Valletta, Malta.
Monday, 31 May 2010
Eurovision.
Did you watch Eurovision this year? No? Just me then? I am not ashamed to say I rather enjoy Eurovision; it is so wonderfully camp and kitsch that I find it hard to resist and this year was no exception. Predictably our nation came last but that is no surprise considering our entry was woefully boring and outdated by around forty years. Well done the great British public.
Anyway my sugar-coated kitsch highlights were as follows:
Malta - Thea Garrett - My Dream.
I warm towards the Maltese entry as I saw this song qualify whilst in Malta on holiday in February. Sat in our hotel room with a heady choice of 5 channels, it was either that or the Maltese version of Deal Or No Deal which they somehow managed to make last about 4 hours (nothing happened in the whole time we were watching it...) it's enough to drive a man to Cisk!
Greece - Giorgos Alkaios & Friends - OPA!
The song that made the whole of Europe shout OPA! at any given opportunity. Hey!
Anyway my sugar-coated kitsch highlights were as follows:
Malta - Thea Garrett - My Dream.
I warm towards the Maltese entry as I saw this song qualify whilst in Malta on holiday in February. Sat in our hotel room with a heady choice of 5 channels, it was either that or the Maltese version of Deal Or No Deal which they somehow managed to make last about 4 hours (nothing happened in the whole time we were watching it...) it's enough to drive a man to Cisk!
Greece - Giorgos Alkaios & Friends - OPA!
The song that made the whole of Europe shout OPA! at any given opportunity. Hey!
Estonia - Malcolm Lincoln & Manpower 4 - Siren.
This was a bizarre entry as Estonian Malcolm based his act on the styling and dance moves of Jarvis Cocker, sort of a bit lacking but endearing never the less.
This was a bizarre entry as Estonian Malcolm based his act on the styling and dance moves of Jarvis Cocker, sort of a bit lacking but endearing never the less.
Romania - Paula Seling & Ovi - Playing With Fire.
My personal favourite with something for everyone; Pioneering piano design, excessive pointing, operatic bursts, ill costume choices but all in all infectious and catchy. My vote went to Paula and Ovi and they came third overall.
Tuesday, 18 May 2010
Walk Like A Venetian.
A couple of days ago I booked a holiday to Venice (in September) for myself and Grundy and to say I'm excited is putting it mildly. Venice is a city which I have always wished to visit and it may sound a bit fantastical but I can't quite believe I am doing just that.
For someone who can't swim (I know, and I grew up in Newquay, shameful) it might seem like an odd choice but when you are confronted with the rich luscious imagery of films such as Death In Venice you can easily see the reason why. I am currently watching the BBC series 'Venice' on DVD to get me in the mood; the series is presented by famed Venetian Francesco Da Mosto whom I met a couple of years ago, his passion for his home city is endearing and he presents the city to you in a way that proves hard to resist. We are staying in the heart of the city near Piazza San Marco and I we plan to partake of all the required and cliched tourist activities.
In other news I had an MRI scan today, a strange experience and not one I can tell you much about as I fell asleep whilst listening to Heart FM (you didn't get a choice.) Entering the claustrophobic clinically white tunnel listening to Wham! is of course a high light.
For someone who can't swim (I know, and I grew up in Newquay, shameful) it might seem like an odd choice but when you are confronted with the rich luscious imagery of films such as Death In Venice you can easily see the reason why. I am currently watching the BBC series 'Venice' on DVD to get me in the mood; the series is presented by famed Venetian Francesco Da Mosto whom I met a couple of years ago, his passion for his home city is endearing and he presents the city to you in a way that proves hard to resist. We are staying in the heart of the city near Piazza San Marco and I we plan to partake of all the required and cliched tourist activities.
In other news I had an MRI scan today, a strange experience and not one I can tell you much about as I fell asleep whilst listening to Heart FM (you didn't get a choice.) Entering the claustrophobic clinically white tunnel listening to Wham! is of course a high light.
Sunday, 2 May 2010
Chirpy Burpy Cheap Sheep
I am having a melancholic morning. I got out of bed this morning and as has become painfully predictable I have another day off with atrocious weather. It's beyond the joke. I need cheering up so I went to Amazon (always dangerous) and thought I would have a little look around the comedy DVD section. I have just purchased the definitive collection of Father Ted. Hurray!
Father Ted is one of those rare comedy series that were and still remain consistently funny no-matter how many times you watch and the theme tune alone is like a massive sonic hug. I defy anyone not to smile when confronted with that opening, the sweeping helicopter shot across Craggy Island and that signature music created by The Divine Comedy. Would it be Christmas if you didn't see the fathers get trapped in the biggest lingerie section in Ireland as an example? Would the world be the same without Father Noel Furlong river-dancing in a claustrophobic over populated dilapidated caravan screeching at the top of his voice? Mrs Doyle and her cocaine cakes? The cows that are actually very far away or the shock of an impostor sheep? I think not.
I for one am very much looking forward to seeing all three series from the start all over again. My Granddad is Irish, raised by nuns in wartime Dublin and apparently Father Ted is a lot closer to the truth than we think. Makes you want to be Irish and fifty years older doesn't it? As a special treat to us all, ladies, gentlemen, other, please enjoy the following:
Father Ted is one of those rare comedy series that were and still remain consistently funny no-matter how many times you watch and the theme tune alone is like a massive sonic hug. I defy anyone not to smile when confronted with that opening, the sweeping helicopter shot across Craggy Island and that signature music created by The Divine Comedy. Would it be Christmas if you didn't see the fathers get trapped in the biggest lingerie section in Ireland as an example? Would the world be the same without Father Noel Furlong river-dancing in a claustrophobic over populated dilapidated caravan screeching at the top of his voice? Mrs Doyle and her cocaine cakes? The cows that are actually very far away or the shock of an impostor sheep? I think not.
I for one am very much looking forward to seeing all three series from the start all over again. My Granddad is Irish, raised by nuns in wartime Dublin and apparently Father Ted is a lot closer to the truth than we think. Makes you want to be Irish and fifty years older doesn't it? As a special treat to us all, ladies, gentlemen, other, please enjoy the following:
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