Eurovision 2013: Britain's chances get a little better

Mostly driven by the fear of what it would cost if they won, countries are starting to pull out of next year's Eurovision Song Contest.

Portugal and Poland have both said they won't turn up; Greece and Cyprus are making noises which suggest they might not have the cash to be part of it. That they've only managed one win between all four nations might suggest the fear of an expensive win might be a little misplaced. But even the costs of taking part are proving something of a barrier.

Portugal, interestingly, sat out in 1970 on some sort of moral principle after the first prize had been shared by four countries the year before.

Lopez upsets Greek Cypriots

Jennifer Lopez has taken up an innocent-sounding and lucrative offer to play a gig in sunny Cyprus and managed to find herself caught in one of those hyper-angry European megarows that blow up over the island.

Because she's taking a big payday from the Turkish-occupied bit. The Guardian reports the almost-instant campaign against the gig:

A web campaign led by indignant Greek Cypriots to convince Lopez to change her mind has attracted thousands of signatories angry that she should even consider performing in territory that is not officially recognised by the United Nations.

"It is with dismay and shock that the people of Cyprus and especially the Greek Cypriot women in the Republic of Cyprus and elsewhere in the world heard the news that you intend to attend the inauguration of a hotel in the occupied by Turkey [sic] part of our native country," says a letter that forms the basis of the campaign.

Lopez still seems happy to turn up, though - sure, the terrible fate of the island is bad, but it's not like the Greek Cypriots are offering an equally large sum for her not to go, is it?

Despite the furore, the five-star Cratos Premium insists the event will go ahead, promising a "very special birthday party … full of surprises for Jennifer Lopez".

I suspect she's already more than a little surprised.

Producerobit: Greg Ladanyi

Greg Ladanyi, producer, has died a week after suffering a blow to the head on-stage in Cyprus.

Twelve-times nominated for Grammy Awards, Ladanyi's work included producing The Boys of Summer for Don Henley, Jeff Healey's See The Light and Fleetwood Mac on Behind The Mask.

Greg Ladanyi was 57; he was touring with Anna Vissi at the time of his accident.