Deux Points

Sometimes it's difficult to feel optimistic about possible peace or calm when you watch the news. Sometimes I need to switch channels or turn off the TV completely and go do something else, because although staying up to date with the world is pretty important, it isn't a pick-me-up.

There is one thing that, if not gives me hope, then distracts me enough with glitter and wind machines to let me overlook nations' relations- and that is Eurovision.

If you aren't familiar with Eurovision, it is like Idol or X Factor, except each country sends one singing act to compete, and whoever wins hosts it the next year. Apparently Europe's answer to stopping wars was the express themselves through song. Just think, without Eurovision, there probably wouldn't be ABBA (who won in 1974 with none other than 'Waterloo').

I have literally been waiting all year for this year's Eurovision, and it's finally happening this weekend over 3 glorious nights, starting this Friday night. There are times when entrants have used their time onstage as a political platform, and it wouldn't be surprising if there is talk (or song) about the issues in Ukraine... however, it is an important part of Eurovision, and possibly a better platform than warfare. But it is so great to see all these countries come together and compete in song.

So tune in this weekend!! Semi finals 1 are on Friday, 2 on Saturday, and the grand final is on Sunday (on SBS)! Tune in, throw a Eurovision party (or join the one in the city) and look at for Jessica Mauboy! Europe love us so much, they invited us to send an Australian representative, so show your support! And remember, as Greece's 2013 entry reminds us, ALCOHOL IS FREE!



Don't forget to vote for your neighbouring countries! It's an age old European tradition!

~Iz