Maum, maum, how could I not take seriously a contest of such quality songwriting, scintillating dance-moves, elegant costuming and fair and unbiased judging? image

I didn't expect the Americans to be interested but thought there'd be a few bites from our European Katians, and maybe my fellow Aussies. Eurovision is a bit of a cult thing here - something to watch with friends and a bottle of wine or two, and laugh about for the next few days.

Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia form the Caucusus. I didn't used to think of them as Europe but if you look at any definition they're in there, even though they basically straddle Europe and Asia. Central Asia is all the "stan" countries: Uzbekistan, Kazahkstan, Tajikistan, etc.

Turkey is not in the EU yet, but neither are Switzerland or Norway. Should we ban them from the contest also? image