Classic Movie Answers

Classic Movie Answers is a new blog dedicated to answering all kinds of questions about the classic films we love.

How old was Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz? Which actor said, "Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn"? Is The Godfather based on a book? Check in regularly for facts, trivia, questions and answers on the all-time classic movies from Hollywood, Britain and beyond.

New blog for writing tips, freelance advice

The Good Writing Blog provides "freelance advice and writing tips from a good writer who aspires to greatness." Click here for good writing tips and advice.

My top picks so far:

Finding freelance writing jobs and avoiding scams on Craigslist

Quick ways to start publishing your writing online

Writerliness and being writerly

What is a public notary?

A public notary is given the authority to act as an official witness to important documents. If you need a notary to witness something such as a permission or consent form, read this tutorial to find out more: How to write a notarized letter or statement.

Benefits of Good Translation

You can't afford to cut corners when it comes to translation: Communication matters. In a series of translation articles on Suite101, find out the marketing benefits of translation for your niche business, and discover the value of hiring a professional translator.

Companies in North America need to be wary of language restrictions and laws, especially when trading with Canada. For some important information on the subject, see Language and Bilingual Laws for Businesses in the US and Canada.

Ricky Gervais will play Mole

Ricky Gervais seems to be a bit of a love-hate figure, doesn't he? The British comedian has now been cast as the voice of Mr Mole in the upcoming movie adaptation of The Wind in the Willows (2012). Definitely a role that requires a bit of loveability.

Read more at HubPages: Ricky Gervais cast as Mr Mole in The Wind in the Willows

Latest Film Reviews

I've loved the books of Roald Dahl ever since I read classics like George's Marvellous Medicine, The Twits and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory as a youngster. There have been a handful of movie adaptations of his stories, too. For a rundown, check out Roald Dahl Movies on DVD & Blu-ray.

Other recent reviews include two Christmas movies: A Christmas Carol (1984): Movie Review and Santa Claus: The Movie (1985): Film Review.

Finally, TCM has a great DVD set for anyone looking for an introduction to Hammer horror. For details of the collection, see TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection: Hammer Horror: DVD Review.

Elgin Theatre, Toronto

I've only been out east for just over a year, and I'd never heard of the Elgin Theatre and Winter Garden in Toronto until yesterday. It looks like a fabulous piece of architecture, though--on my must-see list for next time I travel up to the big TO. Read more at Suite101: Elgin Theatre, Toronto: History, Shows and Visitor Info

Hammer Horror 101

2010 has seen the passing of two Hammer horror greats: director Roy Ward Baker and scream queen Ingrid Pitt. It's time to educate yourself on the output of the great British Gothic horror studio, which made such classics as Dracula, The Curse of Frankenstein and The Devil Rides Out. Read my introduction to the Hammer horror films at Squidoo: Hammer Horror 101

Pentecostal Beliefs: An Introduction

The main belief that sets Pentecostals apart from other Christians is the doctrine of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, an experience of God's power available to all believers following conversion. Speaking in tongues--other languages, human or heavenly--is the main evidence of this experience, according to traditional (or classical) Pentecostals. To find about more about Pentecostal beliefs and practices, read here: Suite 101: Pentecostal Beliefs: An Introduction

Gremlins (1984): Movie Review

A cute pet spawns a legion of monsters in this 1984 horror-comedy from director Joe Dante and producer Steven Spielberg.

The movie could have been darker, but Spielberg reportedly steered the production in a more family-oriented direction. The result still has a few scares, however, and Gremlins remains a lot of fun today, providing ... [Read more at Hub Pages: Gremlins (1984): Movie Review]

Is Operation Repo Fake or Real?

Is Operation Repo Fake or Real?

Snow Day Ideas

Looking for ideas for family activities when you're snowed in?

Read: Snow Day Ideas: Take Advantage When the Snow Hits

Snow Day Ideas: Top Five Tips for When You're Snowed In

Love Never Dies: The Changes

After being open less than nine months, Love Never Dies, the stage sequel to the hit musical The Phantom of the Opera, has been given a revamp. The production opened in London's West End in March 2010 to mixed reviews and a barrage of complaints from die-hard "Phans" of the original show. Criticisms ranged from the banality of Glenn Slater's lyrics to the improbable plot turns and character twists of Ben Elton's story and book.

To rescue the show, impresario and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber shut down performances for three weeks in November so the cast could rehearse a new version ... [Read more at Hub Pages: Love Never Dies: The Changes]

Read Edgar Allan Poe Online

Need to Find Edgar Allan Poe's Poems on the Web?

Finding Edgar Allan Poe poems online is thankfully pretty easy, since Poe's works are out of copyright--the American literary giant died in 1849. If you need to read Poe's fiction, poetry or short works for your school essay, college term paper, university research paper or just for the sheer delight of enjoying a master of the macabre ... [Read more at Hub Pages: Read Edgar Allan Poe Poems Online]

Best Liverpool Attractions

Five Great Places to Visit in Liverpool, England

It was for good reason that the European Union designated Liverpool its 2008 City of Culture. Although to many people Liverpool is all about The Beatles and Liverpool Football Club, there's so much more to explore and discover in this historic city. ... [Read about Liverpool Cathedral, the Walker Art Gallery and more at Hub Pages: Best Liverpool Cultural Attractions]

The Wind in the Willows: New Movie Remake

A look at Kenneth Grahame's book The Wind in the Willows, its film and TV adaptations, and the Ray Griggs/Weta Workshop film version, due out in 2012.

Director Ray Griggs turns his hand to an established classic of children's literature for his next movie, adapting Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows. With the help of Weta Workshop, the special effects giant behind Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings trilogy, Griggs will breathe life into Ratty, Mole, Mr. Toad and Badger, along with a host of other well-known animal characters.

The Wind in the Willows: The Book

In The Wind in the Willows, the Scottish author Kenneth Grahame (1859-1932) combined a sense of ... [Read more at Suite 101: The Wind in the Willows: 2012 Movie Remake]

Vampire Circus on DVD & Blu-Ray at Last

Classic 1972 Hammer Horror on DVD December 2010

Horror film fans can't wait to get their fangs into the new DVD and Blu-Ray combo release of the classic Vampire Circus. Made in 1972, the film is one of the most adult tales ever put out by Hammer Films, the studio best-known for Gothic horrors such as The Curse of Frankenstein (1957), Horror of Dracula (1958) and ... [Read more at Hub Pages: Vampire Circus on DVD & Blu-Ray]

What Is a Sectional?

In Glee, the hit Fox TV show about a high school "glee club," Will always seems to be telling people to "get ready for sectionals." It's almost a running gag. But in case you're not a regular "Gleek," what is a sectional?

If you've ever belonged to a glee club, a choir, a band or an orchestra, you'll know that a sectional is ... [Read more at Hub Pages: What Is a Sectional?]

What Is a Pentecostal?

What is a Pentecostal church? What is a Pentecostal Christian? What do Pentecostals believe?

Pentecostals are evangelical Christians who believe in an experience of God's power called the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, an event usually accompanied by speaking in tongues or other supernatural ... [Read more at Hub Pages: What Is a Pentecostal?]

Who Was the Best Scrooge?

We're still in November, but in a few days, this author will be eagerly dusting off his Christmas DVDs and settling down with a carton of eggnog to enjoy a handful of movie adaptations of A Christmas Carol.

The British character actor Alastair Sim has traditionally claimed the title of best Scrooge, for his sterling performance in the 1951 film. But does he deserve the accolade, or are there other actors who have excelled in the role? The competition is surprisingly fierce.

One of the earliest screen Scrooges was Seymour Hicks, in the ... [Read more at Hub Pages: Scrooge: Which Actor Played Him Best?]