Why Australian's Love Eurovision

It's that time of the year again. And Eurovision 2013 has been and gone. 

Naturally I watched. 

I was shocked (and super psyched) when the host mentioned Australia (twice!) I think it was the first time Australia has gotten a shout out. 
If you didn't watch it the host made a comment that the show is watched all around the world, including Australia. I swear, I heard the audience gasp. I couldn't understand why it was such a big deal. 

I'm Australian and I've been watching it for years. I also know that most of my followers are from overseas and live in countries that do compete. 
So, for you guys here's my breakdown on why Australian's LOVE Eurovision.

#1 
Heritage and Roots. 
Australia is a diverse, multicultural society. I think (personally) Australia is the country with the most cultural diverseness. People who live here have ancestors, and relatives that come from all over the world - including Europe. A lot of people watch it as a cultural connection for ancestral purposes. As Australia is not apart of Eurovision, it's a chance for people to go for a country that usually they might not go for if Australia was involved. I have Maltese heritage and I definitely go for Malta during Eurovision. 

#2
Two Different Worlds. 
Sometime's when watching Eurovision I'm astounded at some of the acts - 'that's entertainment for you guys' I think. The performances, the show itself, the costumes, the atmosphere - it can be completely different from Australian shows and lifestyles. For three days we get swept away in the Eurovision world, and while sometime's we may laugh at your oddness, we totally love it. 

#3 
Pure Entertainment. 
This doesn't need explanation - you guys know how to put on a show. Every year you know how to make us laugh, cringe, cry, cheer and jeer - all in the name of entertainment. Wherever it may be held, Eurovision keeps Australian's on the edge of their seats. 

#4
It Keeps us Cultured.
I like to think that watching Eurovision makes me cultured. I know that you vote for your neighbours (don't deny it) and watching the voting the other night,  I felt intelligent that I could "guess" who would receive the major votes from particular countries because of who their neighbours/allies were and who they needed to kiss-arse. Saying you watch Eurovision here is different from European countries. In Europe, you're just expected to watch. While in Australia it makes you look cultured, worldly, smart and aware. 

Congratulations Denmark - I loved the song. 
Even though I'll be on the other side of the world, I will be tuning in next year and I can't wait. 

Australia's Answer to the Oscars - The AACTA Awards

Last night the AACTA awards were on television. And me being a bit of a film and tellie buff I was keen to watch.
It was nice to watch awards where Australian talent was showcased and the amazing work the Aussie TV and film industry does is recognised. 
So we're clear AACTA stands for:

Australian 
Academy 
Cinema 
Television 
Arts

This is AACTA's second year of awards. It's joined with AFI (Australian Film Industry) Awards, which has been running since 1958. 
Hosted in Sydney (cause it's not like there aren't any other gorgeous places in Australia to do it) and was planned to be hosted by Hugh Sheridan. But for reasons unbeknown to me, Russell Crowe took his place instead. 

Sorry Hugh, but I'd rather see Russell up there; sorry mate. 

Some big names in Australian film and TV (AKA the rest of the world has never heard of them) were nominated.
Movies and shows like The Sapphires (a big winner), Puberty Blues (another big winner), Wish You were Here and Howzat! Kerry Packer's War (another big winner) were out in force with actor's, writer's and gorgeous gowns and suits. Not to mentions some pretty statues at the end of the night as well. 

The thing that I noticed about the AACTA's is, only prestigious movies and TV shows are nominated (this has to do mainly with TV shows). There were no Home and Away's, Neighbours, The Wiggles or Bindi's Wildlife Adventures (though that one is a blessing really). 
It seems only higher classed TV shows were nominated. After all, you don't want to take all the shows...save some for the Loggies right? 

So here's my top 7 on how you know you're watching the AACTA's and not the Oscars. 

1 - Speeches are improvised (I only saw one person take out notes)

2 - the show only went for an hour

3 - When someone won, there was real shock on their face; not made up gasps of shock

4 - speeches included phrases like "I'd like to thank you mob", "holy crap", and "geez, thanks I guess"

5 - them speeches went for 2 minutes; no need for an orchestra 

6 - There were no Modern Family cast mates 

7 - Half the awards weren't even shown on air - hence the 1 hour time slot. 

So there you have it. A little taste in what goes on in an Australian award ceremony for our brightest stars on an average wage. 
As a viewer I would have liked a longer time slot and given air time to other awards. I don't even know what half the awards are I think - they didn't give them the time of day, unfortunately. 
The gowns were beautiful, if not some were a little revealing (I'm looking at you Cate!) and the men in suits were pretty attractive too - even if Hugh Jackman wasn't there. * sad face* 

The Die has Been Cast, and My Life Has Died a Little With it.

It has been over a week now. 

A week since a massive part of my life ended. 

Ripped away from me, like Velcro. As the soft end, there was nothing I could do to stop the sticky side from being torn away. The all familiar Velcro sound was devastating. 

Whoa, got a little carried away with the Velcro didn't I?

But I'm not lying about a massive part of my like coming to an end. 

Those who are familiar with my problem would understand completely.

Last week (last Sunday to be exact) a show aired it's final episode. Ever. It's done. Gone. Out of my life like some cruel lover. 

Merlin has finished. 

Apparently the creators thought 5 seasons would be enough to satisfy the hunger of the fans they created. But not mine. 

I guess it didn't help that I didn't know it was the final season (ever!) until five episodes to go; I've been having panic attacks ever since. 

I should have seen the signs. Ever since Uther died, it was only a matter of time before they wrapped things up. 

And boy wasn't season 5 a ripper. The cast (as always) were amazing. I also need to give a big thank you to the writers - I always promised my best friend that if I became a writer for Merlin I would make sure you saw a hot guy without a shirt on at least once every episode. And with the Knights of the Round Table established...that wasn't hard. 

Now obviously I didn't become a writer for Merlin. But the Merlin Writer Gods heard my prayer, and made sure, even though I didn't write it myself, that sexy men were a plenty. So thank you. 

Made sure it was a big picture. No need to thank me. 

The plot, from the beginning of season 5, was leading to the finale. And every step of the way was worth it. The Mordred a good guy? plot was surprisingly heartfelt, interesting and entertaining to watch - even if you were screaming at Merlin to give him a chance. 

Morgana was bad-ass as ever. And absolutely loved her.

I also noticed Gwen's dresses this season were more busty than ever. Something for the guys hey?

But the finale. I was screaming every commercial. And as the hour drew closer I was wondering how the hell they were going to finish it in time. 

We saw things we were waiting for all season - you know? The big THING. 

I loved that moment, the moments afterwards, Arthur's reactions, everything. Very realistic I thought. 

The battle scenes at the beginning when Merlin finally joins them is spectacular - the magic used there is awesome. 

But I have some serious downsides. 

*!!!!!* If you have not watched the season finale of Merlin and don't want anything to be spoilt....stop reading now. I'll give you a heads up when you can start reading again*!!!!!* 

Mordred's death - man was this anti-climatic. 

I can understand why it was so quick though; he has magic, so any prolonging of the fight would have caused him to use it and thus ending Arthur's life then and there. 

2 - Arthur was injured. So he wasn't in the best fighting state to begin with.

3 - it was crucial that Mordred be the one to stab Arthur in the first place. 

But the death of Morgana - THERE WAS NO EXCUSE. 

It's not like she didn't have a challenger...Merlin was right there. 

I can understand that they have to work with the time they've got - but as a loyal fan I would have rather cut some of the war out and given more time for Morgana's death - she deserves it after all. 

No magic? How was there NO MAGIC in the Merlin/Morgana face off? - obviously not including the part where she used it to fling him out of the way. 

But apart from those small quibbles I had no qualms. 

Things that got me crying. 

Arthur - oh Arthur, you have served us well. As our King, knight and boy toy. 

I honestly cannot write any more about you otherwise I'll start crying again.

Gwaine - basically the same thing as Arthur, but get rid of the king bit. 

And now, for the part I've been dreading to write about. 

That scene....

Yes don't act like it didn't happen! The very last thing we ever saw of Merlin was.....ah! I can't even write it...it makes it real. Not even joking, when we saw the last scene from Merlin and the credits started rolling, my brother looked at me and went "you can't un-see it!" and he was right. It's all I see in my head now. It's seriously screwed me over. 

*!!!!!* You can come back now folks*!!!!!*

So in conclusion...Merlin really was amazing. It's been an epic 5 years and I'm scared about how I'm going to spend my Sunday evenings. Maybe I'll watch it all again from the very beginning....on DVD. Whoo, no ads. 

Just don't mention Merlin to me. 

My brother does it for his own amusement...he says 'Merlin finale' and I burst into tears. 

Kinda like 'open sesame' really. 

Praise to The Simpsons

As I speak (ok, well type) The Simpsons are on TV. And the more I thought about, they've been there for a long time.

Google Images

The Simpsons have been on air for 20 years! I know, doesn't that make you feel old?
They've had 24 seasons, with over 500 hundred episodes and counting.
And they aren't slowing down - well at least they don't seem to show it.

Today I read an article about Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock Holmes) will be voicing in their new season. It's proof that they are still raking in high profile names who are lining up to appear with the world's most famous family.

The episode that's playing on TV, is an old one. To be specific, it's the one where Homer becomes a bodyguard and works for Mayor Quimby.
Even though I've watched it a million times, I find myself still laughing at all the right parts.
In this particular episode, the mix of pop cultural references (The Bodyguard and Starwars) is an unlikely, perfect match.

It's the longest running prime time animation series (well at least that's what Wiki says), they've won Emmy's, People's Choice Awards, and three British Comedy Awards. Don't believe me - check Wikipedia.
Those awards are no suprise though, are they really?

They (and this is my opinion personally) changed children's television, animation TV and shaped the lives of generations of children.

As an adult now - I still love The Simpsons.
And there isn't a person I know, who hasn't ever watched (at least one) episode of them.
And that's what makes them so popular.

They appeal to the youngest of children, to the oldest of adults (OK, well maybe not my grandparents, but my Dad still loves them!)

As long as they keep pumping out episodes, I'll continue to watch them.
There will be a time though when Matt Groening says no more.
Or maybe the station says no more.
And then - no more episodes.
But, then, we'll always have the old eps - the one playing on my TV right now, and whenever they decide to stop making the show, I will cry (yes I know, I'm lame).

But we'll always have our fond memories.
Thankyou, The Simpsons; You made my childhood.
And my adulthood.