Uni started officially this week, and some of my friends have their exams in the coming few days. I am saved, or punished as mine are all next week.

On my search for more blogs to add to my ‘blogroll’, that is the term used on many other websites, I have been spending a considerable amount of time on the Guardian website. It appears to be the only newspaper actually commenting on the blog movement. Of course, the BBC News website occassionally has the odd mention on their technology page, but nothing as extensive as the Guardian. The include a list of recommended blogs from Britain, the rest of the world, on such topics as news or niche subjects like reality TV. Some blogs have been set up to comment on particularly industry, such as advertising, the future of television and the cult of celebrity. Who said that web blogs were merely an avenue for self-promotion, self-propoganda and ego massaging? On looking through a various blogs, I came across, In The Gray. I didn’t have time to take time to read through many entries, but the artwork is unique and brilliant. The author, Eric is a 21 year old ninja. To find out more, check out his blog.

Musically, I’ve always wanted to be able to follow and chart the success of an artist. Not after the artist has become an international success, but from the beginning, from that first song on the road, that first interview, first performance on Top Of The Pops. The closest I have come to this, is the band, Liberty X. Although I enjoy their musical talent, and have both of their albums, something is missing. When I was watching the original ITV Popstars program in January 2001, the attention was focused on the winners, whom would form Hear’Say. We were forced to forget the losers and for this reason, the story ends there and we only catch up with them again, once signed to V2 and album frantically in production. Am I being stupid over this small dream? Is there something wrong to want to see a band grown, blossom and achieve international success and critical acclaim? I remember Boyzone’s performance at the Smash Hit Poll Winners Party, in 1996 or was it 1997. Anyways, they did a cover of the Osmonds, “Love Me For A Reason”. It is strange how you always remember the first performance, as if it was only yesterday. I suppose, I’m waiting for the next big thing. Maybe when the music industry gets tired of this continued interest in reality tv created popstars, some quality talent will get the recognition they deserve. I have to admit that I have only been exposed to a certain ‘strand’ of music and therefore my musical tastes have taken a certain direction through the course of my life. I have never been to any concerts. CapitalFM’s Party In The Park (2000 – 2002) doesn’t really count, I feel. Maybe want I’m longing for is to be part of some sort of crazy, more closely associated with teenage girls. To be completely obessed with a band for a brief period of time, and to look back at this time with some joy and happiness. I think this is more about filling in gaps from my past rather than just enjoying the music of new band at the peak of their powers.

Let me give you some advice. There will come a point in your life, when someone will want to return. Return to your circle of friends, to return to your enjoy your company again. For whatever reason, let them in. You may have a long standing rift, and judge them for actions and views of the past. As difficult as it may be, and as proud as you may be. Step down from your plinth. Give hope a chance. “Hope has been and always will be safe. It’s inside every one of us.” Just sometimes, we let be buried underneath everything else.