This should be my 2026 Eurovision post.
This year, I've been hugely disengaged. I know there's two semis and a final this week but that's about it. I've listened to zero songs, read nothing about the acts, and have no clue about the betting odds or backstage shenanigans. It's all felt a bit meh.
As I wrote in December, the EBU have been under loads of pressure to act - in various conflicting ways - about the inclusion of Israel in the contest. They eventually decided Israel could participate but they rejigged a few of the voting procedures to try and calm the situation. Who knows what'll happen? We'll find out soon enough. But for me, whose initial stance was 'I'll be damned if the horrific decisions of the Israeli government stop me enjoying my favourite night of the year,' it seems I'm viscerally lacking in gusto for the week's events. I'm guessing I'll still tune in - maybe listen with half an ear - but with none of my usual pomp and ceremony.
All I'll say is GOOD LUCK to anyone competing. It's a massive gig - a world stage that can launch careers - and it's gross that one rogue government has managed to cast a pall over the thing. Especial best wishes to our own act, Look Mum No Computer. Sod's Law says this is the year we'll win.
Almost all my technical headaches have gone. I say 'almost' but there's one remaining issue. After submission and acceptance, there's a time lag before the book appears in online shops. It can be anything from a few days to up to eight weeks. So far Leeza McAuliffe is Branching Out is yet to appear on any UK based sellers. In the US, on the other hand, it's ready and waiting. Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the US version of Bookshop.org are ready and waiting for pre-orders. As 99.9% of my sales come from the UK, this is an issue. Still, it's only been a couple of weeks so I can't complain. Yet. Fingers crossed I'll have a link to share soon.
Culture
I'm currently in the middle of so many TV shows, I've had to make a list on my phone so I remember. Isn't that mad? In the days when episodes were broadcast weekly, I'd never have had to make a special list of the stuff I was watching. I suppose that was when there were TV guides and a reliance on terrestrial channels. Hey ho, modern life. Anyway, for the curious among you, here are the shows that I'm amidst right now - some new, some old, all excellent.
- Queer as Folk
- Rooster
- Shrinking
- Hacks
- Looking
- Transparent
- Amandaland
- Taskmaster
- SNL UK
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| I'm LOVING revisiting Queer as Folk |
We played a risky game during last week's caravan holiday. Everyone was tasked to bring a buffet/picky tea item to contribute to Saturday night... with no communication or overall coordination. Larks! Would we end up with a twelve different types of crisp, or could we be imaginative in our choices. Well, look at the photo and see for yourself. Not bad, right? Hummus, olives, and sausages rolls were replicated but that was all. Try it at your own family gatherings for an exciting hit of jeopardy.
Out and About
I voted! My polling station is a shortish walk from my house so I had a bit of fresh air as I democratically tried to save my council from the absolute worst. (To no avail.) I also had a Friday night cinema trip, but that might appear in the Culture section next time. All I'll say is, sheep were involved. Baaaaa.
Whether you're devouring multiple TV shows in a bid to avoid bad news, despairing at local council nonsense, or turned off by the politics of an international singing competition, may you have an enjoyable week regardless.
Have a lovely week, folks.
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