So yeah, setting my friend Mark's latop up to the big screen and temporarily confiscating Carl's computer speakers was a great idea, as we got to watch the semifinal delayed off of the Eurovision website, with NO commentatary. Jamie and Heather came over and we had a great time. Overall we agreed the second half was way stronger than the first, and each of us got seven correct out of ten countries that moved on to the final. My only disappointment was Slovakia -- I was really hoping that they could reach the semifinal, but alas, they couldn't. May they not go the way of the Czech Republic!
Other general agreements:
Serbia's Milan HAS to have had surgery and/or does drag.The appeal of Russia and Belarus eludes us; particularly Heather, as she pegged Russia's tune as the worst of the night.Despite the lack of huge LED screens the stage is pretty sweet.We actually ENJOY the postcard segments between songs; I thought they were handled brilliantly!Thank God for tolerable hosts!Thursday we'll have Carl back and a full rolling commentary!