As long term readers know, I love the Eurovision Song Contest. It is just so much fun and so resoundingly daft. Graham Norton’s comment last night, “it’s like the gay wedding I’ll never have”, summed it up rather well. We also learnt that Danish humour is impenetrable. Having once spent a week there living with Danish friends, I guess a country that seems to live on raw fish and raw eggs will forever shimmer beyond my comprehension. Like Hamlet’s mind – impossible to understand completely, but marvelous.
I was however saddened by the audience booing of the two young Russian girls. That was really nasty and unfair. They were scarcely more than children, for goodness sake. Putin is not their fault. That booing was an exhibition of racism; nothing else you can call it. If people wanted to make a point, they could have screamed for the Ukrainian girl – they didn’t have to boo the young Russians.
People always complain about political voting, but I think that’s half the fun. I always enjoy the voting far more than most of the singing. Last night, I think, was political voting in a wonderful way. It was a joyful expression of approval for the idea that human beings can and should be what they want to be. It wasn’t the first time either – I remember a similarly gender challenging singer from Israel winning some years ago. What was even better this year, was that another stereotype was also challenged, in that Conchita swept up much support from Eastern as well as Western Europe. Let it be said that she had a damn good song too.
We voted for the Polish girls. I thought the honesty of their approach was brilliant, and reminded me of so many happy days in Warsaw in my youth. Good to see women doing the washing too.*
All in all, great fun and a life-affirming evening. Now to clear away all the mess – why did I stick all those empty Prosecco bottles on the front garden railings?
*Private joke for my friends at Russia Today media (formerly trading as Indymedia).
ConSpeccy, indeed, although there are many neo-con mouthpieces or gobshites in my vernacular.
This is a very different mind set – whether or not there are any dots to connect is, as yet, unclear:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f7wOxw4fQI
😉
Peacewisher, yes Engdahl is one of the good guys – his exposee of Monsanto, Seeds of Destruction cooked the GMO goose to a fair extent in China.
See above link (reply to ConSpeccy) if you’re into Joseph P Farrell’s work – recent interview with Catherine Austin Fitts
Eurovision, originally conceived as a means of unifying a war-torn Europe, was arguably the most visible symbol of European unity prior to the European Union. In keeping with political trends, the former Eastern bloc countries were invited to join the contest shortly after the breakup of the Soviet Union.
In 2012, Turkey surprised Israel by sending Can Bonomo, a Jewish singer to represent 99.7% Muslim nation.
http://rehmat1.com/2012/01/21/jew-singer-represents-turkey-at-2012-eurovision-song-contest/
FROM Prof Michael Hudson;
Finance in today’s world has become war by non-military means. Its object is the same as that of military conquest: appropriation of land and basic infrastructure, and the rents that can be extracted as tribute. In today’s world this is taken mainly in the form of debt service and privatization. That is how neoliberalism works, subduing economies by indebting their governments and using unpayably high debts as a lever to pry away the public domain at distress prices. It is what today’s New Cold War is all about. Backed by the IMF and European Central Bank (ECB) as knee-breakers in what has become in effect a financial extension of NATO, the aim is for U.S. and allied investors to appropriate the plums that kleptocrats have taken from the public domain of Russia, Ukraine and other post-Soviet economies in these countries, as well as whatever assets remain.
In a recent interview in The New York Review of Books, George Soros outlines what he thinks should be done for the Ukraine. It should “encourage its companies to improve their management by finding European partners.”[2]
This means that kleptocrats should sell major ownership shares in their companies to Westerners. This would give the West a stake in protecting them, pressuring their government to tax labor rather than the wealthy, and helping them cash out and keep their takings in London and New York to finance Western economies, not that of Ukraine.
http://michael-hudson.com/2014/05/the-new-cold-wars-ukraine-gambit/
“It was a joyful expression of approval for the idea that human beings can and should be what they want to be. ”
That is slave mentality, how someone from being an innocent child becomes someone portraying themselves in that way reflects society’s present inane situation.
As man once said ” it’s all bullshit”
@ Jay -(Re: “It was a joyful expression of approval for the idea that human beings can and should be what they want to be. ”)
What you said. Also it rather discounts the practical outcome of one lot of humans wanting to be (say)evangelical Protestants alongside another lot wanting to be (say) doctrinaire Catholics, while each party wants to fulfil itself by converting the other. Or humans who want to be career serial killers…
More. It’s a tangible expression of infantilisation. Which, from the dumbed-down weather forecast to the babyish shellsuit and the McDonald’s cult of instant gratification, to say nothing of the increased prevalence of men weeping in public, is an intentional means of preventing people thinking for themselves.
Maybe when we have dealt with needs we can allow ourselves to deal with wants?
I agree Craig, I have never before heard an act being booed, and it was indeed shocking.
Look on the bright side. After Scottish independence, I imagine Scotland would have to qualify for the finals. ENWI, of course, would retain their “permanent seat” therefore continuing to receive their “veto”… no points. (Only a joke folks).
I do not believe it would change the audience share of British viewers though. As you are right. There is something compulsive about this intriguing spectacle.
Habbabkuk (La vita è bella) !
12 May, 2014 – 8:26 pm
[to me] “You’re being evasive…”
From your original post Habbabkuk on 12 May, 2014 – 11:48 am you said:
“A respectable continental newspaper reports as follows (my translation)…”
I asked you to provide a link to that newspaper so I could check for myself but you have refused to provide that link or even the title of the newspaper.
I accept that what the two Russians said is widely reported but; which “respectable continental newspaper” were you quoting from?
Eurovision Gay Wedding?Who cares what flavour they are?A musician friend of mine once said that the only way to get on in music business is the gay way. Without wishing to sound homophobic,it all smacks of just another chapter in social engineering.There always has been and will be gay peoples but to have it pushed down our throats at every turn is beginning to drive me insane.The Moscow Olympics became the focus of the Gay movement,the hard sell gay’s better than being closet heterosexual.But the Arab dictatorships can carry on punishing their gay peoples.No desert song contest for them.
Mr Scorgie
“I asked you to provide a link to that newspaper so I could check for myself”
_____________________
What is it you need to “check”?
Obviously not the fact that they said what they did, because you yourself have said that you “accept that what the two Russians said is widely reported”.
Is it my translation you wish to check?
Habbabkuk (La vita è bella) !
12 May, 2014 – 8:32 pm
“Actually, the whole newspaper article (including the bit I quoted) gave the singer’s surname as “Wurts”.”
Which newspaper was that Habbabkuk?
Habbabkuk (La vita è bella) !
12 May, 2014 – 11:39 pm
[on Paul Craig Roberts]
“…the man is a hayseed and is not to be taken seriously.”
A bit like you then Habbabkuk.
Habbabkuk (La vita è bella) !
13 May, 2014 – 11:33 am
“Mr Scorgie, What is it you need to “check”?”
Habbabkuk, you are being very evasive about this so-called “respectable continental newspaper”
Why won’t you give the link?
What have you got to hide Habbabkuk?
I do read your posts, Doug, but I am addicted to Habbabreak, and forced only to read what others quote from the idiot H. I think you should continue to press him for his source for what was presumably a vacuous and/or unconstructive remark, though of course I cannot be sure.
It’s interesting to see what H considers to be a ‘hayseed’ in terms of general accomplishment. I hope I have the right Paul Craig Roberts here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Craig_Roberts
He has taken positions different from former Republican allies, opposing the War on Drugs and the War on Terror, and criticizing Israel’s policies and actions against the Palestinians.
I dare say H’s snidery has something to do with that. Or maybe it’s just that he thinks for himself?
I’m moved to get hold of The Failure of Laissez-Faire Capitalism and the Economic Erosion of the West (2012), anyway. Thanks for the heads-up!
@ Scouse Billy ,
If Habba had his own opinions it would be fine, but he spouts what his employers pay him to
spout.Didn’t we get script that could block him from our personal logins ?
Mr Scorgie
“Habbabkuk (La vita è bella) !
12 May, 2014 – 8:32 pm
“Actually, the whole newspaper article (including the bit I quoted) gave the singer’s surname as “Wurts”.”
Which newspaper was that Habbabkuk?”
_______________________
A respectable francophone publication, Doug – but which may have inverted the last two letters of the singer’s name.
Is it my translation you wish to “check”? Failing a rapid reply to this question, I shall consider correspondence closed on this issue (only until the next time I post quotations from other newspapers, of course)
Have a nice day now!
“Or maybe it’s just that he thinks for himself?” (above)
Should read: “Or maybe it’s just that Roberts thinks for himself?”
The proposition that H might think for himself is obviously absurd.
Mr Scorgie
Anyway, after some half-successful attempts at diversion from you, let’s get back to the real question, which is :
Which of these following tqo conclusions is correct:
1/. You agree with the sentiments expressed by Messrs Rogozine and Jirinovsky
or
2/. You disagree but, for some reason why can only guess at, do not wish to say so.
Your choice, Doug. Off you go, laddie!
Baa’Zevul
“I do read your posts, Doug, but I am addicted to Habbabreak,….
_____________________
…..which is very convenient because it means that I can avoid answering any questions Habbabkuk puts to me and thereby avoid justifying and defending anything I’ve posted”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“I think you should continue to press him for his source for what was presumably a vacuous and/or unconstructive remark,..”
____________________
An illustration of the downside of using Habbabreak; it was a quotation from a respectable francophone newspaper, not a “remark”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
“It’s interesting to see what H considers to be a ‘hayseed’ in terms of general accomplishment. I hope I have the right Paul Craig Roberts here.”
_____________________
Could someone not using Habbabreak perhaps let Baaal know that “hayseed “is usually used to denote someone with off-the-wall opinions and general outlook and has nothing to do with the person’s “general accomplishment”?
Habakok displays all the signs of being a paid Establishment troll. He sidetracks discussions and denigrates any constructive submissions.I have yet to see a meaningful contribution from him to any discussion.
The Swedish finance minister says that Pfizer’s promises on the proposal to acquire Astra Zenevca should be taken with a sackful of salt.
Ian Read currently before the HoC ‘Business’ committee.
Drug giants chiefs grilled by MPs
Pfizer Chief Executive Ian Read
The battle over Pfizer’s proposed bid for AstraZeneca is played out in front of MPs as the chief executives of the drugs firms face tough questioning.
Business Live: Pfizer bid hearing Live
Top scientist: Pfizer bid ‘flimsy’
AstraZeneca Pfizer bid explained
Watch Ahmed: Pfizer faces ‘lock’
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-27387695
The composition of the Business, Skills and Enterprise Committee
Business, Innovation and Skills Committee – membership
The Committee were appointed on 12 July 2010
Member
Party
Mr Adrian Bailey (Chair) Labour (Co-op)
Mr William Bain Labour
Mr Brian Binley Conservative
Paul Blomfield Labour
Katy Clark Labour
Mike Crockart Liberal Democrat
Caroline Dinenage Conservative
Rebecca Harris Conservative
Ann McKechin Labour
Mr Robin Walker Conservative
Nadhim Zahawi Conservative
PS Zahawi was found out for claiming for the heating of his stables! He has also led an APPG visit to Kurdistan paid for by the energy company in which he is a shareholder. They also paid for his visit to a conference.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/kurdistan-delegation-led-by-tory-millionaire-nadhim-zahawi-raises-concerns-that-mps-will-be-vulnerable-to-lobbying-9359279.html
Hayseeds Gallery (cont.)
A quick look at Wikipedia reveals the following about Mr WILLIAM ENGDAHL, warmly recommended by “Scouse Billy” (above):
Mr Engdahl is a “economist and free-lance journalist”, who “has also been a long-term asssociate of the LaRouche movement”. (WTF – the LaRouche movement??)
He is “also a frequent contributor to the website of the Center for Research on Globalization”. (It will be recalled that one of that Center’s big cheeses is Professor Michel Chossudovsky – frequently quoted in somewhat fawning manner by various Eminences on this blog).
I’ll leave it to interested readers to find out themselves some of Mr Engdahl’s views on various matters and will content myself merely to record his views on global warming, the problem of which he considers to be “much exaggerated” and “merely a scare”.
More to come on other egregious hayseeds….
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_Keystone_Petroleum
I see the name of the Zionist supporting Lord Guthrie is there.
http://www.alanhart.net/open-letter-to-general-the-lord-guthrie/
http://postmanpatel.blogspot.co.uk/2007/11/lord-guthrie-supporting-military.html
http://www.parliament.uk/biographies/lords/lord-guthrie-of-craigiebank/3608
PS Don’t we all miss the late Postman Patel. Rest in gentle peace Edward Teague.
Salford Lad
“I have yet to see a meaningful contribution from him to any discussion.”
____________________
And I have yet to see an answer from you to the questions I put regarding some of your posts, which purported to give us the real low-down on currencies and gold.
I’m thinking in particular of your statement that pre-1971 countries only issued as much currency as they had gold reserves to cover.
Samuelson, Krugmann et al you ain’t. 🙂
LGBT rights are very sacred to hearts of organized Jewry in United States and Canada. Last year, Abraham Foxman compared Putin’s anti-gay laws with Nazi persecution of Jews.
Last week, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti (Jewish) and his Attorney General Mike Feuer (Jewish) joined by Jewish councilmen Paul Kortez and Mike Bonin announced that they will boycott two of area’s most prestigious hotels, Beverly Hills and Bell Air. Both hotels are operated by London-based Dorchester Collection of high-end hotels owned by Brunei government. The boycott is in response to Brunei government’s decision to carry-out Islamic Shari’ah punishments, in two-year phase. And we all know, Islamic law doesn’t accept gays and lesbians being a “natural” behaviour.
http://rehmat1.com/2014/05/08/l-a-jewish-mayor-boycotts-muslim-hotels/
back to Evrovision… in 2003 Sir Terence warned “[UK Entry] that Britain’s unpopular participation in the Iraq War … would count against them” (Jemini’s “Cry Baby” earned the famous “Nul Points”)
Is Iraq still a negative-amplification factor in 2014?
Another YCNMIU. Biden’s son gets a directorship in a Ukrainian gas company.
US Vice President’s son joins board of Ukraine’s largest gas producer
Posted by mike on May 13, 2014, 1:21 pm
This is just a coincidence though, must be, right?
(photo)
Burisma Holdings, Ukraine’s largest private gas producer, has expanded its Board of Directors by bringing on Mr. R Hunter Biden as a new director.
R. Hunter Biden will be in charge of the Holdings’ legal unit and will provide support for the Company among international organizations. On his new appointment, he commented: “Burisma’s track record of innovations and industry leadership in the field of natural gas means that it can be a strong driver of a strong economy in Ukraine. As a new member of the Board, I believe that my assistance in consulting the Company on matters of transparency, corporate governance and responsibility, international expansion and other priorities will contribute to the economy and benefit the people of Ukraine.”
The Chairman of the Board of Directors of Burisma Holdings, Mr. Alan Apter, noted: “The company’s strategy is aimed at the strongest concentration of professional staff and the introduction of best corporate practices, and we’re delighted that Mr. Biden is joining us to help us achieve these goals.”
R. Hunter Biden is a counsel to Boies, Schiller & Flexner LLP, a national law firm based in New York, USA, which served in cases including “Bush vs. Gore”, and “U.S. vs. Microsoft”. He is one of the co-founders and a managing partner of the investment advisory company Rosemont Seneca Partners, as well as chairman of the board of Rosemont Seneca Advisors. He is an Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University’s Masters Program in the School of Foreign Service.
/..
http://members5.boardhost.com/medialens/msg/1399983681.html
Is R. Hunter Biden as keen on Zionist Israel as his Daddy?
Biden is a self-described Zionist. During the interview conducted by the U.S. Jewish television cable network Shalom TV, Biden said, “I am a Zionist. You don’t have to be a Jew to be a Zionist.”
He is highly supportive of the state of Israel and views Israel as a strategic ally in the Middle East. He stated that “the Arab nations have known that there is no daylight between us and Israel.” Regarding support for Israel within the Democratic Party, Biden has stated that the Democrats’ support for Israel “comes from our gut, moves through our heart, and ends up in our head. It’s almost genetic.”] In September 2008, Biden stated “A strong America is a strong Israel. I have a 35-year record of supporting Israel, and Israel’s security is enhanced the stronger America is.”
/..
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Political_positions_of_Joe_Biden#Israel
Rehmat 13 May, 2014 – 1:25 pm
There are/were no anti-gay laws emanating from Russia. It was all Western-orchestrated disinformation to prevent Putin benefiting from a successful winter olympics. Here’s gay rights campaigner Brian M. Heiss on the subject:
http://static.prisonplanet.com/p/images/february2014/white_paper.pdf
Good to see that we’re back with Israel and Zionism again. Thanks, Mary!
Nice attempts to distract from other things being brought up on this thread, very troll-like.
Out of the 26 or so contributions made on this thread by the Resident Tro–, just three or four refer to the topic of the Eurovision contest.
Any mention of Israel or Palestine brings him to attention and causes him to issue instant condemnation.