Mrs S. and I went to the cinema tonight to see "The Artist". All I can say is that it is one of the best movies I have seen in a long time, it was simply wonderful. It's a silent movie, so it may put people off, but cast aside your indifference and see it, it is worth it. The two leads were perfect with an air of handsomeness and beauty set against male pride and instant love.

This review sums up exactly how we viewed the film.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/film/2011/dec/22/the-artist-film-review

It should win many awards for its style, and in the time of 3D and action movies, for bravery too.

Did anybody see this last night? Written by Charlie Brooker. I thought it was really good (but slightly nuts), but trying to explain what it was about to Mrs S. this morning was met with a very strange look. The best bit was the look of revulsion and fascination by those who were watching the "unspeakable act" on the TV's in pubs or at home.

I think I'll give bacon a miss for a while, though.

I've only just recently started watching this programme (it passed me by for some reason), and I (and the GLW) now love it. Sharp, funny writing and great characters (Phil is wonderful...particularly his interaction with his son and his attempts to be hip, cool and the polar opposite of his bossy wife).

Oh and of course, Sofia Vergara...wow!

Try and catch it if you can, it's on Sky 1.

The Guardian had a piece online about it today
http://www.guardian.co.uk/tv-and-radio/2011/nov/15/modern-family-your-ne...

It's summer holidays time, and the GLW, the lil' rascal and me are heading to Cornwall (cottage just outside St. Austell) on Friday for a week.

Can I ask the Massive for suggestions on things to do.
The lil' rascal is 2 years old so any outdoor, kids activities are always welcome (Parks, beaches, animals etc.).
We have the Eden Project, Monkey Sanctuary and Heligan gardens on our list so far.
I adore Cornish pasties so any recommendations on good places to sample would also be appreciated...and if I get a chance, good local beer suggestions too.

Thanks
David

A few years ago there was a Word of Mouth Cd that had a cover of Bruce's I'm On Fire...I think it was Susanna someone...can anyone help?...it was a great version.

Some help from the Massive please.

I am heading down to London for a long weekend this weekend coming with Mrs S. and young Junior.
Junior is 2 years old so any advice on what we can do to keep him amused while we are there.
We are staying in Kew, so we are aware of Kew Gardens, we are meeting friends there on Sunday.

Thanks

What next?...Van Morrison baking some nice scones, David Bowie cooking a tasty Sunday roast?

Having been in the US for 5 years, I'm heading back to the UK early next year.

I have a lot of music on my I-tunes US site.

Can I store this music on a exterior harddrive and then download it all to the UK i-tunes site?

I'm not going to face any problems am I?

Any advice is appreciated.

Wonderful

(If you get a chance watch the movie "Downfall", where this is taken from).

Any ideas for any books on music that the Word massive can recommend.
I'm trying to come up for ideas for Christmas, for me of course.

Rob Fitzpatrick has covered terrible band names elsewhere, so what about band names that work...you read the name out loud and think "That's a winner"

Here's a few I like:

- Sonic Youth
- Teenage Fanclub
- Nightmares on Wax
- Broken Social Scene
- Daft Punk
- Hot Chip

Remember its not about whether you like the music, its on the name only....

Any good albums coming out soon that I should be keeping my ears open for?
Particularly interested in knowing when Portishead and Morrissey are planning to release new material.
Portishead, I heard were planning a new album this year, which has a been a long time coming, in a Stone Roses kind of way.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

It is mainly music chat here but would be interested in hearing from fellow Wordies on their cinematic favourites of the year.

If you are interested here are mine
1. Once - gorgeous music and a "love" story chucked in on a low budget
2. No Country for Old Men - if Javier Bardem doesn't win an Oscar there is no justice...The Coen Brothers back to their best.
3. American Gangster - Denzel Washington on top form as always.
4. Bourne Identity - non-stop "blink and you'll miss it" action
5. Michael Clayton - an intelligent thriller with great performances from Clooney, Wilkinson and Swinton.

...and you?

Ok, I'm getting married next year and would appreciate some ideas on music that will get the guests up and grooving.
I know the esteemed Word Podcast gents have discussed "party tunes" but any further contributions would be most welcome.
Any party starters?
Any clear the dancefloor tunes to avoid?