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Paul Laurence Dunbar
Paul Laurence Dunbar
(1872-1906 / Ohio / United States)
To Pfrimmer
(Lines on reading 'Driftwood.')
Driftwood gathered here and there
Along the beach of time;
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Direct descendant of Francis(Frank) Haag&Mary Sphon
Hi I am a direct descendant of Francis (Frank) Haag & Mary Sphon(they are my ggggrandparents. My gggrandmother is Theresa Haag. I am looking for other branches of this tree.They had 8 daughters and one son. Fortunately I have connected with a couple but am looking for the others. Hope we can figure a connection. There children were Adam Haag, Mary (Haag)Ehl, Elizabeth (Haag)Schlager, Theresa(Haag)Mellinger, Catherine (Haag)Strabala,Anna Mary (Haag)Bruhn, Phillipine (Haag) Worrell, Magdalena (Haag)Rochenbach & Amelia (Haag)Strabala. I am trying to find my extended family. Thanks in advance for any connection.
More Replies:
Re: Direct descendant of Francis(Frank) Haag&Mary Sphon
Joan Heenahan 8/04/11
Re: Direct descendant of Francis(Frank) Haag&Mary Sphon
John P. Haag 6/23/06

subset: commoncrawl


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That when someone answers a question or sends you a message- the notification just pops up! No refreshing the page or viewing a different page to check notifications.
Maybe in the "live" drop down menu it says "7 new notifications on THIS question- click to see"
No more going to another page to see which questions were answered then to go back to that page to see another question.
Annoying. Admins?!
Asked by staciandababy at 6:35 PM on Feb. 19, 2013 in About CafeMom
Level 38 (102,010 Credits)Answer by Ballad at 6:52 PM on Feb. 19, 2013
Answer by KA91 at 7:02 PM on Feb. 19, 2013
Answer by feralxat at 6:39 PM on Feb. 19, 2013
Answer by booklover545 at 10:07 AM on Feb. 20, 2013
Next question in About CafeMom
Still can't post pictures.. weird!?
Next question overall
(Kids' Health)
Do you believe there is a link between autism and the MMR vaccine?


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Vocab Blitz
The Vocab Blitz is a visual strategy used to teach concepts through the use of math vocabulary. Students answer deep questions about the relationship between words and math and earn tickets. They place these in the Raffle Jar, which we pick from on Fridays for a small prize. Math vocabulary just for the sake of knowing academic language is good, but the Vocab Blitz explicitly asks students to apply the terms, which allows me to build more rigorous questions and connect ideas (i.e. how volume connects to science). For example, by knowing what the dividend actually is, we have a shared language that we can use when trying to figure out if a problem is asking us to multiply or divide, and to connect to improper fractions' numerator when converting them.


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Based on 853 guest reviews
Check In: | 01.00pm |
Check Out: | 12.00 noon |
Year of Last Renovation: | 2002 |
Floors: | 5 |
Rooms: | 64 |
Corridors: | All Rooms Have Interior Hallways |
Non Smoking Rooms: | 14 |
Handicap Rooms: | 2 |
Room Windows: | Windows Do Open |
Cleaning Frequency: | Daily |
Meeting Rooms: | 1 |
Meeting Space: | 636 sq. feet |
Banquet Space: | Holds 20 people |
Cancellation: Depending each quotation; specific conditions and clx policy. | |
Typical Group Deposit: | 30 |
Total Taxes: | 8.00% |
Total Misc Fees: | $0.00 USD (mandatory resort fees/taxes) |
How to arrive•From the motorway – Bilbao Centre: Go down by Juan de Garay Street till Zabalburu Square; turn on the right to take Hurtado Amézaga St till Circular Square and then city council direction, crossing Nervion's river mouth. Once crossed the bridge, turn on the right and going around the edge of the river mouth, come to the Arenal Square, where the hotel is placed.•From the motorway – Bilbao North: Go down by Sabino Arana St. till Sagrado Corazón square and take the circumvallation till Hurtado Amézaga St., arriving next to Guggenheim Museum. It arrives to Albia's Gardens and turns the first street on the left till Buenos Aires St, where it will turn on the left till the city council. After, accede to the hotel turning on the right by the bank till Arenal Square.
Airport Shuttle? Sorry, no airport shuttle available.


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Hand moulded fascinatior
- For
- Women
- Garment Type
- Accessories
3 Comments Sign in to add a post
Jan 24, 2012, 06.45 PMby ifkagljifka
i love all your fascinators!!!! they truly fascinate!!! very playfull! hehe
Jan 21, 2012, 02.55 PMby anna agyekum
oh thanks its made out of wool felt moulded onto a wooden base with hot water and soap wich is then party dryed. I then add spray starch and either iron or leave infornt of a heater to dry……its hard to explain but i have some pics on my blog if you want to peek?http://annaagykum.blogspot.com/search/label/Hat%20Making I am also running a comp on my facebook page to win one https://www.facebook.com/pages/Anna-Agyekum/213835075309006
Jan 21, 2012, 12.59 AMby bruisedangel
What is this made out of? How was it made? I'm so curious! The fascinator is wonderful.


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Ska bli riktigt nice att få höra denna ikväll
Responsible for being the mastermind behind such smashes as Weee and last year's Where You Are, New York-stationed Junior Sanchez returns to Steve Angello's exquisite Size Records with a brand new single of his. Representing the imprint's 70th instalment, I Believe In is certainly an ancitipated one with an amazing vocal from Karmen and the flip from a beautiful breakdown to full-on, hardhitting club beats. Getting hammered by the likes of Steve Angello and Laidback Luke among others, Sanchez continues his journey to follow on from the modern disco groove of One Day They Love You to again bring fame to camp Size, which most recently released the long awaited Generation X single from Dimitri Vegas and Like Mike. Not only is three versions of the original available now, but a superb remix package is emerging, courtesy of Swanky Tunes and Third Party!
Junior Sanchez feat. Karmen – I Believe In [Size Records] – Beatport Link
3 Comments to "Release: Junior Sanchez feat. Karmen – I Believe In [Size]"
Someone give this track a new drop! EDIT EDIT EDIT


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The #SanMarinoPlan: A Way Forward for Microstates
Hello Dear Readers!
The 2016 Contest brought with it a new points format. The jury and televotes would no longer be combined on the country-level, as they had been since 2009, but each would be totaled individually before being combined to achieve the final results. While this reduces the bolstering of the middle-placed songs we saw under the previous system, it puts small countries that lack the population to support a televote at a disadvantage. In 2016, San Marino, a country of just 32,500 (fewer than the nearly 38,000 that attended Eurovision in 2001), which has historically always used 100% jury votes due to its small size required a televote in order for the new system to work. The solution? Create a composite score using a selection of countries (a list which has not been revealed) that stands in as San Marino's televote. The EBU told us that this was to be employed if any country lacked either a jury or televote. San Marino is the only one for which this procedure was used. Understandably, the Sammarinese broadcaster, SMRTV, is not satisfied with this arrangement and has supposedly created a proposal to resolve this situation. How the EBU proceeds could be an influencing factor for how other small countries to continue participation (such as Albania and Moldova, both often use 100% jury as well in the past) and for others to return (such as Luxembourg, who is starting to see renewed fan interest in returning).
While we don't know SMRTV's exact proposal, which I have dubbed the #SanMarinoPlan, there are three likely avenues which SMRTV will pursue.
Have Digame, the televoting partner, craft a new algorithm for smaller countries.
Right now, televoting depends on a certain raw number of votes to be certified. San Marino, with its modest population, just can't reach the necessary threshold. However, San Marino has its own area code that differentiates it from Italy (0549), so it would be very easy to determine who is calling SMRTV's numbers from San Marino. Whatever the current algorithm is for determining a statistically strong televote could be readily modified to fit a smaller scale. What makes this proposal difficult is that, with a smaller televote threshold, San Marino opens itself up to vote manipulation – a group could sponsor a bunch of folks to cross the border and use Sammarinese cell phones to vote for a particular country.
Allow San Marino to create a second jury of non-professionals to create a televote.
SMRTV could gather a selection of citizens or hold official watch parties in the City of San Marino, Dogana, Domagnano, and/or other major population centers where they can collect votes and use those for their televote. It is incredibly easy to have people attend an event and cast ballots, collect these votes, and report the final results to the EBU. The biggest challenge with this proposal would be the increased cost to SMRTV. Hosing these events would cost money and they would need to have two (one for the semi-final and one for the Grand Final) in each chosen city. SMRTV would have the added difficulty of gathering fans (the largest cities only have a few thousand residents) and volunteers, as San Marino lacks its own OGAE (though, I'd gladly attend and host an event as a member of OGAE Rest of the World – we support San Marino and all the countries without their own OGAE).
Create a system in which viewers in non-participating countries can vote to create stand-in televoting scores
The easiest way to reach the threshold would be to expand those eligible to vote through creating a portal through which those with IP addresses in a nonparticipating country could vote online/through the app. This would allow the EBU to have interactivity opportunities with new markets (like the US or China) without letting them participate. Depending on the popularity of this, they can institute it as some kind of back up televoting for all the countries that may need it (by randomly dividing received votes across all the countries that need a televote stand-in). The biggest difficulty, of course, is the vulnerability to being tampered with. More than that, though, it hurts the EBU's chances for getting Luxembourg, Turkey, and other former competitors to return, as there would now be a way for interested fans to stay engaged without those broadcasters having to participate.
Personally, I think option two (SMRTV hosting viewing parties across San Marino) is the best choice. It engages fans with the Contest and ensures that the televotes are coming from within the country, reflecting the will of the Sammarinese public. However, the most realistic option would be to open voting to non-participating countries. This would allow the EBU to replace any country's televote as needed (through randomizing the received votes). Additionally, it has the added bonus of engaging fans in countries not participating in the Contest without expanding the boundaries of the ESC. Now viewers in the US, Canada, Mexico, China, South Africa, etc., would be able to engage in the Contest on the same level as Europeans (and Australians) and the ESC would not have to allow those countries to compete. Furthermore, this can be facilitated through the official ESC app and would not significantly increase the cost to the EBU or require an in-country telephone partner.
What about the reverse situation? What if a country loses its jury vote?
Currently, the only solution for the loss of a jury vote is the composite scoring process detailed above. However, this is a more acceptable solution for this situation. The reason for the jury vote is to provide the perspective of music professionals to counterbalance the televote. It would be much harder to have a reserve of jurors in the event that a jury vote is nullified. Additionally, just as the EBU cannot duplicate the jury votes to generate a televote, it cannot duplicate the televote to achieve a jury vote. Nor can the EBU just discount the 58 points, as the new system is dependent upon an equal number of points in the juries and televotes.
Thoughts? Comments? Do you think any of these three plans would work? Do you have a different idea for what the #SanMarinoPlan could be?
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ESC 2016 Reviews: First Semi-Final, Part One
Hello Dear Readers!
As promised, here is the first of our five sets of reviews this week. Here are the nine countries competing in the first half of the first semi-final.
First Semi-Final, First Half
*There are three basic ways for a song to be chosen. Internal Selection which is when the broadcaster within a country chooses both the performing artist and the song completely on their own without help from a professional jury or the public. Televised Selection which is the exact opposite, both the performing artist and the song are selected through a competition (or set of competitions) in which some combination of professional jurists and the public vote on the winners. There are also Mixed Selections, in which either the performing artist or the song is selected internally and the other is selected through a televised process. The only example of that this year is Malta, which had a televised selection, but opted to change the song through an internal selection process after Ira Losco won.
Like Eurovision Obsession? Help me go to Eurovision 2016! https://www.gofundme.com/andretoeurovision
Playlist of the Week: Eurovision for Rockers
….And we're back! After moving about 720 miles (~1155km), starting a graduate program, and dealing with various personal and health issues, I am back! Thank you for your patience 🙂
So, Dear Readers, this week brings us another playlist. This time, we're looking at rock songs. When most think of "Eurovision + rock music" they immediately go to Hard Rock Hallelujah (Finland 2006), and with good reason. It is a winning entry and one of the 20 most important ESC songs in history, in my opinion. However, there are many more rock entries that have graced the ESC stage. Below are twenty standout examples from the past few years.
When I say "rock music" — you may think of thrashing guitars and banging drums or power ballad that draws out every emotion or even your favorite eighties hairband. I tried to capture all of these styles (and more) below while also avoiding songs I have previously featured in a playlist. Again, I tried to curate a playlist with a nice flow. Enjoy!
Find the playlist here: Eurovision for Rockers
France 2013 – L'Enfer et Moi performed by Amandine Bourgeois
Georgia 2011 – One More Day performed by Eldrine
Finland 2007 – Leave Me Alone performed by Hanna
Turkey 2010 – We Could be the Same performed by maNga
San Marino 2008 – Complice performed by Miodio
Finland 2015 – Aina Min Pitää performed by Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät
Belarus 2009 – Eyes That Never Lie performed by Petr Elfimov
Armenia 2013 – Lonely Planet performed by Dorians
Georgia 2015 – Warrior performed by Nina Sublatti
Turkey 2008 – Deli performed by Mor ve Ötesi
Ukraine 2010 – Sweet People performed by Aliosha
Finland 2014 – Something Better performed by SoftEngine
Slovakia 2012 – Don't Close Your Eyes performed by Max Jason Mai
Iceland 2007 – Valentine Lost performed by Eiríkur Hauksson
Italy 2014 – La Mia Città performed by Emma
Switzerland 2012 – Unbreakable performed by Sinplus
Finland 2008 – Missä Miehet Ratsastaa performed by Teräsbetoni
Bosnia & Herzegovina 2009 – Bistra Voda performed by Regina
Albania 2011 – Feel the Passion performed by Aurela Gace
Norway 2005 – In My Dreams performed by Wig Wam
Honorable Mentions: Turkey 2004, Czech Republic 2007, Cyprus 2007, Macedonia 2009, Cyprus 2011, Turkey 2011, Denmark 2011, Macedonia 2012
Fun Facts
You may have noticed that there was a lot of Finland in that above list. That's because the Finns love rock music! Finland is home to some of the most vibrant and renowned death metal, hard rock, and heavy metal scenes.
The Armenian song from 2013 may seem a bit out of place, but it was composed by none other than heavy metal legend Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath fame.
Hard Rock Hallelujah is considered the only rock song to win the Contest. However, quite a few other rock songs have fared well, particularly entries from Turkey, which has three Top Ten rock entries (2004, 2008, 2010).
What's your favorite rock song from ESC's history? Do you appreciate the diversity in musical styles that we find at the Contest or would you prefer that most entries just stick to pop?
As a reminder, these weekly playlists are meant to help introduce you to the wide breadth of music from the Contest's recent history. For various reasons, I am focusing on the "Televoting Era" of the Contest (1998 – present), furthermore, the majority of entries I am choosing come from after semi-finals were introduced in 2004. I also limit the lists to only 20 songs, to help make them more manageable for listening.
The most recent previous list: Eurovision for Dance Parties
Next Week: Eurovision for Breakups
2015 Entries Recap
Hello Dear Readers!
We have reached the submission deadline – all songs are *final* — i.e., the artists and songs are set, though minor lyrical or compositional changes might be made (for a fee, of course). At this point, all 40 participating countries have submitted their performing artists, the official lists of lyricists and composers, the official studio version, the official karaoke version (may have backing vocals), the official backing track (no vocals at all), and a music video/video clip (if no music video has been made yet).
Speaking of participants, some unexpectedness has ensued this year!
- Czech Republic has returned! Probably on the back of Austria and Hungary's (and, to a lesser extent, Poland's) success last year. Returning alongside the Czech Republic are Cyprus and Serbia. Who would've thought that Czech Republic would be back before perennial Top Ten-er Turkey?
- Ukraine has withdrawn (for obvious reasons), but Greece continues to compete (despite having bigger problems to deal with). Let's hope they don't win to avoid the political and economic firestorm that would surely ensue.
- Armenia deciding that it wants people from all over the world. Genealogy has a representative from the Americas, Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia, with an Armenian at the center. That Armenian – Inga Arshakyan; one half of the twin sister group Inga & Anush who you may remember from 2009's Contest.
- San Marino gives us not one, but TWO Junior Eurovision artists.
- Germany had some crazy stuff happen. In short, the winner of Unser Song für Österreich, Andreas Kümert and his song Heart of Stone, after winning by a landslide decided to turn down the honor of representing Germany in Vienna. Second-place finisher, Ann Sophie and her song Black Smoke, will be going to Vienna instead. For her part, the host did a good job of handling the unprecedented situation.
And, the biggest WTF of the ESC2015 thus far: AUSTRALIA!!!!
- What. The. Mess!! The Aussies will be participating in ESC for the first and (most likely) only time. Yes, the EBU has decided to allow longtime observer Australia to participate in the ESC after decades of loyal viewership. This is meant as a one-time only affair. Unless, of course, Australia wins! In that case, SBS (the Australian broadcaster) will co-host the Contest next year with a European broadcaster in Europe. I guess, theoretically, Australia could compete forever if it always wins. Wouldn't that be something! I wonder how many consecutive victories would be required before SBS would be allowed to host the Contest Down Under? And with international star Guy Richie performing the entry, SBS is not going small, but more on that below!
So, without looking at other blogs, commentary, or any other source of opinions, here is my quick assessment of this year's 40 contenders! This is the first time I am hearing each song. My comments are in blue.
Semi-Final One (Australia, Austria, France, and Spain are voting)
- Armenia – Face the Shadow performed by Genealogy: The refrain is nice, but the verses are kinda wonky. Overall, I generally like the sound; though, musically, it's a really weird mash-up of styles. I predict it making the Grand Final and then falling flat.
- Belgium – Rhythm Inside performed by Loïc Nottet: He surely is a good looking guy! His voice kinda sounds like a male Sinéad O'Connor. I think I like the song. This seems a bit too experimental for ESC; I cannot see it doing well unless it gets surrounded by two WEAK entries AND the performance/staging is flawless.
- Estonia – Goodbye to Yesterday performed by Elina Born & Stig Rästa: I don't particularly care for this. I also do not think that this will do all that well; it's not all that captivating at all. Perhaps they will spruce up the performance a bit for Vienna.
- Finland – Aina Mun Pitää (I Always Have To) performed by Pertti Kurikan Nimipäivät: Definitely not my style of music at all. Finland has seen some success with hard rock, but this is not exciting or enthralling or even interesting. It's the least rock rock song I think I have heard. And it feels like it is too short. I predict last place; perhaps even a null points.
- Greece – One Last Breath performed by Maria Elena Kyriakou: If the last few years proved anything, it's that Greece is not invulnerable. This ballad is not of high quality – it needs significant work before I think it has a serious chance at anything other than bottom ten at the Grand Final.
- Macedonia – Autumn Leaves performed by Daniel Kajmakoski: I enjoy this, especially when compared to the previous three. It feels like it lasts a bit longer than it should, but at least it does not feel stagnant like so many other mid-tempo songs can. I think it can qualify for the Final, not sure after that.
- Moldova – I Want Your Love performed by Eduard Romanyuta: Finally, an uptempo dance number! (Not words I thought I would ever say) It's quite generic, but is completely different than any of the other songs in the first half. I anticipate Belgium will open the show and this will be performed around fourth or fifth to energize the audience. I think it will definitely qualify and finish mid-table.
- The Netherlands – Walk Along performed by Trijntje Oosterhuis: The Netherlands reached the Top Ten two years in a row on the back of darker, soul-bearing songs. So, it makes complete sense that they would turn their back on that equation and go back to generic, understated pop (that's sarcasm, by the way). This is a pleasant song that leaves little impact. I anticipate The Netherlands being left behind once again in semi-finals.
We're at the halfway point of the first semi-final and I am not impressed. So far, Belgium and Moldova are the top two entries in my mind.
- Albania – I'm Alive performed by Elhaida Dani: More generic pop, yay (more sarcasm). I do not see Albania qualifying with this song, though, if the live performance as emotionally raw as 2012's Albanian entry, then this song will have the ability to shock a lot of people.
- Belarus – Time performed by Uzari & Maimuna: Belarus is great at pop numbers and this is no different. I think this is a real contender to finish in the Top Ten – especially if they can pull off a magic trick reminiscent to the end of the music video. I don't think it is strong enough to win, though.
- Denmark – The Way You Are performed by Anti Social Media — see my thoughts here
- Georgia – Warrior performed by Nina Sublatti: The first of two songs with this title this year (which, I believe is a first). I definitely like it. This is what Georgia is best at: off-centre, groundshaking pop. I think it will move through on the back of its woman empowerment theme, though, I think it will fall outside of the Top Ten.
- Hungary – Wars for Nothing performed by Boggie: So, a clear cry for peace in this tumultuous time that we are living in. Too bad this song is disparately boring. It will get some points for its message, but not many.
- Romania – All Over Again performed by Voltaj: Romania, more than any other country, has the uncanny ability to perform well with mediocre songs. I foresee this year continuing that trend. A weak song will end up in the low teens because Romania has a strong backing across Europe.
- Russia – A Million Voices performed by Polina Gagarina: With Armenia, Belarus, and Serbia voting, there is no way Russia is not making the Final. This song, much like Albania's, is not that great, but an amazing live performance can help it outperform. Like Albania, there is a stunning singer delivering the song, unlike Albania, Russia has a huge diaspora throughout Europe that will support it and lift this song into the Top Ten.
- Serbia – Beauty Never Lies performed by Bojana Stamenov: So, not bad, though, songs with huge tempo changes have a checkered past at the Contest. I'm not sure how well it will do. Though, against this competition, I think it will definitely move through to the Final despite the size-bias that we often see play out at ESC.
So, that is the first semi-final. I cannot say that I am, at this point, overly enthusiastic about any of the songs. Though, there are a few gems: Serbia, Belarus, and Georgia all have decently strong entries, in my opinion. Russia, Belgium, and Albania are all at potential for greatness with a convincing live performance. I think Moldova will sneak through, and Greece, Romania, and Armenia will qualify based on the strength of their legacies.
Semi-Final Two (Australia, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom)
- Czech Republic – Hope Never Dies performed by Marta Jandová & Václav Noid Bárta: Hmmm…interesting number. I am not convinced that it will do well, but I think it is right around a 9-12 finish in the semi-final. Definitely, the Czech Republic's strongest entry to date.
- Ireland – Playing with Numbers performed by Molly Sterling: Not really my thing. I also think that the sound is neither contemporary enough nor "retro" enough to make a big impact at ESC. I see another year left in the semi-final for Ireland.
- Lithuania – This Time performed by Monika Linkytė & Vaidas Baumila: This song definitely has potential. I think that the two of them need to work on singing together; their chemistry on stage is fantastic already. The kiss is a fun gimmick. This is definitely Lithuania's strongest entry in recent years and, given the relative balance in strength, is the first real contender for victory I have heard.
- Malta – Warrior performed by Amber: Our second warrior this year. Not as strong as Georgia; this is more formulaic and makes a much smaller impact. If this makes it to the Final, I think it will be due to weak competition, not its own merits.
- Montenegro – Adio (Goodbye) performed by Knez: This is a good song, but overall, unremarkable in my opinion. It is rather stagnant; it does not build or captivate. Definitely not ŽjeIjko Joksimović's (famed Contest composer, performer, and host) best work. I do think Montenegro will be returning to the Final.
- Norway – A Monster Like Me performed by Mørland & Debrah Scarlett: Is it me or is there an increase in duets this year? This is the exact opposite of Lithuania; they sing well together, but avoid having to display chemistry by standing back-to-back. The song is not fun and perky, but is instead stirring with a dramatic edge. I think it should also be considered a contender for the win.
- Portugal – Há um Mar Que Nos Separa (There's a Sea that Separates Us) performed by Leonor Andrade: I think this does not quite know what it wants to be. It starts like a rock number, but then pulls off the throttle and then purrs the rest of the way. They need to work on that arrangement if they really want this to succeed.
- San Marino – Chain of Light performed by Michele Perniola & Anita Simoncini: One of the first to announce its artists, but one of the last to reveal a song; San Marino was definitely trying to stay in the media at each step of the way. It's interesting how different Perniola sounds now then just a few years ago at JESC, definitely more mature. This song goes from dark to light; i.e., the composition captures the lyrics well. SM's qualification hinges on the staging – can SMRTV devise a stage show that reflects the composition?
Halfway through the Second Semi-Final and things are a bit more hopeful at this point. The semi-final two is typically the stronger one and this year falls within that expectation. Two songs have already impressed me to the point of thinking of them as true Contenders. Let's see what the second half has in store!
- Azerbaijan – Hour of the Wolf performed by Elnur Huseynov: That is one awesome song title! The song makes me feel like I am out West, exploring the desert on horseback, which I guess is the point. Definitely the strongest entry thus far. We might be heading back to Baku in 2016.
- Cyprus – One Thing I Should Have Done performed by John Karayiannis: It's like we've stepped back into the early 90s! I really like the song but I think it has zero chance of moving through to the Final.
- Iceland – Unbroken performed by Maria Ólafs: The song is a bit generic for me, but I think it has a real chance of achieving a Top Ten finish. However, I do not think that is will win (maybe with a strong performance + good position in the running order), but it will definitely be successful.
- Israel – Golden Boy performed by Nadav Guedj: A very Bollywood-style entry. I hope it has the staging to match! It's definitely a fun song and should stand out among the more serious entries of this semi-final. Again, being one of the few true, uptempo dance numbers will definitely help its case.
- Latvia – Love Injected performed by Aminata: That was highly unexpected. Definitely WAY different than your typical ESC entry. I am thinking that it is a little too different. There is no real melody and her voice is a little jarring. I do not see this qualifying; though, I do like it!
- Poland – In the Name of Love performed by Monika Kuszyńska: This song definitely gets better as it goes along. I like it and think a lot higher of its chances at the end of it than I did at the beginning, which is exactly what one wants in their entry: improving opinions throughout its duration.
- Slovenia – Here for You performed by Maraaya: I like this! The song is a bit quirky, but not too much so. I fear, though, that the stage performance is going to be weird and derail its chances for success because it will alienate the viewers and confuse the juries.
- Sweden – Heroes performed by Måns Zelmerlöw: Finally, Zelmerloöw makes it to the ESC! Wow! This Melodifestevalen performance! I cannot wait to see this on stage in Vienna. The song is also catchy, but captivating; multifaceted, but understandable. Definitely another serious contender to win!
- Switzerland – Time to Shine performed by Mélanie René: There's definitely a Native American vibe going on in the video, but it is not really reflected in the composition. This strikes me of a revamped My Time (UK 2009) – a repetitive song about empowerment, but this one is more uptempo. I think, again, its success depends on its placement in the running order.
So, the second semi-final is definitely the stronger of the two, but that is fairly standard at this point. I see four, legitimate contenders to carry the crown: Azerbaijan, Sweden, Norway, and Lithuania. I also see a Top Ten entry in Iceland. The last five is a crapshoot dependent on performance, staging, and the running order. For right now, let's say the other five qualifiers will be Switzerland, Ireland, Poland, Slovenia, and Malta.
- Australia – Tonight Again performed by Guy Sebastian: Make no mistake about it, Australia looks to return next year. And the only way to do that is to win. This song, and the selection of international R&B star Guy Sebatian, gives Australia a legitimate shot of taking the crown. Personally, I think the song is fun and a good balance of catchy and intriguing. All it needs is a good running order slot.
- Austria – I Am Yours performed by The Makemakes: I really like this. Austria has done a good job of setting itself up to do well on home turf without the risk of winning in consecutive years.
- France – N'oubliez Pas (Don't Forget) performed by Lisa Angell: France returns to its roots with a traditional ballad. This will definitely help the French avoid another last place, but I do not see it making a major impact on the scoreboard.
- Germany – Black Smoke performed by Ann Sophie: I like this song; it's stands out as being unique, despite its 90s sound. I foresee this quickly becoming one of my favorites. Unfortunately, I do not foresee Black Smoke making a significant impact in Vienna, especially seeing how badly it was beaten in Unser Song.
- Italy – Grande Amore (Great Love) performed by Il Volo: Like France, Italy is returning to its roots – a dramatic, tenor-driven, epic ballad of love. Expect this song to collect jury votes and those of ESC's older viewers. I will be interested to see how they stage this song; whether they will tell a story or simply put the guys on stage to sing their hearts out. I predict a Top Ten finish.
- Spain – Amanecer (Dawn) performed by Edurne: Spain, seeing how successful it can be with emotional, power ballads, is trying its hand once again at the genre with its most epic attempt yet. Anyone else notice the date of the Grand Final inscribed inside the ring in the music video? I like it, but I have a feeling that it will not translate to the stage like it does to music videos – we'll see, I guess.
- United Kingdom – Still in Love with You performed by Electro Velvet: Oh, the faux-20s sound that was so popular in the 90s (hmmm, definitely a seeing a trend here). Usually, inside jokes come from the French, but the Brits attempt an entry that sounds and looks like something that will go over the heads of most watching the Contest (including yours truly). Hmm..not sure how it well it will do.
Of the automatic qualifiers, I think Italy, Austria, and Australia have the strongest entries, though, I think all of them are good. Germany, Spain, and the UK are probably my favorite.
As a recap, the 20 qualifiers that I think will join the automatic qualifiers: Serbia, Belarus, Georgia, Russia, Belgium, Albania, Moldova, Greece, Romania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Sweden, Norway, Lithuania, Iceland, Switzerland, Ireland, Poland, Slovenia, and Malta. Of the 27 projected finalists, I think the Top Ten will be (in no particular order):
- Australia
- Italy
- Lithuania
- Sweden
- Norway
- Azerbaijan
- Iceland
- Spain
- Austria
- Belarus
If the Contest were to happen today, I would predict that these countries had the best chance of winning: Azerbaijan, Norway, Sweden, Lithuania, Australia, and Italy. Come back in a few days' time for my more in-depth review of each of these six entries!
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Victims of VA Gridlock
Faces of the people who say they were caught up in the scandal at the Department of Veterans Affairs
by AARP Staff, AARP, August 28, 2014|
- Tom Tingle/The Republic
Vicky Olson
The widow of ex-Marine Michael Olson, who died at age 45, says her husband had been trying to get an appointment with the VA for over a year when he succumbed in March to complications of hypertension, obesity and asthma. She says her husband had "fallen through the cracks" at the VA.
1 of 11 - Eddie Seal/ The New York Times/ Redux
Claude D'Unger
The Army veteran says he has virtually given up on getting help from the Veterans Affairs hospital near his home in Corpus Christi, Texas. He is among veterans who say the VA's almost impenetrable bureaucracy has become a source of anger and frustration as they deal with health problems.
2 of 11 - James Patterson/The New York Times/Redux
Phyllis Hollenbeck, M.D.
Working at the Veterans Affairs medical center in Jackson, Miss., Hollenbeck filed a whistleblower complaint over the lack of primary care physicians there. An acute shortage of doctors within the VA system may be at the center of the controversy over falsified patient wait-time data, VA doctors have said.
3 of 11 - Richard Shiro/AP Photo
Army Sgt. LaQuisha Gallmon
Gallmon, holding 2-month-old Abbagayle at her home in Greenville, S.C., says that her local VA office had authorized her to see a private physician during her pregnancy, so she went to an emergency room after experiencing complications. She says the VA has refused to pay the $700 bill.
4 of 11 - Maria L. La Ganga/Los Angeles Times
Walter 'Burgie' Burkhartsmeier
The retired Navy veteran, 73, who did five tours in Vietnam, says he had to wait three months to get an MRI exam at a VA facility in Seattle for shooting pains down his left arm and 18 months for the MRI results to be read. The MRI revealed he had been at risk of paralysis during the time he waited on care.
5 of 11 AARP Offer: Remember the past, help shape the future
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6 of 11- Nick Ut/AP Photo
Army Sgt. Ashley Morris
Serving six months in Baghdad as an operating room technician in a military hospital, Morris returned home traumatized. She says she has had trouble getting comprehensive care at the community-based VA clinic near her home in Albertville, Ala.
7 of 11 - Jeff Roberson/AP Photo
Jose Mathews
The former chief of psychiatry at the Veterans Affairs hospital in St. Louis says in a whistleblower complaint filed last year that he was demoted because of a staff "mutiny" after his efforts to make employees work harder and more efficiently to care for sick veterans.
8 of 11 - Ted S. Warren/AP Photo
Connie Olberg
Olberg holds a photograph of her brother, Donald Douglass, taken in the 1970s when he was serving in Germany in the U.S. Army. Douglass died of cancer in 2012, and his attorney says a long delay in removing a cancerous spot on his forehead at the Seattle Veterans Affairs hospital contributed to his death.
9 of 11 - OSCAR HIDALGO/The New York Times/Redux
Marc Schenker
The Air Force veteran opted for private hernia surgery after waiting fruitlessly for months for a booking at a Veterans Affairs hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Schenker is among veterans who say that trying to get care through the VA has proved a frustrating and angering experience.
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