It took me about two weeks to write a single entry that I wasn’t even that happy with.The idea of coming up with further entries is stressful, and the fact that it’s something I no longer look forward to doing is telling.

TheFiver was a successful failure. It didn’t make any money — not even enough to pay for its web hosting, and failed rather spectacularly to reach a broad audience. Yet, for me, theFiver fulfilled its purpose: At a time when I was unemployed, it was a project that kept me occupied. It allowed me to flex some coding/WordPress skills, and I was able to improve my photo illustrations to the extent that I could make beloved ’80s sitcom character Alf realistically appear as though he was a backup singer for ’90s band Toad the Wet Sprocket.

Most importantly, it kept me writing, and it was on a topic that I felt passionate about. Although far from perfect, this blog was something I was proud of, and I’d rather stop it now, and not have it become something I feel obligated to continue for no discernible reason.

Thanks go to co-creator Nicole Ouellette, and also to contributors and commentators Kate, Kelly, Barbara, Andrew and Carla, Lea, and Heather. Extra special thanks goes to Brian Hussey, whose rabbit design graces this blog, and is something that I’ve been very proud to display.

Thank you for reading.

And then there’s the 11-year-old girl who plays YYZ on organ:

Yes, Steven, you are the rainbow. Whatever helps you sleep at night.

Not long ago, Apple introduced a new version of its iTunes store. I’m sorry to say that I hate it. It’s messy, overly-busy, and places more emphasis on downloading Twilight than it does on music. One of the things iTunes had going for it was simplicity, but now I’m wondering if navigating bit torrent isn’t less of a hassle.

The iPod/iTunes impact on the music industry is well documented, as is how well Apple promoted its music venture. So, before I eschew the iTunes store in favor of illegal file sharing, let me meditate on what made me dig iTunes and Apple so much.

Top 5 songs used in iTunes commercials

1. “Bruises,” Chairlift

In promoting an iPod Nano available in an array of colors, Apple introduced Chairlift, a band that sounds as if it only recently emerged from the primordial New Wave ooze of the ’80s, although they formed only a few years ago.

2. “1234,” Feist
Apple helped to launch Feist’s career using her fantastic, one-take video for “1234.”

3. “Vertigo,” U2
An interesting variation on the iconic dancing sillohuette iPod commercial, this ad doubles as a promotional for U2’s 2004 album “How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb.” There was even a special edition red and black iPod available for a couple of years. U2 and Apple have since parted ways, with U2 choosing the Blackberry RIM as its digital music partner of choice, reportedly because the band got more creative input with RIM.

Still, that was one hell of a video … advertisement … whatever.

4. “Around The Bend,” The Asteroids Galaxy Tour
With a simplistic but rocking horn groove, raw percussion and bratty vocals, “Around The Bend,” by Danish pop group The Asteroids Galaxy Tour is an ultimate brain-off/party-on song.

5. “Cubicle,” Rinocerose
Is there such a genre as Corporate Electronica, and is that a bad thing? (Answers: “No” and “Yes.”) Still, Rinocerose’s “Cubicle” makes a good companion to a visually impressive ad.

Runners Up: “Someday Baby,” Bob Dylan; “Flathead,” The Fratellis; “Viva La Vida,” Coldplay.