Yes, this year there was a lot less than last year and it seems the system is working its way in. Congratulations to Loreen from Sweden though. An excellent performance and a favourite all around (Even if you did get a little political help, take that away, you still would have won).

All in all this was a very politically oriented competition. It’s a real shame to see this as well,  because I am sure there is some real musical talent out there that becomes disheartened when they don’t score well.

So, as like last year lets have a break-down of each country who, in my eyes, voted politically.

Albania gave 12 points to Greece.

They share a border so this was expected. (As is the same every year) I didn’t think they were particularly hostile to each other either.

Montenegro gave 12 points to Serbia.

What a surprise. Do Montenegro want to be re-integrated with Serbia again? Its anyones guess.

Romania gave 12 points to Moldova

Again, no surprises here. They share a border and most of their language.

Ukraine gave 10 points to Russia

Similar language, share borders. What else can I say? Russia would tear through Ukraine if they didn’t.

Belarus gave 12 points to Russia

Same reasons as Ukraine, share language and borders. Nothing more to say.

Azerbaijan gave 12 points to Turkey

They share borders. Nuff said.

Malta gave 10 points to Italy

Italy is the closest country to Malta, I believe their culture is somewhat similar too, a few language traits. Etc.

The United Kingdom gave 10 points to Ireland

What a huge surprise……..Eughh. Jedward.

Turkey gave 12 points to Azerbaijan

Reciprocated kindness across another border.

Greece gave 10 points to Albania

Again, they share a border. Just keep people happy

Greece gave 12 points to Cyprus.

What a surprise………..

Bosnia-Herzegovina gave 10 points to Serbia

They share a border, and the Serbs can be a bit antsy at times.

Bosnia-Herzegovina gave 12 points to Macedonia

Eastern Block, all on that peninsula leading to Greece.

Moldova gave 12 points to Romania

Ditto what Romania did for Moldova.

Bulgaria gave 12 points to Serbia

They share a border. Surprise Surprise.

Slovenia gave 12 points to Serbia

Probably one of the lesser concerns, but still part of that Eastern block.

Cyprus gave 12 points to Greece

Any takers?

Croatia gave 10 points to Bosnia-Herzegovina

A border shared equals points shared,

Croatia gave 12 points to Serbia

Same reason again.

F.Y.R. Macedonia gave 10 points to Serbia

Another border thrown into the equation.

F.Y.R. Macedonia gave 12 points to Albania

Same again, doesn’t need explaining.

Portugal gave 12 points to Spain

It was the only 12 points they got too.

Iceland gave 12 to Sweden

Scandanavian Block Votes.

Norway gave 12 points to Sweden

Scandanavia Block Votes.

Lithuania gave 8 points to Estonia

Baltic Sea Block Voting, although I wasn’t expecting it.

Estonia gave 12 points to Sweden

Scandanavian/Baltic Sea block votes.

Denmark gave 10 points to Germany

Due to their long standing border.

Denmark gave 12 to Sweden

Standard Scandanavian Block Votes

Latvia gave 10 points to Russia.

The song was good, but this is a matter of borders again.

Finland gave 10 points to Estonia

Baltic Sea area votes.

Finland gave 12 points to Sweden.

Good song marred by the political implementations of the vote.

Georgia gave 10 points to Azerbaijan

They border, similar language.

Serbia gave 12 points to the F.Y.R. Macedonia

Borders shared together. Too common

Russia gave 8 points to Ukraine

Similar language, similar beliefs.

Russia gave 10 points to Azerbaijan

An oil rich country being brown-nosed.

Personally, I didn’t think the UK deserved to win on the night. Englebert’s performance was nowhere near what I expected after looking at the pre-contest music video. But that seems the same for us over most years. Blue, last year, didn’t perform as well as the music video. But anyway, such as life, it still makes for an enjoyable 3-4 hours of TV,

Peace

JuzzTF

Its a rare occurrence, but when it happens, I’m not exactly going to let her pass me by!

So there you are, younger than me, but does it make a difference? No. Not in the slightest.

You make me smile, you make me laugh. You’re a one of a kind and I don’t know how I lived without you.

So this is for you.

<3

JuzzTF 

TIme have changed dramatically.

My job at John Lewis is going incredibly well, the team there is amazing.

My money, not so good. I had to sell my iPad and my camera to recover. But I’m back on two feet again, and I’m doing ok.

The car now has fuel in it, and I’m happy. Sort of.

The social life has diminished back to its usual level.

Oh well.

ONWARDS LIFE!!

JuzzTF

I’ve made a plan and it gives me just about enough time to get everything done to an adequate standard, but we’ll see how it goes.

Does anyone else have an abundance of deadlines to be meeting soon?

JuzzTF

JuzzTF

Firstly, a huge thank you to those who visited yesterday, we haven’t such a high number of views in a while, so its much appreciated!

Yesterday night I spent, with fellow blog partner Rob, a good amount of time down at the pub. Drinks and banter, cannot be beaten by a long shot. (Except exceptional circumstances, you know who you are!)

Its the first time I’ve been out for a drink in a while, and probably the first time ever when I could look at myself and think that drinking wasn’t a complete waste of my time or money!

It seems my life has finally been turned the right way up. Thank god for that.

What makes this even better is when I get to work and have all the amazing people there. The team is so strong and I cannot help but love every minute, especially when my break coincides with an awesome person so I can have a good catch up and a chinwag, talk about life.

I’m just putting all my problems aside with money for the time being because I really couldnt care much about them. Pay is coming out soon and I know I can easily sort it all out.

Such fun!

JuzzTF

Life is going from strength to strength at the moment, new friends, new job, less to worry about.

So I thought I’d make someone from work smile this morning.

I arrived into Newbury at about 8:10, straight to McDonalds, one Cappuccino to go, two sweeteners.

Walk to the car park, wait for her to arrive.

Offer the perfect coffee and a smile. Get hugged and walk her to work.

Smile, hug, get called cute, and head home.

I know I might be in someone’s good books today

Well, It wasn't as perfect as this, but you get the idea!

JuzzTF

So, bring on BEODA – Blog Every Other Day in August.

Yes, you wont get your fill of Rob and I every day now, hopefully that will build a bit of tension for you all waiting for the next post.

Work is better than amazing, its fantastic, wonderful, and honestly I feel better than I ever have done before.

I did explain why in my previous post, but it gets better day by day.

My holiday has finally been planned! I’m taking a road trip to Rome no less!

Via Monaco and Firenze.

I can’t wait!

Now who to go with…..?

JuzzTF

Im glad I have my job at John Lewis. Temporary contract or not, I love it there and I never want another job ever.

The department looks amazing, its absolutely perfect. It really couldn’t be better!

Also, I have turned literally into the walking technology reference guide.

Question after question from my fellow partners today, each one answered in less that 30 seconds. Oh yeah.

Plus, there is one completely amazing person who works there who has made my days much better there.

She’s caring and supportive. She makes me laugh and she’s just, wow.

I can’t believe how lucky I am for her to step into my life right now.

She’s the reason, after all I’ve been through over that past 5 months, I’ve learnt to smile once again.\

JuzzTF