Ohmigod! I love the Norwegian entry for Eurovision this year!

Its called 'Fairytales' by Alexander Rybak. It has a Russian folk-pop feel. It feels like a winner. And I think the performance is rather special already - by the time it gets to Moscow it will be brilliant.

I'm not alone in calling this a possible winner.

wooooo! Very exciting! I've never been to Norway... hmmm... 2010...

And in other (but could be slightly related) news, I'm starting to think about doing a Cultural Studies postgrad. They are offering it at Sydney Uni and it has a lot of subjects on human rights that I'm very keen to do, but also international relations, international crime, film, politics.

Whilst possibly very silly, was thinking about a thesis topic...
The role Eurovision plays in diplomatic relations and politics (and vice versa).

Yes, it does sound silly, but let me explain -
Eurovision was set up in the 50s as a way of building bonds again between countries in Europe following WWII.
Moving forwards 40 years, you have the Iron Curtain falling, and Eastern Europe joins Eurovision. The last 10 years we've seen a shift in voting power towards the East, which has caused tension with the Western European countries because of diaspora voting. Many countries that previously part of the USSR are now voting for Russia ('bloc' voting).
On the flipside, last year Baltic countries called for boycotts of Russia Eurovision based on the recent conflicts in Georgia, the gas dispute with the Ukraine.
But then, Georgias first 'forgivness' gesture back to Russia was actually announcing it would participate in Moscow this year. This came after Russia awarded 12 points to Georgia at the Junior Eurovision...
We've also seen the increase of political statements in Eurovision. Ukraine with its Orange Revolution hosted Eurovision. Israeli entries waving the Palestian flag in 2003. Israel now sending a Jew and Arab to sing a duet together. Georgia sending 'We Don't Wanna Put-In', etc.

I think its a facinating topic to explore. An even more relevant one for closer to home when you consider that Asiavision is starting up. Will Australia have a role in this? Is there opportunity to use it as a diplomatic event?