The Oscars Are Coming ...

Selflessly and without hope of praise or adulation, The Optimist has been trekking back and forth to the Cinema in a bid to see this year's Oscars forerunners - so that you, readers, can enjoy this award favourites special. Please, don't thank me.

Two Door Cinema Club - Golden Veins

The Optimist has found your new favourite song. Turn it up, dance around the house - leave the curtains open - let the neighbours see!

Inside Llewyn Davis

First things first; this film is downbeat - no doubt about that. It opens with a song about a hanging and looks as if it was all shot on one long drizzly Thursday. If you're expecting a happy-go-lucky musical, you'll be disappointed. If you're in the mood for a thought-provoking, darkly funny, ultimately heart-warming bit of cinema, you'll love it as much as I did.

Today I am mostly listening to ...

Mark Beaumont of NME gave this album a 0/10 review. Not because it's bad you understand, but because it's destined to earn the talented musician a few more Brit Awards. The write-up actually contained the line "I wish I could say there's a place in Hell reserved for Tom Odell" - You'll be glad to know that The Optimist, like any other civilised human being, doesn't stand for that kind of misplaced bitterness.

An Optimistic Advent Calendar - Day 24

I hope you've enjoyed spending December with The Optimist, and today's final advent offering is sure to bring a smile to your face.

An Optimistic Advent Calendar - Day 23

Ding Dong Merrily on High! Welcome to day 23 of 'An Optimistic Advent Calendar'. From now until the 24th, I'll be bringing you a daily dose of Christmas cheer by sharing all sorts of festive makes and bakes, things to see and do and of course, lots of pretty pictures - all served up with an extra handful of seasonal sparkle. So pop back tomorrow for a final look.

An Optimistic Advent Calendar - Day 22

Ding Dong Merrily on High! Welcome to day 22 of 'An Optimistic Advent Calendar'. From now until the 24th, I'll be bringing you a daily dose of Christmas cheer by sharing all sorts of festive makes and bakes, things to see and do and of course, lots of pretty pictures - all served up with an extra handful of seasonal sparkle. So pop back tomorrow for another look.