year. Finally. I really hope they'll do good with the televote to show the old boring German boomers they were the right decision.

Greece: Even more forgettable than Cyprus for me.

Iceland: She should have stuck with the Icelandic version imo. Would have liked that a lot more.

Ireland: Boring, I'm sorry.

Isreal: I don't really get the hype? There is so much going on, idk.

Italy: I'm a sucker for the Italian language and the Italian entries the last few years so I'm a fan.

Latvia: A really good song. I hope they'll do well.

Lithuania: No, not a fan, although I like the ending.

Malta: I don't know what to think of it. Sometimes I like it, sometimes I absolutely can't stand it haha.

Moldova: I love Pasha and I love this song. Moldova absolutely delivered and I hope he does well.

Netherlands: You can hear the influence Duncan had on it. It's okay.

Norway: I liked Jone a lot more but I think Alessandra was the best pick for Norway to get high in the rankings. The song is very catchy. Personally I've heard the song too much on TikTok already.

Poland: No.

Portugal: At first, I didn't really care for it but with each listen I like it more.

Romania: Now that's a really unpopular opinion but I absolutely love this song. Theodor has an amazing voice for a 18 year old. Pls listen to his ESC medley, it's so good. I agree that the staging is bad but I heard he'll change it for the Semi, so I'm hoping people will see his potential.

San Marino: It's kinda catchy idk haha.

Serbia: The lyrics are very relatable lol. I'm not the biggest fan tho, still hope he does good, I love these kind of entries.

Slovenia: This one is sooo good. I was very sad when Slovenia didn't qualify last year for the final, so I'm hoping they'll do this year.

Spain: From what I've seen people either hate or love it, no in between. I love it.

Sweden: Sorry to all the Loreen stans but I have a problem with her: I don't understand what she's singing. It got better with Tattoo since Euphoria, but it's still so muffled to me .

Switzerland: Nah, don't like it.

Ukraine: I really like this one, especially the revamp with the Ukrainian parts in it.

UK: Too generic for me. But it did get stuck in my head so it did it's job haha.

Very excited for the upcoming weeks and how my view on some of the songs will change 👀

[totaldramafan-lauri]

My Top 11 Favorite Songs of Eurovision 2024

So, with less than a week left until Eurovision, I guess it's time for me to ramble about it! Uhhhh....th-this year's a bit different than normal, tho....Due to writing exhaustion (from a big project I've been working on), I'm not gonna be able to get my normal big ranking post done in time.....but, I DO still wanna talk about it, so....this is my compromise!

I'm gonna only be talking about eleven songs - my top seven big favorites and four borderline favorites - and why I love each one! As always, there are gonna be a few weird picks in here, cuz my taste is....well, odd, when it comes to which songs I get attached to....but, at the very least, my number one is a potential winner, so I-I think that balances out my unconventional choices down the list, heh.....

Th-things SHOULD be back to normal next year....cuz, trust me, I am NEVER gonna tackle something like this, during this time of year, ever again....I-I should be excited, but instead my mind is just....picking me apart for DARING to take a break from writing, and it kinda cuts into the hype a bit....Wh-which isn't Eurovision's fault, it's mine. This is what happens when you work on something for months on end....even if you KNOW you need a break, you feel guilty for it...blegh...

But....anyway....screw my brain, time to talk about songs that make me happy!

WORTH NOTING: Even if a song isn't listed here, it doesn't mean I don't like it. I actually like nearly every single song this year. There are three I'm indifferent to (Greece, Malta, France), and one I refuse to listen to, but none that I outright dislike of the ones I've heard. These eleven are just my favorites.

1. Croatia - "Rim Tim Tagi Dim" by Baby Lasagna

Eeyup, still obsessed! This is probably my fav Eurovision entry of the entire 2020s so far (which, when grouped together with "Jezebel", "Promise", and "Cha Cha Cha", REALLY makes me wonder what it is about rock entries and me this decade, geez-). I-I'm not saying this is a masterpiece or anything. It's not high art (vote for Switzerland if you want a unique, artsy winner), it's just a REALLY REALLY catchy, and REALLY REALLY fun, punchy rock song, and that's all I need it to be to love it. Seriously, every single part of this song is addictive to me. The repeated "rim tim tagi digi" is infectious, the lyrics are quotable and fun to sing along to, the "WHOOOOAAAA"s in the chorus especially....and I dunno if I can justify my love for it anymore! I just LOVE me a good energetic rock song with a memorable hook, and this is one of THE best I've ever heard...It's SO hard to keep outta my head.....I literally could not be happier that this song is getting so much attention! It deserves it! While I'm trying not to hype myself up TOO much in terms of winner potential (don't wanna jinx it, since not a single number one fav of mine has won in over a decade), but I'm crossing my fingers for Croatia's best result ever! At least third place, c'mooooooon! Meow back, Europe!! >.<

2. Belgium - "Before The Party's Over" by Mustii

I already made a post talking about all the things I love about this song, but...screw it, I'm HAPPY to repeat myself here. This song has just....the BEST buildup in- n-not just this year, but like, in the past few years! I can't remember the last song that built so perfectly (was it "Goodbye (Shelter)"? God, I miss 2016...)! The first two minutes set the stage for the last one perfectly, being atmospheric and dramatic, while slowly revealing more and more....things ramp up in the bridge, you feel like pumping your fists in the air, and then, finally....BAM, MAGIC HAPPENS!!! BEFORE THE PARTY IS OOOOOOVER! Look, I have seen a few people complain that the big ending of the song is repetitive, cuz...it's the same line eight times in a row, and I get it, but.....I literally don't mind. I'm too busy belting that line to care. This is everything I want in a dramatic ballad. I could NOT ask for more. That last minute still gives me goosebumps sometimes. Maybe if the rest of the song were a BIT better, this could've been challenging Croatia for number one, I'm dead serious.

3. San Marino - "11:11" by Megara

I've come to terms with the fact that this is probably just a me thing. I'm not gonna pretend like this isn't a no-hoper. It is, but.....DANG IT, I love this song wayyyyyy too flipping much for my own good! I'm sorryyyyyyy! I can't help it, I just...get so PUMPED UP listening to it! Yes, it's not as catchy as "Rim Tim Tagi Dim", but I can love both! And I will! I EASILY have room in my heart for two banger rock songs! Plus, this one is a lot....harder, I guess? With less of a focus on being catchy. It manages to stick out and leave an impression, with the big chorus, electronic elements, "M-E-L-A-P-E-L-A", and that FFFFFFLIPPING AWESOME BREAK with the flamenco instrumentation- again, WHY DOES THAT WORK SO WELL?? When it put it in words, it sounds like it shouldn't, but it's SOOOOOO COOL I CAN'T EVEN!!! Ugggghhhh, Spain, why'd you reject these guys? They're soooooo much better than what you actually ended up with! But....a-again, this is a me thing, so I can't get ahead of myself. It's a rock song in Eurovision, so of course I love it. No one else cares about this. It's fine. I'll be here in my corner shouting along in terrible Spanish in the semi, and cheering for it loud enough to make non-qualification sting less! >.<

4. Lithuania - "Luktelk" by Silvester Belt

This is a song that grabbed me from first listen. I knew it'd be in my top five immediately, and yet.....I-I honestly don't have much to actually SAY about it...? It's just a really, really, REALLY solid club song, and I tend to like those a lot. The only real things I can say about it is that.....1. I love that it's in Lithuanian, even tho that means I can't sing along, 2. The pre-choruses are catchy and I love them, and 3. The instrumental break is SO good! Oh, and I guess 4. I've been waiting SOOOO LONG to love a Lithuanian entry this much, so it feels really great to finally have one. They really outdid themselves here. And they already came eleventh last year! Hopefully this will build on that and give them their first top five placing....altho in a year this strong, I'm not sure if that's just wishful thinking.....That's all I have to say. I just love how this sounds.

5. Australia - "One Milkali (One Blood)" by Electric Fields

Not NEARLY as much of a no-hoper as San Marino, but this is my other major underdog of the year. Honestly, it took me a bit too long to understand just why I liked this song so much, when everyone else seemed to be indifferent to it. THEN I learned from a video that this song, along with this band's sound in general, counts as synthpop. And suddenly, EVERYTHING made sense to me. Seriously, I have no idea why it took me so long to realize that-! W-was it the didgeridoo? Was that distracting me? Hardly an excuse! XD But yeah, looks like this is another me thing, then. Synthpop (and synthwave) is my fav genre of music. I-I know I have a history of fangirling over rock songs in Eurovision, but....I-I AM generally an "everything goes" person in terms of songs I love, and Eurovision just tends to get rock right for me, but outside of Eurovision, a good chunk of what I listen to is synth stuff. It's something that I tend to love whenever it shows up. And this is certainly a very unique take on it, with the aboriginal flourishes, and the fascinating lyrics that.....a-again, no one else cares about but me, pffff. Also, that keyboard? Perfection. Chef's kiss. Congrats on being in my top five two years in a row, Australia. Here's hoping your staging is good, cuz I still believe you have a chance to prove everyone wrong...! >.<

6. Ukraine - "Teresa & Maria" by alyona alyona and Jerry Heil

I-I was originally gonna rank this song a bit lower, cuz...I do concede that it's a flawed song. There are things about it that I wish were better, and cuz of that, I thought it wouldn't be right to rank it this high, but....th-then it comes on again, and I can't help it....I just fall in love with the parts I like in it all over again. Those things I love are HARD for me to shake, so....I had to go with my gut. To explain, this is kinda like the polar opposite of Belgium's song. This song has an amazing beginning that gives me chills, but then peters out afterward. I REALLY wish it burst more at the end after the rap. Instead, it just kinda...chugs along, sounding a bit repetitive. That's a shame, but....DANG IT this song is still so, so gorgeous anyway! Of the "atmospheric" songs this year, this is EASILY the best one. The rap keeps it interesting and makes it stand out, but.....I'm not gonna lie, the main reason this song makes it this high for me IS that first 53 seconds. Is that a weird thing to praise your number six for? Maybe. But....gotta go with what feels right.

7. Finland - "No Rules!" by Windows95man

Soooo.....now that it's safe to call Finland my fav country in 2020s Eurovision, AND that I have no shame when it comes to praising the songs I love......Look, I'm not gonna apologize. Yes, this IS unironic enjoyment. Yes, I stopped caring about the hate for jokey entries a long time ago (after our lords and saviors, Subwoolfer, came tenth). They are but a minority. Their words don't hurt me. I don't even care what's wrong or right. It's how I live my life. In the end, Eurovision needs entries like this. However, I do understand why you'd prefer "Europapa" from the Netherlands. Most people seem to like that one more, but....I personally like this one more. (And it's not Finland bias. I'm TRYING not to develop Finland bias, I swear!) The soaring chorus, the great vocals, the delicious 90s nostalgia, "See if I care, see me slay", "Let's go! NO RULES!", the flipping key change....It's a song about not caring what others think, and it brings out that attitude in me too. It makes me smile and turn my brain off, shutting out the ridicule of others. Yeah, it's silly, but I'm allowed to love it. Altho I do apologize to the "Euro Neuro" guy for breaking his one rule...but now, there are NO RULES!

And here are my four borderline favorites:

8. Germany - "Always On The Run" by Isaak

Now....when I call San Marino or Australia underdogs, I do so because no one else seems to care about them. No one really hates them, it's just that Eurofans just generally dismiss and ignore them. When I call Finland underdogs, I mean that in the "divisive" way, in that, yes, there ARE plenty of fans of them, but also a lot of haters as well, enough to balance it out and feel like you HAVE to take a side. When I call Germany underdogs....I mean THAT in the most traditional sense. Germany are THE underdogs this year. Why? Because almost everyone HATES THEM for some reason! Or at least dislikes them in some way! And I DON'T! GET! IT! At all! Like....the way people talk about this song, they make it sound like this song is the type of boring that loops around into annoying and pisses you off, like...it's not just boring, but actively mediocre, like..."not even trying" levels of boring. They make it sound like this song is the new "Boys Do Cry", and.....then I listen to it, and.....I-I'm sorry, but what is everyone on about...? I....don't find this song boring? I even...like it! This is one of the songs I've listened to the most, believe it or not! I legit don't understand the hate! This is a GOOD SONG! It's not amazing or anything, but it's legit good! It's got a beat, a catchy chorus, he has a great voice, and....the bridge of this song is AWESOME! Maybe I'm just a sucker for the punchy percussive stuff ("Some Nights" by Fun comes to mind), and this is kinda the only song this year that scratches that particular itch for me, but....c'mon, the BRIDGE! Ugh! *sigh* Y-yeah, I don't get it.....This is one case where I feel really confused by a song's reception. I get it for Finland and San Marino, but....The fact that this song gets bashed on for being bland and "generic" while it sounds like nothing else this year baffles me. Whatever. Not the first time I've rooted for an unpopular German entry. Favorite auto-qualifier, that's all. Moving on.

9. Latvia - "Hollow" by Dons

Yet another underdog, but this one's a lot more understandable. It's a ballad. From Latvia. Of course no one's gonna pay attention. And I'm fully expecting this to not gain any traction, but....I dunno, I just....like it! This is the most I've enjoyed a song from Latvia since.....2016, I think (which was also the last time they qualified....*cough*)! And I don't really have a good reason for liking it, other than.....I like his voice, and I like the chorus. That's about it. I like me a big chorus that can get caught in my head at times. It's just a good melody. That's the main reason I like this song more than France's (unlike most people). It's got a melody that I can latch onto. That's what makes a ballad for me. It's gotta have more things of interest than just "listen to how good my voice is". Melody, lyrics, and buildup are all important to me...Sadly, this song doesn't build that much, but blegh, they weren't gonna beat Belgium in that category anyway. For what it is - a good yet standard ballad - I really like it.

10. Italy - "La Noia" by Angelina Mango

This song is a lot of fun, and the way the verses flow is really satisfying for some reason. I love how it changes things up. It doesn't stagnate at any point. The instrumentation is also really unique and cool, and her voice is pretty. The acapella part is just long enough to show off her voice without overstaying its welcome. Oh yeah, and it's catchy! Overall.....yeah, it's a good song, and a fan-favorite for a reason. I would personally love to see Croatia or Switzerland win, but I could easily see this winning due to its universal appeal. It's got stuff that both votes will enjoy....pretty much equally, I'd say! This year is SUUUUCH a close race, that I really do think this song has a real chance of being the next "Arcade" - a song that doesn't win either vote, but finishes in the top three of both, and that combined score causes a win. It could happen! And I wouldn't really complain, cuz....yeah, I think this song would be a worthy winner! (All three would be worthy winners, honestly. God this year's so tough to call)

11. Austria - "We Will Rave" by Kaleen

I didn't really think this song would end up ranking this high for a while, but on repeated listens, it ended up growing on me just....SO much! Once I stopped comparing it to Lithuania's song, I ended up liking it more. This song might be a bit dated, but coming from someone who likes Finland this year, I welcome that dated sound! As long as it's fun, right? And yeah, I've never been to a rave, but this song SOUNDS like a rave. Even I can tell that! The breaks are great, and the fact that this is literally a song about partying the pain away fits its energy so flipping well. Here's hoping for a fun dance break to go with it!

And finally, some brief honorable mentions:

-Norway. Was originally gonna go in 11th before changing my mind at the last second. I still really like this song. I think it's really cool! It's just stagnated a bit for me as I've been listening to other stuff! -Switzerland. I respect the heck outta this song for how it blends so many genres together and still sounds good. I also really love the lyrics, and how its about their personal journey of learning to accept their identity. I really do think this would be a great winner. I just, personally, have other songs I like more. -Cyprus. I have no real reason as to way I like this song so much, I just....do. I like how much of a punch it packs. This is probably the closest I have to a "guilty pleasure" this year. I do wish that we'd stop sending minors to Eurovision, tho....It's so much pressure...Yes, I know the minimum age is 16, and teenagers HAVE performed well before, but....I dunno, I think adults would perform better? But, eh, not my place... -Estonia. Really really fun and stuff. Makes me smile. The parts with the deep-voiced guy really stick out. That's about it. -Ireland. I respect this song more than I like it. I actually don't listen to it that often. The reason I'm giving it an honorable mention is cuz, despite that, I actually really really REALLY want this to qualify. This has more life and character than all Irish entries since Jedward. I know a lotta people are gonna hate this song for being jarring, but that's the reason why I'm shouting it out. It's a risk. And I want Ireland to be rewarded for taking that risk.

[lindsaywesker]

Good morning!  I hope you slept well and feel rested?  Currently sitting at my desk, in my study, attired only in my blue towelling robe, enjoying my first cuppa of the day. 

Welcome to Too Much Information Tuesday.

Lobsters taste with their feet.

Music helps keep your memories alive.

Intelligent men tend to be more faithful.

Ecstasy was patented in 1913 as a diet pill.

Cuddling before bed helps the brain to relax.

The average person swears 80-90 times a day.

Chubby girls in Japan are called 'marshmallows'.

A day in the life of a dinosaur was 23 hours long.

Some people will ignore you until they need you.

The left side of the face is slightly more expressive.

The phrase “I don’t give a f*ck” originated in the 1790s.

If you travel across Russia, you will cross seven time zones.

The poorest Americans are still richer than 80% of the world.

Casanova’s euphemism for condoms was ‘English riding coats’.

Sleep makes you more creative and makes your memories stronger.

Jackie Chan's mother was an opium smuggler and his father was a spy.

A study found that chocolate milk performs better than energy drinks.

Just because someone doesn’t react, it doesn’t mean they don’t notice.

Charlie Chaplin once won third prize in a Charlie Chaplin look-alike contest.

Eating bananas is a natural aid to reduce the effects of stress and anxiety.

Nearly 60% of terrorists graduated school with degrees in engineering.

The Samaritans set up a helpline to help fans deal with the breakup of Take That.

There are more phone calls placed on Mother's Day than any other day of the year.

‘V’ is the only letter that can’t be used to make an acceptable two-letter word in Scrabble.

Your body is the weakest during 3.00 a.m. – 4 a.m.  This is the time most people die in their sleep.

According to research, siblings may be more influential shapers of who we become than parents.

In Europe, countries led by queens have been more likely to go to war than countries led by kings.

Muphry’s Law is when you make a spelling or grammar mistake while trying to correct someone else's.

Research shows that some people may delay their deaths if it means their family pays less inheritance tax.

The unhappiest people in this world tend to be the people who care the most about what everyone else thinks.

Don't marry/get in a serious relationship with someone unless you'd be proud to have a child exactly like them.

Psychology says, friendship is not about who you spend the most time with, it’s about who you have the best time with.

Studies have shown that the average person believes he or she will live a longer and healthier life than the average person.

There's a cafe located in France which charges €7 a coffee to rude customers and €1.40 to people who talk politely to staff.

Studies have found that one of the most crucial factors in a relationship is how you celebrate your partner's good news.

In 1850, a cult gave 600 acres in Pennsylvania to God.  It was later repossessed by the state because God did not pay his taxes.

According to a study, people don't listen to the smartest person in the room, they listen to whoever acts as if they know what's right.

Your height is generally determined by your father.  Intelligence, emotional strength and body shape are determined by the mother.

Broccoli, cabbage, and Brussel sprouts all contain a little bit of cyanide.  Eating them primes your liver to deal better with other poisons.

According to psychologists, exposure to nature allows us to remember and value important things like relationships, sharing and community.

There is a horse that is born black but turns white as it ages. The Lipizzan can be found in European countries such as Austria, Croatia, Hungary, and Slovenia.

Death rates drop during economic downturns.  People drive less and get into fewer accidents, leading to cleaner air.  People also have less money to spend on cigarettes and alcohol.

According to a recent Russian law, it’s only ‘champagne’ if it is produced in Russia.  Otherwise, and even if it comes from the Champagne region of France, it’s just ‘sparkling wine’.

In 1871, lawyer Clement Vallandigham was defending a client accused of murder.  In demonstrating how the victim might have accidentally shot himself, he accidentally shot himself.  He died.  His client was acquitted.

Before calling his 1929 novel ‘A Farewell to Arms’, Ernest Hemingway considered such alternatives as ‘Carnal Education’, ‘Death Once Dead’ and ‘I Have Committed Fornication But That Was in Another Country And Besides The Wench Is Dead’.

After Harry Secombe sang at Peter Sellers’s funeral in 1980, Spike Milligan said, “I hope you die before me because I don't want you singing at my funeral.”  Secombe died in 2001, but a recording of his singing was played at Milligan’s memorial in 2002.

Okay, that’s enough information for one day.  Have a tremendous and tumultuous Tuesday!  I love you all.

[mileyscyrus]

now that brazil is out of the world cup are you rooting for argentina? you said you wouldn't root for any european teams

i'd never root for argentina, and not because of a feud between them and us, but because argentinians are extremelly racist and xenophobic, especially when it comes to football

i wont be rooting for any nt but i'll still watch the matches because they are usually really fun and i just love the wc 💜

[one-time-i-dreamt]

not a dream

I feel really angry. Long rant ahead, mentions of death, child death specifically, unsafe driving, entitledness, a horrible legal system, and much more. This will be a highly frustrating read to you. Skip ahead if you don't want to be bummed out.

A clip of a guy committing a traffic violation (overtaking cars in a traffic jam using a lane that's only meant for stopping in case of emergencies) on a bridge here in Croatia went viral here recently. Somebody recorded him and uploaded it to a popular car group.

After it went viral, it was uncovered that he was fined for doing the same thing at the same place two weeks before this, so he's clearly a repeat offender and hasn't learned anything even after being hit with a fine.

I wish that was the worst thing about this story, but it's not.

After people dug out more information about the driver, they discovered that in 2019, he killed a 15 year old girl while speeding on a motorcycle that he legally wasn't allowed to own nor drive.

He was only 16 at the time and could legally only drive motorcycles that fell into A1 category (power up to 15KS), and the motorcycle he was driving was a sports motorcycle KTM Duke 390 (43.5 KS). He only just got his license for the starter motorcycle to begin with.

He was speeding 117km/h in an area where the speed limit was 50km/h and hit the young girl while she was crossing the road on a pedestrian (zebra) crossing. She was walking home with two girlfriends after attending the first concert that she was allowed to go to only with friends in her whole life.

How great must that night have felt for them before tragedy struck.

His victim flew horrifying 50 meters and died on impact, while the 18 year old female passenger on his motorcycle was hospitalized with serious injuries and was fighting for her life and was in a serious condition but managed to pull through.

He was 16 and a half at the time of the accident he caused and a news site managed to find an ad he left months before that, when he was barely 16, trying to sell his motorcycle because it "didn't suit him" but it was "brand new, a month old".

This was all in 2019. In 2021, he was finally tried in court and received a sentence of 3 years and 10 months in a juvenile prison, but his sentence was reduced after his lawyers put in an appeal.

He made an impact statement and said that he too was affected by the accident and that it changed his life both physically and psychologically and that he's suffering due to it because he has become an outcast in his town as a consequence.

His lawyer allegedly fought the verdict on grounds of psychological instability and disability, and won. I don't know if the culprit ever served any time. He's 19 now and got a BMW for his birthday from his parents. The same parents that bought him a motorcycle he was too young to handle.

Their little monster is an adult now.

He hasn't learned anything. He's reckless and doesn't care about others. He hasn't showed that he is sorry. He wasn't punished nor held responsible. He's only been thinking about himself in all of this.

How it impacted HIM. What it did to HIM. HIS health, HIS social life. He's driving his birthday present BMW around and still repeatedly breaking the law, and he's alive and he's free.

And 15 year old Magdalena Šimić is still dead because of him.

I've learned of this story because of a post that Magdalena's mother, Sandra wrote, that somebody I know shared. I was horrified, sad and angry for the family, but I can't even begin to imagine how they feel in all of this.

Powerless? Broken? Enraged? They're still waiting for some kind of justice for their daughter. A justice that won't come until things change. How is it that this guy is allowed to have a driver's license? That he's completely avoided jail time?

A crime like this should not go unpunished and the parents of the culprit who bought him the murder weapon and allowed him to use it should be punished as well.

-Matea

[stephen9260]

So... First semifinal thoughts

The countdown was the most stressful moment of my life. Good job

Laura Pausini in a fluorescent pink gown really caught me off guard bestie,, like, do I care about her? No. Do I care about the fact that she was dressed like that? Of course. Don't know what it's giving but it's giving

The opening number? Chef's kiss. Amazing. Showstopping.

The italian commentary sucked. It's a song contest. Let me hear the songs. Non me ne può fregare un emerito cazzo delle vostre opinioni e di quanta gente conoscete in quei paesi. Porco due.

Albania my beloved. Stunning performance. I was fully expecting Ronela's head to start flying way like a helicopter. Also I am not immune to bi lighting.

So. LATVIA. YOU HAVE NO IDEA THE EXPERIENCE OF HEARING A WHOLE CROWD OF PEOPLE SCREAM "PUSSY" ON LIVE TELEVISION. Honey they did you so dirty you are literally the most beautiful country. Love you. You are my light in the dark, my heat when I shiver in cold, all that. Icons.

Monika was nice but damn this is eurovision not your chill concert. Put some pizzazz, some swagger in there

Same thing for Switzerland but DAMN I am now no longer caring whatever people say. Was it boring? Probably. Do I give a shit? No. It has my heart.

LPS are goddamn nice pls let me just take the adoption papers.

So. Ukraine. Their song was SO GOOD DAMN FUCK. Killed me. Anime nosebleed style. I swear the vibes were immaculate. I'm not saying my money's on them but it also kinda is.

Bulgaria's song was very funky

S10 is so good it's unfair

Moldova's performance. Now. That was the greatest most fun power move ever. Congratulations. Damn.

AH GOD I SWEAR PORTUGAL HAS WON THE LIFE LOTTERY OR SOMETHING SAUDADE SAUDADE IS LITERALLY THAT SONG THAT EVERYONE USES IN SAD BITTERSWEET EDITS AND THAT EVERYONE PUTS ON DURING THEIR DEPRESSIVE EPISODES IT'S MAGNIFICENT.

Croatia has the straightest performance and yet. Fun.

I mean Denmark was nice but it didn't give me much so it's probably gonna be that kind of song that you get into like 2 months later

Now. Austria's was a bop I swear. Nothing captures the feeling more than this:

Italians: have been massacred and ruled over and tortured by the Austrian empire for centuries

Me, an italian: LET ME BE YOUR HALO

Ehm. Now onto ICELAND. They were so poggers. Immaculate vibes. Love them. Also they waved this huge ass trans flag on live television and that should make them win automatically. Also the song was so very good.

Greece was nice, liked more the performance than the song but isn't that the point of esc really?

Norway had me on the floor. Furry daft punk was the best thing since eat your salad tbh. Also I now need to know if wolf actually eat fruit.

Armenia's fun cos the whole song's eh but the chorus have me screaming with her I swear.

If I remember correctly during the performance at the end L'amour toujours was in there and I think people thought they were allo stadio a guardare la partita di calcio (se vede che non l'ho mai vista una partita di calcio eh?)

The whole thing was so very gender

Also Laura said porca vacca on live television. Stupenda. Mi mancava.

Overall spectacular night. Loved it.

Extremely disappointing that none of my friends have had the time to watch it, but I mean I only had the time cos I didn't study bECAUSE THE NATION AND THE CONTINENT COME BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE.

[croatian-nt]

Badelj podcast

For @lovren-la-vida-luka who wanted to see why everyone likes Badelj 

Host: *asks first question about the club and the second is immediately "how is Pjaca?"

Badelj: Pjaca is well. He is getting back into shape after that injury. I am sorry he isn't with the nt right now

Host: every kid that plays football dreams of playing in the nt. Tell me, at what point in your life did you realize "oh, I am someone who can play in Dinamo and in the nt" and was the support from people around you important in that?

Badelj: well, I don't think I ever thought that. Don't get me wrong-I didn't doubt myself. But when you watch TV and you see people playing for big clubs or for the nt...you don't know how that works. What's going on in their heads. I think people around me believed that I could do it more than i did, to be quite honest

Host: do know anyone who you expected to make a great career in football but didn't, for whatever reason?

Badelj: from my generation? I thought Tomecak would go out of the country and make a big career there. There was also Lovren. You see, the rest of us went step by step in our career but Loki skipped steps, climbing higher. I think he made international career first from all of us. But yes, I expected Tomecak to do so as well

Badelj: *explaining how while he was in Lokomotiva they were second in second league *

Badelj: I think the club that was first was called...Mladost Suhopolje? I think? Is that possible?

Domo: *yelling something from the background *

Host: Vida says that's not possible

Domo: it doesn't exist anymore!

Badelj: but it didn't exist. I am talking about something 12 years ago

Other host from the background: there was a club called Mladost from Suhopolje

Badelj: so I wasn't wrong

Saša(a doctor, second podcast guest): *quietly* damn

Badelj: you want me to be wrong don't you? You are just waiting for it

Sasa: maybe

Host: Could you name what other 4 players except for you transfered first from Dinamo to Lokomotva?

Badelj: Oh, I can, but you see, you are wrong, First transfer from Dinamo to Lokomotiva happened 4 years before ours, and it included 10 players. But, second transfer you think of was ours. *proceeds to number the other 4 guys*

Host: you came to Dinamo as a replacement for Luka Modric, but you played a bit with him before that, right?

Badelj: yes, in 2008, for about 5 months before he transferred

Host: could you have guessed back then that he would be such a well known player?

Badelj: I personally don't think you can tell those things. He always had that something. That quality, that kind of special talent you don't forget. But for a player to win all the awards that he did you need your cards to fit just right. And lots of media exposure. The fact that he won all that, that's incredible

Host: could you tell us some things you remember from your time in Dinamo?

Badelj: in Dinamo? Well the problem is that I remember everything from my time in Dinamo. But to sum it up, the first and the last game. The first, in which we played against Rijeka and I scored a goal. I'll never forget that. I remember thinking I was on top of the world back then. And the last, against Maribor, where in first half I gave autogol and the fans booed me as I exited the pitch, and second half, where I scored a winning goal for us. I think that last game sums up my time in Dinamo very well. Ups and downs

Host: okay, first card break. Please take your cards

Sasa: *reaches out and turns one card *

Badelj: you turned them! Why did you already turn them?

Sasa: I only turned one

Badelj: we are supposed to wait until he tells us to turn them and read

Sasa: well, I did have a habit of cheating on my exams

Badelj: Well, I for one am glad for cards break. I was starting to think my friend Vida will fall asleep

*Domo yelling something from the background *

Sasa: quiet. I don't want to choose hard questions

Host: okay, okay. Miki, read it for doctor

Badelj: oh I am reading it to him? *smiles * see? You fucked up

Badelj: extra time or penalties?

Sasa: *pause * penalities?

Badelj: in football, you know?

Sasa: of course I-

*everyone laughs, Vida's laugh is literally echoing *

Badelj: okay, okay. I am just saying, because questions are mean. It could have been a metaphor. So in football. Extra time or penalties

Sasa: penalties

Sasa: popcorn or chips?

Badelj: chip

Sasa: of course, that was easy. I would have answered the same

Badelj: I am sure you would. Besides, I saw the question beforehand when you turned it on the table

Sasa: okay, I definitely already know your answer to this but anyway-

Badelj: no, wait. Don't read the question, tell me what I'd answer and I'll guess what the question is

Sasa: Beer

Badelj: Wine or beer?

Sasa: ...yes

Badelj: I know your answer to this one too

Sasa: tell me the answer then, I'll guess the question

Badelj: cat

Sasa: cat or a dog?

Badelj: yes

Sasa: hmmm. A dog

Host: I think Milan won this round guys

Sasa: wait-

Domo: *laughs again *

Sasa: why did he win? When I am a dog?

Badelj: I didn't ask if you'd rather be a dog or a cat. I meant what would you rather have

Domo: *laughs harder *

Sasa: yes. A DOG

Badelj: oh. A dog? But if I ask what kind-

Sasa: a small one

Badelj: ah. So you want a cat. Next!

Badelj: prosciutto or kulen?

Sasa: joooj

Host: careful, careful what you say

Sasa: Vida is here but- prosciutto

Vida: Then I won't send anything to your house!

Badelj: at least you know who not to send it to. Send it to me

Sasa: except if it's from black pig

Vida: yeah, yeah, now. It's over now. No more deliveries to your address

Host: so, I want to hear a bit about towns you lived in. Firenze specifically, as one of centers of culture

Badelj: well it isn't only cultural but also gastronomic center and general hedonistic city and region. You can really enjoy yourself there. People are also interesting...I am afraid Domo is falling asleep

Host: I am sure he finds that interesting as well

Badelj: well, I don't know. I tried to get him to visit me while I was there but he never did. As a manager I failed

Host: speaking of travelling, Iva told me she almost didn't manage to contact you for WC in Brazil

Badelj: well that isn't my fault. Whenever she can locate me or not is her issue. I was...located. The fact is I was in an plane while we played our first game in Brazil. I am sorry Iva, I know this isn't a very good advertisement for you-seriously she is amazing and she usually plans everything ahead and I think without her at least one person would get lost on a airport before every game. But the fact is, that time I didn't play the first game because I was in an airplane

Host: so tell me, did you ever get an offer from Milan? And if you did how close you were to signing. And the most importantly if you have signed, would you have "Milan" or "Badelj" on your jersey?

Badelj: definitely Badelj

Host: is there more pressure to do an operation on a professional football player than let's say, your neighbor?

Sasa: of course. I mean, their whole career depends on that. If I operate my neighbor and it isn't as good as it can be he can just stop playing football in his free time. If I tell Badelj he can't play football anymore-

Badelj: don't drag me into this mess. I don't want to imagine that

Host: it seems only charmers come from Gajnice. I mean, football wise(charmer isn't exactly the right word but...I can't think of a better one to fit)

Badelj: yes. We bully the strong ones out of football. They can do athletics

Host: the most memorable part about you for me actually isn't your career, but the speech you held at your teammate, Astori's funeral. How did you manage to do that? To hold yourself together and make such a speech?

Badelj: well I. You have to understand, outside of Croatia, he was my best friend. We were captain and vice captain so it began as a duty to keep the team together at first. And during that time...when he died, there was lots of new, young player in Florentina and they looked up to us for guidence. So...so it made sense for me to hold that speech. One thing that made it easier that I had period of 3 days before the speech after he died. Three days of crying and suffering but at least you get some of that grief out. I wasn't empty of it when I held the speech but I wasn't overflowing either

Host: alright, next card break

Sasa: who has the best free kick?

Badelj: oh man, there are quite a few. Brozo, Orša and Bruno is good as well. If Srna was here I'd say him. Or if Raketa was here. Perisic is also good. He can shoot with both legs too. Not in the same time though

Badelj: who eats the most?

Sasa: well-

Badelj: and not on your table. Our table. But how would he know, he doesn't eat with us

Domo: why not from his table? It says who in the team as a whole!

Badelj: but that isn't fun! How about who in the history of the team?

Sasa: hmmmm. Let me think. Who would it-

*voices overlapping, Domo laughing *

Badelj: you are really mean. Really mean

Domo: I didn't say anything

Badelj: but you thought of it. Few times

Sasa: who takes the most to get ready? I even know that one

Badelj: Peri always comes in last. But I don't think he takes that long to get ready. But he does come in last

Badelj: best sense of humor?

Sasa: oh there are a lot of players with a good sense of humor. Hmm

Badelj: it doesn't have to be a player

Sasa: it doesn't?

Host: well it's more fun if it is, but it's okay if it isn't

Sasa: hm Someone off the camera: Miki!

Badelj: I am not funny. He likes to talk to me but I am not funny

Sasa: well you can be funny. Sometimes. But Vida I guess. He really cheered me up this morning

Badelj: what did he tell you?

Sasa: oh he was pestering me

Badelj: and you love when people pester you?

*everyone burst out laughing *

Sasa: no! That's not-it was just funny!

Host: so, there has been a question in our podcasts, who would you choose as a partner in Potjera and 90% of our guests said Miki Badelj. What kind of cheating did you use to get that kind of reputation?

Badelj: I have no idea. You'll have to ask them that

Host: if you weren't in football, what fields would you be interested in?

Badelj: I'd still be in sport. Even if I didn't end up as a football player I'd do something with sport. That always interested me, even as a subject itself

Host: would you be a sport doctor like Sasa?

Badelj: god no

Sasa: no huh?

Badelj: I really don't think I am the type for that

Sasa: favorite subject?

Badelj: Geography

Sasa: same! I guess we really are friends for a reason. Favorite movie?

Badelj: it was brave heart for a long while but not anymore-

Sasa: it was my favorite too!

Badelj: you know you don't have to answer this question right? I also liked Interstellar for awhile but I watched it too many times

Sasa: Interstellar is too long for me

Badelj: and Brave Heart wasn't??

Sasa: favorite female or male singer?(we have different words for each)

Badelj: female singer

*all laugh *

Badelj: Alright, alright. Nina Badric

Sasa: as a singer or...?

 Host: so tell me, who doesn't complain a lot about...well, everything?

Sasa: well, Luka, Vida, Miki...older players generally complain less than younger ones. *Looks up, sees Livi *And Livi of course! But none of goalies complain, really

Host: a lot of players from bronze generation became coaches. 14 of them, actually. If we say hypothetically 14 of silver generation will do the same, who do you think would become a coach? You can switch on saying names

Sasa: Miki

Badelj: hah. Sasa

Sasa: you can't choose me!

Badelj: fine, fine. Carli then. He already is but it still counts, right?

Sasa: I think Lovren would want to be a coach

Badelj: hmmmm *looking at Vida * would you want to be a coach? Vida!

Sasa: Luka would probably want to be one

Host: that's five

Badelj: hmmm. Piva

Host: okay, we won't go to 14 since it would probably be hard to get to that number. Next card break

Sasa: who would you choose as a co-driver in rallying?

Badelj: Vida. Yes, yes, Vida

Domo: you sure about that?

Badelj: it's because Vida has that sort of personality that in last seconds, when that kind of character is important, he makes a step forward. Because you can't stay in place. Either you make a step forward or a step back. And he'd take a step forward

Badelj: who would you choose to score a penalty if your life depended on him scoring?

Sasa: uff

Badelj: remember, your life depends on it!

Sasa: Kramaric

*uhhhing and ahhhing from the background *

Vida, barely audible: not bad

Sasa: as a partner for tennis?

Badelj: oh god. I have no idea how anyone plays

Sasa: *streching *

Badelj: is that you volonteering or...?

Sasa: no!

*Domo laughs *

Sasa: besides, you have to choose a player, not me

Badelj: hmmm. Brozo. He can run a lot. A lot more than me. *laughs * so it wouldn't be so bad

Badelj: to choose a movie for you?

Sasa: hmmm, not you, you'd choose something too serious. I'd choose Vida, he'd pick something funny

Domo: *says something

Sasa: you don't watch them either? Miki do you watch them?

Badelj: I do, but I wouldn't know what to recommend

Domo: Livi!

Sasa: Livi is young still. He didn't watch a lot of movies

Livi says something it sort of sounds like: Oh com'on!

Sasa: I don't know who I'd pick, really

Badelj: can he say I don't know?

Host: yeah, I guess so

 Sasa: but I said you first!

Badelj: no, you said I'd pick something too serious. You said Domo would pick something funny first

Domo: But I don't watch movies!

Sasa: fine, then Livi, if I must

Badelj: if I must do you hear that Livi? How do you feel about that?

Host: he looks truly honored

 Badelj: who would you choose to help you cheat on a test?

Sasa: you

Badelj: and I'd be already cheating by reading someone else'd answer so that's a good idea *laughs *

Sasa: who would you choose as a partner in a fight?

Badelj: Vida

Host: As a doctor would you explain to us how during WC in 2018 there wasn't a single game where one of the players couldn't play because of an injury? What is the secret?

Sasa: well, motivation mostly. Everyone wanted to play. Even if someone had some issue-and we had them, they would push through it and play anyway. I'll be honest. There were some players I thought wouldn't be able to get through the game but not only did they manage it but they manage to play until the end of the WC

Badelj: yeah, Šime

Sasa: yes, it was Šime. I didn't want to use the names but it was him. I didn't expect him to play after the game against Russia but he did and he played the England and the France one. I-I really don't know how to explain what he did

Host: so when we made pairs that will come to the studio I'll admit I was really looking forward to interviewing the two of you-

Badelj: now you are just talking shit. You say that to everyone

Sasa: Vida did he say the same thing to everyone?

Badelj: you should have written it on the cards "I looked forward to talking the two of you the most"

Host: -and you fulfilled my expectations despite the fact that Miki obviousy isn't funny-

Badelj: I am not! But I recommend bad, too serious movies. Serious and boring ones

Sasa: I only said serious ones!

Host, turning to the camera: Thank you for watching our newest podcast! Watch us tomorrow as well!

[white-eyed-girl]

Thoughts of the day after  - ESC semifinals 2021 SEMI 1 I honestly thought I would have had more fun with the first night after 2 years? But it's probably that almost all my semi favourites were in here so it may be that I was excessively nervous :"

The negatives first Yeeeeaaah I don't think Norway should have gone through :" Also I'm sick and tired of not being able to say anything negative about this song or the stans come rushing to call you bitter I don't know on here, but on Facebook it's a constant Hello, not liking songs is still allowed Not even if someone says Euphoria is bad they get this much backlash lmao sit down :" okay rant over Israel also shouldn't have qualified

I'm so sad about Croatia not going through :c With the premise that I also loved their song in 2020 so I'm not one of those "ballads suck period" people But this was pretty new from Croatia and I think they should have been rewarded for it It was cute and bubbly and fresh and my word I don't understand how people have preferred Israel over it

The positive side is that my other big favourites, Lithuania, Russia and Ukraine, all qualified without problems Except Ukraine maybe, if you can call being called last a problem xD I did shit bricks for a moment, not going to lie :""" I was ready to commit crimes but then they were called luckily I hope it turns out that they won the semi lol SEMI 2 I...don't have much to say about this one? Like there were good songs like Finland, Bulgaria, Albania, Denmark, but the only one I truly cared about was Iceland I was a tad worried but they qualified thank goodness I never completely ruled them out of the run for the victory so I hope the fact they aren't live keeps not affecting their results Denmark though :((( it was the Croatia of this semi for me We did neon lights dirty! Also Portugal had a very neat staging, that central led was so pretty, but I still don't understand the appeal of the song and I hope it won't take too many jury votes away from France...