Friday Jukebox 8.30.13: A Short Tribute to Jetty Paerl

Jetty Paerl died this week at the age of 92. She will be most famous for being the very first performer of the EUROVISION Song Contest (Concours EUROVISION Chansons de la Europeenes), at Lugano 1956. That year, there were fourteen entries, two from the seven countries that participated. Lys Assia had two songs for Switzerland that day, and won with one of them. Lys is still alive.

The song that Jetty started the phenomenon that is the EUROVISION Song Contest with was a good piece, called "De Vogels van Holland."

Have a very safe Labo(u)r Day weekend. Drive safe, stay safe.

50 Years Ago Today (8/28): The March on Washington

August 28 is the 50th anniversary of the March on the Mall in Washington, featuring the famous MLK Jr. speech "I have a dream..."

There was a re-creation (sort of) of the event earlier today on the Mall, including appearances by the President, as well as a couple former Presidents, and a few others. Despite the US Open rain delays, I managed to see some of it.

Free at last, free at last. God Almighty, free at last.

SIBERIA Episode 8 review: And You Will Know It By the Trail of Fear

If you haven't seen the episode, ignore this review. If you have, scroll down in...



Three...










Two...








One!

It picks up where Neeko opened a cabin door. There he discovered that Irene wasn't there. I thought that at the end of the previous episode that Irene would be the one that would die, because of the bottle of prescription pills (the pills that were found in the revealer) next to her bed. That was not the case. However, a hand was found in the snow, but who's was it?

Before I move further, some background on some theories. The first and foremost conclusion is that hand is a human. Or is it? If it is a human, it would most likely be that of either Irene or host Jonathon Buckley, whose copter was scattered in the wreckage in the previous episode. As they dig through the snow, it got even more difficult. It would have been better if a Fisher Snowplow would have been used. However, just as they continued to dig deep through the inches of snow, there came a shocking discovery. Just as if you thought it would be either Bucko or Irene, it wasn't. This human had a long sleeved sweater. This human also had blonde hair. Thus, it came to the conclusion that the near-decomposed remains are those of Natalie's. Remember, she disappeared a couple episodes ago. The shock of her discovery brought to the remainder on the compound, including Anne Marie, who had a 'secret' relationship with Natalie. Anne Marie knew what she went through once she discovered the body. We all knew that. Lots of theories regarding Natalie's death were brought on by the others, including Sabina, who believed the 'tiger' from a previous episode could have mauled her. As Miljan said in that episode: "Tigers can't be dangerous. They're big cats."

Our fearless four-Johnny, Dan, Sam and Carolina-were still on a trail of a beacon. I think this was for night purposes. A long search to the flat grassy fields led to an argument between Johnny and Sam, where they both fought each other. Later, they saw something shining in the woods. Unsure of what it is, they moved along. And as they moved along, all four saw how mentally tough it is. Carolina broke down to the point that Johnny (I think) carried her as they proceeded to this tower. Once they got to the tower, Johnny climbs up there. Not sure if something or someone got him or he lost footing, but he would later drop down so far into the ground. Dan does CPR on him until he wakes up. They later proceed until they found this science home. No one was in there, and they broke in. All four went inside, and it was a huge break for them. Dan went into the fridge, and as if he was going to grab a can of OXOTA beer, it was instead a bottle of green drink, possibly something like ye olde Hi-C 'Ecto-Cooler' that Coke (the makers of Hi-C) made as a tie in to the Ghostbusters franchise.

Meanwhile, as more questions are being asked regarding Natalie's death, an emotional Sabina told Neeko about her life back home. She told him that she has a child, and that child is in an orphanage. She also breaks down as well. A tale of personal issues that involves abuse and tragedy. Just like Dan episodes ago talking about his near-fatal experience on the streets of the Twin Cities. Very touching and for someone who has shown her toughness these last few episodes, it was a surprise to see her in such this way. A very personal, but we're humans.

At the end of the episode, Sabina and Neeko (I think) saw all of those footprints. It was the same footprints that were discovered at the midpoint of the episode. Sabina believes those could have been that of a creature. She believes that the 'fearless four' didn't find shelter. But yes they did! There were three trails of footprints! Very fishy, but I don't believe they are those of the 'fearless four.' The shaking those four felt in the building could be a clue. Who knows.

Something was interesting in this episode. After the discovery of Natalie's body, Esther started to believe Miljan killed her. What was funny that there was no Miljan and no Irene in this episode. Very fishy. It will get interesting as this season goes into the homestretch.

The cinematography changed a lot since the previous episode. It's a lot different than the first six episodes. A huge change of pace.

As for the 'scorecard'...

ELIMINATED:
15. Harpreet (flag race elimination)
(tie) Berglind (flag race elimination)
14. Tommy (murdered)
13. George (quit)
12. Victoria (quit)
11. Natalie (dead)

Hanging on: Miljan and Irene

Also alive: Sabina, Neeko, Anne Marie, Esther, Johnny, Sam, Dan, Carolina

US Open 2013: The Last Grand Slam of 2013

The final grand slam of the year is hours away. However, it is one where some key players have withdrawn due to injuries, however the two defending singles champions are back to defend their titles. One of those is Andy Murray, who won his first grand slam last year. Murray also had a gold at London and recently won another major singles title, at All England in July. Now he's looking for his third! Could he do it?

The following are first round matches of interest:

MEN
Singles, first round matches of interest
(1) Novak Djokovic v Ricardas Berankis
(2) Rafa Nadal v Ryan Harrison
(3) Andy Murray v Michael Llodra
(4) David Ferrer v Nick Kyrgios
(5) Tomas Berdych v Paolo Lorenzi
(6) Juan Martin del Potro v Guillermo Garcia Lopez
(7) Roger Federer v Grega Zemlja
(8) Richard Gasquet v Michael Russell
(9) Stan Wawrinka v Radek Stepanek
(10) Milos Raonic v Thomas Fabbiano
(11) Kei Nishikori v Daniel Evans
(12) Tommy Haas v Paul Henri Mathieu
(13) John Isner v Filippo Volandri
(14) Jerzy Janowicz v Maximo Gonzalez
(15) Nicolas Almagro v Denis Istomin
(16) Fabio Fognini v Rajeev Ram
(17) Kevin Anderson v Daniel Brands
(18) Janko Tipsarevic v Pablo Cuevas
(19) Tommy Robredo v Marinko Matosevic
(20) Andreas Seppi v Xavier Malisse
(21) Mikhail Youzhny v Nicolas Mahut
(22) Philipp Kohlschreiber v Collin Altamirano
(24) Benoit Paire v Alex Bogomolov Jr.
(25) Grigor Dimitrov v Joao Sousa
(26) Sam Querrey v Guido Pella
(27) Fernando Verdasco v Ivan Dodig
(28) Juan Monaco v Florian Mayer
(29) Jurgen Melzer v Evgeny Donskoy
(30) Ernests Gulbis v Andreas Haider Maurer
(31) Julien Benneteau v Michal Przysiezny
Lleyton Hewitt v Brian Baker
James Blake v Ivo Karlovic
Gael Monfils v Adrian Ungur
David Goffin v Alex Dolgopolov
Ben Becker v Lukas Rosol
Marcos Baghdatis v Go Soeda
Donald Young v Martin Klizan
Sergiy Stakhovsky v Jeremy Chardy
Jack Sock v Philipp Petschner
Bernard Tomic v Albert Ramos
Jurgen Zopp v Marcel Granollers
Andrey Kuznetsov v Dudi Sela
Kenny de Schepper v Bradley Klahn
Lukasz Kubot v Jarkko Nieminen
Lukas Lacko v Somdev Devvarman
Robin Haase v Frank Dancevic
Steve Johnson v Tobias Kamke
Santiago Giraldo v Carlos Berlocq
Nikolay Davydenko v Rhyne Williams
Adrian Mannarino v Horacio Zeballos

WOMEN
Singles, first round matches of interest
(1) Serena Williams v Francesca Schiavone
(2) Victoria Azarenka v Dinah Pfizenmaier
(3) Agnieszka Radwanska v Silvia Soler Espinosa
(4) Sara Errani v Ayumi Morita
(5) Na Li v Olga Govortsova
(6) Caroline Wozniacki v Ying Ying Duan
(7) Petra Kvitova v Misaki Doi
(8) Angelique Kerber v Lucie Hradecka
(9) Jelena Jankovic v Madison Keys
(10) Roberta Vinci v Timea Babos
(11) Sam Stosur v Victoria Duval
(12) Kirsten Flipkens v Venus Williams
(13) Ana Ivanovic v Anna Tatishvili
(14) Maria Kirilenko v Yanina Wickmayer
(15) Sloane Stephens v Mandy Minella
(16) Sabine Lisicki v Vera Dushevina
(17) Dominika Cibulkova v Elina Svitolina
(18) Carla Suarez Navarro v Lauren Davis
(19) Sorana Cirstea v Sharon Fichman
(20) Nadia Petrova v Julia Glushko
(21) Simona Halep v Heather Watson
(22) Elena Vesnina v Annika Beck
(23) Jamie Hampton v Lara Arruabarrena
(24) Ekaterina Makarova v Polona Hercog
(25) Kaia Kanepi v Vania King
(26) Alize Cornet v Maria Joao Koehler
(27) Svetlana Kuznetsova v Mallory Burdette
(28) Mona Barthel v Johanna Larsson
(30) Laura Robson v Lourdes Dominguez Lino
(32) Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova v Virginie Razzano
Bojana Jovanovski v Andrea Petkovic
Paula Ormaechea v Kimiko Date Krumm
Irina Camelia Begu v Urszula Radwanska
Mathilde Johansson v Bethanie Mattek Sands
Nicole Gibbs v Flavia Pennetta
Maria Sanchez v Daniela Hantuchova
Tsvetana Pironkova v Alison Riske
Julia Goerges v Christina McHale
Monica Puig v Alisa Kleybanova
Coco Vandeweghe v Aleksandra Krunic
Varvara Lepchenko v Alexandra Dulgheru
Ashleigh Barty v Estrella Cabeza Candela
Shuai Peng v Yvonne Meusberger
Casey Dellacqua v Ajla Tomljanovic
Mirjana Lucic Baroni v Sachia Vickery
Kristina Mladenovic v Anna Medina Garrigues
Karolina Pliskova v Eugenie Bouchard
Chanelle Scheepers v Chanel Simmonds
Lesia Tsurenko v Lucie Safarova
Petra Cetkovska v Sofia Arvidsson
Aleksandra Wozniak v Vesna Dolonc
Karin Knapp v Grace Min
Camila Giorgi v Jana Cepelova
Galina Voskoboeva v Monica Niculescu
Yaroslava Shvedova v Olga Puchkova

As you see, some of the key players are missing, including Jo Wilfried Tsonga, Mardy Fish and Maria Sharapova, who are out due to injuries. Also the shocking retirement of Marion Bartoli, who won her first-and possibly her only-grand slam singles title at All England last month.

It all begins Monday. Not near a TV, US Open Radio on the US Open site (remember it's usopen.ORG NOT usopen.COM. The '.com' is the golf one, but you want the tennis one, so it's '.org.') and their apps are a good choice, and also live streaming on the grounds as it has been the case over the past few years. If you have a TV, DIRECTV has the mix channels, as well as ESPN, Tennis and the dual colossal coverage on the weekends and Labor Day on CBS and CBS Sports Network.

It's the final grand slam of the year. Enjoy it while you can.

Friday Jukebox 8.23.13

I felt like going back to the '80s for this: a heavily-underrated masterpiece by the band Leatherwolf from 1984, called "Alone in the Night." After hearing this in a couple of Bloodstain Lane videos, I finally found the title and the music. Note: this was also used in the soundtrack to the 1988 film Return of the Living Dead II.

SIBERIA Episode 7 Review: Snowball of a Chance

If you haven't seen this episode, go on hulu. The episode is there. If you have seen the episode, scroll down in...




Three...










Two...









One...

It picks up from that huge hole in the crater. The crater was inspired by the Tunguska Event of 1908. And there, our faithful four-Sam, Daniel, Johnny and Joyce...I mean...Carolina-went down to see the damage. All that debris; all of which led to a helicopter crash. And there, those four scoured amongst the wreckage and there was a piece of debris, possibly a piece of a seat that has the name 'Jonathan Buckley' on it. Buckley, or 'Bucko,' is the presenter of this show. You've seen him earlier in the episodes. Carolina broke down and cried, and for a reason. You know there was a huge bond between 'Bucko' and 'Carolina.' In fact, this was them last month at the NBC Summer TCA:

Okay, now that was real life. This is fiction. It is interesting that the main presenter/character of a 'reality' show would 'perish.' And as a result, a huge magnitude is brought up to the rest of the cast and the producers, of course.

Sabina returned to the cabin only for the others to be shocked. Why were they shocked at Sabina? Sabina came back to the cabin with a supply of food and ammo, some of which she stole from a prior episode. She and Esther got into an argument later on.

Snow was the biggest obstacle everybody faced to that day. Huge snowfall played an extreme role in this episode. Everyone noticed, even Neeko who said "it was bloody hot!" Miljan didn't give a fuck and would still wear shorts in this type of condition. I've actually seen people wear shorts in extremely cold temperatures, so nothing new.

As the 'faithful four' were still chasing for more evidence in the copter crash, Sam had the worst luck. First, he hurt his right ankle whilst walking, and second, he was trapped under that snow that he fell asleep. He would later wake up and a campfire was on for him.

Miljan had his ups and downs in this episode. First, a camera found him-in his brown jacket-possibly strangling Irene, while she was sleeping. Irene would later woke up screaming. She is still nursing the right leg injury as a result of the trap. Then there was an argument in which Miljan and Neeko fought in the snow. Once again Miljan was in a fight. Both can sell a move better than John Cena. In fact, I wonder if Oscar de la Hoya will add this to the stacked 9/14 "The One" card in Vegas? Maybe a future match in UFC or Bellator? Or even GLORY, since they have three upcoming shows here in the states? Who knows! Finally, Miljan getting tied up by Sabina, S&M style! It seemed that Sabina has that Cris Cyborg aura!

The biggest surprise was the sound of the revealer. Everyone had to push the snow over and open the door. There were these following items: rice, sleeping pills, "The Idiot," and two of the most important things to the remainder on the compound: matches and vodka. Yes folks, vodka. Everyone in the cabin drank some throughout the night.

The next day, they were shocked to see something wrong with Irene. She was not in bed. The sleeping pill bottle was there, empty. And the shocker. Neeko opens the door only to find something wrong with Irene. Is she dead? We'll see, in the next episode.

Drug overdose? Murder? What probably happened to Irene? And Bucko? Who knows? He could be alive!

As for the scorecard:
15. Harpeet (eliminated after flag race)
(tie) Berglind (eliminated after flag race)
14. Tommy (murdered)
13. George (withdrew)
12. Victoria (withdrew)
11. Natalie (withdrew)

On the edge of death: Irene and maybe Sam

Also remaining: Miljan, Neeko, Sabina, Carolina, Johnny, Danny, Anne Marie, Esther

Moscow 2013: Caption This: WWYID? UPDATE: Standard Traditional Greeting!

WWYID: What Would Yelena Isinbayeva Do?

Remember, Isinbayeva hates propaganda, like I do (and that's why I like her, so fuck all of you LGBT mafia). But what does she think about her teammates:

Shouldn't the IAAF's code of conduct suggests NO 'public display of propaganda'? Someone's asses will be in collective trouble right there...

Oh and once again, Isinbayeva apologized, so can you guys forgive her?

EDIT: the kiss between Kseniya Ryzhova and Tatyana Firova is NOT homosexual. They are both married and this is not against Putin's policies. It is Russian/former Soviet/Eastern European tradition, for women and men to do this to each other. Standard greeting, the equivalent of the handshake! Please my fellow westerners let it go! It is tradition! Let it go!

Fox Sports One and Two: My Lasting Impressions

So for those who haven't noticed, Fox cable group is undergoing a huge overhaul.

It all started on Saturday with the departure of FUEL and SPEED into heaven (or should I say, 'hell'). Then it was Fox Sports 1 and 2 entering the United States cable/satellite landscape. I see that Fox Sports 2 is still on the same DIRECTV channel for FUEL (618), while FS1 moved from SPEED's 607 to 219, between Golf and NBCSN. FS1's day would be headlined by the National Guard 200 at Michigan as well as the UFC Fight Night at Toronto Dominion Garden Boston, headlined by the knockouts of Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua and Alistair 'The Reem' Overeem, two PRIDE favorites. The big capper was the Chael Sonnen promo welcoming us to the NEW Fox Sports One.

As the live UFC card segued to Fox Sports Live, there was Charissa Thompson, who is marking her return to the Fox Sports family. She did some sideline reporting for some of the NFL on Fox telecasts before bolting to ESPN. A big scoreboard wall (sponsored by Audi 'Vorsprung durch Technik'!) is there, and I have to say, this is miles ahead of SportsCenter already!

After Charissa introduced the panel, including Gary Payton and Andy Roddick, a segue to two of the best studio hosts in sport television-Jay Onrait and Dan O'Toole. Remember, this Onrait-O'Toole pairing has gone a long way, for years on TSN's SportsCentre. The first installment of Fox Sports Live, marked their US debut!

A reminder that FSL is what sports news TV ought to be: relaxed and fun. The old Fox Sports News used to do it. CNN's old series, Sports Tonight, also used to be this way. Even SportsCenter for certain years as well.

I also see that FS1 and FS2 will get great programming. AFL and NRL football from down under airs live (and semi-live on FS2), and FS1 will carry Golden Boy Live, beginning tonight on selected Monday nights, and competing against the likes of Under the Dome, Siberia and Monday Night RAW.

ESPN, NBCSN, CBS Sports Network, now you got a competitor. Now when will Sky Sports come to the states?

WHODUNNIT? Episode 9 Review: Zombie Nation and Huge Heel Turn (Season Finale?)

If you haven't seen the episode, do so and ignore this. If you have, scroll down in...


Three...










Two...








One...

The above picture indicates who was left after the previous episode. And it changed...drastically.

It picks up from the previous episode where Giles was tied up and held hostage, and smoke got into the living room of Rue Manor. Melina was missing. At first I thought it was pot smoke. Someone was probably smoking pot somewhere in the building. Hence it was probably pot smoke.

The first place the remaining guests looked for clues were the evidence that was stashed in the inventory room. As they all looked for clues, especially from the previous cases, there they found Melina, with some blood, dead. With Melina out, it now came down to three.

There were flashbacks of various cases from the past eight episodes, just as a refresher course heading into the season (or series?) finale. It lead to the remaining three-Kam, Lindsey and Cris-and their next tasks in hand. But first, the return of the 'zombies,' led by Sheri from the first episode to the recent zombie of Ronnie. The fallen came back as zombies, and they did in an orderly fashion from upstairs. A voice forwarded the three to find evidence from the past cases and puzzles that would fit in the shape of a question mark. The first of those puzzles was found earlier in this episode, courtesy of Melina's right arm. The remaining three raced all around Rue Manor finding clues. They even found Giles who was untied. How was he untied? Who knows?

As they raced to the basement where Giles is located, especially Kam with a contract in his hand, signed the killer's pact. Remember, Giles is NOT the killer, and he tweeted that eight hundred fucking times! As the remaining three were trying to get more clues, they all met upstairs. Kam and Cris were already there. Lindsey opened a door and BOOM! A mechanical knight with a bow and arrow was there. Lindsey opened the swing door and the knight released the arrow. Splat! The arrow lands on Lindsey's throat! I was assuming since I am also a fan of SIBERIA, and recalling a couple of episodes ago when Irene was demonstrating to the rest of her compadres that she can excel the master of archery, thus the suspicion that Irene was the killer. Note, Irene is Asian and there are no Asians on this series this season, so was she the 14th guest on Rue Manor, and the killer? And was she recruited by the producers to take out the 13 guests? That was my speculation until the last moments of the episode.

And then, the shock and awe. Cris and Kam were arguing about who was the killer? Kam denied and Cris first denied it. But the swerve is about to come. As if I was hoping something big was going to happen at the end, well, there was. Cris came to her senses that she was the killer. A flashback of her crimes with her narration led to the 'police' to place her on handcuffs and escort her out of Rue Manor. It is fitting just looking at a picture of the cops today and it showed that those 'cops' are none other than CSI: creator/executive producer Anthony E Zuiker, the creator of this show, and Cris Abrego, co-executive producer, who also executive produced The Rock of Love and the hugely controversial Megan Wants a Millionaire, a reality series that aired on VH1 a few years ago which was axed by VH1 after one of its contestants was charged with a murder and would later commit suicide.

Kam Perez, 30 of NYC, a Homeland Security attorney, won the prize of $250,000. Only $250,000 in cash, no prizes. The only man left was the only one left standing.

Miss Nevada 2010 Cris Crotz, 27, was unveiled as the "Whodunnit? Killer." Crotz failed to make to second level of Miss America 2010, the only pageant where it's all about 'talent.' Her 'talent' throughout the series was to betray. Thus, the biggest heel turn on television, and one that could run parallels to Hulk Hogan's heel turn and the formation of the nWo at Bash at the Beach 1996:

As for Cris herself, I would think that she was probably not the killer, but more as a mole for an organized criminal group with ties to Rue Manor. The REAL killer is probably out there, hence my original guess of a '14th' and '15th' guest on Rue Manor to spice things up and for the greater good of television at this time. I also thought that Cris had a gun and shot Kam and turn it on herself. Why not? Also would have been good.  Lots of good scenarios for the finale that would have worked much better than this. Great heel turn, but a big swerve as well. I was hoping for something big, and the viewers got it. And the Zuiker and Abrego cameos as 'cops' at the end. I was unaware!

So to recap this season...
1. Perez, Kam (winner)
2. Crotz, Cris (the 'killer')
3. Anderson, Lindsey (shot in the throat with an arrow)
4. Alvez, Melina (deceased)
5. Padron, Ronnie (hot tub turbulence)
6. Walker, Geno (shot in belly, impaled by chandelier)
7. Davis Blake, Dana (smothered, stabbed, immortalized)
(tie) Horne, Sasha (smothered, stabbed, immortalized)
9. Wilson, Ulysses (fatal horse fall)
10. Tabak, Don (mauled by puma)
11. Iwasinski, Adrianna (fatal cart explosion)
12. Mosbey, Dontae (third degree burns)
13. Marsh, Sheri (shot in neck with musket, blunt force trauma, electrocution)

It was a wonderful series. I would've expected more, and I hope ABC can pick up a season two, or do like most good series on broadcast television would do-take it to cable. If ABC doesn't pick up season two, it should be on FX, Showtime, starz, TNT, amc or HBO. Maybe CBS, since Zuiker's CSI: franchise is there, or even NBC or Fox.

Also the cast, not bad. I had a pleasure of interacting with the cast on twitter. Dana has followed me on twitter, and I had my tweets from the show favorite or tweeted by some of the cast, like Dana, and Melina, Ulysses and Adrianna.

Anyway, now that the season's over, I don't have not much to look forward to on Sunday nights this fall, maybe some Patrick Jane (Mentalist), but definitely, Sunday nights will be a sports night, especially in October when the baseball playoffs and World Series compete against Sunday Night Football. It's been done before...

Yelena Isinbayeva: 'I Think I Have Been Misunderstood...'

Link.

After what she said on Thursday, she knew she had to apologize to the LGBT mafia, who some wanted her dead, especially on twitter. God, I hate those people who get so uptight about her opinion, then call her shit like 'homophobe.' Tyrants.

You should also see her OFFICIAL facebook page. Flooded with the LGBT mafia as well.

To the LGBT mafia, you're making it worse for yourselves. GROW THE FUCK UP.

Oh, and go Yelena!

Friday Jukebox 8.16.13

Perhaps one of the hottest trance tracks at the moment, and has been played recently by Armin van Buuren himself on the most recent episodes of A State of Trance. Armin actually produced the original himself, however, the Photographer mix of "Who's Afraid of 138?" is where it's at.

Lisa Robin Kelly, 43, Robin Forman

From That '70s Show...to 'That 2010s Mug Shot...'

And from there, to 'That 2010s Rehab' and now 'That 2010s death'.

Remember she was arrested in connection with a fight with her husband?

The 'Hung' Jury Says: No Final Rose!

Link.

Mental illness and a 'rocky' relationship with Pelicans forward Ryan Anderson to blame.

SIBERIA Episode 5 Review: One Big Hole

If you haven't seen the episode, go somewhere that has it and watch it. For those who have, scroll down in...



Three...












Two...










One!

It first picks up the discovery of the camp site. Now I'm not sure who's camp site it is; it could be one of their own or possibly a camp for travelling gypsy groups. Food and drinks were also discovered there, as well as blood. This blood was later traced to a trailer. The door of the trailer had the show's logo (with the 'R' backwards) on it, and in there, creeping from behind, is Sabina! Sabina was the one in the last episode to have stolen food from the pantry before it was burned down, as well as the bullets and guns from the compound. More blood was discovered on the PC and by the CB radio. The CB failed to pick up any signals, resulting in more worry among the four in that trailer.

Later, where it also picks up from the tail end of the previous episode, was the launch pad scene. This was where a helicopter was supposed to transport Irene to the nearest medical facility kilometers away, but it failed to show up. The guys brought her back to the camp where she was in bed for days. There were some issues regarding this, especially when Carolina voiced her anger toward Esther, and everyone else had their say, including Johnny, who in the first half of the episode, had the most frustration of all of those on the compound. Later, Esther tearfully apologized for the failure to get Irene out of the compound.

Now it gets interesting, as more ideas from the guys about how to properly receive any aid for Irene. The most clever one was from Anne Marie, where she suggested smoke signals, like what the Natives do, using the fire from the campfire. A great idea that never happened. Moments later, more frustration over Irene and Johnny got mad. I thought Johnny was going to tear down the cabin or basically set it on fire at some point. Then he went for the revealer. And with all of his strength, he knocked it down. Before all of this, the revealer 'handed' out gas masks to the guys, and I'm thinking, nerve gas could attack them? And there was one giant conclusion to the revealer. This device, known for giving out clues during this series, came out to be a behavior simulator known as "Test Group C." Test Group C, huh? And someone handed out the gas masks manually? Someone must have been in there! I was hoping some food, or water, even OXOTA beer was in the revealer. For the record, 'OXOTA' or 'Othota,' translates in Russian to English as 'hunter.' I've first seen the brand as they advertised during the IIHF men's World Championships in Stockholm and Helsinki three months ago. So yeah, OXOTA is Russian beer.

Lots of creepy things went on with Miljan. First he covered up the camera while in the cabin checking on Irene's health, then the diary, written in 1927, that Sam found under his bed, and then the tattoo on his right arm. But that wasn't all. When Miljan found out Sam had the book, they both fought. I was hoping some wood and some other objects would have been used, it would have the feel of a ECW (original ECW that is) or CZW match! Both Miljan and Sam can actually sell moves better than John Cena!

It was later discovered by Daniel that there was this pole kilometers away from the compound. Keep in mind, Daniel mentioned earlier about his history when he and his girlfriend were jumped from behind on the streets of the Twin Cities (I think) and thus, he took it emotional. And I came to a conclusion that Daniel's findings prove to be interesting, considering that tower is probably a cell phone tower. Of course we all need those in order to maintain communication every day no matter where we are.

And then, the biggest discovery of this episode. As I though Dan, Johnny, Sam and Carolina were going to leave the premises and quit, it never happened. Instead, they discovered this big crater kilometers away. I'm not certain if it was a crater or possibly a mark of a UFO landing, and the possibility aliens could have landed on earth. We will have to see next time!

As for the scorecard (I know it's scripted, but what the hell), it's stagnant!

ELIMINATED:
15. Harpeet (flag race elimination)
(tie) Berglind (flag race elimination)
14. Tommy (murdered)
13. George (withdrew)
12. Victoria (withdrew)
11. Natalie (withdrew)

Hanging on for dear life: Irene, Sam, Dan, Johnny, Carolina
Also still alive: Miljan, Anne Marie, Esther, Neeko, Sabina

Whodunnit? Episode 8 Review: Up In Smoke

If you haven't seen the episode yet, be warned. Avoid these spoilers. For those who have, please proceed in...






Three...










Two...








One!

As the remaining four were investigating the horrifying hot tub hydroplane fatality of Ronnie from last episode, there have been some shocking, yet interesting stuff going on.

The first order of business was the ice breaking, where a box was uncovered. This was an important clue. Kam, the only male left, successfully achieved it the most. I was hoping they would all break their big-ass ice cubes Dolph Lundgren style:

 

Then the remaining guests were split, as usual. Cris and Melina were stopping by the area where Ronnie was last discovered. I was hoping they would actually jump in the pool or hot tub naked. And why not? If Esther did on SIBERIA despite her boobs being blurred out, why not? The show is rated TV-14 for Christ sakes! As more developments continued into the investigation, perhaps the biggest one of them all was when Melina discovered the ice cold body of Ronnie. With the cubes of ice in the hot tub, Ronnie's body temperature at death was probably 200 below zero (Fahrenheit, that is). Thus, why he hydroplaned. Before he hydroplaned, Ronnie (I think) addressed a letter to be left for Giles, along with coffee laced with-you guessed it-ricin. It was intended for Giles, but it was brought poolside to Ronnie. A surveillance camera saw Ronnie fainting very quickly, perhaps from the combination of the ricin-laced tea and blocks of ice cubes in the hot tub. All of which led to a foamy substance, which was ricin, that was discovered on his mouth. I was thinking that the foamy substance on his mouth was not ricin, but instead cum or powered crack, which means that a) a drug lord secretly injected crack into his body or b) somebody kissed him with semen, possibly from Ronnie. It could have been either way.

Then more valuable clues were found, including ones that were discovered when a bunch of balls popped up from a box. Afterwards, Lindsey had the biggest quote of the series: "Balls go everywhere." Clues and discussions ensued, and thus a big piece of the puzzle was solved in this investigation.

It's dinner time, and I was hoping Giles would say that "no one got spared." Wrong, as expected, Kam, who did more than everyone else in this episode, received the verbal 'spared' from Giles. But that's not all. I was now hoping that the four would not take Giles' words and instead get 'scared' cards, which was wrong. I was right about Melina and Lindsey getting one, but when it was time for Cris to open hers, I was shocked. She got a 'spared.' But remember, don't take anyone's word, because they could all die tonight.

The next day, they all were having conversations by the pool table. Later on, a limo was waiting and there, the remaining four were about to head out to perhaps a party or possibly another function. I was hoping there would be an explosion and everyone would die. Wrong, the limo driver almost headed off the cliff, then made a U-turn and headed back to Rue Manor, where a flat screen television was turned on. It was Giles! Tied up with guns to his head. And then the kicker. A bunch of smoke blanketed the living room of Rue Manor. Melina appeared to be missing. But where is she? The others also appeared, but could they go missing as well? And will they all die? We will all find out in the season finale.

Here are my bold predictions of the season finale:

• The smoke is marijuana smoke. Does that Cheech & Chong movie give you a clue?
• If there is a killer, it will probably NOT be anyone on Rue Manor.
• The zombies from previous episodes, as shown in the promo at end of this episode, will die.
• The maids will die.
• The remaining guests will die.
• Giles will die.
• AK-47s will be involved.
• FBI and DEA involved, possibly due to a drug bust.
• The '14th' and '15th' guests probably were next on the depth chart by casting and were probably listed that way as 'alternates' in case of any of the 13 deciding to quit before filming of first episode. One will be the killer, one will get the $250,000.
• Since this show is on ABC, a possible crossover with another reality show on another network (I'm thinking SIBERIA). And I'm certain those '14th' and '15th' guests are from that show.
• A huge special guest appearance (I'm hoping for Clark Gable III from CHEATERS)
• A suicide will be involved
• Or the ultimate, NO one is the killer and NO one gets $250,000.

As for my killer guess, if I want a name, look no further to Victoria from SIBERIA. She told her fellow mates at the end of an episode: "You guys are going to die." I wonder when she left the compound, she decided to wish that to her fellow mates, and then spread her agenda by killing guests on Rue Manor. Could that happen?

This is so intense, that this finale next week should be four hours long!

As for the scorecard, it remains stagnant:

ELIMINATED:
13. Sheri (blunt force trauma, third degree burns)
12. Dontae (electrocution)
11. Adrianna (fatal golf cart explosion)
10. Don (mauled by puma)
9. Ulysses (fatal horse fall)
8. Sasha (smothered, stabbed, immortalized)
(tie) Dana (smothered, stabbed, immortalized)
6. Geno (shot in belly, blunt force trauma)
5. Ronnie (fatality in hot tub)

Lucky to stay alive: Melina, Kam, Cris, Lindsey. Also throw in Giles and the two maids.

Malmo 2013: Rankings of the 39: 5-1

And note, I'm not 'Dufnering' while I'm doing this. If you know what I mean.

However, this is, my top five from Malmo 2013. I have reviewed 34 others, but these are the remaining five, and yes, I saved those for last. Are you ready? Here we go...

Just like Esma Redzepova and Bonnie Tyler, Cascada was another brand name act that competed at this year's ESC. The trio was probably using their win in the German national final and the ESC as a way to commemorate the 10th anniversary of their successful track to date-a cover of "Everytime We Touch," a top five hit in the UK. A decade later, these same guys decided the ESC would be a great place to achieve their goal. And it worked. Despite getting lower points in the grand final, "Glorious," which was meant to be a copycat (not quite) of "Euphoria" by Loreen Talhaoui, winner of Baku 2012, is really a great track. And just as good as "Everytime We Touch." This channels "Euphoria," except "Euphoria" is much more euphoric and deeper. End of discussion. At number 5 (6 points) on my Malmo 2013 countdown, it is one of my favorite German entries ever in the ESC. Bar none.

At number 4 (7 points) is Margaret Berger with "I Feed You My Love" (Norway). I ranked this higher for a reason: for it's euphoric value. Some of these dumbfucks comparing her to that shithead Lady Gaga, except this woman is far superior. When someone compares an 'underground' act like Margaret Berger (and I mean 'underground' to us Americans) to Lady Gaga, it makes a person look stupid. Seriously. But this song is powerful and that is why at number 4, it is one of my favorite Norwegian ESC entries.

Who said rock doesn't fare well at ESC besides the likes of Lordi, The Allisons and Terasbetoni among others? Look no further than the collaboration between Koza Mostra and Agathon Iakovidis with "Alcohol is Free" (Greece), at number 3 (8 points). This has to be the best collaboration at Malmo, and is the essential party song. When we are all living in an tough, terrible economy, a song like this delivers. Alcohol is to be consumed free for all adults as a way to stay calm during these tough times. And their sound is a great companion. Therefore, this is one of my favorite ESC entries from Greece, along with Mathima "Solfege Lesson" (1977) among others.

Originally it was "Rhythm of Love," the song Alyona Lanskaya won the Belarussian national final with in December. The change to "Solayoh" (Belarus) doesn't mean shit. Both are great tunes. "Solayoh" eventually made it from the semifinal to the grand final, and garnered a 12 point vote. It is even my second favorite song (10 points) of Malmo 2013. The reason is simple. It is due to its raw courage, it's aura and it's epicness. It is hard to compare this with "We Are the Heroes" by Litesound from Baku 2012, except I like both songs. Belarus yet again never fails in ESC, as far as quality.

And there was one. Here is my number one song of Malmo 2013, and my 12 points go to...

Der Heilsarmee (or Takasa) with "You and Me" (Switzerland). Interesting group, including a 95 year old (seen in this image at the right on the cello), and a guitarist. This diverse group of people was why I put these guys at the top. Nevermind the EBU's name change from Heilsarmee to Takasa because of the Salvation Army name and trademark, but it is still the same great song with people you don't hear much about in the music industry. It is groups like these and the Babushki's from Baku 2012 that you want to be happy that they have performed on one of the biggest stages in the music industry, despite failing to qualify for the grand final. Like Sinplus at Baku, these guys continue to carry on the epicness that the Swiss brings to the ESC year after year.

So to put the cherry on top, here are my final rankings, three months removed:

39. Finland
38. Cyprus
37. Sweden
36. Azerbaijan
35. Belgium
34. Croatia
33. Israel
32. Moldova
31. Serbia
30. Austria
29. Iceland
28. Italy
27. Estonia
26. Ireland
25. Netherlands
24. Russia
23. San Marino
22. Macedonia
21. Malta
20. Ukraine
19. Slovenia
18. Latvia
17. Georgia
16. Denmark
15. Bulgaria
14. Great Britain
13. France
12. Lithuania
11. Hungary
10. Spain (1 point)
9. Montenegro (2 points)
8. Armenia (3 points)
7. Romania (4 points)
6. Albania (5 points)
5. Germany (6 points)
4. Norway (7 points)
3. Greece (8 points)
2. Belgium (10 points)
1. Switzerland (12 points)

One more point about Greece, I'm glad that "Alcohol is Free" made the final, but was mad when "Aphrodesiac" made the final at Baku. The difference was that the Greek song for Malmo is far superior than that slaggish shit that represented that country in Baku. End of story.

And that ends my Malmo 2013 review, it is nine months away until EUROVISION LIX, somewhere in Denmark.

Malmo 2013: Rankings of the 39: 10-6

It's been almost three full months removed from it. Now, it's the best of Malmo 2013, the way it should be. 39 entries, now it's down to the final ten. In part 6 of my Malmo 2013 review, it's the stuff that matters. Who will get 5 points? Who will get four? Or three? Or two? Or one? It's all right here in my Malmo 2013 countdown, where I reveal my 6-10 of this year's ESC. And away we go!

And the first song I'm awarding a point to...the band El Sueno de Morfeo (or ESDM-the Worldwide Leader in Alternative Music) with "Contigo Hasta el Final." (Spain). It is the second highest grand-final only song on my countdown, at number 10 (1 point). Great stuff, and it's an alternative rock song, something most Eurofans don't get. Stuff like this deserves respect from the ESC community. It is one of my favorite Spanish entries in the ESC, and a huge stepping stone from Pastora Soler's "Quedate Conmigo" (and she made an English version of that song!) from Baku 2012. I hope these guys return to ESC in the years to come.

The duo from Kotor, Montenegro, known as the Who See Klapa originally was handpicked by the Montenegrin ESC broadcaster to represent their country at Malmo 2013, with a different song called "Reggaeton Montenegro," which I liked. A sudden change didn't do no harm to their reputation, but I liked "Igranka," number 9 (2 points) on my countdown. Everything is great, the vocals by a guest (and I mean it) appearance from Nina Zizic is good, but lose the fucking dubstep! Presentation was great, and their skills are great (despite the duo rapping in native Yugoslav language). Not to mention, the duo's costumes. Astronauts. No guys, they weren't inspired by those AXE astronaut ads. Maybe, that Moby video (for "We Are All Made of Stars")? Once again, juries missed out on what was one of the best rap/hip-hop songs of the ESC. Rap, like rock, doesn't get no love in the ESC, and those are two of the biggest genres in Europe.

Who would have known that Armenia would come back with a bang after sitting out Baku 2012 due to Armenian-Azeri conflict? A track like "Lonely Planet" by Gor Surjan and Dorians was the cure for such events. Armenia has had okay tracks in the ESC before, but this one is one of their bests. I know the lyrics can be controversial to some, but I feel they sent a message. Not to mention, Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath's guitarist) wrote the lyrics and I'm sure an 18th place finish is due to the Black Sabbath fans across Europe tuning in just for that. When a brand name musician performs at ESC, you know it will continue to attract the global audience he/she/they already connect to, so this connection with Tony Iommi helped, and that is why "Lonely Planet' is number 8 (3 points) on my countdown.

What happens when opera and a 'trancestep' beat collide? You get the devastation that is "It's My Life" by Florin Cezar Ouatu, also known as "The Voice" (Romania). Trancestep? That is how I describe the beats, considering this was 80% trance and 20% of that awful division of EDM known as dubstep. But nonetheless, if you're not into opera (his discipline), then you probably hated it. Never mind the wardrobe (horrible) for those two nights of performance, it's the song that counts. Powerful, driven, and explosive. I have this at number 7 (4 points) due to far superior stuff this year. Far superior than "Zaleilah" by Mandinga from Baku 2012. Clearly "It's My Life" is one of my favorites this year.

And there was another rock goodie at Malmo 2013, in the form of the duo of Bledar Sejko and Adrien Lulgjuraj, with "Identitet" (Albania). This is number 6 (5 points) on my countdown. Rock has been always great at ESC, but doesn't get the love from the juries or some of the Eurofans. Rock is very popular across Europe and former Soviet states, so why wasn't this in the final? Juries missed out on a good hard rock tune. Best Albanian entry in ESC in quite sometimes. Rona Nishliu doesn't have the aura to match this!

So this is where I stand so far:
39. Finland
38. Cyprus
37. Sweden
36. Azerbaijan
35. Belgium
34. Croatia
33. Israel
32. Moldova
31. Serbia
30. Austria
29. Iceland
28. Italy
27. Estonia
26. Ireland
25. Netherlands
24. Russia
23. San Marino
22. Macedonia
21. Malta
20. Ukraine
19. Slovenia
18. Latvia
17. Georgia
16. Denmark
15. Bulgaria
14. Great Britain
13. France
12. Lithuania
11. Hungary
10. Spain (1 point)
9. Montenegro (2 points)
8. Armenia (3 points)
7. Romania (4 points)
6. Albania (5 points)

The final part will deal with the final five: The Swiss Salvation Army, Cascada, Koza Mostra, Margaret Berger and Alyona Lanskaya. Who will get my 12 points? Stay tuned.

IAAF World Championships in Athletics Moscow 2013 Starts Saturday!

You gotta love world championship season 2013. After some good stuff at BCN2013 with the Fina Worlds, now it's the IAAF and their turn, with their World Championships in Athletics, Moscow 2013, starting Saturday morning.

There will be a couple finals, including a marathon and the men's 10,000m final on the first day. About a year ago, the men's 10,000m final at London 2012 was won by Mo Farah, one of two golds he won at London, including the men's 5,000m final. Long distance races are the best!

Also on Saturday, the men's decathlon begins as well.

Here in the states, all nine days are televised, with NBC picking it up Saturday afternoon, as well as Sunday early afternoon (Eastern) and next weekend for the final two days. Universal Sports has weeklong coverage.

And if all else fails, Mos2013.ru, their official site, should have live timing.

Karen Black, 74

Link.

She was in films such as "Nashville" (1975) and "Easy Rider" (1969). She has been also battling cancer for some time.

Malmo 2013: Rankings of the 39: 15-11

Some of you might need to catch up and read my four previous posts regarding my Malmo 2013 rankings before you proceed. If you have read those four previous posts, you can now continue by viewing this post to get the feel of this epic miniseries that is "Malmo 2013: Rankings of the 39." Continuing now with my rankings from 15 to 11.

Continuing with their integrity of entertaining REAL Eurofans, Bulgaria in ESC, despite only making the final with Elitsa Todorova and Stoyan Yankoulov in 2007, never backs down. I feel that since their ESC debut in 2005, all nine Bulgarian entries, including Yankoulov and Todorova's "Samo Shampioni"-at number 15-are just some of the best in ESC history. Not just 'Samo Shampioni', but the duo's "Voda" and others in the past, such as efforts from Kaffe (2005), Sofi Marinova (2012) and Poli Genova (2011) just to name a few. Unlike "Voda," which was a masterpiece, "Shampioni" was filling too. Both are electronic-driven. Sound was great, and I find this nugget as one of the best this year. Don't hate people. Just another victim of the juries.

And just like Esma Redzepova, another singing legend made her EUROVISION debut in Malmo. One you ought to know by now, because it's fucking Bonnie Tyler, and she was representing the UK, with "Believe in Me," at number 14. It's a great piece, one of the UK's best in the ESC, however it's not as epic as "Holding Out" or her other hits in the past. Why some hate it? They think it's a country piece. It sounds like it, but it's awesome, and whether you hate her or the song, respect her! She is a fucking legend for Christ sakes! Who will the UK recruit for ESC in May? Rikki Peebles? Dizzee Rascal? Anyone but the Blackout Crew!

Bonnie Tyler was among six who performed only in the final. So was Amandine Bourgeois, whose song "L'enfer Et Moi" (France) is at number 13. Does this remind you of the greatness that was Tracy Chapman? Of course. It basically channels Tracy Chapman, but this one I felt was extremely epic. This happened to be one of my favorite French songs in ESC.

Perhaps if you're a fan of a band like Editors, than Andrius Pojavis is for you. "Something" (Lithuania)-at number 12-happened to be one of my favorite Lithuanian efforts in ESC, and way better than last year with Donny Montell and "Love is Blind." A huge improvement from Baku 2012. Great rock tune, and I felt that when he made the final, he was to be a contender to win, however he finished mid-pack in grand final. Hopefully we'll hear more from him in years to come.

Like Bulgaria the last couple of years, Hungary also shows its strength in ESC. And even though Compact Disco at Baku 2012 with "Sound of Our Hearts" is the better track, "Kedvesem" by ByeAlex is not that bad either. Both are epic, both are driven, and both are great. However there's a big difference: "Sound of Our Hearts" was more electronic based, whilst "Kedvesem"-at number 11-is guitar based. Both are great, end of story.

So here is where I stand as of now:
39. Finland
38. Cyprus
37. Sweden
36. Azerbaijan
35. Belgium
34. Croatia
33. Israel
32. Moldova
31. Serbia
30. Austria
29. Iceland
28. Italy
27. Estonia
26. Ireland
25. Netherlands
24. Russia
23. San Marino
22. Macedonia
21. Malta
20. Ukraine
19. Slovenia
18. Latvia
17. Georgia
16. Denmark
15. Bulgaria
14. Great Britain
13. France
12. Lithuania
11. Hungary

And so the final two parts will deal with my top ten from Malmo 2013. Where will Koza Mostra land? What about Cascada? The Salvation Army? Who See Klapa? Find out who gets the 12 on my rankings! Stay tuned!

Friday Jukebox 8.9.13

It has been about ten years since this was released. It has been uploaded on YouTube off and on the past few years. Classic hard trance from 2003, "Daquarariezz" by Hepba. This is the original, but the DJ Choose and F mix is great too.

Malmo 2013: Rankings of the 39: 21-16

It is the halfway point of my rankings of the 39 entries at Malmo 2013, which has been over for almost three full months. I know you guys are waiting for who I have for 21-16. So here we go (literally, see below)!

At number 21, is a song that was good, but should have ranked it higher: Gianluca Bezzina with "Tomorrow" (Malta). This happened to be one of my favorite Maltese ESC entries, along with those from Kurt Calleja (2012) and Morena (2008), just to name a few. Gotta love the ukulele used. Guitars and vocals, a perfect combination. At first I thought it was borderline to make it in the grand final, although he did. Good stuff, and one of the best this year.

Another song I thought I would have ranked higher than this was "Gravity" by Zlata Ognevich (Ukraine), at number 20. Great power ballad, I was surprised it not only made the grand final, but also was a top five song. She, along with Ruslana (2004 winner) and Gaitana (2012 finalist) are my favorite ESC representatives from Ukraine. However it wasn't the song in both of her performances that garnered my attention, it was the on-stage presentation. First off, the dress. One of the best dressed this year. Second, her backup singers, which included a man from the UK, and an American woman from the UK. Finally, the big Viking man who carried her to that rock. Was that man on roids? He looked like he was juiced. Funny performances on both night for such a good song.

The American connection continues in the ESC. Make that the Slovenian-US connection. It seemed that Los Angeles is a hotbed of this, and Anze Kopitar isn't the only one. Hannah Mancini (no relation to former boxing champ Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini (I don't think), who currently has a film out) is married to a Slovene national, hence her Slovenian representation in Malmo with "Straight into Love," at number 19. This number is one of my favorites, but would have ranked higher if it lost the dubstep. Sadly, she missed the final, and in the first semifinal, only had eight points, a very sad low result for a song that was better than "Verjamem" by Eva Boto from Baku 2012. Don't know what was wrong with the juries, and it hurt the former Yugoslavian states in the ESC this year.

PeR's "Here We Go" (Latvia) is a beautiful song, and it's on the radio, and the TV shows and so on and on. It is at number 18 on my countdown. It is a great song, and just like a couple others from Latvia in the past (Anmary's "Beautiful Song," whose lyrics I just quoted, just to name a few), is one of Latvia's best ESC entries, in my honest opinion. Again, this has nothing to do with Bud Light, and I'm waiting for A-B/InBev to start using this in Bud Light ads here in the states. This rap/rock nugget is one of my favorites this year and I was bummered that it didn't qualify for the May 18 grand final. I want something more epic to come out of Latvia for future ESC's to come.

There were two duets in Malmo this year. The Esma and Vlatko duet for Macedonia and the Nodi Tatishvili and Sophie Gelovani duet for Georgia, which is at number 17 with "Waterfall." Just like with Jonsi and Greta Salome Stefansdottir at Baku 2012, this was a breathtaking, powerful ballad. What makes it great is this tune was co-written by Thomas "G:Son" Gustafsson, who co-wrote the epic "Euphoria" by Loreen Talhaoui, winner of Baku 2012. This was great, I would have ranked it higher, however there were some more powerful tunes this year. One of Georgia's best in ESC. So who's the joker here, Anri Jokhadze?

At number 16, your 2013 ESC champion, Emmelie de Forest with "Only Teardrops" (Denmark)! Why this low? It is a great, emotional tune with flute elements and there are probably more songs that are more epic than this. Make that 15 songs. She became the third ESC champion for Denmark, and the first since the Olsen Brothers did it a Stockholm 2000. Great song, nonetheless, and was not surprised that she made the grand final with this. One of my favorite ESC winners.

So there you have it, and after this review, the updated rankings:

39. Finland
38. Cyprus
37. Sweden
36. Azerbaijan
35. Belgium
34. Croatia
33. Israel
32. Moldova
31. Serbia
30. Austria
29. Iceland
28. Italy
27. Estonia
26. Ireland
25. Netherlands
24. Russia
23. San Marino
22. Macedonia
21. Malta
20. Ukraine
19. Slovenia
18. Latvia
17. Georgia
16. Denmark

Where will Bonnie Tyler end up? What about Cascada? Koza Mostra? The Swiss Salvation Army? Who See Klapa? Stay tuned.

PGA Championship Oak Hill 2013: 'Glory's Last Shot' is This Weekend!

"Glory's Last Shot" of 2013 is this weekend.

Last year at Kiawah, it was a dominating performance for Rory McIlroy on that hot Sunday afternoon. Sadly, with competition from the last day of London 2012, some tuned in to CBS to watch McIlroy add another major championship to his trophy case. Since Kiawah Island 2012, he has had some very dismal play in the last three majors, especially at the Open Championships a few weeks ago.

This year's PGA Championship shifts up I-95 and through various paths, heads into Rochester, New York at the Oak Hill Country Club.

As far as the notable first/second tee times go, here they are!

Notable tee times
(Thursday/Friday, times local to the course)
John Senden 7:10am/12:20pm
Robert Garrigus 7:25am/12:35pm
Hunter Mahan 7:35am/12:45pm
Billy Horschel 7:35am/12:45pm
Jason Dufner 7:45am/12:55pm
Steve Stricker 7:45am/12:55pm
Bo van Pelt 7:50am/1pm
Sergio Garcia 7:55am/1:05pm
Matt Kuchar 7:55am/1:05pm
Rickie Fowler 7:55am/1:05pm
Shaun Micheel 8am/1:10pm
Graeme McDowell 8:05am/1:15pm
Ernie Els 8:05am/1:15pm
David Toms 8:15am/1:25pm
Padraig Harrington 8:15am/1:25pm
Yang YE 8:15am/1:25pm
Ben Curtis 8:20am/1:30pm
Henrik Stenson 8:25am/1:35pm
Dustin Johnson 8:25am/1:35pm
Charl Schwartzel 8:25am/1:35pm
Stewart Cink 8:30am/1:40pm
Paul Lawrie 8:30am/1:40pm
Rafael Cabrera Bello 8:30am/1:40pm
Davis Love III 8:35am/1:45pm
Keegan Bradley 8:35am/1:45pm
Tiger Woods 8:35am/1:45pm
Thorbjorn Olesen 8:40am/1:50pm
Jim Furyk 8:45am/1:55pm
Thomas Bjorn 8:45am/1:55pm
Choi KJ 8:55am/2:05pm
Darren Clarke 12:35pm/7:25am
Tom Watson 12:35pm/7:25am
Matteo Manassero 12:40pm/7:30am
Nick Watney 12:45pm/7:35am
Nicolas Colsaerts 12:55pm/7:45am
Jason Day 12:55pm/7:45am
Brandt Snedeker 12:55pm/7:45am
Fredrik Jacobson 1pm/7:50am
George Coetzee 1pm/ 7:50am
Lee Westwood 1:05pm/7:55am
Bubba Watson 1:05pm/7:55am
Boo Weekley 1:10pm/8am
Francesco Molinari 1:10pm/8am
Miguel Angel Jimenez 1:15pm/8:05am
Webb Simpson 1:15pm/8:05am
Angel Cabrera 1:15pm/8:05am
Rory McIlroy 1:25pm/8:15am
Vijay Singh 1:25pm/8:15am
Martin Kaymer 1:25pm/8:15am
Geoff Ogilvy 1:30pm/8:20am
Gonzalo Fernandez Castano 1:35pm/8:25am
Luke Donald 1:35pm/8:25am
Martin Laird 1:40pm/8:30am
Adam Scott 1:45pm/8:35am
Phil Mickelson 1:45pm/8:35am
Justin Rose 1:45pm/8:35am
DA Points 1:50pm/8:40am
Lucas Glover 1:55pm/8:45am
Ian Poulter 1:55pm/8:45am
Zach Johnson 1:55pm/8:45am
Brendon de Jonge 2:10pm/9am

First round is Thursday, and first two rounds on Thursday and Friday are on TNT, and the final two rounds Saturday and Sunday are on CBS, competing against the tape-delayed IAAF World Championships in Athletics from Moscow on NBC.

Don't forget, DIRECTV has a mix channel from 701-707 (I think), featuring featured groups and action around the course. The mix channel is compatible with the coverage from TNT and CBS. And always go online for best results, at the Championship page at PGA.com for the live scoring.

As this is the final major of 2013, it always the motto of this major serves it best: "Glory's Last Shot."

Malmo 2013: Rankings of the 39: 27-22

Continuing with the rankings of the 39 entries at Malmo 2013, which has passed almost three months ago. Here, in part three, this deals with my rankings from 27 to 22. So let's not hesitate. Here we go...

At number 27, was a then-pregnant Birgit Oigemeel with "Et Uus Saaks Alguse" (Estonia). Did I mention the word 'pregnant'? Exactly. As you saw in both the semifinal and grand final, she sported a big bump, indicating that she was(?) pregnant. Plus her big ass dress she had on for the contest. Huge big giveaways. As for the song, it is good and filling, but doesn't live up to the aura of past stuff like Padar & Benton (2001) or Ott Lepland (2012) just to name a few. It's an okay song, nonetheless.

A song that I should've ranked higher than number 26, "Only Love Survives" by Ryan Dolan (Ireland) was one of those songs I felt was euphoric with a house formula, but should have had better results in grand final. Dead last in final? As far as song quality, it is still better than what Ireland had in 2011 and 2012 (two of the worst songs in ESC history). Let's be happy about it and tell Planet Jedwardians to fuck off, seriously. Best song Ireland has had in ESC in quite sometimes.

At number 25, Anouk's "Birds" (Netherlands) is just another simple ballad. This made to the finals unlike Joan Franka in Baku. However, this soft ballad is okay, but it's not better than "You and Me" last year. At least "You and Me" was a more moving ballad than this due to the guitar riffs. Anyway, it is good nonetheless.

Another power ballad from this year that disappointed me somewhat, but was good nonetheless, was the song I ranked as the 24th on my Malmo countdown. "What If?" by Dina Garipova (Russia) was good, and it is just in the same light as Anouk, however, compared to Anouk, this was a little breathtaking. I also saw this as a bit disappointing, compared to the aura of the grandma's in Baku, who finished runner-up in the grand final on behalf of Russia. Great dress too on her (even though I come for song not for the ESC week costumes).

At number 23, the new and improved Valentina Monetta (San Marino) was the only return from Baku, and "Crisalide (Vola)" seemed to be a far better tune compared to "Facebook" from last year. This was a huge transformation for Valentina, who went from a pop hoodlum to a woman! Ralph Siegel, a veteran who has composed ESC works over the years, and also composed "Facebook" in late 2011, returned to work with Valentina and even though it missed the grand final ticket, this was a much better improvement. One of the better songs for San Marino in ESC. And yes folks, she will be in Denmark in 2014, where once again, she will represent San Marino in ESC. I don't think it has never happened in ESC history where an artist (or artists) have represented the same country three consecutive years in a row. That will be a first!

Malmo 2013 saw two great duets. This was one of them. "Pred da se Razdeni" (Macedonia) is 22nd on my rankings. It is good and filling despite what people think. Vlatko 'Lozano' Lozanoski collaborated with Esma Redzepova on this. For both, this was their first ESC appearance, and they were chosen by the Macedonian ESC broadcaster. Vlatko is an up and coming singer from Macedonia, however, Esma, at 68, has been singing for decades. Perhaps if you watched "Borat" and heard her "Caje Sukarije," which was on the soundtrack. Esma later sued film producers and Fox over copyright issues over that song. Recently "Caje Sukarije" has been covered numerous times by Sofi Marinova, who represented Bulgaria at Baku 2012. At first it was a borderline effort to make it to the grand final, but didn't eventually qualify. I was happy nonetheless for both, and both singers are just as legendary as Kaliopi Bukle, who represented Macedonia the last couple years in ESC. Good stuff despite the former Yugoslavia states' disappointment this year.

If you haven't read the past couple days about my Malmo 2013 rankings, do so.

And now, this is where I stand:
39. Finland
38. Cyprus
37. Sweden
36. Azerbaijan
35. Belgium
34. Croatia
33. Israel
32. Moldova
31. Serbia
30. Austria
29. Iceland
28. Italy
27. Estonia
26. Ireland
25. Netherlands
24. Russia
23. San Marino
22. Macedonia

Where will Emmelie de Forest land? Zlata Ognevich? Koza Mostra? Alyona Lanskaya? The Salvation Army of the Swiss? Stay tuned.