Hello, this is Helsinki calling!

Happy 100th post to my blog! It seems appropriate that this occasion should be marked by other celebrations. I'm referring of course to that ever popular SBS viewing experience for fellow Europhiles (or at least those who jumped on the bandwagon during Honours year), the Eurovision Song Contest.

I have never managed to sit through the entire thing from start to finish. I watched an hour last night, missing both the first and second placed entries from Serbia and Ukraine (go Ukraine!) but I still got to hear some of Terry Wogan's commentary and see some of the cheesy antics. Highlights... last year's winners from Finland playing Hard Rock Hallelujah their winning song, using guitars that had sparks flying out of the handles. The Spanish entry consisted of four Ricky Martin-esque young men in white suits (a boy band of sorts). Then there was the Evanescence imitation squad from Finland (and Serbia too, I think) and Sweden who managed to sound like Elton John. I think my favourite was Unsubstantial Blues from Hungary which came ninth. I tuned in again at the end to see the voting which goes on FOREVER despite having been trimmed down a lot recently... they now only announce the 8, 10 and 12 votes from each country. But there are more countries participating now in the all-inclusive new Europe.

If you feel like indulging yourself, have a look at the official site here.