"Push the Button"

Tonight is the final of Eurovision 2007 contest. What is Eurovision? Wikipedia, almost always has the best and simple answer, so check it out. You could also go to the official website. Here is my short version - country's through out Europe have competitions for a new song and then the winners compete against other European countries. For whatever reason, surrounding countries that may not be technically in Europe, compete as well. Israel is one of these countries. They also play basketball and soccer in their leagues. This has been going on since the 1950's. Israel has competed since the 70's.
Lots of people are talking about this, especially this year because of the song (link below). It's bigger than Sanjaya was in the US. I don't watch Amercian Idol or care about it, but I know who this guy is...
Eurovision is so much more interesting to me. People feel patriotic about their country and are exposed to many cultures. In the US I think the melting pot is good, but the country is so big, that we get lost. Americans as a whole forget about other cultures. Israelis, as well as many other people around the world, listen to "world" music and in my opinion, are much more interested in other cultures.
Unfortunately Israel did not make it into the finals, but the song did make headlines all over Europe and maybe in the US. Excerpts from Haaretz.com article yesterday about the song, the controversy and the loss:
-Two months ago, the organizers of the Eurovision Song Contest decided to allow Israel's entry, "Push the Button," into this year's competition despite some early complaints about its lyrics, which allude to nuclear war.
-The song is widely interpreted as a commentary on Iran's atomic program and statements by its president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad that Israel should be "wiped off the map."
Watch a performance by Teapacks of "Push the button"

People around Europe will vote by phone and SMS(free for most countries). Interestingly, you should be blocked from voting for your own country, but I am sure someone has comeup with a work around.

People have asked - Choomy is doing great and sooner or later I will post some more pictures and stories. He says, "woof" to everyone.