Eurovision Song Contest

The first post of two this week, because I leave it ages until I update this blog and I need to catch up!

Firstly, I'm still driving to work a-ok. I'm getting used to the wonders of the A46 every day. I still haven't washed the car as every time I think of doing it I get sidetracked and then it rains!!

On Saturday 24 May, our pal Sarah came up to stay with us for the weekend. After doing a bit of food shopping, Sarah and I watched a great example of 'so bad it's great' film-making: the 1980 camp-a-thon "Flash Gordon". Following that, it was time to pop back into town and do a bit of DVD shopping, were we both bought a couple of second-hand titles. Carla got me the new "Complete Making of Indiana Jones" book which is a really good read, with lots of fantastic photos from the productions.

After dinner, it was time to watch the annual over-the-top tv event that is the "Eurovision Song Contest". For those of you that don't know, it's a pan European (and now beyond) event where each participating country chooses a song and a performer, who then performs that song in a semi-final show and then, if they are lucky enough to go through, a live final. Then the viewers in each participating country vote for their favourite. Whoever wins, hosts the contest the next year. I've watched this for *years*, and have always enjoyed the complete flag waving glitzy nonsense. It's been part of the TV schedules since the 1950s, and so like its British presenter, the ever popular Terry Wogan, is part of the furniture in TV land.

This year the contest came from Serbia and was presented in the usual way by two local celebs with big teeth and in naff (rather than glamorous) dress. There were more melodramatic acts compared to the usual camp silliness this time, although there were bizarre acts from Croatia and Spain. The political voting of course has always been there, but over the last three or four years is seems to have become far more obvious. Eastern Europe votes for Eastern Europe, and in this year's case, that was Russia. The UK entry from 'X-Factor' runner up Andy Abraham came a dismal joint last with Germany and Poland, even though it was quite a funky track. My favourite entry was from Ukraine: "Shady Lady" by the lovely Ani Lorak (see picture here.) Great dancing on top of those big glass boxes!) which I actually phoned a vote in for, and it ended up coming in second. Carla was (sort of) gunning for Armenia which came in third, and Sarah wanted Greece to win and that came in fourth. So not bad results from this household.

I have to say though for me, the show was an overall disappointment as a lot of the entries were rather dull and serious; not enough "fun". In the words of Ireland's Dustin the Turkey, "Oh Europe, where or where did it all go wrong�? COME ON!!!!!!" How apt. After the disappointment of the night, it looks like Terry Wogan is going to give it up as a bad job as he can't stand the complete sham of the voting. Can't say I blame him really. Shame, as the three of us were looking forward to a really fun evening, but in the end it was just 'ok'. Glad we had some alcohol!

The following day, the three of us watched an ancient Doctor Who, "The Sontaran Experiment", a two-parter from 1975. Good cheap looking stuff. :)

UPDATE 5/6/08

Sarah reminded me today to post this silly little picture that I took of our toys!

Yes, that is Jar Jar Binks v Sir Guy of Gisborne (Robin Hood) in the ultimate woodland rumble. Thrust, parry, retreat....o-kee-day! I bet you lot out there are impressed with the 'forest' backdrop. It was the only green thing I had handy.....a yoga mat! ;)