Madonna

Just been watching Madonna on TV as the music channels are showing all her videos. Without Madonna there never would have been the Spice Girls who came up with the slogan "Girl Power". Last night I saw a programme on alternative comedy such as "The Young Ones" and "Comic Strip" which stated that before this genre of no-holds barred comedy was around the only way to be rock and roll was to play in a band. Likewise I don't need to liberate myself and gain some girl power by playing in a rock band or dressing like Madonna so the bass guitar and amp is going to go back to the original owner next Monday. I only borrowed it with a view to possibly buying it. I don't need to be in a band to have my views listened to and even respected. Neither do I have to be the partner of a rock musician. I'm a citizen and I have a right to free speech. It saddens me to see Tony Blair and other politicians having to hobnob with rock stars to try and look cool and that every political issue needs a rock star to champion it otherwise it remains a cranky or minority issue. Why can't we use the medium of visual art or the written word instead of music? Besides the lyrics are pretty ambiguous and mean different things to different people and often get misinterpreted so it's not a serious way to communicate.

Last night I managed to drag myself out to Circus Skills workshop. It was great fun but I keep missing it as I often feel tired on Thursday evenings or have other commitments. I had a great time with a hoop, the spinning plate is too easy now for me and I can't get the hang of the diablo. The hoop is a great way to strengthen arms and trim your waist. So much easier and much more fun than trying to learn guitar and it keeps you fit as well. There are too many musicians about; most of them are mediocre and boring. When you've seen the likes of Alice Cooper, REM, the Manics and the Red Hot Chili Peppers live on stage you're not going to excited about a third rate blues band or somebody getting out their guitar to sing and play.