Blogpower Roundup #2

The month ends, we tear another page off the calendar. By its nature, blogging seems an ephemeral pursuit: today's blogpost nothing more than tomorrow's silicon chip wrapper. But as this round-up shows, bloggers compose their pieces on a range of subjects far wider than just yesterday's happenings in the Westminster parlour game. At times, we approach the wisdom of ages.

Alex reminds us this wisdom does not come easily, as proven by his attempt to physically enact his blog title . A warning to the as-yet childless, all-too familiar for those like me with children of a similar age, and perhaps a wry smile from those whose offspring have sprung off on their own. Lady Macleod has also known the heights of inspiration, scarcely able to type quickly enough to keep pace with her thoughts, only to then reach for the blue pencil, if not the waste-basket. This piece turns into a meditation on transcending our physical shortcomings, and ends striking an unexpected and unresolved chord. Westminster Wisdom offers us a solid treatment of the story of Djuradj, Prince of Montenegro: depending on who you believe, the first writer of love-letters, or a nationalist before the term was invented.

The Morning Star has returned to the ranks of Blogpower, and we are delighted to see him posting once again. He brings us down to earth again with a sober, nay, downright blunt assessment of the venom hurled at two PCSOs, pilloried for not diving into a lake to save a drowning boy. If those in uniform have been warmly treated by our members in this past month, there is a class of public servant who rarely enjoy the same acclaim. Who, indeed, rarely seem to remember that they are there to serve the public. The Morning Star's second nomination comes for his ruminations on a 21st Century Fawkes, a post which lives up to the high standard set by the title. The City Unslicker can see no economic sense in Gordon Brown's actions over Northern Rock, but cynical reasons are all too evident for him. Ordovicius is scathing about Welsh Labour's attempts to reconnect with their electorate. Stan likewise does not stint on the criticism of a US presidential candidate whose artifice and insincerity he excoriates. The Tin Drummer is another welcome revenant, although he has been sadly quiet since he posted on the dangers of "expert" culture superseding democracy. The Fake Consultant advises us how politicians may be given a more clear and immediate understanding of the travails endured by military families, let alone their members in the direct firing line. Indeed, there is not so much talk of the debt owed by the many to the few, these days, but Beaman remembers.

Journalists are far from public servants, but they enjoy, if that is the word, the same sort of popularity among bloggers as do politicians. Benedict White is unimpressed by the Independent on Sunday's spin on what Sayeeda Warsi had to say about BNP voters. Someone was kind enough to nominate the unflattering things I had to say about MSM coverage of Ahmadinejad's visit to the USA, from Fox News on the one hand to The Guardian on the other. The odious Nicky Campbell proves every weekday morning that Radio 1 DJs do not make journalists, however suited their personalities might be. Nevertheless, Colin Campbell - who shares the surname, but nothing else - has proof that Smashey and Nicey are not above misleading the public. Also down in this circle of hell are lawyers, at least those from Schillings: Bel is short and to the point, whereas Matt Wardman delights in the company's spectacular PR cock-up, and comes up with a fabulous punchline.

The most nominated post this month, by quite some way, is Ruthie Zaftig's tale of defying anti-abortionists on campus. Would that we all could show such moral courage in the flesh, rather than just ranting from the safety of a keyboard. Where Ruthie feels these ostensible Christians in fact have nothing in common with Christ's message, Chris Bradley is bemused by an apology, which he feels illustrates Christianity's fundamental hypocrisy. Ruthie is also, deservedly, most nominated blogger, with further plaudits for both her meditation on the homelessness industry and also her piece on why the case of the Jena Six is scarcely comparable to Rosa Parks sitting up the front of the bus. I almost hesitate to append Ellee Seymour's remark: "I cannot think of any reason why women bloggers should be singled out for special attention. At the end of the day, it is the content and personality behind it that counts." Were there still any doubt, the nominations to this roundup should allay them.

If Ruthie was livid at these attempts to discourage women from seeking a particular procedure, CalumCarr is provoked beyond endurance by the refusal of the NHS to take seriously the symptoms of a loved one with a life-threatening illness. Calum is the third of our returning members to feature in this roundup, and we are very glad to have him back. His nomination is a token of the esteem we hold him in, and the support we offer him at an unimaginably difficult time. Lord Nazh is another of our members presently concerned about the health of a family member; he is outraged that a mother should be seeking custody of her children, who she claims need a parental figure having lost their father. At the hands of their mother. The word chutzpah springs to mind.

Welshcakes brings us her account of a visit to a museum; it may sound a banal theme, but I have found it impossible to summarise the many facets in the text of this brilliant post, complemented by a masterful use of illustrations. James Higham shows that even your commute home is full of human interest - don't forget to read on past the fold - and still has change from a ten-rouble note. Rail travel is now hopelessly associated with asses braying "I'm on the train"into their mobiles. James also brings us tips on phone etiquette among business people in Russia. Is this applicable to sparrows? Transport has preoccupied many of our nominees this month, although at first glance I thought it was literacy twinned with illegitimacy that was exercising Jeremy. JMB has also pondered on the vanity plate. AP91EBY is sadly unavailable, not that I have made enquiries, being a firm believer that personalised registration plates not only rob old vehicles of their history, they leave the observer in no doubt about your personal wealth/sense ratio. In a slightly different context, the Thunderdragon would also prefer vehicles not to be seen as indicators of economic status. Shades, meanwhile, supports the notion that your conveyance can show you at an advantage.

As A Dodo specialise in another sort of travel, indeed, travellers to another sort of destination. It was not a good month for music of varied genres: we're all a tenor poorer, despite the Pistols reprising their filthy lucre tour. I saw them at Phoenix in 1996, I've heard pub covers bands do better sets. Of the same songs. John Lydon was taunting the crowd to make better heckles: I can't have been the only one shouting "Ever get the feeling you've been cheated?" His is not the only halo to be tarnished.

Here endeth the second lesson. Nominations open now for the October round-up, which will appear a month or so hence. Please make a note of the address: blogpowerroundup AT googlemail DOT com. Any post published by a blogpower member over the next month is eligible, and anyone, even non-members, can nominate. Vote early, vote often.