FastFreddy2

In the "old days", points for each song/act were awarded by a panel of "judges" representing each participant country. There had been some criticism regarding cronyism (as mentioned previously) and phone-in votes were introduced to (i) make some extra money and (ii) introduce some audience participation. The single criteria for voting, is that you can't vote for your own country. The voting ALWAYS makes me cross, because I seldom feel it represents what is actually going on in the competition. (In fact one of the best acts of the night, was one of the interval acts. A local mob doing some sort of mash-up with a musical ensemble more typical of their cultural roots.) Consequently I don't watch the scoring announcements, and it's a veeeeeeeeeeeeery slow process ...... It seems the panel votes are given first, and the phone votes are added later. The phone votes are anonymous, so that process is much faster. As I have a little bit of background in statistics, I took a look at the UK's points, and where they came from. These are available in detail, but I won't bother including a link, because it won't get used. The 'executive summary' is this: While we got votes from several panels, we got almost no telephone votes. Put another way, we may have benefited a little from political voting (thank you Australia), just as we might have suffered from it. However, we got almost no telephone votes, and the ones we did get, look to have been from ex-pats living abroad. (Thank you Australia, again.) Our outgoing telephone votes, told an interesting story. The MOST phone votes (12) from the UK went to Bulgaria, a song performed by a young good looking lad (only just 17) but some of which was off-key on the night ..... There's either a lot of young girls in the UK with the hots for what even to them, might be considered a youngster .... Or a lot of ex-pats from Bulgaria in residence here. Certainly, the song as performed did better than I had expected (looking at my score sheet). They got maximum points for panel (12) and tele voting (12) from .... Macedonia, a country on its borders. It got maximum points (24 total) from Belarus too .... Then Hungary, with 22 points ... Hard not to notice a pattern here? And possibly explains why Romania's yodelling song did so well? Still, it's only statistics. Sore loser? Me? I'll get over it. Until next year.

Unsurprisingly, the UK didn't win, but came 15th (of 26 on the night). A good way from the bottom, but not as good as Team GB deserved. The winner, with SEVEN TIMES the votes the UK entrant received ...... Un-bel-iev-able. Portugal has waited 53 years for a win. Overdue, and GB are allies with them, but ....

No need to lament the loss of such stunning entertainment. The whole show will be available on iPlayer. "Talent" show? Talent show? 200,000,000 viewers, 'talent' show? It's an international >> this << show.

As Euchrid rightly says ..... There is no danger of a UK win, even if we had the best entrant by some margin. We are (politically) too close to America, and the ex-Soviet Bloc countries have been trained (rightly or wrongly) to hate America. We are 'tarred with the same brush', and given the history of one political leader, that should surprise no-one. We start the competition then handicapped by our political position. Brexit may or may not affect the points awarded too, though I doubt we'll be getting any off the French or Germans. Like Euchrid, I too watch the Eurovision for purely entertainment value. It's been some time since I've listened to more than the first couple of bars of the UK entrant, since they have been so dire. This was typified by the revamped 2007 selection process when this **** became our entrant: Over this near masterpiece .... (Which is a 'dance' cross-over.) I've not read a comment anywhere, that didn't confirm the "Scooch" BBC selection winner, was a mistake. Even if the Big Brovas entry wasn't selected, the Scooch song was always too camp, even for Eurovision. And while on the subject of things past, do any of you remember, or know of Frank Ifield and the Yodelling Song? Well, Romania's 2017 Eurovision entry .... (shakes head in despair) I'm looking forward to tonight.

Better own up straight away, I'm a big fan. Watch every song (some of it anyway) of every entrant. I compile my own short list having giving the initial run, marks on a first listen. I'm sometime astounded as to why some great singers with great songs don't get in the final, but politics have sadly, always been a big part of Eurovision. In recent years, some odd things have happened. Australia is now a part of the competition, and (rightly) very nearly won it the first year they participated. Israel is in Asia, as are several of the ex-Soviet Bloc countries that now participate. "Rumours" abound that America want's in, because the networking provides unprecedented revenue opportunities. The Eurovision audience is ENORMOUS. 2017 is a special year for the British entry. Firstly, our singer can sing! She has the voice and range that would give Idina Menzel a run for her money. She's the real deal, and I will add a link below of her first TV performance that got her started in the career she has now. Secondly, the song is good. Not just good, but an anthem. (You Luddites will have no idea what that means, but it's a good thing. This song/performance will live on for years.) The timing in the song is such it lends itself to being remixed for playing at nightclubs. I'll also add a link to a remix. I'm sure many remixes will follow, especially if it does well in the competition. From the politics point-of-view, the UK has never been Mr or Mrs Popular around Europe. Eastern Bloc countries tend to vote for each other, and Eurovision has done what it can to prevent that, but it PLAINLY goes on. Russia still gets undeserved support from satellite and ex-satellite countries, and it has sometimes been blatant. I'm proud to say, we Brits have never been involved in politiking with Eurovision. If a song is good, we give points, if not, we don't. For around 10 years, maybe 15 our entries have been fairly weak. Not as weak as our point score would have you believe though. There is a general consensus that a UK entry could be best on offer, and still end up in the bottom 5. This year will be a test of that belief. Our song is a "top-five" product. Many -me included- would have preferred the remix version being offered in the competition, but our song is still good and sung by someone that can sing without 'auto-tune' hitting the right notes for them. Sadly, I have to report that Denmark's song is better. I haven't heard every song, as the original Euro group get automatic passes to the final. These include (but not limited to) Germany, France, Italy, Portugal and the UK. I've heard Germany's offering, and they don't have us beat. The other 3 countries are amongst the most resistant to using English for their lyrics, unlike the bulk of the other entrants who have worked out English produces more votes than host languages than almost no-one else will understand. Video's ..... These are music video's and they should be listened to with either decent headphones, or decent speakers with some base. Laptop speakers will just not do any of these justice. Nor are they likely "office safe", so expect loud sounds. If there are no loud sounds, you don't have your volume set high enough. Lucie Jones X-Factor audition, 2009. Nervous 18 year old from Welsh village with one shop, makes debut TV appearance. Cracking voice, and the judges know it. I think she went on to win the competition that year. What a surprise .... not. Skip to 2.00 for the actual song. Video from the BBC competition for the UK entry. (Actually brings me out in goose bumps.) The 'dance' version, played around Europe that won't hurt our chances of a high placement this year. I have to say, when listening to the original, I always thought the timing would ramp up to this, it was almost 'made' for it. And just to complete the line-up ..... The Denmark entry. It's good. Maybe not an anthem, but it could be a winner. Of course it goes without saying, you Brits are expected to watch the whole 'camp' fiasco this weekend .....

The visit to Westfield passed without incident, almost. 1. A chap in ALDO got an interesting surprise when he realised I was wearing a heel. I expect to get spotted in shoe shops, it's what the staff are there for. Staff can often work that out by what customers are wearing, if they are buyers or browsers. Could I work in an Office or an ALDO? Yes, and for not much money. 2. Was a bit surprised myself, seeing 5 police officers all armed, walking around the gaff. Well, surprised and disappointed. They were in a single group when I first spotted them ... So caused a bit of a stir .... Later in two smaller groups, they seemed to be more interested in themselves, than what was going on around them. Hopefully, it has no consequence.

"As previously advertised" .... there was still some light in the sky at 10pm last night. The days are indeed, 'getting longer'. (Meaning: daylight hours are increasing.) No surprises, since midsummer day is only about 6 weeks away. Yet at 6am this morning, I had to scrape ice off the front windshield of my car. Lovely bright sunny cloudless sky, but blinking cold. At least the wind we've endured for the last 4/5/6 days, has finally abated. We are promised some warmer weather next week. No-one is making plans, as we have been promised "warmer weather next week" for around six weeks. So far, it hasn't bothered to turn up. When it does, I'm sure the pendulum will swing in the opposite direction. We will have 30' degree windless days, with close to 20' windless nights. People (possibly me) will be flirting with heat-stroke, hoping for cooler weather to arrive. All too quickly the British Summer will fall into decline, and wet/cool weather will be with us again. I can understand why so many people become "expat's" and move to Spain, or at least 'warmer climes'. In keeping with this dour weather, I shall be making a visit to Westfield this Thursday, all being well. A large mall, with an even walking surface, and enclosed environment. Rain is expected Thursday. Farmers and the water companies will welcome it, as we are heading for a drought. Honestly, you couldn't make it up. At least I'm not having to cut the lawn every week.

Prospective newcomers, might need reminding of this ....

The event wasn't long enough for my feet to complain, although we probably walked a couple of miles, not very quickly. Footwear for the jaunt were those that are becoming my 'Mars bar' shoes ("work, rest and play" shoes) as per my avatar. Not wholly attractive, but a high heel with stout wide heel, ideal for the loose and uneven paving slabs that pass for a pathway in the area. I have seen Roman remains in better shape.... The Villiers route was used for the return journey. It avoided a longer, but windier route up to Trafalgar Square. Mrs Freddy had as usual, underestimated the effect of the wind and travelled inappropriately dressed. Many were wearing coats or anoraks. She in an open knit cardigan. Covent Garden does sit on something of a plateau, but the South side does have a not insignificant slope, to a degree. Shown here: Not only does the pathway slope downward (toward the river), but it slopes toward the roadway too, I suspect to avoid torrents of water from heavy rain, becoming a river that might wash tourists off the pathway. This second image doesn't show the secondary gradient very well, but it does show the condition of the pathway. The flat and even floor of a shopping mall, it very definitely isn't. You are right in that South of the Strand, involves an even more significant slope, shown here. This is our usual route down to the Embankment, as was yesterday, with me in a pair of shoes with heels a couple of millimetres shy of 5 inches. A report of any adventure, most welcome. I will never understand how us Men in Heels, feel a wander anywhere could be perceived as uninteresting. "Incidents" of course, always add to the salaciousness of the report.

After a day or two of warm weather now a month ago, the past two weeks have been fairly unpleasant. Temperatures have been low enough to see ground frost in places, and this weekend wasn't much better. We are barely getting into double figures some days ... Today (Sunday 7th May) was forecast to be warmer, and it did seem promising with the Sun making an appearance, but the wind had a chill to it. Having put in some hours during the week, today was t be an adventure day, though it was touch-and-go right up until we left. Arriving in London late (we had waited for the promised sunshine before starting our journey) our 'mystery tour' care of a phone based SatNav system, got us to where we wanted to be by some fairly interesting route changes. We parked just South of Covent Garden at 4.30pm. The primary reason for the visit was for me to walk around in 5" heels for a while. The walk started by us walking down a steep gradient to the Strand, and the sandwich shop. I doubt I covered my self in glory, though i was hopeful the return climb would be more straight-forward. We each acquired a sandwich, and sat close to the Embankment to eat. While we sat in the Sun, all was good, As clouds separated us from the heat, the wind reminded us summer was still some way off. After our food was consumed, we crossed over the Thames on a foot bridge, and pretty soon walked back again. Although not yet 6pm, the air was unpleasantly chill. We walked back to the car along the Strand, and as the buildings protected us from the worst of the wind, this part of the walk was quite pleasant. In the car and on the way home, I was reminded of my last time there: "Parked" at some traffic lights, I'd seen a gaggle of girls mostly in high heeled platform wedges, and play suits or shorts. Sat at a different set of lights on the same road, I pondered to whether I should get my camera at the ready... Deciding it was likely too cold for a repeat performance I dismissed the idea, On the last knockings of me being held at the lights, a seriously tall slim lady, walked across in front of me. She had long shoulder length hair and make-up care of the late 70's/early 80's, and her wearing an evening gown mostly covered by a long dark coat. She was easily 6ft tall, helped by her gold-heeled wedge shoes that had at least a 5 inch heel on them. Mrs Freddy, rather ungraciously suggested she looked a bit sour-faced. I responded that walking in those shoes along those pavements would have taken a supreme act of concentration, not allowing much energy left for a smile. As soon as she had crossed, the lights changed and we were off. No time for a second glance and nowhere to turn around either so no record of 'the look'. Perhaps next time?

Thank you. Potentially one of the most flattering remarks ever made in my direction. Sadly, one I can't boast about, even in my small social circle. I've been wearing a shoe with a heel (starting with my mothers wedge heeled open mules) on and off for more than 50 years. If I hadn't picked up something during that length of time (and volume of shoes worn) it would be a very disappointing situation. Luckily for me, my feet have remained small enough to allow me plenty of choice with high-street shoes, and the condition of my feet haven't been too badly re-shaped altered to affect their overall functionality. I do have a little problem with one toe, but it usually shows itself while wearing loose fittings mens shoes??? Weird. Age, is of course having some effect. I can't wear a heel quite as high as I used to, 30 years ago, but many other people my age (usually women) would be saying the same thing if asked. I'll try to get the review done this week.

They are not-so-bad. The KG's with the "hidden" raised cup, are more difficult to walk around in, but oddly, more comfortable. That might be, because there is significantly more room in the toe-box, and it points slightly upward. (A rolling foot motion is easier to achieve.) I really should make the effort, to do a full review of them.

Spend a couple of hours in Selfridges, Oxford Street. The ground floor make-up section worth a wander, as is the shoe concessions on I think on the 2nd floor. I seldom fail to see 'entertainment' in these two locations. The high street shoe store Schuh, carry a small range of MISSGUIDED courts, which are close to being 5" high. I suspect shoes this high are usually worn in 'social' situations. Weddings, night clubs, when worn by younger women? And theatres, 'openings' of plays/restaurants etc where the paparazzi are likely to be searching for WAGS and Z-listers. Posted elsewhere but worth a second look .... Kym Marsh likes a heel .... Seen here wearing Office Totter, the previous version of the Hampton posted earlier. The lovely Abbey Clancy is seldom caught without a very high heel on. Unlike some of the Z-listers, hers will not be 'knock-offs' of originals. She even wears a high heel when presenting on day time TV. (I may be able to add a picture later.) Don't underestimate the challenge of a platform. The only pair of shoes I own I KNOW I can't walk in properly, have a hidden platform. I might agree the Carvela ankle boots shown do look the most élégante, but the KG's with the slightly bulbous toe are a joy to wear, as long as you are not intending to go anywhere quickly. I really should get around to doing a review, though they haven't been available for at least 6 years. At least one pair I have here are boxed/new and would be the very last pair of shoes I would give up. The second to last pair to go, would be some 130mm high courts from Kurt Geiger, again bought from the high street. . A set-back heel, which makes it hard to walk in, and plenty of toe cleavage to be had .... (Two pairs, unworn of course.)

I've some bought from Topshop. (Two pairs, both unworn.) From KG .... (Three pairs, one worn, maybe two. My favourite shoe to wear - of all time.) These shoes have a hidden rise in the heel cup. I keep meaning to do a thread on these. From Carvela. (A KG brand.) (One pair, unworn.) If we were talking women's shoes with 5" heels, these are still available in the high street. "House of CB" a favourite of Norvern WAGS and Z-listers from (cough) "reality" shows, has a range of 5" heels seen in their own shop (Stratford) and some Topshop stores (Oxford Street). Their web site, always worth the occasional glance.

Walking around Camden high street in heels, is an invitation to a broken ankle, "cobbles R us" innit. Well done you. Heels and alcohol? Plainly a man who likes to live dangerously.

A picture from a source, not the most obvious for footwear you wouldn't actually wear .... (Social media.) These were mentioned at being £3500 a pair .... I'm guessing, there might be belt loops or cut-outs for a belt somewhere?

I have to go out and do some work, and possibly get a hair cut - my first in 6 months.... But "we'll" have to discuss this a bit more - I hope.

In no particular order .... 1. Born in the wrong era. 2. Not a girl. 3. Probably unwilling to get major breast enhancements. 4. Probably unwilling to get lip and cheek fillers. 5. Probably unwilling to have sexual relationships with people a TV company introduces you to, while cameras are filming everything. 6. Very definitely unwilling to spend 5 years of your early twenties with a camera pointing at you. Need I go on?