#islanti for sure

[sarcasmchandlerbing]

I have already done Eurovision songs 2023 list but now I'm doing it again but with opinions about the songs (I am late). To my own fun. To as memory. I repeat saying the same things but my vocabulary isn't the widest so there are some things I didn't know how to express by writing. Not to say I would do better job by saying/writing them in finnish.

I find myself singing all the songs time to time or some parts of them which I know the lyrics to and I don't know what that tells about this year. Maybe that I like all the songs to some level. Also... I am happy I listened all the songs before the semis and final. I have never done that before so this is something new and exciting! What is the problem hearing songs only in semis and/or final is that some of the songs might be boring and forgettable and/or I won't care about them but... this time... this time... I like them all somewhat, I can sing along, I can just enjoy the show cos' I have heard all the songs already! I know them! They have grown on me! Knowing songs early on has it downs and perks. Glad I have this 'perspective' now, I love this!

Now starting the ranking...

Eurovision songs 2023 ranked

37. San Marino 🇸🇲 - I guess it's okay. Not as bad as I thought it was at the beginning. But it's not a song I love or like that much. Sorry, Piqued Jacks.

36. Puola/Poland 🇵🇱 - This would be higher on my list if it wasn't for that selection because it left bad taste in my mouth. The song got a little bit ruined because of it and I find some parts annoying. Rip to this song. Should this actually be the last one on this list?

35. Kreikka/Greece 🇬🇷 - It's okay but also somewhat boring. Maybe because I have heard these kinds of songs in the past and liked them so I have already been bored by them at this point, I'm not sure.

34. Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 - I don't know how to feel about this song. I guess I like it but not extremely much. It is kind of all over the place where there is rapping and then the song suddenly 'changes'. Not to say that I don't like those parts too but it's not the best thing either.

33. Romania 🇷🇴 - From the start I've had a 'I like this song actually!' and 'Ugh, I don't like this song!' -relationship going on with this song. I don't like some parts of this song and some I like.

32. Kypros/Cyprus 🇨🇾 - I actually like this one. But yes, this song might be too basic and I agree. So should this be higher on my list? Maybe. Or maybe not. I have liked these kinds of songs so much in my past so I guess that's why this is not my favorite anymore. Still, nothing to complain.

31. Liettua/Lithuania 🇱🇹 - I like this but some parts are little boring. Čiūto Tūto repeating over and over annoyed me at first a bit but now I like it.

30. Tanska/Denmark 🇩🇰 - Like with Romania's song, I have a like-dislike relationship with this one. Or at least had. Earlier I hated the chorus because of the voice and that's why the song wasn't the greatest but now I'm used to it sounding like that and I don't mind it that much. So now I like the song somewhat.

29. Albania 🇦🇱 - This song has grown on me. It may be somewhat incoherent but I find this song to be emotional, good and beautiful. Underrated one, truly.

28. Islanti/Iceland 🇮🇸 - First I wasn't liking this song that much and the po-po-po-power part annoyed me a little. But now I like the whole song. Not my favorite but still good.

27. Portugali/Portugal 🇵🇹 - Song has grown on me like many other songs too this year. I have started to like this song more but I'm not still a crazy fan of it.

26. Belgia/Belgium 🇧🇪 - I have liked it from the start. Time to time now this song bores me cos' it was the first song(s) introduced and I have then maybe listened this more than some other songs this year but I still like this song and think it is underrated. Maybe too repetitive but still good.

25. Italia/Italy 🇮🇹 - I found this song to be boring at first. But when listening to it more and more, I started to like it. Not the greatest one this year and sometimes I forget it exists but I still like it quite a lot.

24. Alankomaat/Netherlands 🇳🇱 - Thought first this song was boring. But it's not so boring after all. I somewhat love this song. Basic, yes, but also good, YES. The song is stuck in my head.

23. Espanja/Spain 🇪🇸 - I have not liked EAEA chorus and actually it annoyed me at first. I didn't like this song that much, wasn't my kind of song. It's still not my kind of song but I have started to like it to some extent. It's iconic whether you like it or not.

22. Saksa/Germany 🇩🇪 - I would want to like it more, if that makes sense. First I was not so fond of this song. I wanted more yelling in the song, example. To it to be more heavier. But the song is okay and I like it.

21. Israel 🇮🇱 - The song is all over the place and there is no clear chorus. Or I guess there is but the song 'changes' over and over again and I don't know how to feel about that. However I like the song and would listen to it time to time. It's cool.

20. Australia 🇦🇺 - I have liked it from the start. Nothing else to say about this really.

19. Armenia 🇦🇲 - Like with Israel, this song is all over the place and I don't know how to feel about it. But... I think it's a good song and I like the lyrics.

18. Ukraina/Ukraine 🇺🇦 - First I wasn't impressed and I almost didn't like it. But now... BUT NOW... I like it, it's a banger and underrated one, for sure.

17. Sveitsi/Switzerland 🇨🇭 - First listen... I found it boring. But it has grown on me and it is my kind of song so that's why I like it so much! Yeah, it is basic but I love it. Could this be higher up? Not sure.

16. Ranska/France 🇫🇷 - I have liked it from the start. First time listening I was almost scared it was a ballad but glad it wasn't. Cool song!

15. Viro/Estonia 🇪🇪 - This song reminded me of the last year's Eurovision song (the aaaaaah-part) so that's why I wasn't liking it in the start. But now I don't care about it cos' I like the song. Underrated I say. End gives me goosebumps.

14. Malta 🇲🇹 - Feel good song. Might be too repetitive but who cares because it's a cool song! I love it.

13. Irlanti/Ireland 🇮🇪 - Somehow I love this song but also at the same time think it's too basic and boring and has cliches all over the place. And I get if people don't like it. This might be maybe a little bit lower in my list. But where? I don't know, I'm still loving it. My fave part is we might be different we might be unique etc but I love all the parts in the song.

12. Moldova 🇲🇩 - It's not my kind of song but it's a banger! Repetitive, yes, but this is a great song and I love the beat! Also kudos to all of the songs which are not in english.

11. Slovenia 🇸🇮 - I like this. Don't remember if I liked it from the start, maybe I thought it was okay but nothing special. It has grown on me and I like it so much!! Maybe basic but it's not in english so...

10. Kroatia/Croatia 🇭🇷 - I have liked it from the start. Have listened to it many many times, so time to time I find it boring, but song's charm hasn't gone away. I get why people don't like it but I'm not people. Song's a banger! ŠČ!

9. Yhdistynyt Kuningaskunta/United Kingdom 🇬🇧 - I like this very much! Again, nothing else to say.

8. Serbia 🇷🇸 - My excitement with the song has dropped. But not to worry, I like the song, it's interesting, it's cool, it's awesome. I may even love the song. But first listen was the most magical. This is iconic.

7. Georgia 🇬🇪 - Yeah, maybe weird lyrics but they don't bother me that much. This song is so awesome, cool and badass and I love it!

6. Norja/Norway 🇧🇻 - It may be overrated but I'm in a overrated train, let's go! Time to time it bores me cos' I heard it so long ago first time and have listened to it more than some others. This song is epic. And great and strong and badass, I love it so much.

5. Itävalta/Austria 🇦🇹 - I love it, it's so great!!!

4. Tšekki/Czech Republic 🇨🇿 - I love this song, it's awesome!!!

3. Latvia 🇱🇻 - I have liked it from the start and now I love it. Very good song, I love it so much!!

2. Ruotsi/Sweden 🇸🇪 - Surprise. Sweden this high on my list (as a finn)? How? Why? Well, after calming down a little bit about Loreen being on Eurovision again and Sweden possibly winning this year... I listened the song again after the storm and... yes, it might be basic and not as iconic or good as Euphoria was but I like this song so much. I love the lyrics, I love the song a lot. Maybe I like Loreen's songs, have listened four of them and liked them all a lot. So I should listen more of her songs.

1. Suomi/Finland 🇫🇮 - I'm biased? Maybe a little. But first time listening I already was thrilled about the song and thought it was different, cool, awesome and a banger! Time to time I am bored with it but it doesn't matter cos' this is something else. If no other song did what this one did at the first listen, then there's no other place to this than number uno!

[sportarobbie-shorties]

Sporro

Wait, what is this?

Warnings: Swearing?, brief anxiety attack, death, sadness, crying.

Summary: Sportacus and his friend, before Sportacus came to Lazy Town.

The boy with curly, brown hair sits on the old bench at the marketplace. His laptop is open, with unfinished work displayed, but he’s gotten distracted, and is now doodling in his sketchbook.

Suddenly he sees just... something blue flash past him. He puts away his work and takes a look. There’s a man, only slightly older than him, probably 20, running around town - not just running, but also doing front and back flips, different tricks, and cartwheels. At first the young boy thinks this is some stunt or performance, but quickly after, the man dressed in blue jumps straight trough traffic, and all the cars honk.

He packs up and starts running after the strange man. He can barely keep up, but finally after a long chase gets close enough for the man to hear him shout: “Excuse me, what the hell are you doing?”

The man with in blue, with flowy golden hair turns around with a confused expression, and responds with slightly broken English: “I, uh... I move.” The boy chuckles: “I can see that. Have you ever thought about moving, not in the middle of a busy city?” “Well... Uh...” The brunette laughs. “No, don’t worry about it. Just... I’d advise you not to do it, okay?”

They stand next to each other with an awkward silence for a while. The smaller one then speaks up: “I’m Elliot.” They shake hands. “Sportacus.” “Sportacus?” “Yes.” Elliot smiles. “That’s a cool name. Uh... Do you want to go for a coffee or something?” “A-alright.”

Elliot takes Sportacus to a coffee shop he knows well, because Sportacus knows none of the ones around here. Elliot orders for both of them and they sit by the window.

“So... You’ve got a cool accent. Where are you from?” Sportacus stutters, trying to form a sentence, but then simply answers: “Iceland.” “Ah, Islanti...” Elliot is about to say something, but he then laughs awkwardly, “Yeah, I don’t know a word in Icelandic.” They both laugh and take a sip of their drinks.

Sportacus won’t say anything, so Elliot decides to ask more questions: “What brings you here?” “Uh, wind”, Sportacus laughs awkwardly. “I travel around the world with my dad’s, uh... hot air balloon.”

Elliot nods. “Um, what about you? W-what do you do?” Sportacus asks a little nervously. “Oh, um... I study engineering. I draw and read a lot. Nothing much really.” Elliot sighs, trying to think of what to say. “So, I understand you do aerobics?” “Yes, I do all sports.”

They spend the day in the coffee shop, getting to know each other, and at the end of the day, they actually have a beginning of a friendship.

“So, where are you staying?” Elliot asks as they walk along the river, while the sun sets. Sportacus responds simply: “I don’t know.” “You know, I can ask my parents if they’d be fine with you staying at our place for a while. We have a guest room and all, it should be fine.”

Elliot takes Sportacus to his place, and leaves him waiting on the porch, while he talks to his parents. After a little bit of debating, he invites Sportacus inside, and shows him the guest room. There’s a bed, an old closet, and a big bookshelf full of books.

“You can open the window if you want, and um, you can read the books too if you want”, Elliot says and looks through the bookshelf a little closer. He then pulls out a big book with a colourful cover. “Acutally, I really recommend this one. It’s my favourite.”

One night, Elliot can’t sleep, and he sneaks into the guest room. The door creaks as he steps into the room where Sportacus is fast asleep. He sits down next to Sportacus, and notices the book he recommended open on the night stand. Elliot smiles.

Soon enough, Sportacus rolls over and opens his eyes. “Hello”, he greets tiredly, and Elliot giggles: “Hey, sleeping beauty.” Sportacus sits up, rubbing his eyes and asks: “Why are you here?” “Couldn’t sleep.”

Elliot takes a glance at the book again and grins: “I see you like the book.” Sportacus smiles: “Yes, it’s really good. And funny.” Elliot simply nods and smiles.

They both sigh, trying to think of what to talk about. Then Elliot chuckles. “What?” Sportacus asks, amused at the sudden laughter. “You kind of remind me of Zorro.” “What?” Sportacus asks again. Elliot laughs: “You remind me of Zorro. You have a cool accent, you jump around sneakily, and you have that mustache.” Sportacus chuckles. “You could be Sporro!” “Do not call me Sporro!” “Oh, what did you say, Sporro? I didn’t really understand, Sporro. You don’t want me to call you Sporro? Okay, I won’t call you Sporro. You can have my word, Sporro!” Sportacus giggles and pushes Elliot gently: “Shut up!”

Sportacus spends a good week staying at Elliot’s. He originally didn’t think he’d stay still in one place for more than a couple of days, but he really likes Elliot, and it’s fun spending time with him. Elliot also likes Sportacus, and thinks he’s a really cool guy - weird, but cool. And very kind.

Sportacus shows Elliot his dad’s hot air balloon he arrived with. He investigates it curiously. “Damn, Sporro. It must be pretty tough traveling all around the world with this. I mean, no offense, but it’s pretty old...” Sportacus agrees with him, but says it’s the best he’s got.

Elliot thinks for a moment, and then smiles wide: “You know, I’ve had this really big project going on for a while, and I think it could really help you with your travels.” Sportacus smiles. “What is it?” he asks curiously. “I’ll show you!”

Elliot and Sportacus get bicycles, and Elliot leads Sportacus away from the city. There are only forests and a few cottages around the highway they’re going along. They go past a couple of pretty fields with cows and horses as well, before they get to a big warehouse.

“My parents had a company, and they used this place for all kinds of things, but now they’ve stopped the business stuff, and I get to use this”, Elliot explains as they leave their bikes lying on the grass. He gets out a bunch of keys and then opens a small door next to the door that’s basically the whole wall.

“Tadaa!” Elliot exclaims, as they enter the building and Sportacus sees a big, blue airship in front of him. “Y-you have an airship! A real airship! That you made yourself!” Elliot smiles proudly: “Yup. Started building it when I was 13. I’ve had people help of course, but I’m the only one who’s been doing this from the beginning to the end.”

Sportacus looks at Elliot, and then at the airship, and then again at Elliot. “Woah, you... Elliot, you are amazing!” He grins: “I know.” Sportacus gets closer to investigate it. Elliot follows him and starts explaining: “It has lots of cool stuff inside too. It has voice detectors, so you can tell it to open the door, and it does, and you can ask for the ladder to drop, and it also has a bed you get down by asking for it. And it’s eco-friendly too! You pedal to make it move.”

“This is incredible!” Sportacus exclaims as he walks around on the inside. Elliot leans on the door frame and smiles. “You can have it. I bet it would be a lot better to travel around the world with than your old hot air balloon.”

Sportacus furrows his eyebrows: “You would really give this to me?” Elliot shrugs: “It’s not like I’m using it for anything.” Sportacus looks around the highly technological airship. He sighs: “I couldn’t take it. I bet I couldn’t even control it... I know nothing about technology! But it would be fun to travel around the world in it... if you join me?”

Elliot gets a confused expression on his face. He laughs a little: “Me? I-I’m...” Sportacus looks at Elliot in the eyes and smiles. “I mean, I’m just... Yeah. Alright. Yeah, let’s do it. Let’s travel around the world together. Yeah!”

Elliot told Sportacus he asked his parents for permission to go - in reality, he just told them he’s going to travel around the world, and then he proceeded to ignore their protests. But it doesn’t matter right now. Now they’re setting off with the airship, ready for adventures around the world.

“You ready for big adventures?” Sportacus smiles. “Yes, captain Sporro!” And they take off. Neither of them are really that sure how to steer, but they try, and together they’ll manage.

Elliot and Sportacus spend several hours in the airship, traveling towards London. Sportacus is steering, and Elliot starts getting bored. They play road games, and in the end, they both sing a duet horribly.

Elliot and Sportacus are in London, staring at the place. Both of them are freaking out over the fact that the classic red double deckers are actually real, and not just a thing in movies. Elliot is very disappointed by the size of Big Ben.

Elliot and Sportacus visit the Natural History Museum. Sportacus finds everything around him very exciting, and Elliot freaks out over science things that Sportacus doesn’t understand - he still finds Elliot’s enthusiasm absolutely adorable.

Elliot and Sportacus look at the stars from the airship. It’s completely quiet around them, and they talk about their feelings and thoughts. Elliot smiles at Sportacus when he finally starts opening up.

Elliot and Sportacus visit Paris. Elliot finds Notre Dame extremely fascinating, and Sportacus is tempted to climb to the top of the Eiffel tower. Elliot though stops him, and he goes climbing in trees by the Seine instead.

Elliot and Sportacus go to the beach. Elliot sees the surgery scars on Sportacus’s chest and hugs him. They have a race to see who can swim the furthest, and Sportacus obviously wins. This results in a crazy water fight.

Elliot and Sportacus are walking down the street, but Sportacus keeps running off to save people. It’s only small trouble, but he helps others, and Elliot finds that sweet.

Elliot and Sportacus should be sleeping, but Sportacus is sitting in the corner of the airship, crying and shaking. Elliot holds his hand and tries to help him. He speaks to Sportscus with a calm voice, but it won’t work. They’re both terrified.

Elliot and Sportacus celebrate Elliot’s birthday. Sportacus got Elliot a cake, even though he can’t eat sugar himself, and he also made him a long scarf.

Elliot and Sportacus celebrate new years. They watch fireworks from the airship, though Elliot is a little scared that a firework will hit their airship. Sportacus assures him that it’s fine, and they stay up late, playing card games.

Elliot and Sportacus travel around the world for several years. They have fun together, they’re best friends, and they love each other.

Sportacus and Elliot have rented a house. It’s exhausting spending all of their time in the airship, and it’s nice to have a bit of a change. Elliot lies on the sofa, reading comic books, as Sportacus gets ready to go to the store.

“You know, you could be a superhero”, Elliot mumbles. Sportacus furrows his eyebrows and smiles: “Why’s that?” Elliot shrugs: “I don’t know, just came to mind while reading these. I mean, you’re really strong and fast and stuff. You always go around saving people. You could be everyone’s favourite superhero, Sporro!” Sportacus chuckles and shakes his head: “I don’t think I deserve to use the word ‘super’ in my title.” Elliot rolls his eyes and smiles: “How about slightly above average hero?” “Sure, why not.”

Sportacus is just about to go, as Elliot stops him: “Hey, Sporro.” “Yes?” “I just noticed there’s a weird smell in the kitchen. I mean, you know, it could be a gas leak or something.” “Oh... We’ll check that out once I come back, okay?” “Okay. Bye, Sporro!” “Bye!”

When Sportacus comes back, he notices something's wrong early on. There’s smoke. He starts running toward the house faster. It can’t be, it can’t be.

Fire. The whole house on fire. Collapsing little by little. Sportacus looks around with panic, but doesn’t see Elliot anywhere. He’s still inside.

Sportacus runs. He isn’t thinking about safety, he isn’t thinking about anything. He just has to get Elliot out of there. He breaks through the door, burning himself badly. As he steps inside, a piece of the ceiling falls, and he realizes this wasn’t a good idea - he isn’t a superhero.

“Sporro! S-Sportacus!” Sportacus can’t see Elliot anywhere. It’s getting hot. Sportacus’s eyes feel like they’re on fire like the house. The smoke sneaks into his lungs, and he can barely breathe. Everything gets wobbly around him.

That’s where the memory ends.

Sportacus wakes up in a hospital, and everything hurts. He tries getting used to the light and looks around confusedly. There’s a nurse by his bed. He smiles: “Are you feeling better?” Sportacus stares at him with confusion. All he can get said is: “Where’s Elliot? Is he alright?” The nurse frowns. “Your friend from the burning building?” Sportacus nods and stares at the nurse expectantly.

“I’m so sorry, sir. He didn’t make it.”

The world around Sportacus stops. He stays completely silent, and the nurse asks: “Would you like to have a moment by yourself?” Sportacus nods hesitantly, and soon enough he’s left alone in the hospital room. He bursts into tears right away, and cries himself to sleep.

Sportacus felt very guilty when going back to Elliot’s parents to deliver the news. He feels like he’s a fault. If it weren’t for him, Elliot would’ve never left. He would still be alive.

Sportacus continues traveling around the world with the airship. It doesn’t feel the same. It feels empty, quiet and sad. It feels horrible. Elliot’s adorable laughter isn’t there to cheer the place up. Elliot isn’t there to have a conversation with Sportacus during all the flights. He isn’t there for Sportacus on the bad days anymore. He isn’t there on any days.

Sportacus continues with life, but alone. Loneliness doesn’t suit Sportacus at all. He can’t bare the silence and the sadness.

But it might just be that a letter he got from a child saved his life.

“To whom it may concern... I need help. There’s no one to play with in Lazy Town. Sincerely, Stephanie.”