Awesome Austrian

I know, there's that word again ... I really try to avoid using that word. It's one of the most overwhelmingly overused words in the English language, hands down. Using it so much devalues the meaning of it, and what can take its place? I mean, if the brownie you just had was awesome, then what word do you then use to describe the Grand Canyon? But I'm giving myself a pass this once ... because of the alliteration. :-)

The awesome Austrian in question is one Niko Alm, who is now my hero. He rocks. He is an atheist and he thinks that it's annoying how theists get away with breaking the rules because 'it's their religion'. On a side note, SO many people don't understand what discrimination is. Oh, I can't wear my [crazy shit that god wants me to wear] in whatever situation I want to, I'm being discriminated against, boo hoo! Discrimination is when one group of people are forced to conform to a separate set of rules that don't apply to others, and there is no biological necessity for it. When you're being required to follow the same rules that everybody else has to follow, then what you are experiencing is not discrimination. It is in fact the exact opposite of discrimination. Get a dictionary, people. But where was I.

Oh yeah. Mr Alm apparently thinks that it's not right that people can wear headgear in their driver's licence photo if it's for religious reasons, but otherwise they can't. A very sensible stance for him to take. But he decided to take it one step further. When applying for his driver's licence, he demanded to be allowed to wear a pasta strainer on his head. For religious reasons. He's a pastafarian. He rocks. :-D

An article about Niko here and his blog here.

AUSTRIA 2011 - The Secret Is Love

So, the presentation is important, but the performer is important too. Which this entry shows us. Wow.

Austria used to be a real regular in the ESC, but that was way back when ... since about the mid-90s their participation has been somewhat irregular. They haven't been in the contest now for four years, and they didn't get results worth bringing home ... hence their lack of participation. But now they're back, and, fingers crossed, this year all of that will change.

This song, in itself, isn't necessarily all that. It's good, sure. It's a power ballad well worth a listen. But it's not necessarily anything out of the ordinary. What totally makes this entry is the singer's voice. She has a fantastic voice. The performance starts out pretty run of the mill, but when this chick gets going ... Wow. That really sums it up right there. Wow.

I've got my fingers crossed for Austria this year. Talent like this deserves to be rewarded. And a voice like this is sure to be noticed.

But listen for yourselves! This is Nadine Beiler performing The Secret Is Love, composed by Thomas Rabitsch and with lyrics by Nadine herself. Make sure you listen to the whole thing. Wow. :-)

Widescreen here.

Lyrics here.