Woody Allen - Genius or class 'A' pervert?

Having only recently discovered Mr. Allen (recently watched and thoroughly enjoyed Match Point) I bought 3 classics from his back catalogue - The Purple Rose of Cairo, Manhattan and Annie Hall and was wondering if anyone has a favourite or previously enjoyed Woody Allen film they could recommend?

Ok, so he married his step-daughter Soon-Yi Previn (adopted daugter of Mia Farrow and Andre Previn) and yes, there was the scandal surrounding this, mainly because of the age difference (his 62 to her 27 years) but you can't deny, he's made some absolute classics....

Thoughts?

SPECIAL - MEW

Ok, so those of your who care to take any notice of my blog will now that at the moment, I am all wrapped up in a certain Danish prog-rock outfit called Mew. This band should be huge. No if's, but's or maybe's - they are special, very special.

So special in fact that we are heading to NYC this July to see them in their first US tour (supporting Bloc Party). Yes, we are driving 10 hours (with friends - Kate/Sean - CAN'T WAIT!!!) they are THAT good....

They recently won an award at the CADS06 Music Video Awards for 'Special' from their most recent album '...And The Glass Handed Kites'. The video is stunning (check it out at their website http://www.mewsite.com/site_fr.html ) and beat Coldplay (directed by Anton Corbijn no less!!!), Gwen S, James Blunt to the best cinematography gong....

Their songs are excellently crafted, delicately pieced together little slices of audio perfection. Just listen to the searing falsetto vocals, the crushing guitars that are peppered throughout proceedings along with crisp, clean production. The dynamics this band creates with just 4 members and this only their 2nd album offering is first rate and hopefully, an indication of what's to come...

Just the 'difficult 3rd album', to record next, with which to conquer the world. Word has it, this mini-support tour is in preparation for a full blown N.American tour later in the year, we live in hope...

Remember the name, it's hard to forget really. Mew will be a band to watch and show huge promise....

If you clicked on the link, listened and watched and would like to pontificate about how great they are too - I'd like to see what you think....surely it's not just me??!! Is it?

World Cup Germany 2006

Well, we are just 1 short, sweet week away from the greatest tournment on earth - The Football World Cup 2006.

This time next week, at time of posting we will be 25 minutes away from England's first game against Paraguay. I'm sure the excitement is brewing just nicely in blighty, or the 'old world', as it's referred to here by certain people (Kevin!)

I'm sure England's media is full of Rooney's broken metatarsal, Eriksson's formation, Beckham's golden balls and Gerrard's supposed dive (probably been forgotten now. Tomorrow is our last friendly - Jamaica (World beaters and no mistake!) and it will be interesting to see if he does revert back to a 4-4-2 and play Crouch with Owen.

Personally, I love the idea of playing a packed 5 man midfield in a 4-5-1 formation with Gerrard and Lampard allowed to play in advanced forward roles leaving Owen as predator in the box where he is best.

Either way, it makes for a great next 4 weeks and I'm pleased to say, Canada is bouncing with anticipation too (the Hockey season end very soon which could be a good reason for this!!). I've already had our visiting friends Andrea and Darrell bring me over some car flags and a nice little England shirt for car and Lynne and Ang have very kindly also sent me over a Liverpool T-Shirt celebrating the 7th FA cup win for the reds (thanks guys!!).

You can take the man out of England, you can't the the English out of the man!!!!!

"3 LIONS ON THE SHIRT, JULES REMET STILL GLEAMING!!!!!!"