Can Eurovision save Europe? - by Barry Neild

As Greece pushes the euro zone towards a possible Armageddon that could tear apart the European Union, at least one experiment in uniting the old continent is still going strong: The Eurovision Song Contest.

Millions of music fans will this Saturday tune into the finals of a talent show that can appear jaw-droppingly strange to the uninitiated, but is for many countries one of the most important cultural — and sometimes political — events of the year.

Though it shows no signs of fatigue in its 56th year, this eclectic mix of national pride, pan-European bonding and barnstorming kitsch isn’t immune to the euro crisis, not least because victory carries the bittersweet reward of hosting next year’s hugely expensive final.

No stranger to controversy thanks to a voting system that some say recognizes cross-border bickering rather than musical talent, the contest has this year generated new disputes courtesy of host country Azerbaijan’s questionable record on human rights.

And while outsiders may disregard it as inconsequential, Eurovision’s global cultural impact shouldn’t be underestimated. In previous years it has helped launch Swedish pop group ABBA, Canadian singer Celine Dion and, of course, Finnish horror rock act Lordi.

Read more: Can Eurovision save Europe? | Alaska Dispatch

WSJ: Holland Abandons Public Health-Care Option (not totally true)

For the complete report from the WSJ.com click on this link

Holland Abandons Public Health-Care Option (not totally true)

So Barack Obama praised the Netherlands' health-care system last week. This is according to Dutch Crown Prince Willem-Alexander, who met the U.S. president on Friday. We'd be eager to learn what Mr. Obama found so attractive about the Dutch system, since its defining characteristic is its abandonment of a "public option" in favor of nationwide competition between private insurers. The Netherlands used to have a mixed public-private system, with most people insured under the state plan. That was until rising costs and long waiting lists forced the liberal Dutch to conclude that big government was an inefficient way to provide universal coverage. Having scrapped state-run health care in 2006, every Dutch resident now chooses from a number of private insurers for his coverage.

Note EU-Digest: this is not totally true. No one can be rejected from the program and everyone in the country must be insured.

Xinhua: Russian president meets with French, Spanish prime ministers

For the complete report from Xinhua click on this link

Russian president meets with French, Spanish prime ministers

President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday discussed a wide range of issues with French Prime Minister Francois Fillon, including the global financial crisis. The two leaders also discussed joint humanitarian projects, and international issues, including the Middle East, and the upcoming G20 summit in Pittsburgh, the Kremlin said.

Medvedev also met with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and discussed cooperation between Russia and the European Union during Spain's EU presidency, which begins Jan.1.

CSM: Europe's $57 billion plan to put windmills in the ocean - Robert Marquand

For the complete report from the csmonitor.com click on this linkEurope's $57 billion plan to put windmills in the ocean - Robert Marquand

Wind is the fastest growing renewable energy in Europe – making up a third of new energy here, with 20 turbines added every working day in 2008, according to EU statistics. What the European wind energy industry now wants is to expand – offshore. Ocean winds are a stronger and more predictable form of energy than the ones on land, and the industry is pushing a $57 billion investment to allow broad-winged turbines to spin at sea. Offshore wind is "absolutely" a significant new resource, argues Walt Patterson, an associate at Chatham House and author of "Keeping the Lights On," adding that "the big question mark is not sticking the stuff in the ocean, but how to get the electricity ashore." For more information click on this link.

Bloomberg: EU Says Europe Economy May Resume Growth This Quarter - Simone Meier

For the complete report Bloomberg.com click on this link

EU Says Europe Economy May Resume Growth This Quarter - Simone Meier

Europe’s economy probably returned to growth in the current quarter after governments spent billions of euros to pull the region out of the worst recession in more than six decades, the European Union said. The euro-area economy may expand 0.2 percent in the third quarter and 0.1 percent in the fourth after contracting 0.1 percent in the three months through June, the European Commission, the EU executive in Brussels, said today in updated economic forecasts. For the full year, the economy may shrink 4 percent, the commission said, maintaining its May projection.

European companies from Germany’s ThyssenKrupp AG to France’s L’Oreal SA have reported results that beat analysts’ estimates, suggesting government efforts to encourage spending are feeding into the broader economy. European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet on Sept. 3 cited “increasing signs” of stabilization. EU Monetary Affairs Commissioner Joaquin Almunia said today that the second-half outlook may be revised upward by one-quarter percentage point.

Spiegel OnLine: Eurovision Song Contest - Camp and Controversy in Moscow: The Eurovision Extravaganza Heats Up

For the complete report from the SPIEGEL ONLINE click on this link

Eurovision Song Contest - Camp and Controversy in Moscow: The Eurovision Extravaganza Heats Up

Moscow promised to host the most lavish Eurovision Song Contest ever. But as the weekend approaches, controversy may be brewing. What, one wonders, could be a greater honor than playing host to a collection of outrageously campy music acts from across Europe, all gathered for a frenzy of televised flamboyance that seems to get more frivolous by the year? Moscow, for its part, has taken the responsibility seriously and has pledged the most lavish show ever when the grand finale of the Eurovision Song Contest hits the stage there this weekend. They have spent €30 million and have booked Olimpiyski Indoor Arena in downtown Moscow for the show. Still, controversy threatens to torpedo the hosts' best efforts. The narrowing of the field is already well underway.

A number of acts were sent home on Tuesday, with Belarus, Bulgaria and Belgium all getting the boot, along with a handful of others. Fifteen of the 25 finalists have now been chosen, with pop perennials Sweden making the cut along with Iceland, Israel, Romania, Armenia and Malta, among others. Turkey emerged as the favorite among 10 countries moving on to Saturday's final. Turkish pop singer Hadise, who grew up in Belgium, sang "Düm Tek Tek" in English and performed with belly dancers. Five countries -- defending champion Russia, France, Britain, Spain and Germany, whose act includes stripper sine qua non Dita von Teese -- qualify automatically. It is their money that makes the event happen. The annual competition is one of the most-watched television events in Europe, with nearly 300 million viewers around the world. In its 53-year history, the colorful contest has even helped launch careers -- like those of international pop acts Abba and Celine Dion.

One can expect an exiting and colorful evening with great songs, lots of spectacular choreography and drama as usual.