Eurovision Recap / Yom HaZikaron & Yom Ha'Atzmaut (All in one place!)

 

First let's talk about Eurovision:

Below is Miki Guberman singing the original submission to Eurovision before the song was called Hurricane.  It was originally titled October Rain due to the attacks on October 7th, 2023. The EBU (European Broadcasting Union) had Israel scrambling to change the song. The song went through a few re-writes. Read more here!

Here are the lyrics comparison / changes:

October Rain / Hurricane - Miki Guberman (Eden Golan Cover)

It was so much fun to learn more about Eurovision. We never voted before this year. Note that countries are not allowed to vote for their own country! (Yes we are allowed to vote even if we are in the USA! - See more below...)

Congrats to Eden Golan for powering through showing awesome sportsmanship and pride for Israel, especially when the crowd booed. It really gave her the fuel to power through the song.

** FYI if you missed my presentation and or want to view the bonus materials contact me.

Here is a video of the Semi Finals:

Video of the Eurovision Semi Finals

Originally, I could not find a video of the Eurovision Finals. The version i did find was taken down off of Youtube. Here is a video of the final (Listen to how terrible the crowd was) "Eden is a real hero":

Live from the Eurovision Finals

It was fun participating in various ways. One of my favorite ways to participate was by actually voting! Unfortunately, you do have to pay to vote, but it was well worth the price to help boost Eden and Israel along, and I really think it helped!

Here is a very special breakdown of Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest from 1973 - 2024 (Very Interesting!)

Eurovision Breakdown from 1973 - 2024 

Here is a breakdown of the entire competition. You can definitely search through and find some good statistical information.

Here is additional reading on the 2024 competition.  Also included is information about the Netherlands participation in the 2024 Finals of the competition.

It did take me over 5 months to put the presentation together. If you are interested in watching the presentation I gave all about Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest / with a lot of extra materials. It's the presentation and also the Slides / Bonus materials, please visit my website (about page / contact form) and send me a note. I'm happy to share it with you (FREE)

Od to Little Big Planet, Video Games, Prayers, Israeli Music and Claw Machines !

Do you know who this guy is?  

Let me introduce you to Sackboy from the video game Little Big Planet.  This used to be Sony's prized possession.  Not anymore! Read more here and watch the videos below.

Is Little big planet officially dead?

Here is a video how Sony Destroyed their own legacy:

Here is another user's thought about Little Big Planet:

Here is my friend Rick Recht singing all about rainbows. Sackboy would have loved to sing along. I'm sure Rick might have played this game.

Here are some Jewish Artists in prayer:

While we are talking about video games, I think showing this next music video is very appropriate. Here is Ella Li singing This is ME.  She must love video games. (Great K-Pop Song!) Read more here.

Every time I see a crane / claw / suction cup machine, I keep remembering how i actually won a David Broza CD from a suction cup type crane machine.  (The only time I ever won something from one of these!) Below is a picture of what I won!

Here is David Broza singing Things Will Get Better: