Europe Calling...

Newly Hatched Canada Geese Chicks

Last Saturday (12th May) was the 52nd year of the Eurovision Song Contest live from Helsinki. It is an annual competition held among members of the European Broadcasting Union. Participating countries each submit a song to be performed on live tv; then proceed to cast votes for the other countries' songs to find the most popular song.

People tend to look down on the Contest because of its tacky songs and terrible voting system. Yet it is one of the longest-running tv programme and most watched non-sporting events in the world. And I enjoyed taking the p---. You just don't know what to expect from the participants.

42 countries took part and 23 was in the finals. There was a diverse array of musical genres as Turkish, Balkan, Celtic, Dance, Folk, Greek, Latin, Nordic, Pop, Operatic, Blues, Jazz etc. I somehow like the performances from the Eastern bloc. They always tend to add some ethnic element to their acts.

My favourites : Mandy of Hungary with her Unsubstantial Blues, Latvian 'El Divos' and a sexy Moldovan. And the winner was a butch Serbian!!! There were lots of booing as the Eastern bloc voted among themselves and so did the Sandinavian countries. Even Malta gave the cringing UK entry, Scooch maximum points. They came 22nd and Ireland was last. Next year, Serbia got to play host.

Best news, Blair has confirmed that he's stepping down. Good riddance to bad rubbish. Normally a laid-back person, I participated in anti-war demos because of him.

On Thursday, was my first bus trip home from work. Kevin was too ill to drive. I'd to make 2 bus changes and was stranded for an hour at the bus station. Of all the days, tonight was the UEFA European under 19 Championship Elite qualifying round between England and Holland at the Ricoh. I reached home at 7.30pm. 2 hours...

Luckily, on Friday I was invited to a Ladies' Pampering Evening. Bliss. All my troubles soothed away with aromatheraphy massages and even had my eyebrows threaded. And fantastic Indian vegetarian food. What a perfect way to wind down for the weekend. Thanks Zoe.

Today watched a boring FA Cup final between Chelsea and Man. United at the new Wembley Stadium. I even managed to nod off. Chelsea won 1 nil.

Birthday greetings to Hezlin. Sorry couldn't join you