Guilty Pleasure - Eurovision Special

Yes folks, you read that correctly. The Eurovision Song Contest is indeed one of my guilty pleasures.

My earliest memory of watching Eurovision is in 1976 with my family. I was a mere 9 years old and Brotherhood of Man won the contest for the UK with Save all Your Kisses for Me. Who could ever forget that dance and don't any of  you dare deny that you didn't have a go at those moves like I did.

Eurovision was a big part of our life and we never missed it. We'd had our electricity cut off one year and were so desperate not to miss it that we made do with the radio.
There we were with a few candles and Eurovision blurting out of a small speaker. It was bliss and one of the memories I treasure most.

Katie Boyle and Terry Wogan were of course the King and Queen of Eurovision but I think Graham Norton is proving to be a most excellent host. As with his predecessors, you can tell he absolutely loves everything about it.

These days it has become a little too political with countries awarding points to their neighbours just to keep them happy, for fear of possible invasions or a ban from fishing in the other countries waters.
Never the less, I still love it and and even more so now that each year it is on, I visit my good friend Andy to watch it with him. We even go as far as awarding our own points and trying to predict who will win. I love it but Andy adores it. I'm not kidding, the man is like the encyclopedia Eurovision.

So why do I love it so? I could say it's because I'm gay and because it is as camp as Christmas. I could even say it's because sometimes the songs are so bad and the artists so ridiculous you just have to laugh out loud. There could be the possibility my addiction to Eurovision is all down to the hosts and their hilarious comments.
It is, however, none of the previous. The reason I love it so is quite simply because the contest unites countries through the art of music. Millions of people watch it every year and with each passing year, it becomes bigger and better and more importantly it becomes even more loved.
Yes there are those who ridicule it but they still watch it.
I think the Eurovision Song Contest will be with us for many more years and I would love it see it evolve into the World Song Contest. Not sure if the BBC could spare a whole day to show all the acts taking part but it sure would be fun to watch.

Leading up to this years contest, I will be compiling my top ten Eurovision acts. The list will contain acts that won and some that didn't and thanks to the wonders of YouTube, I will do my utmost to include a video (hopefully from the contest) for each one.

I hope you find it an interesting and enjoyable edition to my blog and please feel free to let me know your favourite Eurovision acts or songs.

Until next week when we start with number 10 in our countdown, I bid thee farewell.

Luke - part 3

So there we were, myself and Luke in Queens Court having a most splendid time. A little bit of chat and lots of kissing took place with the odd nibble on the ear thrown in for good measure. I could not believe that this absolutely stunning guy was interested in me. Any doubts I had about his intentions were forgotten with each kiss from him. I was the hummingbird..he was the nectar.
We decided to go for a dance and as we walked towards the dance floor, Luke held my hand. I was literally being swept off my feet by him.
Steps were very popular at that time and whenever one of their songs came on, the dance floor would suddenly be chock a block.
It was a a bit of squeeze but it didn't matter. We spent most of the duration of the songs with our arms round each other, partaking in even more kissing. Try and imagine an attempt at the world record for most amount of kissing in one night..Luke and I were smashing it!

Queens Court was about to close for the night so now was the time to decide what we would do next. I asked if he would like to stay at mine? He was more than happy to accept my invite. I was even happier!
When we reached my place , I realised all I had in to drink was a small bottle of Smirnoff Ice. We decided to share it but I felt like a rubbish host. After that night, I made sure I at least had a bottle of wine in my fridge, just in case.
After a bit of chatting, cuddling and even more kissing, it was time for bed and it is here that I made what was probably the worst decision I have ever made. I actually looked Luke in the face and said that nothing would happen tonight because I had work the next day. He was fine with this and at the time, I thought I was doing the right thing.
We made our way to the bedroom and stripped to our underwear. He had a beautiful body and knowing that I would soon be lying beside him made me so happy. The temptation to take things further was agonising but I settled for more kisses and cuddles. Eventually we both drifted off to sleep.

The following morning I awoke feeling happier than I had felt in a long time. Luke woke up a few minutes later. It felt a little strange someone else being in my bed. After all, this was the first guy I had ever invited back to mine.

At work that day I told a few people of my brilliant night. They were very happy for me, especially as they knew how much I liked Luke.
I bumped into Rob and after apologising for kind of dumping him at the QC, I told him what happened after he had gone home. He was mortified that we didn't have sex and said I should have phoned in sick.
On reflection, his idea did make sense.  I had longed to be with a guy for ages and definitely had the chance with Luke but put work first. The word idiot was well suited for me at that moment.

I was working an evening shift at Blockbuster after work and had arranged for Luke to meet me there. He was staying at mine again and this time sex was on the agenda and work could go to Hell.
I was so eager to get home as quickly as possible, I asked my mate Danny (who was also working) if he could give us a lift home. He was happy to oblige.

After a little supper, I put on my fake yawn and said I was ready to go to bed. Once again we stripped to our underwear and within minutes were in bed.
I faced Luke and said to him "I really like you Luke so where do we go from here"?
His reply was " I like you too..as a friend".
Those few words caused such devastation inside me but I knew I couldn't show it, so my response was "If I had known that was what you were going to say, we would have had sex last night".
I really didn't have much else to say after that apart from "Goodnight".
That night I didn't sleep very well. If he wasn't interested, why on earth was he asleep in my bed with me at his side? I just didn't understand.

We met a few more times after that night and he even slept at mine a couple more occasions. I suppose I was hoping he would eventually see me as more than a friend. It wasn't to be though.

The last time I spoke to Luke, he had recently married and also had a couple of children. I didn't bother asking him if he was bi or was now totally straight.

It's been quite a few years since I saw Luke but I can't help but smile at the thought of him. He totally had me smitten.
Of all the guys I have seen since him, none has ever kissed as good as he did and that first night we slept together is the best nights sleep I have ever had.
Was he playing me for a fool. Was it me. Was he unsure of his sexuality or did he really like me but just chickened out? Unless I ever bump into him again to ask him these questions, I will never know.

Until next time, I bid thee farewell.

Ralph

WARNING : The following contains things of a rather rude nature.

Not bothered about the warning? Then let us continue.

Tonight is all about my first encounter after a night out on the town.
I'd met up with my very good friend Andy at Queens Court in Leeds. We were both single and both hoping to find love, or if not that then at least a shag. Well, that's how it was on my part.

I had my usual vodka and coke and Andy was on soft drinks as he was driving that night. I always feel bad when I'm drinking alcohol and the other person isn't as you can't help thinking that the other person isn't actually enjoying themselves!

Anyhow, we were drinking away and listening to the music when everyone started making their way upstairs. We followed. That was the procedure and probably still is at Queens Court. You stayed downstairs until 11pm and then you were allowed upstairs where the good stuff happens.

Several drinks later, I decided I needed the toilet so made my way there. Now I don't know if it's a gay thing but when I'm in a gay bar, I have a certain walk when I go to the toilet. Not your usual mincing walk but just a walk different to any other way. It's like I feel all eyes are on me, though in actual fact most of the guys are looking in the other direction at the hottie with the six pack who's just passed me.
Needless to say...I have a walk.

After I'd finished at the toilet and washed my hands. Yes, even when I'm inebriated, I still wash my hands. Shame on all you men..and women who don't.
As I was saying, after I'd finished, I made my way back to Andy and we then made our way to the dance floor.
Whilst dancing, I noticed a guy in the corner, probably in his mid 20's, dark hair, wearing specs and who was quite pleasing to the eye. What was even better was he was looking at me. I checked behind me just in case six pack man was stood there. He wasn't.
I whispered to Andy to have a look, which he did. He confirmed that the guy was totally checking me out.
Maybe it was because I was wearing lenses instead of my usual glasses. All my previous nights out, I had worn my glasses and absolutely had no luck whatsoever with the guys but here I was, different night and new lenses and a guy had noticed me. I was thrilled!!!

Andy suggested we make our way over to him and I eagerly agreed. We danced a little and as we did, I got closer and closer to him until eventually I was practically next to him. I turned and there we were, face to face.
"Hi. Not seen you in here before" I said to him and he replied "No. It's my first time. Just in Leeds visiting a friend"

I asked him his name, which was Ralph and he asked for mine. We then continued to chat. He was a teacher and lived down south, I forget where exactly and whilst I think about it, I can't even remember his real name. Ralph will have to do!
We then decided to have a dance together and he told me this was his last night in Leeds and had to be up early to catch the train back home.
I said that was a shame as we could have done something tomorrow.
As we danced, we made our way to the corner where we ended up having a bit of a snog.
Poor Andy had been left to his own devices whilst all this was happening and I was beginning to feel rather bad at leaving him on his own. I suggested to Ralph that we find him. He agreed which I thought was quite sweet.
What I didn't realise is that Ralph was here with a friend too and when we found Andy and I'd introduced him to Ralph, his friend came over and said it was time to go.
I looked at Andy and he looked at me. What do I do?
I asked Ralph if he really had to go. Of course he had to. He had an early train to catch the next day.
He turned to chat to his friend and then turned back to me.
"My friend said you can come back with us to his place if you'd like"
I replied that I needed to see what Andy was doing. I knew what Andy would say but still thought I should ask. Of course I was right. He said if I wanted to go, then I should. His only stipulation was that he shared a taxi with us so he could see where I would be staying. Wise head for such a young man..that's Andy.

So we made our way to Ralph's friends place which was in Headingley. His friend was still a student.
Before I got out of the taxi, Andy whispered be careful and just have fun. I gave him a hug and departed from the taxi.
We entered the house which wasn't that nice. It was tidy but had a cold feel to it.
Ralph's friend said goodnight and went off to bed.
I looked at Ralph and asked where his bedroom was. "You're looking at it" he replied.
You guessed it...the sofa. I was mortified.
I'd come all this way only to kip on the sofa. Of course I didn't show my objections at having to sleep on the sofa. I was determined this was going to be a fun night.

We chatted a little and then started to kiss a little too. Ralph then suggested we settle down for the night which actually meant we should get down to business.
He had already brought a blanket down so all that was left was for us to get naked.
He turned the light off and started to undress. Maybe it was the new lenses but I could make out his silhouette instantly. I decided to undress too.
We got under the covers, both naked, and started kissing again. He was on his back and I was on top. I then did what came naturally for someone of my persuasion and he let out a moan. A few moans later, he decided he wanted to be on top which was fine with me. As I lay there, I thought I would caress his shoulders and then his back. Oh my god!!!!  There was fur on his shoulders. I touched his back. I was actually naked on the sofa with a hairy gorilla.
If there is one thing I cannot abide it is hairy men. When I say hairy, I am talking who needs a winter jacket when I have all this hair type hairy. It utterly repulses me. You get the picture..I don't like hairy!!!

I lay there with my hands in mid air refusing to touch any part that could include contact with his coat.
Ralph was too busy fencing, though at this point I think my sword had deflated.
I just couldn't believe it. All this time I had longed to be with a man and I end up with Ralph the Yeti.
Could this get any worse..of course it could.

Ralph was reaching the point of no return. I had managed to overcome my fear of his hair and actually managed to knit a lovely pair of gloves from it.
He stopped and asked "Where do you want me to come"
My head was saying anywhere but here but my mouth said on my chest.
He started to wank, steadily getting faster and faster until he did just that. I thought to myself, my turn now.
A thought was as far as it got. As soon as Ralph had relieved himself, he quickly dropped onto me and just as quickly fell asleep.
I'd heard of tales of men instantly falling asleep after they had made love to their wives but thought it was just a joke. Here I was though with Ralph asleep on top of me.
I really didn't know what to do. Thankfully I didn't need to do anything. After what seemed like 20 minutes but in actual fact was only 2 or 3, Ralph awoke and decided he needed the toilet.
As it had only been 2 or 3 minutes I still had a pool of his deposit on my chest. There were no towels or tissue nearby for me to wipe it off. Now what on earth could I use? I grasped in the dark urgently trying to find something before Ralph came back and then I found something.
They say revenge is sweet and boy was it sweet. Fall asleep on me would you with your hairy shoulders and your hairy back. I found the perfect item to wipe up with...Ralph's shirt.
I very quickly wiped and could feel the damp patch in his shirt getting bigger and bigger. I could hear Ralph flushing the toilet so i dropped the shirt on the floor and then pretended i was asleep as he entered the room.

I can't really say I had a good nights sleep that night. When wearing lenses, you're not supposed to sleep in them and this prayed on my mind. Then there was the fact that I was sharing a not so big sofa. Not that that bothered Ralph. He was sleeping like he was in a king size bed.

Eventually morning came and Ralph woke up. I was already awake. My eyes were so dry with wearing the lenses for which was now well over 24 hours.
He said good morning and then said we had to be quick as his train arrived in a couple of hours.
Now you remember that shirt? Of course you do. All I can say is I had no idea. Any normal person who comes to visit a friend would have brought spare clothes. Not Ralph. He proceeded to put on last night's clothes. First his jeans and then the shirt that had his dried up deposit on it. The worst thing was, you could actually see where it was. There were lighter shades on certain parts of the shirt. He was oblivious to it and continued to dress as did I.

We made our way to the bus stop and eventually caught the bus. The conversation was rather dull. Last nights conversation was obviously fuelled by the vast amounts of alcohol I'd had.
Every now and then I caught a glimpse of  one of the crusty patches on Ralph's shirt and couldn't help but smile. He must have thought it was aimed at him but as you are well ware, it wasn't.
I did feel a great deal of satisfaction in knowing just what else he was wearing that day and even more so, knowing he would be on a train for several hours and that other people would notice the patches

We arrived at our destination and walked to the train station. Once there, Ralph stopped and said goodbye. He asked if we could meet up again sometime.
I said I'd be in touch. I was lying and never saw Ralph again!!!

Until next time, I bid thee all goodnight!