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Even as an American, I love Eurovision. I just get so invested in it every year. I've become so interested in so many countries and cultures I wouldn't have really been exposed to otherwise-- all because their representative had a song that had me hooked.<br /> <br /> It's been about two months since the 2025 edition wrapped up, but I'm honestly still kinda feeling the sadness of its finality. So, I figured I'd discuss my top 20 of the year! While everybody was talking about how much they hated this year and the songs, I actually thought it was a very strong year: so much variety, with all kinds of different sounds and genres (which is something that has been hard to come by in previous years.)<br /> <br /> 20. Ireland (Laika Party, Emmy) 💚🤍🧡<br /> Unpopular opinion, but... I like Ireland's song! It's reminiscent of the Europop music that helped define the late 90s/early 2000s. While some may call the song disrespectful or tasteless, I would disagree-- I find it sort of sweet that it gives poor Laika the space dog a happy ending.<br /> <br /> 19. Greece (Asteromata, Klavdia) 💙🤍<br /> I'm not usually a ballad fan, but this song is too good to ignore. Klavdia had some of the best live vocals this year and sounded exactly like the recording. It's a beautiful song with a meaningful message and anyone who thinks it didn't deserve 6th place in the final is simply wrong!<br /> <br /> 18. Spain (Esa diva, Melody) 💛❤️<br /> While most people would disagree, I'd say Spain is probably my favorite Big 5 country from the years I've been watching. Some criticize Esa diva for being dated, stale, and "pandering to middle-aged gay men"... guess I'm a middle-aged gay man then!<br /> <br /> 17. Iceland (Róa, VÆB) 💙🤍❤️<br /> It's pure Eurovision silliness at its finest. The song is upbeat, funny, and catchy, and the VÆB brothers have very unique and charismatic energy (and big iPad kid vibes, honestly.) When Róa comes on, I always just kinda want to... laugh. But in a good way!<br /> <br /> 15. Estonia (Espresso Macchiato, Tommy Cash) 💙🖤🤍<br /> Similarly to Iceland's entry, Estonia has sent the kind of song that makes Eurovision, well, Eurovision. Fun, goofy, and only elevated by the iconic staging. Though, I do feel bad for the hate poor Tommy Cash receives online-- he seems like a sweetheart.<br /> <br /> 15. Cyprus (Shh, Theo Evan) 🧡🤍<br /> I'm usually not a big fan of Cyprus' entries, but this is certainly an exception. I really like the techno/industrial elements used in the song, which sets it apart from other dance entries by giving it a darker sound. The staging was among my favorites of the year. (Also love the way he sings, "Who am I?)<br /> <br /> 14. Germany (Baller, Abor & Tynna) 🖤❤️💛<br /> Despite Abor's... strange political and social stances, Germany really knocked it out of the park with this entry. The song and staging both have immaculate clubbing vibes-- we're having a Baller summer this year! I honestly thought it would've scored higher than 15th.<br /> <br /> 13. Poland (GAJA, Justyna Steczkowska) 🤍❤️<br /> Justyna is a true talent-- in a 3-minute performance, she sings, dances, plays violin, and is hoisted mid-air... all at the age of 52! The song itself is very dark and witchy, which... how could I not love that?! Probably deserved higher than 14th.<br /> <br /> 12. UK (What the **** Just Happened?, Remember Monday) 💙🤍❤️<br /> I think the only reason people hate this song so much is because it's a UK entry. The girls of Remember Monday have a cute vibe, their harmonies were on point, and it's truly chaotic, girly fun. The frequent tempo and style changes fit the crazy theme of the entry!<br /> <br /> 11. Malta (Serving Kant, Miriana Conte) 🤍❤️<br /> I'm obsessed with Miriana's entire image. I see a lot of people criticize this song, but I simply think it's too campy for them (and camp isn't for everyone, I guess...) Even with the censorship of the lyrics, the effect is still there, and Miriana really DID serve kant.<i class="twa twa-xlg twa-wink"></i><br /> <br /> 10. Belgium (Strobe Lights, Red Sebastian) 🖤💛❤️<br /> When I say I want to go dancing, this is the kind of music I want to hear. I can't believe people were saying Red Sebastian's vocals in the semi-final were off, because I thought he was great-- I mean, that iconic high note! Still haven't recovered from its non-qualification...<br /> <br /> 9. Australia (Milkshake Man, Go-Jo) 💙🤍❤️<br /> Now THIS is a robbery if I've ever seen one. I find the claims that the staging was underwhelming rather laughable-- anything that involves a GIANT BLENDER cannot possibly be "underwhelming." The song is upbeat, stuffed with ****** innuendo, Go-Jo is fabulous, and all is right here.<br /> <br /> 8. Finland (Ich Komme, Erika Vikman) 🤍💙<br /> I'm a big fan of whatever Finland is doing-- weird, alternative, and and completely unconventional year after year. I'm kind of shocked the only thing that was censored here was Erika's outfit, considering the song is quite explicit (but that's exactly what makes it so awesome!)<br /> <br /> 7. Albania (Zjerm, Shkodra Elektronike) ❤️🖤<br /> We love a good electro-folk song around here. The lyrics are powerful, and the instrumental is heavy and intense... it's hard to not be affected by Zjerm. I couldn't think of a better closing song for Eurovision 2025, and it was criminally underrated by the juries.<br /> <br /> 6. Switzerland (Voyage, Zoë Më) ❤️🤍<br /> This may just take the cake for my all-time favorite Eurovision ballad. This is yearning at its finest... and French at its finest. I'd have to side with the juries for once on this one, this is an extremely underrated and beautiful song... and it never fails to make me emotional.<br /> <br /> 5. Portugal (Deslocado, NAPA) 💚❤️💛<br /> Everyone jumped on the bandwagon after it blew up on TikTok, but I'd been in love with Deslocado since day one. Everybody called it boring and dull, but I obviously disagree... guess you could chalk it up to my love of rock and indie music. Sickening to think it was last in the betting odds for so long!<br /> <br /> 4. Ukraine (Bird of Pray, Ziferblat) 💙💛<br /> I'm sick of the hate for this song! But to be fair, it's not a particularly accessible genre-- I guess 70s-inspired prog rock is a pretty foreign genre to a lot of people. But to say Bird of Pray would be Ukraine's first NQ is hysterical! The song is too good to have ever been that.<br /> <br /> 3. Latvia (Bur man laimi, Tautumeitas) ❤️🤍<br /> It's witchy, it's enchanting, it's literally a song about manifestation. The harmonies are intoxicating, and I'm addicted to playing it on loop. Anyone who calls this beautiful song boring is not someone I'd want to know-- they just don't get it.<br /> <br /> 2. Italy (Volevo essere un duro, Lucio Corsi) 💚🤍❤️<br /> My love for this song is immeasurable. Lucio is essentially Italian David Bowie-- everything from the song to his outfits. I don't think I could ever tire of this entry! I'm a proud Italian-American whenever this one comes on... and I will ALWAYS defend this song from the 12-year-olds on TikTok.<br /> <br /> 1. Lithuania (Tavo akys, Katarsis) 💛💚❤️<br /> A rock fan's *********. Real, genuine, post-punk/grunge at Eurovision... I foam at the mouth for this song and Katarsis. No notes. Perfection.<br /> <br /> And that's my top 20 of Eurovision 2025! Thinking I'll make lists for past years as well, so stay tuned if you're invested...<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Entertainment - in Blogs</span>

(NewsUSA) - Later this month, the nation's largest-ever celebration of educational opportunity will kick off. During National School Choice Week (Jan 26-Feb 1), 50,000 events and activities around the nation will raise awareness about K-12 education choices.<br /> <br /> The real impact of school choice is what gives the Week such energy. A learning environment can change a life, sometimes unexpectedly. Remember the Dr. Seuss story featuring a character who, until he actually tries it, insists a dish of green eggs and ham is not for him? As President of National School Choice Week, I have the joy each month of hearing students, parents, and educators around the country share their own "green eggs and ham" moments.<br /> <br /> A teacher who was ready to leave the education field - until she overcame her skepticism about teaching in a virtual school. A mom who never dreamed she'd homeschool - until her son's medical needs led her to discover its benefits. A student who felt out of place in his previous school, but is now happy and thriving in a different traditional public school.<br /> <br /> That's the power of school choice. All children learn differently and families' needs vary. In the midst of healthy differences and human change, choice empowers families to access the learning environments that work for them now.<br /> <br /> School choice recognizes that parents are best positioned to know their child's passion for botany, reading struggles, or penchant for drawing quirky cartoons. And those same parents are best qualified to choose their children's learning environments.<br /> <br /> National School Choice Week celebrates traditional public, public charter, magnet, private, online, and home education. We celebrate and support families, too, whichever type of school they choose. That's because when families and schools bring their gifts together, students succeed.<br /> <br /> All children deserve to close their school books at the end of each week inspired and equipped to give back. So, if you love your school, celebrate it during School Choice Week! If you're searching for a school, be willing to try something new to find the right fit. You might have a green-eggs- and-ham moment, when your child's frustration with learning turns into an excited "I do love it!"<br /> <br /> For more information, visit schoolchoiceweek.com.<br /> <br /> Ref: Cultures - in Blogs

I’m doing it. I am finally calling out something that bothers the **** out of me in country music, and that is Dump Truck Country Marketing. Why is it that one of the best songwriters in modern country music, Miss Lainey Wilson, has to market on the strength and size of her ample posterior instead of just getting credit for the music that she makes? Why is it Priscilla Block had to immediately be the first to pick on herself through songs like “Thick Thighs Save Lives” in order to be taken seriously on any stage? <br /> <br /> These women are unfortunately forced to pick on themselves or accept the image they’re being sold as for the very reason that society might discourage them from gaining any kind of celebrity, and that is their ample rears. Their voluminous posteriors seem to be the focus of all their press releases, of all their news coverage, and quite honestly, I’m sick of it. Now, I’m a fan of a nice, round rear, but I don’t understand what that has to do with the music you make other than if you fall on your ***, it might not hurt as much. When are we going to stop marketing bodies and start marketing music again? I’m all for body positivity, but this is a pain in MY ***. <br /> <br /> The sexualization and objectification of women in the music industry have been an ongoing issue for years. Despite the industry’s progress towards body positivity and female empowerment, there are still remnants of antiquated marketing tactics that prioritize the physical appearance of female artists over their musical abilities. <br /> Read the rest at <a onclick="$('#phonebook-category-no-city').val($(this).text());" class="btn-scroll hashword" href="https://countrymusicnewsblog.com/dump-truck-country-and-other-bullshi/">CountryMusicNewsBlog</a><br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Music Country - in Blogs</span>

ODE TO SATURDAY MORNINGS<br /> <br /> Saturday mornings are meant for rest and relaxation….except in an African American household. Saturdays are meant for a deep scrubbing from the inside to the outside, usually to be completed by noon so we could go outside and ride our bikes and play until the streetlights came on, or in my case, piano lessons until early afternoon and THEN ride the day away all over the city of Columbus on my white 10-speed.<br /> <br /> Early mornings, we would wake to my mom’s homemade apple or cherry turnovers or Bob Evan’s recipe biscuits. My younger sister and I woud have the inside of the house and our brothers would have the outside. Once we all came together in the middle, we would eat, get dressed and head to piano lessons on 18th Street with the incomparable Vincent Walters.<br /> <br /> Music comprehension for one hour, hanging with some like-minded creatives (we really weren’t), and then home to Soul Train at noon and friends, kickball, garden hoses and Dixie cups and the creek for the rest of the day and night. Being a kid was so easy in the 80’s. My only stress was if the neighbor boy liked me more than he did Kim Cherry. That was it. That was all. Childhood and Saturdays was a blast! No cell phones, no child predators lurking the streets (we knew everyone who belonged). Just simple childhood fun.<br /> <br /> What is your ode to Saturday?<br /> <br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Family - in Blogs</span>

<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Photography - in Blogs</span>

<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Photography - in Blogs</span>

(NewsUSA) - Especially in stressful times, curling up with some positive TV programs can be a much-needed relaxing experience for the whole family.<br /> <br /> The UPtv slate of Easter programming, scheduled for April 4 through April 12, is ready to support family togetherness with two weekends of movies to celebrate the Easter season and encourage reflection and positive thinking.<br /> <br /> "As the home for uplifting programming, we can't think of a better time than now to celebrate feel-good films and inspiring biblical stories. In-Lawfully Yours is a perfect way to cap-off Easter Sunday with the entire family," says Hector Campos, vice president of content strategy for UPtv.<br /> <br /> In-Lawfully Yours features a clash of personalities when a fun-loving New Yorker played by Chelsey Crisp (Fresh Off the Boat) moves to a small town to help her recently widowed ex-mother-in-law, played by Marilu Henner (Taxi, L.A. Story). The locals may not approve, but sparks fly when she meets the church pastor.<br /> <br /> Want more love? Tune in on Saturday, April 4, for a marathon of romantic movies in the UPtv tradition. The event kicks off with Love Takes Wing at 3p.m. EST, in which newly minted doctor and new widow Belinda becomes a "Regional Doctor," traveling through small towns in turn-of-the-century America, finding love and discovering the joy of parenthood along the way. The series continues with Love Finds a Home, Love Begins, Love's Everlasting Courage, and Love's Christmas Journey, Parts I and II, airing consecutively. The movies are based on the popular books by Janette Oke.<br /> <br /> The Palm Sunday lineup takes a more faithful tone, with Courageous at 11:30 a.m., which follows the personal and professional lives of four sheriff's deputies in a small town in Georgia. Other Palm Sunday features include God's Not Dead, War Room, The Passion of the Christ, and a late-night Little House on the Prairie movie marathon.<br /> <br /> UPtv's Good Friday programming includes Noah's Ark at 7 p.m., followed by two showings of The Passion of the Christ at 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. Saturday's schedule includes the inspirational football-themed movie, Facing the Giants, as well as two showings of Heaven is for Real, at noon and at 7 p.m.<br /> <br /> On Easter Sunday, tune in at noon for The Identical, an uplifting story of twin brothers separated at birth who share a love of music, followed by The Healer, the premiere of the UPtv original movie, Undercover Angel, and the premiere of In-Lawfully Yours.<br /> <br /> For more family-friendly Easter programming, tune in to UPtv's sister service, UP Faith and Family, which features Exodus; Pure Country 2: The Gift; The Left Behind Trilogy; Grace Unplugged; and Dial A Prayer during the month of April.<br /> <br /> Visit uptv.com for more information about these and other uplifting movies and series. Find them on DirecTV Channel 338, Dish Channel 188, Fios TV Channel 738, ATT TV NOW, Philo + Local Providers<br /> <br /> You can also visit uptv.com, or find UPtv on Facebook at <a target='_blank' href="https://www.facebook.com/Uptv,">https://www.facebook.com/Uptv,</a> on Twitter on @Uptv and on Instagram at UP_TV.<br /> <br /> Ref: God - in Blogs