I've not been a fan of Sean Penn before. Today I saw Milk - the excellent biographical film about Harvey Milk, a gay activist and the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California as a member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. For those of you that don't know both Milk and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone were assassinated by former supervisor Dan White on 27 November 1978. I'm overwhelmed by the portrayal by Penn - and commend it to you highly. It's not yet in the UK, but won't be long I'm sure. I predict Oscar nomination at the very least.

This was the second film I saw during my trip here - the first also being wonderful, Cadillac Records. This film explores the musical era from the early 1940s to the late 1960s, chronicling the life of the influential Chicago-based record-company executive Leonard Chess, and the singers who recorded for Chess Records - majoring on the career of Muddy Waters. Great performances - and Beyonce is stunning, I never thought anyone could portray (and sing like) Etta James so successfully. Again - required viewing!

So, two great films. Just one week in New York. It was damn cold too, so very sensibly I kept inside a lot - thanks to all of you who made my trip so successful. Rumour is that (depending on a number of other factors) there might be a birthday celebration at 1984 at the Pyramid Club in July. What the hell?! My feet are still aching from all the dancing I did on Friday - yes, Simon dancing! You can tell the music was from the 1980s and early 1990s, wonderful.

I'll be back soon. In the meantime you've all at least 2 great films to see.