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Albania uczestniczy w Konkursie Piosenki Eurowizji od 2004. Za przygotowania i promocję konkursu w kraju odpowiada albański nadawca publiczny Radio Televizioni Shqiptar.

Od czasu debiutu Albania co roku wystawia reprezentanta na konkurs. Przedstawiciel telewizji wyłaniany jest w trakcie corocznego festiwalu Festivali i Këngës, który odbywa się w grudniu, tym samym rozpoczynając tzw. sezon eurowizyjny, ponieważ odbywa się najwcześniej spośród pozostałych europejskich selekcji.

Najwyższym wynikiem uzyskanym przez Albanię jest piąte miejsce, które zajęła Rona Nishliu z utworem "Suus" w finale konkursu w 2012.

Historia Albanii w Konkursie Piosenki Eurowizji
W 2002 albański nadawca Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH) wyraził chęć bycia pasywnym uczestnikiem 47. Konkursu Piosenki Eurowizji. Następnie planował debiut w 48. konkursie, ale odmówiono mu występu z powodu dużej liczby państw chętnych do uczestnictwa. Telewizja po raz pierwszy wystawiła reprezentanta na 49. Konkurs Piosenki Eurowizji organizowany w Stambule.

Lata 2004–2009

Pomimo pogłosek o wewnętrznym wyborze Adriana Gaxha na reprezentanta kraju, stacja RTSH wysłała na konkurs zwycięzcę 42. edycji Festivali i Këngës organizowanego w Pałacu Kongresu w Tiranie. 18 i 19 grudnia rozegrano półfinały, w których wystąpili: Orges Toçe, Fazile Syla, Arjan Hasanlliu, Elvana Gjata, Rudi i Ingrid Jushi, Voltan Prodani, Aurel Thellimi, Arbër Arapi, Kozma Dushi, Ermiona Lekbello, Klajdi Musabelli, Evis Mula, Saimir Çili i Rovena Dilo oraz Andi Kongo, Erida Rexhepi, Kujtim Prodani, Edmond Mancaku, Anila Jonuzi, Gjergj Jorgaqi, Anisa Dervina, Rijet Pirani, Bashkim Rodoni, Eneda Tarifa, Rosela Gjylbegu, Françesk Radi, Saimir Braho, Mariza Ikonomi i Anjeza Shahini. Do sobotniego finału awansowało po dziewięciu wykonawców z każdej rundy. Największą liczbę głosów telewidzów i jurorów (w stosunku 50:50) w finale zdobyła Anjeza Shahini z piosenką "Imazhi yt" Edmonda Zhulali. Wszystkie trzy koncerty festiwalowe prowadzili Adi Krasta i Ledina Çelo. Po finale festiwalu utwór został przearanżowany, tj. skrócony do regulaminowych trzech minut, następnie przetłumaczony na język angielski i wydany jako "The Image of You". Z powodu dużej liczby krajów zainteresowanych udziałem w konkursie, w 2004 wprowadzono rundę półfinałową, w której wzięła udział m.in. reprezentantka Albanii. W tygodniu poprzedzającym występ Shahini wzięła udział w konferencjach prasowych. 12 maja wystąpiła z 13. numerem startowym w półfinale i awansowała do finału z czwartego miejsca z wynikiem 167 punktów. W sobotę, 15 maja, zajęła siódme miejsce na 24 finałowe kraje. Punkty przyznane przez albańskich telewidzów podał Zhani Ciko.

Na początku grudnia stacja RTSH potwierdziła wybór reprezentanta na 50. Konkurs Piosenki Eurowizji poprzez 43. edycję Festivali i Këngës. Półfinały rozegrano 16 i 17 grudnia 2004, wzięło w nich udział 32 kandydatów: Luiz Ejlli, Agim Poshka, Aleksia Jani, Aurel Thëllimi, Besiana Mehmeti, Barbana Dini, Rosela Gjylbegu i Arbër Arapi, Sajmir i Enkela Braho, Kozma Dushi i Ermira Kola, Elsida Sinaj, Floriana Muça, Joe Artid Fejzo, Jonida Maliqi, Kujtim Prodani, Klajdi Musabelliu, Ledina Çelo, Mariza Ikonomi, Marsida Saraçi, Monika Trungu, Olsa Spata, Redon Makashi, Rovena Stefa, Soni, Stela Risto, Sajmir Çili, Samanta Karavello, Shpat Kasapi, Vesa Luma, Teuta Kurti i Rona Nishliu, Tergita Gusta oraz Çlirim Denaj. Do finału awansowało po dziewięciu uczestników z każdego etapu: Prodani, Makashi, Stefa, Braho, Fejzi, Gusta, Saraçi, Ejlli, Lekoçaj, Ikonomi, Karavello, Çelo, Maliqi, Musabelliu, Trungu, Gjylbegu i Arapi, Vesa, Teuta i Rona oraz Jushi. Pierwsze miejsce zajęła Ledina Çelo z utworem "Nesër shkoj", który napisali Sidorela Risto, Adrian Hila i Pandi Laco. Gośćmi muzycznymi festiwalu byli Anjeza Shahini, Toše Proeski i Rusłana Łyżyczko. Podobnie jak rok wcześniej, zwycięską piosenkę przearanżowano, a po przetłumaczeniu na język angielski wydano jako "Tomorrow I Go". Przed występem w 50. Konkursie Piosenki Eurowizji reprezentantka wyruszyła w trasę promocyjną, występując podczas koncertów w Andorze, Macedonii, Bośni i Hercegowinie, Chorwacji, Białorusi i Litwie oraz na Malcie i Cyprze. W promocji delegację wsparła sieć telekomunikacyjna Vodafone, a wizerunkowo – sieć AMC. Dzięki zajęciu wysokiego miejsca przez Anjezę Shahini podczas konkursu w 2004, Çelo miała zapewnione miejsce w finale rozgrywanym 21 maja w Kijowie. Kilka dni przed koncertem producenci albańskiego utworu poinformowali o wycofaniu się z konkursu z powodu przywłaszczenia przez lokalnego nadawcę i sieć telekomunikacyjną AMC pełnego prawa do piosenki oraz przygotowania konferencji prasowej bez ich udziału. Pomimo tego reprezentantka wystąpiła w finale i zaprezentowała się jako ósma w kolejności i zajęła 16. miejsce, zdobywszy łącznie 53 pkt, w tym najwyższą notę (12 pkt) od Macedonii. Podczas występu ubrana była w tradycyjny strój północnej Albanii, który zaprojektowała Enada At Nikolla. Jak tłumaczyła w wywiadach, suknia symbolizowała część dawnych albańskich obrzędów rodzinnych, kiedy to córka wychodzi za mąż i opuszcza dom rodzinny, o czym stanowił tekst "Tomorrow I Go". Choreografię sceniczną wymyślił Arjan Sukniqi. Po występie w finale albańskie media negatywnie oceniły prezentację reprezentantki, określając ją jako "słabą"

Reprezentant Albanii w 51. Konkursie Piosenki Eurowizji został wyłoniony poprzez
44. Festivali i Këngës, który rozegrano 16-18 grudnia 2005. W półfinałach uczestniczyło 34 kandydatów: Besart Halimi, Sfinks, Rudi, Edmond Mancaku, Aurel Thëllimi, Julian Lekoçaj, Erinda Dhima, Edona Llalloshi, Tonin Marku, Agim Poshka, Evis Mula, Mateus Frroku, Era Rusi, Ermiona Lekbello, Erti Hizmo i Flaka Krelani, Joe Artid Fejzo, Kozma Dushi, Eri, Sonila Mara, Armando Bimi, Guximtar Rushani, Yllka Kuqi, Pandora, Denisa Macaj i Entela Zhula, Saimir Çili, Luiz Ejlli, Ingrid Jushi, Kujtim Prodani, Albërie Hadergjonaj, Manjola Nallbani, Marsida Saraçi, Anjeza Shahini, Miriam Cani oraz Mariza Ikonomi i Erion Korini. Do finału festiwalu awansowało po sześciu wykonawców z każdej rundy, a o zwycięzcy zdecydowali telewidzowie i jurorzy. Ogłoszono jedynie trzy pierwsze miejsca: trzecie miejsce zajęła Evis Mula, drugie – Era Rusi, a zwycięzcą został Luiz Ejlli z etnicznym utworem "Zjarr e ftohtë", który napisali Klodian Qafoku i Dr. Flori. Wszystkie trzy koncerty prowadzili Soni Malaj i Drini Zeqo. Po zakończeniu festiwalu twórcy postanowili nie tłumaczyć tekstu piosenki na język angielski, dlatego po raz pierwszy w historii kraj zaproponował w konkursie utwór w języku albańskim. 18 maja reprezentant wystąpił z szóstym numerem startowym w półfinale konkursu i zajął 14. miejsce w 58 punktami na koncie, nie kwalifikując się do finału.

W 2007 telewizja RTSH wybrała reprezentanta na 52. Konkurs Piosenki Eurowizji poprzez 45. Festivali i Këngës. Półfinały rozegrano 21 i 22 grudnia 2007, wystąpiło w nich 31 wykonawców: Kujtim Prodani, Ervin Bushati, Sonila Mara, Arbër Arapi, Hersjana Matmuja, Saimir Çili, Saimir Braho, Amarda Arkaxhiu, Joe Artid Fejzo, Rovena Stefa, Erion Korini, Andi Kongo, Frederik Ndoci, Mariza Ikonomi, Edmond Mancaku, Silva Gunbardhi, Besiana Mehmeti i Mustafa Ymeri, Greta Tafa, Samanta Karavello, Evans Rama, Alban Skenderaj, Eliza Hoxha, Greta Koci, Tonin Marku, Mateus Frroku, Evis Mula, Jonida Maliqi, Voltan Prodani i Alfred Habibi oraz Albërie Hadergjonaj. Finał odbył się 23 grudnia, zwycięzcę wybrali jurorzy. Największą liczbę 55 pkt przyznali Frederikowi Ndociemu i folkowo-etnicznej balladzie "Balada e gurit" Adriana Hili i Pandi Laço. Przed występem w konkursie reprezentant nagrał albańsko-angielską wersję swojego utworu, "Hear My Plea". 10 maja wystąpił jako 11. w kolejności w półfinale konkursu razem ze swoją żoną, Aidą. Zakończyli udział w konkursie na 17. miejscu z wynikiem 49 pkt i nie zakwalifikowali się do finału.

Reprezentant Albanii w 53. Konkursie Piosenki Eurowizji w Belgradzie został wyłoniony podczas 46. edycji Festivali i Këngës, który został rozegrany 14-16 grudnia 2007 w Pałacu Kongresu. W półfinałach wystąpiło 29 uczestników: Arbër Arapi, Besiana Mehmeti, Ani Cuedari i Mateus Frroku, Juliana Pasha, Produkt 28, Adela Bezhani, Saimir Çili, Rovena Dilo, Evans Rama, Joe Artid Fejzo, Eneda Tarifa, Teuta Kurti, Rosela Gjylbegu, Manjola Nallbani, Kozma Dushi, Devis Xherahu, Blerina Shalari, Voltan Prodani, Ada Gurra, Agim Poshka, Greta Koçi, Olta Boka, Samanta Karavello, Mariza Ikonomi, Vesa Luma, Jonida Maliqi, Kthjellu, Flaka Krelani i Doruntina Disha oraz Mira Konçi i Redon Makashi.

Do finału festiwalu przeszło 17 kandydatów, zwycięzcę wybrała siedmioosobowa komisja jurorska. Największą liczbę 67 pkt otrzymała od nich Olta Boka z piosenką "Zemrën e lamë peng" Adriana Hili i Pandi Laço. Po finale festiwalu pojawiły się pogłoski o manipulacji wynikami: dwóch sędziów posądzono o celowe przyznawanie punktów na końcu, aby wysoko ocenić kompozycję Boki, uniemożliwiając wygraną duetowi Flaka Krelani i Doruntina Disha, zdobywcom drugiego miejsca. Stacja RTSH zapowiedziała wszczęcie dochodzenia w sprawie rzekomego oszustwa. Pomimo kontrowersji, wyłoniona reprezentantka pojechała na konkurs. Z powodu zwiększającej się liczby krajów uczestniczących w konkursie, w 2008 rozegrano dwie rundy półfinałowe. Boka wystąpiła jako szósta w kolejności w drugim półfinale (22 maja) i zdobyła 67 pkt, w tym najwyższą notę 12 pkt od Macedonii, przechodząc do finału rozgrywanego 24 maja. Zaśpiewała w nim jako trzecia i zdobyła łącznie 55 pkt, zajmując 17. miejsce w klasyfikacji.

W lipcu 2008 stacja RTSH poinformowała o planach dotyczących organizacji 47. Festivali i Këngës oraz o zmianie dyrektora artystycznego koncertu, którym mianowała Pirro Çaka. Organizatorzy wprowadzili zmiany w formacie festiwalu, rezygnując z przygotowania rundy półfinałowej i umożliwiając start w finale 20 kandydatom. W grudniu ogłoszono nazwiska finalistów, którymi zostali: Juliana Pasha i Luiz Ejlli, Rovena Dilo, Evis Mula, Besa Kokedhima, Soni Malaj, Kejsi Tola, Adelina Thaci, Dorina Garuci, Era Rusi, Bledi Polena, Marjeta Billo, Endri i Stefi Prifti, Kujtim Prodani, Vedet Ademi, Erga Halilaj, West Side Family, Julian Lekocaj, Shpat Kasapi, Burn i Agim Poshka. 19 grudnia zaprezentowali premierowo swoje konkursowe piosenki na żywo, dzień później ponownie wykonali utwory, tym razem ze zmienioną aranżacją i z udziałem gościa specjalnego. 21 grudnia finaliści wystąpili w konkursie wyłaniającym reprezentanta Albanii w 54. Konkursie Piosenki Eurowizji, którego wybrała siedmioosobowa komisja jurorska i telewidzowie w stosunku głosów 75:25. Pierwsze miejsce zdobyła Kejsi Tola z utworem "Më merr në ëndërr", za który otrzymała łącznie 126 pkt, w tym m.in. trzy maksymalne oceny od jurorów, jednakże uplasowała się dopiero na szóstym miejscu w rankingu telewidzów. Koncerty prowadzili Elsa Lila, Julian Deda i Gentian Zenelaj. Po finale festiwalu zwyciężczyni nagrała anglojęzyczną wersję piosenki, "Carry Me in Your Dreams", którą napisali niemieccy muzycy: Florian Lüttich i Francesco Mangiaracina. W nagraniach eurowizyjnej wersji towarzyszyły jej chórzystki: Sandrina Sedona i Alex Zinkiewicz. 14 maja wystąpiła jako 16. w kolejności w drugim półfinale konkursu organizowanego w Moskwie i awansowała z siódmego miejsca do finału. Wystąpiła w nim z 19. numerem startowym i zdobyła w sumie 48 pkt, kończąc udział na 17. miejscu ogólnej klasyfikacji. Zajęła 11. miejsce w głosowaniu widzów i 23. miejscu u jury. Podczas występów na scenie towarzyszyło jej dwóch b-boyów (bracia-bliźniacy Andi i Ardi Kocaj), tancerz Jenia Evgenios Buli oraz dwie chórzystki: Dorina Toci i Era Rusi.

Lata 2010–2019

Reprezentant Albanii w 55. Konkursie Piosenki Eurowizji organizowanym w Oslo został wyłoniony podczas 48. edycji Festivali i Këngës, do którego zgłosiło się 78 kandydatów. Komisja jurorska zakwalifikowała do konkursu 38 wykonawców. W międzyczasie powołano nowego dyrektora wykonawczego, którym został Selim Ishmaku. Stacja zorganizowała cztery dni eliminacji, a uczestnicy zostali podzieleni na dwie grupy: Młodzi (w której znaleźli się muzyczny debiutanci i mało znani piosenkarze, tj. Stefan Marena, Brikena Asa, Onanta Spahiu, Jona Koleci, Nazmie Selimi, Goldi Halili, Iris Hoxha, Supernova Gabimi, Ardita Tusza, Selina Prelaj, Vitmar Basza, Lutus Botë, Kelly, Dorina Toçi, Borana Kalemi, Amanda Ujkaj i Violeta Lulgjuraj, Çlirim Leka oraz Yje Të Panjohur) i VIP/Wielcy (w której znaleźli się popularni artyści, tj. Anjeza Shahini, Teuta Kurti, Claudio La Regina, Bojken Lako, Rona Nishliu i Pirro Cako, Dorina Garuci, Juliana Pasha, Denisa Macaj, Erga Halilaj, Era Rusi, Flaka Krelani, Mariza Ikonomi, Erti Hizmo i Lindita Halimi, Guzimtar Rushani, Stefi i Endri Prifti, Rovena Dilo oraz Kejsi Tola). 24 grudnia 2009, pierwszego dnia festiwalu na scenie wystąpili kandydaci z grupy VIP, mający zapewnione miejsce w finale. Dzień później o udział w finale zawalczyli wykonawcy z grupy Młodych. Do finału awansowały Iris Hoxha i Goldi Halili. 26 grudnia finaliści wykonali piosenki w nowej aranżacji oraz wspólnie z inną gwiazdą muzyki albańskiej, a 27 grudnia wzięli udział w koncercie finałowym, w którym zwycięzcę wybrała siedmioosobowa komisja sędziowska. Największą liczbę 133 pkt przyznali utworowi "Nuk mundem pa ty" w wykonaniu Juliany Pashy, zdobywczyni drugiego miejsca w poprzedniej edycji festiwalu. Koncerty festiwalowe prowadzili Alban Skenderaj i Miriam Cani. Po finale festiwalu twórcom zwycięskiej piosenki zarzucano naruszenie praw autorskich, zwracając uwagę na podobieństwo kompozycji np. do utworu Christiny Aguilery "Keeps Gettin' Better" i "Womanizer" Britney Spears. 4 lutego ogłoszono, że podczas 55. Konkursu Piosenki Eurowizji zostanie wykonana anglojęzyczna wersja piosenki, "It's All About You". 25 maja reprezentantka wystąpiła z 12. numerem startowym w pierwszym półfinale konkursu i awansowała do finału z 6. miejsca. Wystąpiła w nim jako 15. w koleności i zajęła 16. miejsce z dorobkiem 62 pkt, w tym notą 12 pkt z Macedonii. Podczas występów towarzyszył jej skrzypek Olen Cesari i chórzystki: Joy Garrison, Glenys Vargas i Desiree Kedjour.

W 2011 reprezentant Albanii w 56. Konkursie Piosenki Eurowizji w Düsseldorfie został wybrany podczas 49. edycji Festivali i Këngës, rozegranej 23–25 grudnia 2010. Organizator powrócił do przygotowania dwóch koncertów półfinałowych, w których wystąpiło 38 uczestników: Adhurim Demiri, Alban Skenderaj i Miriam Cani, Besa Kokedhima, Blerina Shalari, Denis Hasa, Dorian Nini, Dorina Garuci, Emi Bogdo, Enkeleda Arifi, Entela Zhula, Ernis Çili i Onanta Spahiu, Etmond Mancaku, Françesk Radi, Goldi Halili, Heldi Kraja, Hersjana Matmuja, Kamela Islamaj, Kejsi Tola, Klajdi Musabelliu, Kujtim Prodani, Linda Halimi, Marjeta Billo, Marsida Saraçi, Mateus Frroku, NRG Band, Orges Toçe, Selami Kolonja, Sajmir Braho, Aurela Gaçe, Sonila Mara, Xhejsi Jorgaqi, Humus, Shpat Deda, Albi Xhepa, Maria Prifti, Ilir Kazaferi, Megi Laska oraz Rudina Delia. W półfinałach wzięło udział po 19 kandydatów, w tym 16 doświadczonych piosenkarzy oraz po trzech debiutantów, a każda grupa oceniana była przez inną komisję jurorską. Do finału festiwalu awansowało 18 uczestników. Najwięcej pkt od jurorów otrzymała w nim Aurela Gaçe z piosenką "Kënga ime". Po finale zwycięską piosenkę przetłumaczono później na język angielski, nagrano i wydano jako "Feel the Passion". Gaçe wystąpiła jako czwarta w pierwszym półfinale konkursu i zajęła 14. miejsce, nie zdobywający awansu do finału. Po finale konkursu udzieliła wywiadu serwisowi ESCToday.com, w którym wyznała: (...) pojechałam na Eurowizję reprezentować Albanię w konkursie piosenki, naprawdę wierzyłam, że tak jest. (...) Nie musisz mieć silnego głosu i świetnej piosenki, to już teraz dla mnie jasne. Mówiono mi, że to polityczne show, jednak ja nie wierzyłam (...) I uważam, że zrobiłam, co mogłam.

Stacja RTSH wyłoniła albańskiego uczestnika 57. Konkursu Piosenki Eurowizji w trakcie jubileuszowej, 50. edycji Festivali i Këngës, która została rozegrana 26, 27 i 29 grudnia 2011 w Pałacu Kongresu. W półfinałach wzięło udział 28 uczestników: Gerta Mahmutaj, Entela Zhula, Bashkim Alibali, Samanta Karavello, Endri Dhe Stefi Prifti, Rona Nishliu, Rudina Delia, Marjeta Billo, Claudio La Regina, Hersjana Matmuja, Orinda Huta, Altin Goci, Elton Deda, Evans Rama, Toni Mehmetaj, Dr. Flori, Kamela Islamaj, Frederik Ndoçi, Marsida Sarai, Bojken Lako, Sindi Berisha, Mariza Ikonomi, Kujtim Prodani, Iris Hoxha, Saimir Braho, Goldi Halili, Xhensila Myrtzaj i Elhaida Dani.

Do finału dostało się 20 kandydatów. Największą liczbę (77) pkt od jury otrzymała Rona Nishliu za utwór "Suus". Wszystkie koncerty prowadzili Enkeleida Zeko, Nik Xhelilaj i Hygerta Sako. 21 maja, tj. dzień przed rozegraniem pierwszego półfinału konkursu, w Albanii doszło do wypadku autobusowego, w którym zginęło 12 osób. W kraju ogłoszono żałobę narodową, a stacja RTSH nie transmitowała koncertu półfinałowego, na co otrzymała zgodę od EBU. Reprezentantka wystąpiła w pierwszym półfinale jako piąta w kolejności i z drugiego miejsca, awansowała do finału. Transmisję z półfinału wyemitowano po zakończeniu żałoby, 23 maja o godz. 0:35 minut. W finale, który odbył się 26 maja, Rona Nishlui wystąpiła z trzecim numerem startowym i zdobyła 146 pkt, zajmując piąte miejsce, najwyższe w historii udziałów kraju w konkursie. Po finale przyznano jej nieoficjalną nagrodę im. Barbary Dex za najgorszy strój podczas występu.

Stacja RTSH poinformowała, że weźmie udział w 58. Konkursie Piosenki Eurowizji w Malmö, gdzie reprezentować ją będzie laureat 51. edycji Festivali i Këngës, którą rozegrano 20-22 grudnia 2012. W półfinałach wystąpiło 26 uczestników: Selami Kolonja, Rosela Gjylbegu, Kejsi Tola, Vesa Luma, Elis Nova, Kozma Dushi, Bon Bon Band, Dr Flori i Fabi, Merland Kademi, Rezarta Smaja, Adrian Bujupi, Xheni i Enxhi Kumrija, Arjela Krasniqi, Arjan Dredhasi, Adrian Lulgjuraj i Bledar Sejko, Hersjana Matmuja, Lynx, Entela Zhula, Anjeza Shahini, Kelly, Bojken Lako, Marsela Çibukaj, Valon Shehu, Ani Çuedari, NA i Flaka Krelani. Do finału festiwalu zakwalifikowano 17 kandydatów. Najwięcej pkt od jury (74) zdobyli Adrian Lulgjuraj i Bledar Sejko za ethno-rockowy utwór "Identitet". 16 maja wystąpili w drugim półfinale konkursu i zajęli 15. miejsce z dorobkiem 31 pkt, nie kwalifikując się do finału.

W lipcu 2013 stacja RTSH potwierdziła udział w 59. Konkursie Piosenki Eurowizji w Kopenhadze. Reprezentanta wyłoniono poprzez 52. edycję Festivali i Këngës. W listopadzie komisja jurorska, składająca się z profesjonalnych muzyków, wybrała 16 uczestników festiwalu, którymi zostali: Marjeta Billo, Hersjana Matmuja, Orges Toce, Besiana Mehmeti i Shkodran Tolaj, Sajmir Braho, Renis Gjoka, Venera Lumani i Lindi Islami, Frederik Ndoci, Rezarta Smaja, Blerina Braka, Klodian Kacani, Xhejn i Enxhi Kumrija, Luiz Ejlli, Lynx, Saviana Verdha i Edmond Mancaku oraz Xhejsi Jorgaqi. Półfinały rozegrano 26 i 27 grudnia, a finał – 28 grudnia w Pałacu Kongresu w Tiranie. Podczas pierwszego i drugiego dnia festiwalu uczestnicy zaprezentowali się w duetach z popularnymi artystami, a trzeciego dnia zaprezentowali konkursowe utwory.

W finale festiwalu największą liczbę pkt od jury (Agim Krajka, Aleksander Lalo, Hajg Zaharian, Xhevahir Spahiu, Petrit Malaj, Erjona Rushiti i Bojken Lako) otrzymała piosenka "Zemërimi i një nate" Hersjany Matmuji. Wszystkie koncerty poprowadził Enkel Demi, któremu w półfinałach towarzyszyły supermodelki Marinela Meta i Xhesika Berberi, a w finale – aktorka Klea Huta. Po finale festiwalu zwycięska piosenka została przearanżowana i wydana w albańsko-angielskiej wersji jako "One Night's Anger", a wokalistka postanowiła wystąpić podczas eurowizyjnego konkursu pod pseudonimem Hersi. 6 maja wystąpiła w pierwszym półfinale konkursu i, zdobywszy 22 pkt, zajęła 15. miejsce, nie kwalifikując się do sobotniego finału.

We wrześniu stacja RTSH potwierdziła udział w 60. Konkursie Piosenki Eurowizji w Wiedniu, a następnie ogłosiła wybór reprezentanta poprzez 53. edycję Festivali i Këngës, która była rozegrana 26-28 grudnia 2014. Nowym dyrektorem artystycznym festiwalu został Shpetim Saraçi. Zebrano 50 zgłoszeń, spośród których wybrano 28 kandydatów, którymi zostali: Altin Goci, Agim Poshka, Ana Gramo, Besa Krasniqi, Besjana Mehmedi i Shkodran Tolaj, Bojken Lako Band, Elhaida Dani, Emi Bogdo, Enver Petrovci, Enxhii i Xhejn Kumrijam, Erga Halilaj, Aurora, Offchestra, Gjergj Leka, Jozefina Simoni, Julian Gjojdeshi, Kelly, Klajdi Musabelliu, Lindita Halimi, Marsela Çibukaj, Mjellma Berisha, Rezarta Smaja, Revolt Klan, Saimir Braho, Sigi Bastri i Florent Abrashi oraz Venera Lumani. Początkowo na liście znaleźli się również Besa Krasniqi, Kozma Dushi i Andos, którzy z czasem zrezygnowali z udziału w konkursie, dlatego nadawca zmniejszył liczbę uczestników do 26, dopuszczając do konkursu Esteli Brahimllari. W każdym z półfinałów wystąpiło po 13 kandydatów. Do finału festiwalu zakwalifikowało się 18 kandydatów. O wynikach wszystkich rund decydowała siedmioosobowa komisja jurorska w składzie: Agim Doçi, Rona Nishliu, David Tukiçi, Genc Dashi, Evi Reçi, Alida Hisku i Fatos Baxhaku. W finale największą liczbę pkt zdobyła od nich Elhaida Dani z utworem "Diell". Wszystkie koncerty festiwalu prowadzili Floriana Garo, Turjan Hyska i Liberta Spahiu. W lutym 2015 Dani poinformowała, że w konkursie nie zaśpiewa "Diell" z powodu "nieodwołalnej decyzji" dotyczącej wycofania się z projektu kompozytora piosenki. Zdecydowano, że nowym utworem będzie "I'm Alive" napisany przez kosowski duet Arber Elshani i Chriss Lekaj. 19 maja piosenkarka zaśpiewała go jako 14. w kolejności w pierwszym półfinale konkursu i przeszła do finału. Zajęła w nim 17. miejsce po zdobyciu łącznie 34 pkt.

Pod koniec września 2015 stacja RTSH potwierdziła chęć udziału w 61. Konkursie Piosenki Eurowizji w Sztokholmie, a następnie ogłosiła, że reprezentantem kraju będzie zwycięzca 54. edycji Festivali i Këngës rozgrywanej 25-27 grudnia 2015. Do półfinałów zakwalifikowano 30 wykonawców, którymi zostali: Egert Pano, Eneda Tarifa, Revolt Klan, Kozma Dushi, Enxhi Nasufi, Florent Abrashi, Dilan Reka, Evans Rama, Sigi Bastri, Simbol, Lindi Islami, Egzon Pireci, Asladon Zaimaj, Nilsa Hysi, Jozefina Simoni, Genc Tukiçi, Erga Halilaj, Teuta Kurti, Klodian Kaçani i Rezarta Smaja, Luiz Ejlli, Renis Gjoka, Besa Krasniqi, Flaka Krelani, Andi Tanko, Edea Demaliaj, Adrian Lulgjuraj, Kristi Popa, Voltan Prodani, Klajdi Musabelli oraz Niku i Entela Zhula. O wynikach każdej z rund decydowali jurorzy: Pirro Çako, Helidon Haliti, Ilirjan Zhupa, Françesk Radi, Olta Boka, Jehona Sopi i Alban Ni. Do finału awansowało 22 wykonawców. Największe poparcie uzyskała Eneda Tarifa z utworem "Përrallë", zwyciężając w finale festiwalu. W marcu opublikowała anglojęzyczną wersję konkursowej piosenki, "Fairytale". 12 maja 2016 wystąpiła z nią w drugim półfinale i zajęła 16. miejsce z 45 punktami na koncie, nie kwalifikując się do finału.

Stacja RTSH potwierdziła chęć udziału w 62. Konkursie Piosenki Eurowizji w Kijowie, a następnie ogłosiła wybór przedstawiciela poprzez 55. edycję Festivali i Këngës rozgrywaną 21-23 grudnia 2016. W półfinałach wystąpiło 24 wykonawców: Flaka Krelani, Xhejni Lito, Genc Salihu, Erlind Zeraliu, Xhesika Polo, Festina Mejzini, Edea Demaliaj, Lindita Halimi, Neki Emra, Yll Limani, Franc Koruni, Orges Toçe, Lynx, Elson Braha, Lorela, Tiri, Fabiola Agalliu i Agnesa Çavolli, Rezarta Smaja, Dilan Reka, Albulena Jashari, Xuxi, Luka i Serxhio Hajdini, Classic Boys i Linda Rukaj. 23 grudnia w finale festiwalu zwyciężyła Lindita Halimi z utworem "Botë", za który otrzymała największą liczbę głosów jurorów i widzów. W grudniu poinformowano, że w konkursie zaśpiewa anglojęzyczną wersję zwycięskiej piosenki, "World", którą zaprezentowała 12 marca 2017. 9 maja wystąpiła jako czwarta w kolejności w pierwszym półfinale i, zdobywszy 76 pkt, zajęła 14. miejsce, przez co nie awansowała do finału.

W październiku 2017 stacja RTSH potwierdziła chęć startu w 63. Konkursie Piosenki Eurowizji w Lizbonie. Reprezentantem kraju został zwycięzca 56. edycji Festivali i Këngës, którą rozegrano 21–23 grudnia. W półfinałach wzięło udział 22 wykonawców: AkullThyesit, Artemisa Mithi, Bojken Lako, Denisa Gjezo, Elton Deda, Endri i Stefi, Ergi Bregu, Eugent Bushpepa, Evans Rama, Genc i David Tukiçi, Inis Neziri, Lorela Sejdini, LYNX, Manjola Nallbani, Mariza Ikonomi, NA u Festina Mezini, Orgesa Zaimi, Redon Makashi, Rezarta Smaja i Luiz Ejlli, Tiri Gjoci, Voltan Prodani i Xhesika Polo. Do finału awansowało łącznie 14 uczestników, a największą liczbę pkt od jury zdobył Eugent Bushpepa za utwór "Mall". Po finale festiwalu piosenka została przearanżowana pod regulamin konkursu, skrócona do trzech minut i zaprezentowana premierowo 16 marca. 8 maja Bushpepa wystąpił jako trzeci w kolejności w pierwszym półfinale konkursu i z ósmego miejsca awansował do finału. 12 maja wystąpił w finale z 12. numerem startowym i zajął 11. miejsce, zdobywszy 184 pkt, w tym 126 pkt od jurorów (7. miejsce) i 58 pkt od widzów (18. miejsce).

W maju stacja RTSH rozpoczęła przyjmowanie zgłoszeń do 57. edycji Festivali i Këngës, którą rozegrano 20–22 grudnia i której dyrektorem artystycznym był Inva Mula. 17 września potwierdzono, że zwycięzca festiwalu zostanie oddelegowany do reprezentowania kraju w 64. Konkursie Piosenki Eurowizji w Tel Awiwie. Występy uczestników we wszystkich rundach oceniali jurorzy: Haig Zacharian, Arta Marku, Rona Nishliu, Agim Krajka, Pali Kuke, Olsa Toqi, Rovena Dilo, Shpëtim Kushta i Dorian Çene. Do festiwalu zgłoszono 54 utwory. 17 października telewizja podała listę 22 uczestników festiwalu, którymi zostali: Alar Band, Elgit Doda, Aurel Thëllimi, Bojken Lako, Bruno Pollogati, Dilan Reka, Eliza Hoxha, Elona Islamaj, Elton Deda, Eranda Libohova, Gjergj Leka, Jonida Maliqi, Kelly, Klinti Çollaku, Klodiana Vata, Kujtim Prodani, Lidia Lufi, Lorela Sejdini, Marko Strazimiri i Imbro, Mirud, Orgesa Zaimi i Soni Malaj. Początkowo na liście znajdowała się również Vikena Kamenica, ale wycofała się z udziału na festiwalu; jej miejsce w stawce zajęli Artemisa Mithi i Febi Shkurti. Pierwszego dnia festiwalowego uczestnicy wykonali konkursowe piosenki przy akompaniamencie Orkiestry Symfonicznej RTSH, a drugiego dnia – finałowe wersje utworów. Trzeciego dnia wybrano zwycięzcę. Jurorzy przyznawali każdemu z finalistów 10–20, 22, 25 lub 30 pkt. Największe poparcie jury zdobyła Jonida Maliqi z piosenką "Ktheju tokës", zdobywając łącznie 228 pkt od sędziów, w tym pięć najwyższych not. Przed konkursem uczestniczyła w koncertach promocyjnych w Amsterdamie, Londynie i Madrycie. 16 maja wystąpiła w drugim półfinale konkursu i z dziewiątego miejsca awansowała do finału rozgrywanego 18 maja. Wystąpiła w nim z drugim numerem startowym i zajęła 17. miejsce po zdobyciu 90 pkt, w tym 47 pkt od telewidzów (17. miejsce) i 43 pkt od jurorów (17. miejsce).

Od 2020

Pod koniec lipca 2019 albańska telewizja potwierdziła udział w 65. Konkursie Piosenki Eurowizji. Reprezentantem kraju w konkursie został zwycięzca 58. edycji Festivali i Këngës, którego finał został rozegrany 22 grudnia 2019. Do konkursu dopuszczono 20 wykonawców, którymi byli: Albërie Hadërgjonaj, Aldo Bardhi, Arilena Ara, Bojken Lako, Devis Xherahu, Eli Fara i Stresi, Elvana Gjata, Era Rushi, Gena, Genc Tukiçi i Nadia Tukiçi, Kamela Islamaj, Kanita Suma, Kastro Zizo, Olta Boka, Renis Gjoka, Robert Berisha, Sara Bajraktari, Tiri Gjoci, Valon Shehu i Wendi Mancaku. Tuż po opublikowaniu listy uczestników pojawiły się głosy krytyki związane z faktem, że na przebieg i wyniki festiwalu ma jego producentka, Vera Grabocka, na stałe współpracująca z jedną z uczestniczek, Arileną Arą. Z grona półfinalistów do finału awansowało 12 uczestników, których wybrała międzynarodowa komisja jurorska w składzie: Dimitris Kontopulos, Christer Björkman i Felix Bergsson. W finale dołączyli do nich Mikaela Minga i Rita Petro, którzy wspólnie wyłonili zwycięski utwór festiwalu. Największą liczbę pkt otrzymała piosenka Arileny Ary "Shaj", wygrywając trzema punktami z główną faworytką koncertu, Elvaną Gjatą. Zwycięstwo wokalistki wywołało kontrowersje z powodu powiązań z producentką festiwalu, a także zwracano uwagę, że współautorem piosenki jest macedoński kompozytor Darko Dimitrow. Utwór mimo kontrowersji został dopuszczony do konkursu, jednak w marcu konkurs został odwołany w wyniku pandemii COVID-19.

Wiosną 2020 telewizja RTSH potwierdziła udział w konkursie w 2021, a w lipcu ogłosiła, że w dniach 21–23 grudnia odbędzie się 59. edycja Festivali i Këngës, podczas której wyłoniony zostanie reprezentant Albanii w Rotterdamie. W październiku ujawniono listę 26 uczestników festiwalu, których wyłoniła telewizjna komisja jurorska w składzie: Agim Doçi, Alma Bektashi, Eugent Bushpepa, Jonida Maliqi i Klodian Qafoku; znaleźli się na niej: Agim Poshka, Anxhela Peristeri, Devis Xherahu, Enxhi Nasufi, Era Rusi, Erik Lloshi, Evi Reçi, Fatos Shabani, Festina Mejzini, Florent Abrashi, Franc Koruni, Gigliola Haveriku, Gjerg Kaçinari, Inis Neziri, Kamela Islamaj, Kastro Zizo, Klint Çollaku, Mirud, Orgesa Zaimi, Rosela Gjylbegu, Sardi Strugaj, Stefan Mareno, Viktor Tahiraj, Wendi Mancaku i Xhesika Polo oraz Manjola Nallbani, która ostatecznie musiała wycofać się z udziału w wydarzeniu z powodu zakażenia się koronawirusem. Wszystkie koncerty festiwalowe prowadzili Jonida Vokshi i Blendi Salaj. Do finału awansowało 18 wykonawców, spośród których zwycięzcę wyłonili telewidzowie oraz siedmioosobowa komisja jurorska w składzie: Andri Xhahu, Kastriot Çaushi, Prec Zogaj, Rame Lahaj, Robert Radoja, Vasil Tole i Zana Shuteriqi. Największe poparcie zdobyła Anxhela Peristeri z utworem "Karma", dzięki czemu została ogłoszona reprezentantką Albanii na Eurowizji 2021. Wyniki wywołało kontrowersje w kraju, a prasa donosiła o możliwej manipulacji wynikami, w tym przekupstwie jurorów przez ekipę zwyciężczyni. 20 maja wystąpiła w drugim półfinale konkursu i z dziesiątego miejsca awansowała do finału, który odbył się 22 maja. Zajęła w nim 21. miejsce po zdobyciu 57 punktów w tym 35 pkt od telewidzów (16. miejsce) i 22 pkt od jurorów (20. miejsce).

W lipcu 2021 telewizja RTSH potwierdziła udział w 66. Konkursie Piosenki Eurowizji oraz ujawniła, że reprezentant kraju zostanie wybrany w dniach 27–29 grudnia podczas 60. edycji Festivali i Këngës. W listopadzie 2021 ujawniono listę 20 uczestników festiwalu, którymi zostali: Alban Ramosaj, Denis Skura, Eldis Arrnjeti, Evi Reci, Endri & Stefi, Ester Zahiri, Gjergj Kacinari, Janex, Kastro Zizo, Kelly, Kejsi Rustja, Mirud, Olimpia Smajlaj, Rezarta Smaja, Ronela Hajati, Sajmir Çili, Shega, Urban Band, Viola Xhemali oraz Xhuliana Pjetra. Koncerty na żywo poprowadzili Ardit Gjebrea, Isli Islami, Jonida Maliqi, Kelvi Kadilli i Xhemi Shehu. Do finału awansowało 17 wykonawców, spośród których zwycięzcę wyłoniła komisja jurorska w składzie: Anxhela Peristeri, Agim Doçi, Anxhela Faber, Osman Mula, Rozana Radi, Olsa Toqi and Olti Curri. Największe poparcie zdobyła Ronela Hajati z utworem "Sekret", dzięki czemu została ogłoszona reprezentantką Albanii na Eurowizji 2022 organizowanej w Turynie. Przed występem w konkursie nagrała nową wersję swojej eurowizyjnej piosenki, którą nagrała z większą ilością anglojęzycznego tekstu. Podczas prób do występu na Eurowizji pojawiało się dużo krytycznych komentarzy, a internauci zarzucali artystce zbytnią wulgarność, celową prowokację i promowanie homoseksualizmu. Ona sama tłumaczyła, że za jej występem stoi przesłanie mówiące o tym, że "każdy ma dowolność w tym, kogo chce kochać, a jeśli ktoś chce zachować to w sekrecie, to też jest dobrze", za to szef albańskiej delegacji Ardit Cuni zapewnił, że występ nie zostanie zmieniony. 10 maja reprezentantka otworzyła pierwszy półfinał Eurowizji 2022, jednak nie zakwalifikowała się do finału zajmując 12. miejsce z 58 punktami. Na scenie towarzyszyło jej czterech tancerzy: Yusef Zahir, Mario Giuseppe Uzzi, Karmine Verola i Andrea Attila Felice oraz tancerka Klaudia Pepa, która odpowiadała także za choreografię do występu.

Uczestnictwo

Albania uczestniczy w Konkursie Piosenki Eurowizji od 2004. Poniższa tabela uwzględnia wszystkich albańskich reprezentantów, tytuły konkursowych piosenek oraz wyniki w poszczególnych latach.

Historia głosowania w finale (2004–2022)
Poniższe tabele pokazują, którym krajom Albania przyznaje w finale najwięcej pkt oraz od których państw albańscy reprezentanci otrzymują najwyższe noty.

Kraje, którym Albania przyznała najwięcej pkt:

Kraje, od których Albania otrzymała najwięcej pkt:

Legenda:

Komentatorzy i osoby podające głosy
Spis poniżej przedstawia wszystkich albańskich komentatorów konkursu oraz krajowych sekretarzy podających punkty w finale.

Uwagi

Przypisy

Linki zewnętrzne
 Oficjalna strona Konkursu Piosenki Eurowizji
 Profil Albanii na oficjalnej stronie konkursu

Albania w Konkursie Piosenki Eurowizji
Muzyka w Albanii
Telewizja w Albanii


Hong Kong Customs yesterday (April 10) seized about 20 000 kilograms of suspected duty-not-paid water pipe tobacco with an estimated market value of about $11 million and a duty potential of about $45 million at the Kwai Chung Customhouse Cargo Examination Compound.
Through risk assessment, Customs officers inspected a container arriving in Hong Kong from Bulgaria declared to be carrying daily necessities. Upon inspection, Customs officers found the batch of suspected duty-not-paid water pipe tobacco in the container.
Smuggling is a serious offence. Under the Import and Export Ordinance, any person found guilty of importing or exporting unmanifested cargo is liable to a maximum fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance, anyone involved in dealing with, possession of, selling or buying duty-not-paid tobacco commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit tobacco activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).


To think it's only been a year since the last set of bans – and it's definitely a justifiable one in Archeops's case, now that we've seen Pokemon-GX take the world by storm!
Archeops is an even older card than Ghetsis, going as far back as Noble Victories – that came out nearly 7 years ago! Its Rock Slide attack is, big surprise, not the main reason he got banned. Turns out 3-for-60 and 10 damage to 2 of your opponent's Benched Pokemon isn't exactly what one would think is "ban-worthy". No, the banning ability lies in the…well, Ability, Ancient Power, which prevents players from playing Pokemon from their hand to evolve Pokemon.
Back when it was initially released, evolution decks were still relatively viable, though they had to compete with the Reshiram/Zekrom Outrage decks at the time, and those were just easier to use overall; you only need to play one card, it came out with a lot of HP, and what's better is that it had an attack that could crush your opponents if they weren't careful. So against the deck, Archeops could do nothing. It didn't help that Next Destinies followed up from that, introducing the Pokemon-EX that would dominate the game for a long period of time, and soon enough Archeops eventually disappeared without ever being competitively viable…at least, not in Standard.
Eventually, Pokemon-EX would gain their own version of Evolutions, M Pokemon-EX – simulating the Mega Evolutions from the game – and Archeops had a moment of fringe play against the strategy. It's a pretty good deal to stop your opponent from evolving into their ace monster while simultaneously pushing for cards that didn't need to evolve; after all, there were plenty of Big Basics to utilize with Archeops. But the card that really cemented Archeops as a viable option was Maxie's Ace-in-the-Hole, a card which could bring Archeops into play for virtually no cost, outside of having it in your discard pile. Now you could prevent your opponent from evolving whenever you wanted – meaning you could evolve your Pokemon first, use Maxie's on an Archeops in the discard pile (whether sent there by Battle Compressor or a Sycaper), and effectively grind out the game with your bigger badder Pokemon while your opponent was left in the dust.
Needless to say, Archeops did not like the Mega-EX being around, but what really cemented its ban was the Pokemon-GX. Though around the time it got banned they were still relatively new, having only been first released a few months prior to the ban, the fact was that most of the Pokemon-GX coming out at the time were Evolution dependent. And while Archeops wouldn't hinder decks like the Eeveelution-GX that could evolve straight from the deck or any deck running a Wally, it would hinder the majority of Evolution decks that didn't have those options, and seeing as the game has continued to add in more and more powerful evolving Pokemon-GX, it makes sense to have Archeops hit the ban list for the sake of the format.
After all, you can't have Pokemon-GX trying to compete against the older Pokemon-EX when they can't even get on the board.
Arora Notealus: Coincidentally, Archeops hit the ban list at the same time as another card, Forest of Giant Plants. That card did the exact opposite of Archeops, enabling Evolutions in Grass decks that would allow them to play far more quickly than other decks. In fact, the card was so powerful that it ended up leading to the ban of the only other Pokemon card to hit the ban list, Shiftry, who has since come off the ban list as a result of Forest of Broken Plants getting banned.
I also used to have the Shiny Secret Rare version of this card, which even to this day is a pretty good pull from any Noble Victories pack you get!
Weekend Thought: What are your favorite cards from the Ban List? Did you like our flavorful themes for each day of the week? Maniac Monday? Trump Tuesday? I mean Throwback Thursday was still the same, but still! Which cards will you miss, and which ones are you glad are gone for good in Expanded? Would you want to play Expanded now that these cards are banned from it? What's your favorite format to play?
Archeops from BW Noble Victories didn't see as much play at first due to dealing with the awkward fossil mechanic that was introduced in that same set. Regardless of what kind of fossil it is, having to look at the bottom 7 cards just to find the appropriate Pokémon is extremely unreliable unless you find a way to rearrange cards from your deck. With Archen being very hard to put down on the Bench and the format revolving mostly Basic-EX Pokémon, Archeops is hopeless in the Modified format when it was legal.
Fast forward Febuary 2015, Maxie's Hidden Ball Trick was released on XY Primal Clash, and the Expanded format was just barely started on September 2014. This Supporter brings a Fighting Pokemon from the discard into your Bench and draws 5 cards……..only if Maxie is the only card in your hand. Despite being a little tricky to perform, no longer you needed this unreliable fossil item card and Archen, you can simply put Archeops from the discard into the Bench. Why is this a big deal?
That's because you can potentially prevent the opponent from doing something before they even get a turn. Most notably, the ability to evolve your Pokemon from your hand is disabled by Archeops's Ability. It was deemed unhealthy that it was banned September 2017, the same time Forest of Giant Plants got banned. Again, like yesterday's card, it's another card that locks down some of your opponent's options.
Fossil Friday closes out our first ever Ban Week. This card was banned a year ago alongside the much abused FoGP, and rightly so. By using Maxie's Hidden Ball Trick, a player going first could fairly consistently get Archeops onto the bench before his or her opponent even had a chance to get evolution Pokemon into play. There were ways around it, but – consistent with Hex Maniac and Ghetsis – the designers viewed it as again being too much of an early game advantage, and Archeops became extinct from the Pokemon Trading Card Game.
Generally speaking, I have no problem with the creators of the game banning cards. Honestly, they've done a really great job of restraining themselves when it comes to banning. They certainly could have banned quite a few more cards, and I wouldn't be surprised to see the number of banned cards continue at this rate in the future.
And I think that's a healthy thing. We're all human, we all make mistakes. When you see that you've made a mistake, and you have the power to correct that mistake, it's a no brainer to fix your error. There's no shame in that. It is a good thing to be able to admit you were wrong, and a better thing to take steps to amend the misjudgment.
Hope you enjoyed our Ban Week! I'm really glad our team was agile enough to quickly adjust basically last Friday and put this all together. Kudos to everyone for being able to adapt on the fly like that.
Welcome to Fossil Friday of our week of Whine & Cheese… or a Ban List week if you don't care for my sense of humor. We'll be re-reviewing Archeops (BW – Noble Victories 67/101; BW – Dark Explorers 110/108), which might come as a surprise. The new ban list added four cards – Ghetsis, Hex Maniac, Puzzle of Time, and Wally – so why not cover them all and just do one re-review instead of two? Why not Forest of Giant Plants? We just reviewed Puzzle of Time 15 days ago, and it hasn't quite been a year since we last reviewed Forest of Giant Plants (which was the card's third review), but Archeops was only reviewed the one time, not quite six and a half years ago! So Archeops just felt like it needed the re-review more. So, what is Archeops? A Stage 1 [F] Pokémon with 130 HP, [G] Weakness, no Resistance, Retreat Cost [CC], the Ability "Ancient Power", and the attack "Rock Slide". Rock Slide costs [FFC], does 60 damage to your opponent's Active and 10 to two of his or her Benched Pokémon of your choice, which is bad and irrelevant because this card was all about its Ability. Ancient Power is what made this card, but not quite a while after its original release; Ancient Power prevents both players from Evolving their respective in-play Pokémon from hand. Effects that Evolve a Pokémon from a different location (like the deck) still work.
When Archeops first released, it has a lot going against it. To begin with, though it is a Stage 1, the Pokémon from which it Evolves (Archen) is not a Basic, but a "Restored Pokémon". ALL the "Fossil Pokémon" mechanics really need to be dropped, but I'm not getting my wish as they've just gone back to something closer to the original with the most recent examples. I will say that the Restored Pokémon mechanic is probably the coolest in theory but the worst in execution. To put any of the Archen we currently have available into play, you've got to use another card effect. Ignoring what works for what was intended, we're supposed to be Benching Archen from our decks with the card Plume Fossil, a Trainer-Item that reveals the bottom seven cards of your deck and Benches an Archen you find there (if any). Even with Archen (BW – Plasma Blast 53/101), which has an Ability that allows you to move it from your discard pile to the bottom of your deck, using the "default" mechanic just isn't a great way to get Archeops to the field. Being so difficult to reliably hit the field by a player's second turn, combined with Basic-only or Basic-focused decks meant it just wasn't worth running Archeops to mess with the few that were Evolution-reliant.
Fast-forward to the release of XY – Primal Clash about three-and-a-half years later. We received a Supporter called Maxie's Hidden Ball Trick; while it has to be the last card in your hand in order to play it, it allows you to select a [F] Pokémon from your discard pile and put it directly into play on your Bench, then you draw five cards. Besides being the last card in your hand, you also need a legal target to Bench from the discard pile and an open spot on your Bench. That may sound like a steep requirement, but it turned out it wasn't with the available card pool in the Standard Format of the time, and it remains quite reasonable in the Expanded Format now. Simply put, you should be able to build a deck that can reliably pull this trick off T1, even now. Which brings us to how Archeops was banned. Decks started using Maxie's Hidden Ball Trick, usually just one or two, to create a swiss-army-knife play with one to three [F] Pokémon. Eventually, with Evolution decks being far more effective and popular than they had been for the first several years or Archeops' existence, Archeops became one of the [F] Pokémon regularly used alongside a Maxie's Hidden Ball Trick or two.
Which meant decks could spare two to five slots, possibly with a slightly tweaked deck build, to be able to shut down any Evolution deck before it even got started, so long as the player using the combo went first. Even if that player went second, however, you could disrupt further Evolution. Not facing an Evolution deck? If you allowed yourself more than two slots, one could go to an alternate, useful [F] Type, like Gallade (XY – BREAKthrough 84/162). Actually, Archeops was often alternate and Gallade the main reason a deck would run Maxie's Hidden Ball Trick. This is why Archeops was banned and unlike the other cards this week, this is the one I think might not have deserved the ban. Like Forest of Giant Plants or Wally, I think Maxie's Hidden Ball Trick and its [W] Type counterpart, Archie's Ace in the Hole, are just waiting to break something else. With Maxie's Hidden Ball Trick and Wally gone, I'm trying to think if there is any way Archeops can hit the field before T3, let alone reliably.
As a reminder, I don't automatically score cards as "perfect" even if they were good enough to be banned.


text:
Quick Hits: Twins, Hernandez, Giants, Harrison
By Anthony Franco | December 5, 2020 at 7:26pm CDT
The Twins have expressed interest in free agent utilityman Kiké Hernández, reports SKOR North's Darren Wolfson (Twitter link). The 29-year-old has spent the past six seasons with the Dodgers. Over the past two seasons, Hernández has managed just a .235/.296/.410 line over 608 plate appearances. However, the right-handed hitter has put up a strong .263/.345/.474 career mark against left-handed pitching. He's also started games all throughout the infield and outfield. That defensive versatility and production when holding the platoon advantage makes Hernández a sensible fit for a Minnesota team that has seen Marwin González and Ehire Adrianza hit the open market.
More from around the sport:
The Giants have been in contact with representatives of a few players who were non-tendered earlier this week, president of baseball operations Farhan Zaidi told reporters (including Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area). Right-handed relief pitching and another left-handed hitter are on the team's wish list, Pavlovic notes. Plenty of players fitting those respective profiles were non-tendered before Wednesday's deadline. Speculatively speaking, Archie Bradley and Matt Wisler could make sense as bullpen targets for San Francisco, while Kyle Schwarber and David Dahl were among the top left-handed bats let go by other clubs.
Nationals infielder Josh Harrison nearly signed with the Braves after being released by the Phillies in July, relays Mark Zuckerman of MASNsports.com. Ultimately, the veteran infielder hooked on with Washington just a few days after the regular season began. While the Braves had a significantly more successful 2020 than did their division rivals, Harrison enjoyed a decent season at the plate. Clearly, both player and team were satisfied with the way things worked out. Harrison went on to ink a one-year extension that will keep him in D.C. in 2021.
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Atlanta Braves Enrique Hernandez Josh Harrison Minnesota Twins Notes San Francisco Giants Washington Nationals
Rays Notes: Franco, Snell, Faria
Ryon Healy Signs With KBO's Hanwha Eagles
redsfan20191
I think Kike Hernandez would be a great piece for the Twins. He could definitely come off the bench and score some runs for the Twins. He could also play multiple positions. At the same time, it would only take a year and maybe 2 to 2.5 million to sign him. Archie Bradley might be out of the price range for the Giants, but I think Ryan Tepera, Chasen Shreve, or A.J Cole might be good options for players who were recently non-tendered. Wisler however does make sense. I think the Braves should have signed Harrison and let Culberson go personally.
puhl
He would be a great addition.
who Archie Bradley to the Giants or kike to the twins?
BobGibsonFan
He would be great in Toronto.
mnsportsfan
I would love that addition. Affordable and a great fit.
giantsphan12
@reds, what makes you say that Bradley is "out of the price range for the Giants?" The Giants are sitting on a pile of $ and could afford Archie if they wanted him (not that the competition and potential for a bidding war means they would necessarily get him). Just curious about your comment? I'd be stoked if the Giants signed him!
I was incorrect in saying he was out of their price range. It just doesn't seem like someone they would pursue. I agree they probably do have the money to get him! I could see them going for someone like Doolittle, Petit, or Robles. I just don't see them going for someone like Bradley. Not saying they can't get him which I think they could, just not someone I think they would have their focus on.
Being that Bradley is from the nl west, I agree. The nl west hitters have faced him to much for him to be as dominant imo
Howie415
@reds Bradley is a righthander. The Giants are looking for righthanders. Petit might not want to comeback to SF. Doolittle is a leftie, who has struggled the past couple of seasons. Robles seems the best of the bunch. He has the potential to bounce back after a short season.
Teams have have scouts. Familiarity is not an issue. They work out how they are going to pitch to a hitter before the game.
geg42
I never understood the Giants letting go of Petit in the first place. He owns the MLB record with 46 consecutive retire batters. Nor is that ancient history's he keeps getting outs.
@Reds, Got it. Thx. I hope you're wrong. It would nice for the Giants to have a reliable closer (elite level) like Bradley,
Hendriks or Brad Hand again. It's been a bunch of years since we could reliably hold a tight game going into the ninth. Obviously, the Giants tried with Melancon, who was good before and good after his time with SF. Just not while there!
@geg42 I agree with you. I never understood why they let him go. There is probably more of a history that we don't we don't know about. The A's and Padres let him go also.
I also see Keone Kela, Alex Claudio, John Brebbia, Jeremy Jeffress, and Joe Biagini as possible targets also. They are cheap and affordable. I see the Giants pursuing more starting pitching than bullpen arms. Pretty sure they have been linked to Jake Odorizzi, Chase Anderson, and Martin Perez this offseason. I'd also say sign or trade for a catcher, move Posey to first and trade Belt. They could also use Solano as a trade piece. If that's the case then they could look for a second baseman. Would be nice if they could unload Cueto, Crawford, and Longoria's contracts but that seems unlikely. If they could they might look to add pitching there. This is my opinion but it could go either way. I could see them signing Jason Castro to play catcher and maybe Jurickson Profar to play second base in that situation.
Maybe they even look at Ken Giles who has shown in the past he has elite stuff. Would be a good bounce-back candidate.
Anthony Franco
Giles underwent Tommy John surgery in September. It's possible he signs a multi-year deal with an eye toward returning in 2022, but it's hard to imagine him being an option for teams next season given the timetable of the procedure.
Yeah, I'm not sure many teams would give him that kind of deal yet. At the same time wasn't Tommy Kahnle going to be out next year and still receiving multi-year offers from teams? I was thinking maybe that scenario would work out here with Giles also.
jeb39999
Ken Giles is exactly the kind player the Twins lien to sign, good track record but recent injury makes him affordable
Posey gets regular games at 1st. He also hates playing 1st. I think they are going to resign Chadwick Tromp, or find a Vet to backup Posey. This is also a bridge to Bart taking over the position. There is joke in there that only Bay Area people will get, unintentional. Crawford and Longoria are still serviceable players. They are not drains on the Giants budget. There really is no reason to get rid of them.
If they do keep Posey at catcher they could re sign Tromp, or they could sign Kurt Suzuki, Tony Wolters or Alex Avila. They would be good backups. Or someone like Drew Butera. Butera would cost hardly anything to have as a back up catcher.
@redsfan I'll have to look him up…I have this little joke that a former Giants GM is responsible for the Big Red Machine. HB Spec Richardson traded half those players from the Astros to the Reds. He wasn't any better as the Giants GM.
I definitely think what Zaidi has done in San Francisco has helped their organization. I don't think they will be major spenders. I don't see them on guys like Bauer or Springer or Realmuto obviously. But I do see them getting better and improving whether it be in trades or free agency. I see them signing second or third tier free agents.
I wouldn't mind Suzuki in Giants uniform. He seems like the kind of player you would want in a backup catcher role. He has credible bat; he has also handled winning pitching staffs.
I'm loving what Zaidi has done. I think they take a longer look at players. I think they are more focused on the fundamentals. They have 4 hitting coaches. Sabean, and Bochy, were much more focused on pitching and defense.
Do you think Kapler was the right decision for manager? Or do you think they should have chose someone else.
When does Joey Bart Train become his official nickname?
Wolf Chan
There is no reason to trade for a catcher since they have Bart who had time out of necessity last year and are supposed to be signing tromp back to a minors deal, as well behind them is Bailey. You should have the time split amongst Bart and posey to mentor him as he is really the next guy up. They would do better to move belt at the deadline – they aren't going to get anyone to take on Longoria or cueto so you have to assume that they are what they are and work around it. With Anderson gone they need to add a starter but it looks like they have in mind not to clog the pipeline and to let some of the younger guys play so i would think beyond 1 frontline guy any other rotation arms will be minor league reclamation projects for depth and trade bait.I would assume that they are more willing to go in on a bat like Dahl and a guy like Bradley since they are looking at veteran presence to school the young guys that struggled last year in the pen. Solano could be a flip at the deadline guy but you probably want to see how he starts rather than mov him since you won't get a lot unless he is a throw in on a salary dump and he leaves a hole in your infield that needs depth in the first place.
SmittyFubar
Wrong. Oakland has a bridge to Bart. SF you gotta take MUNI :)
@wolf, I agree. Buster will mentor Joey B for a year (maybe Buster will get a sunset extension buying out his '22 option, if his bat is serviceable this year-which would give him more time to mentor Bart/ Bailey). We can't move Cueto's or Longo's contracts , and they're going to let Crawford finish out his contract at short. To me, the only vet that is moveable is Belt, IF, he's healthy and crushing it leading up to the trade deadline. They won't get much back for a then-33 year- old rental with his streaky hitting and injury prone history. Other than pitching, which we drastically need both in the rotation and the Pen,
our infield is pretty established for 2021, I do believe.
Nah. I don't think Kapler was a bad decision. Baseball is not like the other sports. In basketball, you can step off a High School court to an NBA stadium and be a Hall of Famer. The last mlb player to step of High School diamond and become a Hall of Famer was Sandy Koufax. When Michael Jordan attempted to play baseball, his AA numbers would not have earned him a place in AAA.
The thing about the infield though is 2 issues, depth and defense. I assume they will be looking for a platoon mate for longo and preferably one who is a better defender at 2nd than solano and Flores that can move around.if they can get 2 guys that either improve the bat and/or have a better defensive value I don't think that they are opposed to sitting guys they can't mo e if they aren't contributing, ie crawford and longo
Huh? You don't need to go over a bridge to get to BART in Oakland. BART does go to SF. But, sometimes, the is a BART bridge to SF.
tad2b13
Howie:
Suzuki has a credible bat, but is not a good catcher. I think the Giants want someone better behind the dish.
redsfan:
I don't think moving one of the best defensive catchers in baseball to 1B is a very good idea at all. Over his career, in addition to being a top performer with everything catchers need to do, he's also been a good hitting catcher. As a hitter at 1B he is a mediocre at best. If they want to trade Belt, keeping Posey at catcher and playing someone like Ruf at 1B would be better,
Guys who can play 1B are a lot easier to find than a really good catcher. Posey needs to catch as long as he's physically able to do so.
Here's my thoughts on what should happen. You know I'm such a baseball genius. But, no need to always thank me for my brilliant insights.
Assuming there is 162 game season, give Belt like 20 starts in LF. Not his best position, but I don't think it will be a disaster. They'll keep him out against lefties. That's why he had his best offensive numbers last season. That'll give Posey more at bats and less physical stress from being behind the dish. I think they will resign Tromp. Bart will start in Sacramento for at least half the season. It will give him time to learn to adjust to better pitching.
Not bad thoughts. I think every catcher not named Yadi Molina needs to not play a ton of games at the position. 20 games in LF for Belt would not be a problem either.
The one thing I'm not sure about is Bart in Sacramento for only half a season. He clearly was not ready when they brought him up. He only has 22 games in AA and hasn't played a single game in AAA.
Catchers need more time in the minors than other positions. I think he needs a full season at AAA at least, with maybe a September call-up. But it wouldn't surprise me if he started 2022 with the River Cats as well.
Thanks. I'm not sure how long Bart needs in AAA. But, his bat struggled in AA, and he tore up AZFL, which probably has pitching.
22Leo
As a Dodgers fan, I do not understand why they are not re-signing him. The only thing I can think of is that he may be asking for too much money. He has earned it as a great utility guy. Pay him and keep that depth. It wouldn't surprise me if this just boils down to a bad agent. Hernandez should embrace his role as an awesome utility guy…but he may be thinking starter.
I feel at this moment the Dodgers should try to re sign Justin Turner. However I don't feel it is likely. They might look at Bryant or Arenado. Bryant seems likely as their is roadblocks in a Arenado trade. I think the opt out is the biggest roadblock. Do you think they should make an attempt to resign Pedro Baez? I don't personally see it. However I think Corey Knebel was a good addition.
Chief Two Hands
As a Dodgers fan, I have wanted to see them get rid of Baez for years. So, no, I do not want to see them re-sign Baez. I do think it is likely they re-sign Turner. He means a lot to the team and I think he wants to remain in L.A. just speculation, of course.. I am concerned that Hernandez may leave, though, simply because he has proven his worth and may look to get more money elsewhere. In my opinion, Arenado and Bryant are not likely options.
bellybombs
I love Kike. He is more valuable than his numbers would suggest. But it is matter of what price. I would go no more than 2/10.
Scottn59c
Would love to see the Giants grab Dahl. Giants also don't have a closer and haven't for some time. Bradley could be that guy if the price was fair.
tward09
Will Smith has something to say
Oops, I said above that the Giants hasn't had a solid closer in years. A major senior moment on my part! I forgot about Smith! Duuuhoooooppp!
You can be forgiven for overlooking Smith. He sort of slowly earned his way into that role, kind of like Romo did after Brian Wilson got injured.
Smith was definitely a closer for SF, but they haven't had him for over a year now, which was what I meant. No one emerged last year as a closer, and the team could use one.
It's understandable when management just lets those guys go…
Buzz Saw
What's wrong with Gott?
Sorry, I Gott you there. Cant believe they resigned him. Take away just half of his blown saves and they get in the playoffs as a WC. It would've probably ended there, but still…
I agree. I was not happy that they tendered Gott a contract. They should've moved on.
sf giants mania
I really hope the giants get Dahl/Bradley they both would really help the team
I agree abt bradley, although not sure about dahl. not a bad player, but not exactly what I would like to see. I think the Giants hitting coaches are pretty good at their jobs, but I don't know if they see a potential all-star quality hitter in him. I wouldn't mind picking him up though
If the Giants are considering Dahl they need to have someone in the organization who can help him figure out how to stay healthy. They guy is a world beater when he's on the field, but availability for him has been very limited. That's exactly why COL threw in the towel on him.
Rsox
Kike would be a good fit for the Twins. Lots of versatility and some pop, definite upgrade over Adrianza
bravesfan88
Kike would be a great fit almost everywhere..Every contending team could use him, he's going to be a solid addition for whiever ends up getting him..
DakotaExpert
Hope Kiki and the Twins work something out. He knows how to win.
Not how to be a consistent hitter though
Kiki is very good in the clutch and pressure situations. I think he will end up with the Dodgers, again.
Unfortunately i think some of that comes from playing so many positions. Hard to be consistent offensively playing a different defensive position everyday
Blue_Painted_Dreams_LA
He's actually been given ample time to prove he could be an everyday starter each of the last two-three years at 2nd. When he failed to do so he was shuttled around. Kikè is a terrific super utility guy, but he hasn't shown an ability to hit RHP. He just hasn't shown to be an everyday guy. Defensively up the middle, he's absolutely tremendous.
nentwigs
Twinkies are seeking the KIKE to beating the Yankees !!
giant4life
I would be pretty excited if the Giants got Dahl and Bradley or even Robles. I wouldn't even mind a little Schwarber hittin bombs into the cove and a good GM with this much disposable income should be able to negotiate short term deals attractive enough to bring all of these guys over. Schwarber already has the connection to our current "GM" so wouldnt be that crazy.
The DH is coming so Schwarber starts there for 2/3's of your games. Dahl with his health issues should be used sparingly as well but I would give him a 3-4 year deal if the price was right. Any closer caliber RP that makes sense should be snatched.
Don't be too quick to praise FZ just yet. All he has proven is that he can sit on his hands and sift through trash. This team needs a few bold moves as well if they are going to compete so wait until the offseason is done before bowing the knee to FZ
giant4life:
I would love to see Dahl and Bradley in a Giant's uni. Not too keen on Schwarber though. The Giants have enough less than great defenders now. And good defenders/more complete ball players, had been the type of guy that they liked. With Dickerson, who's not a good defender in LF, and who's also a lefty, Schwarber isn't really a good fit.
I disagree most though on your take on Zaidi. Because he hasn't made a big splash doesn't mean he hasn't tried. They were seriously in on Harper. But sometimes you can do everything possible, and the player just decides to sign elsewhere. I think Zaidi's done exactly what he needs to do for the situation the team is in. He has taken a team that some predicted to be historically bad and made them relevant. They're moving in the right direction, and making the moves they can. I'll take Zaidi and his measured moves over Preller and his bold moves any day.
bigtwinsfan14
If the Twins can't re-sign Marwin or Adrianza, I'd rather see them move Arreaz or Polanco to the super-utility role and see if Nick Gordon or Royce Lewis can handle the bigs. Pitching is where the Twins will need to spend their money this offseason.
quietstorm3
I hope Kike resigns with the Dodgers. He has a great glove. He can play everywhere on the field that's a plus.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Forces of Freedom is a third-person multiplayer shooter in which gamers will participate in 5-to-5 team battles. Choose who you want to be and go to complete missions on various maps. A variety of tactical opportunities in huge locations allows you to win the same task in completely different ways. Here you need to not only shoot straight, but also be able to make the right decisions during the battle.
"Forces of Freedom" is a tactical team combat game, which is currently at an early stage.
Play in real time in multiplayer battles 5 on 5 – think, Blitz meets SOCOM. Play as a sniper or gunner in this PVP MMO with authentic military soldiers from around the globe and timeframes. Beginning in the 1960s and up to today's special forces, the "Forces of Freedom" are engaged in intense battles for a multitude of maps and game modes.
– A more rewarding system that makes progression matter.
– Better Matchmaker: Play with the players that are even more relative in skills than before.
– New Account Management System: Safer and Faster.


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Sugar is the new scourge of the city, the Health Department is warning.
The city cut a grisly new TV commercial warning of the health risks of sugary soft drinks - including images of a diabetic's decaying toes.
"Don't drink yourself sick. Go with water, seltzer, fat-free milk or unsweetened teas instead," admonishes the narration.
The 30-second spot stresses that a 20 oz. bottle of soda pop contains the equivalent of 16 packets of sugar.
A mid-morning soda, a sweetened tea at lunch, a frozen coffee drink in the afternoon and then a few sodas at dinner might seem harmless, but they add up to 93 packets of sugar, a female narrator intones.
The ad says excessive sugar intake can cause health problems such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
And to drive home the message, the ad features the decaying toes and an unconscious man being shocked with a defribillator.
This the second such commercial released by the city in its campaign against sugar drinks.
The earlier spot was released in September 2009 - and featured a young man chugging what was described as liquid fat, with the admonition, "drinking one can of soda can make you ten pounds fatter a year."
Print versions of the ads have also been displayed on subway trains and.
A spokeswoman for the Health Department said the latest ad push could be seen as gruesome by some, but she added, "we're trying to educate people about the potential harmful health consequences of sugar drinks.
"We call them hard-hitting and realistic," she added.
The latest ads will air through Feb. 22 on major broadcast and cable TV channels in the area.


Helen Yates Thompson, age 91 passed away Saturday, January 19, 2019 at Francis Marion Manor, Marion, Va.
She was born in Dickenson County, Va., December 15, 1927 to the late Earl and Gusta Gilbert Yates. Helen lived most of her life in Christiansburg, Va.; and was employed for over twenty years with the Radford Arsenal.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ronol G. Thompson; two brothers and two sisters.
Helen is survived by her sons, Donald Lambert and wife, Susan, and Gary Lambert; grandchildren, Rusty Lambert and wife, Veronica, and McKenzie Gates and husband, Justin; great-grandchildren, Kevan and Hunter Lambert, and Xander and Kingston Gates; three sisters; three brothers; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to say a special thank you to the 1st Floor staff at Francis Marion Manor Nursing Home for the care given to Helen.
To share memories of Helen Yates Thompson, please visit www.virginiacremations.com. Care for Helen's family has been entrusted to Cremation Society of Virginia, 276-782-4488.


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I'm Happy Doing Supporting Roles: Jimmy Shergill
By Neha Rohilla | Apr 27, 2015
Jimmy Shergill affirms that he is happy appearing in small roles, until given the right opportunity and movie to star in.
"I am happy doing supporting roles because I see value in those and fortunately all the roles I have given, are good ones. No director is making a solo hero film these days. We usually come across three to four lead stars in a movie…… time has been changed a lot." the veteran actor told IANS.
"Why shouldn't I do supporting roles, when I can show my talent via those roles or characters. I am not very much fond of lead roles or anything like that. I am happy with what I am getting and living it awesomely." Jimmy added.
Jimmy Shergill
The actor starred in some of the big hits of all time – 'Mohabbatein', 'Yahaan', 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' and 'A Wednesday'.
His all roles are appreciated by critics, especially the one he played in Tannu Weds Mannu was highly critically acclaimed. And he is coming back once again in 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns' directed by Anand. L. Rai is featuring R. Mahdavan and Kangana Ranaut.
Also see: Tanu Weds Manu Returns Official Trailer.
The reporters also asked him what encouraged him to do 'Tanu Weds Manu' 2011 and obviously its sequel. The actor said, "I chose to do the sequel because people still remembered me in Tanu Weds Manu. This is a sequel in a true sense… the film has not been produced just for the heck of it. The role, I have in the movie, is quite satisfying. I am happy that I was offered to star in prequel."
Kangana Ranaut is playing double roles in 'Tanu Weds Manu Returns'.
Also check: Kangana Ranaut Desperately Waiting for National Awards.
Jimmy Shergill is also busy filming his upcoming lead character movie 'Hero "Naam Yaad Rakhi"' opposite to Survin Chawla, the actress of Hate Story 2.
Hope you liked the news story, share it with your friends via buttons given below. Stay tuned for more Bollywood updates.
Category: Bollywood Tags: Jimmy Shergill, Tanu Weds Manu
About Neha Rohilla
I love to write, roam around, sing, dance and read novels. I am passionate about my job, the work in hand. I love writing on the topics of Entertainment and Bollywood. SHAupdates is the first job of my life and I feel good to be here and work with the owners. I can express my views, my thoughts and this platform gives me a freedom to stay true and write things that I want should reach the people out there.
View all posts by Neha Rohilla →
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SEOUL, May 20 (Korea Bizwire) – South Korea on Friday said it has started the construction of a "hallyu" park in line with its move to establish sustainable attractions to lure Asian tourists.
K-Culture Valley, a cluster of various cultural facilities to be located in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, aims to promote the hallyu wave, which refers to the boom of South Korea-made entertainment goods around the globe, including pop music, movies and TV dramas.
President Park Geun-hye also attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the zone, which is slated to be completed in 2017.
The government said the K-Culture Valley will especially target overseas visitors, adding they can experience the past, current and future of Korean culture at the venue.
The project reflects the government's efforts to tap the cultural industry as a new growth engine, the presidential Cheong Wa Dae said.
The presidential office said it expects the project to generate 56,000 jobs over the next five years and create an economic effect of 8.7 trillion won (US$7.32 million). The valley will attract 5 million tourists every year, it added.
Local conglomerates, including the entertainment giant CJ Group, will be in charge of establishing infrastructure and operations, while small and medium-sized firms will provide needed content.
The project also is in line with the country's creative economy policy goal set forth by the president, which aims to find new sources of growth by merging various industrial segments.


There seems to be a discrepancy between what CILIP believe to be its media responsibilities, and what its members believe to be its media responsibilities. Hearing both sides of any story is so, so important. I can't think of ANYTHING I've got angry about, or railed against, that I haven't softened my stance on once I've learned a little more about the other side of the story. There's almost always a good reason why people do things that seem inexplicable at first glance. So I am prepared to have all this explained to me and to think to myself at the end of it all - okay, I was being naive, I can see how difficult this must be for CILIP. But either way, there is a problem here that needs to be addressed - whether the problem is one CILIP is contributing to, or is unable to do anything about. There is still a problem - and I get the impression, though only from a small pool of online responses to these issues, that CILIP's members see it as more of a problem than CILIP itself appears to.
In my opinion CILIP seem too much like 'one of us'- ie indignant and often impotent. Our professional body needs to be 'representing us' - ie getting someone on the programmes that may cause damage to libraries' reputation. Various CILIP people have said you can't just 'get' someone on Newsnight (they were saying this off the cuff - it doesn't represent an official CILIP statement) but that isn't strong enough, for me. If you can't, then CILIP needs to take steps to force a change of attitude and increase its influence.
In my opinion, CILIP should be getting someone on the Dispatches programme, not trying to get its members on it - at least not on their own. I think calling for people to go on that programme, and to produce a 1 minute video explaining the value of libraries, is great. But it should be part of a supporting strategy of member advocacy, with a primary strategy of CILIP appearing in the media itself. To take a presidential analogy: it's like we're being asked to be the foot-soldiers in Obama's famous harnessing of web 2.0, youtube, and the power of grass roots activism - but without Obama himself going out on the campaign trail to lead us.
In my opinion, there have been opportunities in recent months for CILIP to step up, and it feels like a crippling sense of inertia is preventing them from doing so. A change of culture is needed here. Chief Exec Bob Mckee says: "It's easy to sit back and say "CILIP should have been on Newsnight" or indeed on the Today programme on Tuesday morning. But how many of us could go head-to-head with Jeremy Paxman on live TV and give a clear and compelling justification of libraries and librarians in just one minute or less?" God knows, I couldn't - but it only needs one of us! And that one of us should be employed by CILIP - it should be YOU if necessary. Is there no one in the organisation for whom the challenge of facing Paxman is an exciting opportunity rather than a prohibitively intimidating threat? If none of the current staff feel able to represent the whole industry in the media, appoint someone who is! And if that isn't possible right now, make plans to do so when it is possible.
On the one hand you have someone like Phil Bradley being invited back onto Radio 5Live after a successful appearance, and basically offering to drag the post-Newsnight response forward on CILIP's behalf (see the comments section), on the other hand we have CILIP unable to grab Newsnight opportunities. Am I the only one who thinks there's a problem here?
I really, really want feedback on this. Please tell me in the Comments whether you agree with me, or disagree with me, or know stuff I don't know. I welcome all comment and debate on this, and I want CILIP to respond to this too. I wouldn't normally ask this, but please tweet a link - http://bit.ly/9EnejP - to this post to encourage as many people as possible to engage in the conversation.
I have said before that I think we should not be so quick to attack CILIP, and that everyone I've met or spoken with who works for them is doing a great job. It's very easy to criticise from the safety of a blog. I don't want to belittle their efforts from the easy position of not having to represent an entire profession in the media. But, as I've said above, whether the problem is one CILIP is unable to control or is complicit in the perpetuation of, something has to change.


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Webinar: Why is cyber a regulatory issue?
01 Jul 2020, 12.30pm-1.30pm
Simon Cole, CEO at Automated Intelligence, is delighted to join the panel for Cyber NI and Fintech NI's upcoming webinar, 'Why is cyber a regulatory issue?'.
The webinar, which takes place on Wednesday 1st July from 12.30pm – 1.30pm, will discuss the regulatory responsibility for FinTech firms with regards to cyber security.
The onset of the Covid-19 health crisis has seen a significant shift to digital payments, which has highlighted the issue of cyber fraud and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) for financial services organisations.
However, this also represents a potential opportunity for FinTech firms as most organisations were established on digital-only models, meaning they already have strong controls in place.
As part of the webinar, panellists will discuss:
What are FinTech firms' regulatory responsibilities with respect to cyber security?
How are FinTech firms tackling cyber security risks?
If you are interested in attending the webinar, click here for registration details.
15 Dec 2020 / Insights
What is Data Quality in unstructured information?
We are often asked, "What is an intelligent migration?" "What makes it intelligent?" For us, it's about taking control of the data first, and this includes...
When? 12 Jan 2021, 2.00pm-4.00pm / Events
Rock or Sand?  What's your SharePoint Foundation?
Is your SharePoint built with integrity and as a solid foundation for your organisation? We're holding a webinar on 12th January where we're looking at best...
When? 03-04 Dec 2020, 10.00am-4.00pm / Events
Automated Intelligence joins AI CON 2020
Automated Intelligence is taking part in this year's AICON, a leading tech event examining how Artificial Intelligence is changing the world.
When? 30 Nov 2020, 3.30pm-4.00pm / Events
WEBINAR: Digital transformation in Financial Servi...
In the latest of our FSO webinar series, taking place on 30th November, we're looking at why transforming your data shouldn't be overwhelming and complicated.
When? 30 Nov-04 Dec 2020, 9.00am-5.00pm / Events
EVENT: FinTech Connect
Automated Intelligence has been selected to join Invest NI at the UK's leading FinTech conference, FinTech Connect.
When? 24 Nov 2020, 9.00am-5.00pm / Events
EVENT: Digital Finance Summit 2020
Automated Intelligence is to join this year's renowned European FinTech event, Digital Finance Summit.


Larry Thomas '82 (B.S. Agricultural Education) will serve as the President of the CFANS Alumni Society Board in 2016-17. He is the Director of Student Programs at the Science Museum of Minnesota and has been involved in science education for over 20 years. He looks forward to his leadership role on the Alumni Society Board this upcoming year. Read Larry's greeting to alumni and friends.
Join hundreds of your fellow alumni and friends and become a CFANS mentor! The award-winning CFANS Mentor Program connects current students with local and long-distance mentors - alumni and professionals - who support students as they explore career paths, learn how to network, and develop their professional skills. Applications are now available for the upcoming school year! Learn more.
Special congratulations go out to the 44 high school juniors across the state of Minnesota who were selected for the 2016 Norman Borlaug Science Achievement Award for their achievements in science, scholarship and service! The award recognizes high-achieving students who demonstrate great interest in science. Each recipient earned a copy of Our Daily Bread: The Essential Norman Borlaug" written by Noel Vietmeyer about the 3-time CFANS alumnus and Nobel laureate. Though not all student recipients apply to attend CFANS for college, many have, and they receive a $1,000 scholarship from the CFANS Alumni Society upon successful enrollment.This program is made possible due to the support of Alumni Society Program Sponsors and participating alumni volunteers and school contacts! Learn more.
Anita Hall Frost graduated in 1978 with her Bachelors in Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering during a time when female students were often not encouraged to enter engineering or accepted in the profession. She was one of only a few female engineering students at the entire university. Fortunately, Anita had the support of Dr. David R. Thompson, a faculty member in BBE from 1970 to 1985. Dr. Thompson had an unwavering support for individuals in pursuit of making the world a better place. He made Anita feel like she belonged and could succeed as an engineering student and professional.
-Bell Museum + Planetarium: Be a part of the Story!
-Reserve your ticket for 2017 Golden Gopher Homecoming!
This month, we have the oportunity to bring you alumni & friends news from outside of the U.S!
This month we remember the life and accomplishments of a member from the CFANS community who will be missed by many: Clifford E. Alhgren '49 '53 (B.S. Forestry, M.S. Forest, Ecology, and Botany).
This month, we are proud to announce two new additions to the Gopher Family!
The monthly alumni trivia question gives alumni and friends an opportunity to test their U of M knowledge. Are you up for the challenge?
The Minnesota craft brewery buisness is on the rise, and it is not expected to slow down anytime soon. The rise of crafted brews has increased the need for hops, an ingredient that provides the suds with bitter, citric, and zesty flavors and aromas. According to the Star Tribune, Minnesota Hops Growers are producing hops on 73 acres of land this year. How many acres of hops were produced in 2015?
For many Minnesotan's, deer hunting season is a form of vacation. According to the DNR, this deer hunting season may be a little different than the rest.


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The TeCake > News > Entertainment > Defending Jacob cast, plot, release date and other updates
Defending Jacob cast, plot, release date and other updates
Rush Hour4: Will Chris Tucker accept the screenplay after considering his busy schedule?
The fans have been anticipating over Defending Jacob 2 after the first season was aired. However, we cannot confirm any renewal of the show as of now. The show is based on William Landay's book under the same title. Further, the season 1 concluded with everything in the book and the possibility of a new season is considerably low. And if the team is planning a renewal of the show, there will be a huge delay in the release date. Season one was released 18 months after the announcement. Moreover, Defending Jacob cast availability can also be a concern. And so, if there is a chance of a season 2, it can be expected by the year 2022 or 2023.
Defending Jacob first aired on April 24, 2020, in its original network Apple TV+. Mark Bomback is the writer and creator of the show and is directed by Morten Tyldum. The first season concluded with 8 episodes. Engish is the original language of the show. Defending Jacob has received mixed reviews from its viewers. The show was criticised for its pace. However, it went on to become the second most popular Apple Tv+ show.
Also Read Extraction 2, Chris Evan is likely to be a feature in sequel part, Read this to confirm
The Avengers' fans would have been happy to see Chris Evans being part of the Defending Jacob cast. However, Chris Evans is portraying the lead role of Jacob's father. Jacob is a 14-year-old but unlike most kids of that age, his life isn't about normal teenage problems. He has been convicted of murder when his classmate Ben was found murdered. Andy, Jacob's father does not believe this and thinks it to be the other prime suspect who is a sex offender. However, Laurie, Jacob's mother is not able to take in the uncertainty and guilt. She begins to find reasons to believe her son is a killer.
The show ends with the court letting go of Jacob after the other prime suspect wrote a confession letter and suicided. Further, we find out that Andy's father who is a prisoner is behind the suicide. The question still remains if Jacob is the killer. The show leaves a question on the mind of its viewers, Is unconditional love above what is right?
Cast and characters
The defending Jacob cast includes:
Chris Evans as Andy
Michelle Dockery as Laurie
Jaeden Martell as Jacob
Cherry Jones as Joanna
Pablo Schreiber as Neal
Betty Gabriel as Pam
Sakina Jaffrey as Lynn
Poorna Jagannathan as Dr Voge
Defending Jacob season 2?
Season 2 of Defending Jacob has very low chances of launching the screens. However, the story concluded with a chance for another season which can focus more on the Barber family. As of now, there has been no official information regarding the renewal of a new season.
Tags: Defending Jacob
Vanis Hardy Sep 26, 2020
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'Beautiful calm evening after a spring-like day in the Bay of Plenty. This weekend the pollen has arrived over everything outside. Taken 12 August 2018 at 17:24' wrote Josefa.
'Great Barrier Island on a changeable day! On 6 August 2018 at around 09:30. Samsung S8' wrote Liz.
'Cloud hovering above Ohakune, taken 11:00 on 8 August 2018' wrote Beverly.
A second photograph from Vicki of the fog when she climbed One Tree Hill on 4 August 2018. This photo show the 'Spectre of the Brocken' alongside the shadow of the obelisk.


This quote describes our lives here on earth as we journey homeward. The key is on where we have fixed our eyes. What are we focusing on – the temporary or the eternal? Are we focusing on the dark times that are just a small part of the big picture? Or are we focusing on the eternal glory that far outweighs our momentary troubles?
John 14:1 Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
This is my month of Thanksgiving and today I choose praise! Praise to my King who has it all under control! Praise to my God whom I trust. Praise to my Lord who is preparing a much better place than this!
Psalm 150:1 Praise the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. 2 Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. 3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, 4 praise him with tambourine and dancing, praise him with the strings and flute, 5 praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Let's focus on the eternal shall we?
Absolutely Amen, Let's focus on our eternal home!
What a glorious photo too!
Keeping our focus upward instead of inward changes the way the picture looks, doesn't it? Good reminders.
Excellent reminder! Thanks so much for sharing, especially with those specific verses. Reading them was like attending a pep rally for life!
Thanks for the prayer and all the encouragement. It is good to keep our eyes fixed on the positive side of things. When I pour out all the pain and sorrow of my life, when I am empty of tears, then I can see and feel Him sitting beside me holding me close. Praise Him for His great love.
Lana – your photos are stunning!! And your thoughts are excellent. Inspiration and beauty. Thanks.
Let us always look beyond the temporal! For God is present even in the midst of our dark circumstances. Even though there is silence and perhaps confusion in the mind, let our rest be in His peace and assurance of eternity.


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Plenty of sunshine. Temps nearly steady in the mid 30s. Winds N at 10 to 15 mph..
A rather angular map of the world, with the 10 most populous countries numbered: test your knowledge. Answers: 1. China, 2. India, 3. United States, 4. Indonesia, 5. Pakistan, 6. Brazil, 7. Nigeria, 8. Bangladesh, 9. Russia, 10. Mexico
U.S. equals 27,518,535 dozen eggs
By Tamara Wolk TWolk@CatoosaNews.com
Tamara Wolk
As most people know, 2020 is a U.S. Census year. What better excuse for looking at all manner of numbers?
The Census Bureau maintains a population clock online. You can sit and stare at the world's numbers ticking higher and higher at a mesmerizing pace and those of the U.S. at a less hypnotic but still brisk pace.
In the U.S., the ratio of people born to people dying is in favor of people being born. Every eight seconds a person is born in the U.S. and every 10 seconds someone dies. Add immigration to the equation and you end up with an extra person every 18 seconds.
So what is the population in the U.S.? As of Dec. 30, 2019, it was 330,222,422 (give or take a few) — nearly 2 million people more than a year ago. That's a big number, so some perspective is in order. Picture the U.S. population one of these ways:
♦ 91,728 Ringgolds
♦ 33,022 Fort Oglethorpes
♦ 45,235 LaFayettes
♦ 82,555 Rossvilles
♦ 103,194 Chickamaugas
♦ 31 Georgias
♦ 27,518,535 dozen eggs
You can see how this might go on and on.
Here's a thought to chew on: In a mere 10 years (since 2010), the U.S. population has grown by 21,476,884 people (give or take).
The U.S. is the third most populous country in the world, but we are a distant third, behind China with over 1.3 billion people and India with just a few less than China. It would take four United States of Americas to equal one China or one India.
The population of the whole world is around 7.6 billion folks. Nearly one-third of the world's population lives in China and India.
Out of all the states in the U.S., Georgia has the eighth largest population, with around 10.5 million residents. We're running behind (in order from largest): California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Ohio.
What might come as a surprise is the state that comes immediately after Georgia: North Carolina, which has nearly as many people as Georgia and a greater population density (more people per square mile).
Speaking of population density (hey, it's 2020, we can wander all over the place), of all the states New Jersey has the highest: 1,211 people per square mile. But our capital city, good ol' Washington, D.C. (which isn't a state but is crowded), has an amazing 11,490 persons per square mile — and that's not counting all the politicians who hang out there but don't live there.
The population density of Georgia is 182 people per square mile — a ghost state compared to New Jersey. Or lots of other states. We have tons of room to grow.
Let's get back to the world because, as they say, no man (person) is an island and neither is any state or even country (well, a few countries are and one state is, but rhetorically speaking …).
The fourth most populous country after China, India and the U.S. is Indonesia, a country of — islands(!) — either 17,508 or 18,307 of them (depending on whether you believe the CIA or National Institute of Aeronautics and Space) with 265 million people.
Rounding out the top ten most populous countries, in descending order, are Pakistan, Brazil, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Russia and Mexico.
Russia may not be number one in population but its land mass — 6.3 million square miles — is so large it couldn't all fit on one continent. Most of the country is in Asia, but about one-seventh is in Europe. Russia also accounts for nearly 11% of the land on Earth.
The next largest land mass on our planet is not a country (you can tell, because it has no flag) — it's Antarctica, populated by penguins and such and 1000-5000 people, depending on the season. It's 5.4 million square miles with a population density of 180-900 people per million square miles (recall D.C.'s density of 11,490 per one square mile).
After Antarctica, we have China, the U.S. and Canada running neck-in-neck, but counting land only (not water), in the order aforementioned (but not much afore).
And with that, we're out of space – both in the paper and in the brain.
Tamara Wolk is a reporter for The Catoosa County News in Ringgold, Ga., and Walker County Messenger in LaFayette, Ga.
Census clock
Check out the Census Bureau's population clock at https://www.census.gov/popclock
Follow Tamara Wolk
Dine with Dems and Indivisible GA-11 are hosting a Sandy Springs event with Democratic candidates
Rec center renamed after Marietta's first black councilman
Marietta school board to meet Tuesday night
Clinton won't commit to backing Sanders if he's nominee
Connecticut man accused of killing estranged wife is expected to seek speedy trial
Cold air invades South, bringing below-freezing temperatures


Retail kiosk operations are being added to Navigation Esplanade.GEEMD is committed to the community vision of a fully revitalized, attractive and vibrant area, which is a shopping, food and entertainment destination for residents and visitors. These retail outlet kiosks will enhance a growing Esplanade, and will be complimented with restaurants, active pop-up tent vendors and a once a week farmers market.
Proposals for kiosks are due January 30th, 2015. All questions may be sent by email to pezzell@greatereastend.com, or by phone at 713-928-9916.


It offers the latest in technological innovation and style. This model accommodates 5 passengers comfortably, and provides features such as: a rear window wiper, remote keyless entry, and much more. Smooth gearshifts are achieved thanks to the 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine, and for added security, dynamic Stability Control supplements the drivetrain. Four wheel drive allows you to go places you've only imagined.


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