(Elizabeth) Keanu, living proof that anyone can learn to play electric bass and chew gum at the same time... LOL!! All of them are sooooooooo good. I might as well have highlighted them all. back away from the barbeque *snicker* And that last one. Holy Moly!!

Ya see, was I lying when I said on the invite about all the celebs? Don't know why this party isn't being covered by a photographer. ;-)

(Lindak) I know what I want. I think the prototype was just posted. I like the Italian Stallion best if I scroll down until his head is just above the frame. Lacking a paper bag, this makes it much more enjoyable for me! ;-) And by the way, would that be underwear or a swim suit, because if it's the latter, I'm concerned about waves. (Lisa) I hope eight is not too many. Absolutely not! Three and seven are my favorites. Sweet dreams, indeed!! Thanks, everyone!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I CAN HONESTLY SAY I HAVEN'T HAD SUCH A FUN DAY IN A LONG, LONG, TIME. YOU ARE ALL SO WONDERFULLY TALENTED. I WILL REMEMBER THIS WONDERFUL DAY FOR A LONG TIME TO COME. THANK YOU AGAIN. Sweet Dreams Everyone.

What a party ladies! I just had breakfast with "Je Suis un Rock Star." They are so funny, Elizabeth! It was great to have them along. complaining about the absence of beer, no doubt. Not for long. The all agreed on Jack Daniels. ;-) Cheers, Firthettes. See you next year, Colin! :-D

I am too sad. I keep poking my head in here hoping there are echoes of yesterday but they are all gone...siiiiiigggggghhhhhh A Bridget Jones wannabe is slumped over the bar updating her alcohol units in a PDA (won't calculate my own) and the janitors are sweeping up. I swipe a popped balloon and an orchid off a lei to tuck in my memory book, run my fingers through the last of the icing from the birthday cake and determine to mark my calendar for next year. This was the best. You guys sure know how to throw a party.

Hi I'm Jen and I'm new here. Happy belated birthday Colin!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome, Jen. Hope you were around for the party (Barb)I am too sad. I keep poking my head in here hoping there are echoes of yesterday but they are all gone. I know what you mean. I'm having party withdrawl-it's worse than a hang over-but the memories are wonderful.

Sorry, I've been busy supervising the clean-up crew. Wow! Did this rowdy bunch make a mess here. They charged me extra. And a number of the crystal glasses were missing. Who took 'em? Who took 'em. Welcome Jen! Join on on the regular, active topics, like 163, where we discuss Colin on a daily basis.

Hi Jenn ...

Welcome, Jen!

You're in the best place Jen, Welcome. Hmmn Karen, what else was found in the middle of the debris? Anything red, white and green ? ;-)

(Lizza) Anything red, white and green ? ;-) The image of something in those colors is indelibly etched on my brain!

(Lizza) Anything red, white and green ? ;-) Found it tied to someone's toe. She was passed out in the corner and it was like a toe-tag. ;-)

She was passed out in the corner No prizes for guessing.... not even a pearl earring;-)

Hello again. Thankyou v. much for your welcome *goes off to topic 163*

Only how many days left? We do need a theme. Any suggstions? I wonder if this fragment of a quote from today ("overly obtuse and cryptic to being boringly prosaic and explanatory") will spawn any ideas? Ants in his pants?

Oh Karen! You've opened up the room! Talk of the TFF and the dates, I knew this could not be far behind! (Getting excited just thinking about it!)

...(Karen)Ants in his pants? LOL, looks like turning the ship around has produced vibrations;-) Can it be a year, already? Wow! Looks like 21 days and counting.

(Linda), LOL, looks like turning the ship around has produced vibrations;-) I do believe someone did listen. ;-) (Karen)Ants in his pants? But does he? Canada is like a second home. (CF) but it�s gratifying to know some people realise my range is still broad. This could be fun to work with too. ;-) Ahem. ;-)))))

The ad hoc Party Planning Committee was inspired by Colin's statement that "it's gratifying to know some people realise my range is still broad." Therefore, our 2003 theme is...drumroll please: The Range is broad aka Home, Home on the Range or I'm Back in the Saddle Again! This should be good. ;-D

Capital! Capital! I'm Back in the Saddle Again! LOL! Now that tune is stuck in my head. :-)

I'm Back in the Saddle Again! (Dorind)LOL! Now that tune is stuck in my head. :-) Well, I've got Home, Home on the Range if that's any better ;-) The saddle tune makes me think something in the line of western (hopefully not as ridiculous (sp?) as in RV) ;-P My first ODB birthdayparty ever - Yeppeee

Like I said, lots of possibilities with this theme. ;-)))

...back in the saddle, huh? (Annette)(hopefully not as ridiculous (sp?) as in RV) LOL, that came to my mind as well...;-) Ok bucko...I'll give it a try.

Yeehaw! :-DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

Only four more days!!

Ah! The anticipation mounts!

It's midnight here in HK, so I'm very very honoured to announce the party 2003 has started. First of all, let me say it: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COLIN!! You deserve every good thing in the world! Why? Because you ARE one of them! Okay, now, the present. With the theme of this year's party on my mind, I found this Chinese landscape painting: It's painted by an Italian priest, Giuseppe Castiglione, in the early 18th century. Hope this can give a little bit special "home" feeling to you, Colin. And look, I also have something for the party! For this year, the big day is only one day before the Mid-Autumn Festival. Therefore, I bring you some traditional food for this Chinese festival. First, mooncakes: And starfruit: And of course, bottles of wine (though they're not Chinese food, they match perfectly with mooncakes): Hope you like it. Let's party and have fun!! (me go to sleep now. :))

Just a reminder: Our 2003 birthday party theme, THE RANGE IS BROAD is inspired by Colin's recent statement, "it's gratifying to know some people realise my range is still broad." Thankfully, the pencil dick line was cut from LA. ;-) Yeehaw!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Love the mooncakes and other delicacies, Josie. A little appetizer before the big blowout event later, which starts at midnight Colin's time (which would be British Daylight Time (an hour before GMT). Also, try to keep the K-size of the images you post down to a manageable level. Loading will be a bitch for many people as the day is image-intensive and they don't read the new messages every hour on the hour. Your computer will be coughing and spitting by the end of the day. So under 100K is a good rule of thumb. Hmmmm, I think that's about all I can think of...for now. (only small corner of blanket is wet) ;-D

Since it's after midnight in the UK, I thought I'd bring along some goodies for us to enjoy while we wrap our pressies for Colin's birthday celebration. I'm wrapping mine as we speak. There is plenty for everyone so Enjoy! An assortment of White Wines from Umbria to start and a bit of Creme Brulle to end

(Karen) A little appetizer before the big blowout event later, which starts at midnight Colin's time (which would be British Daylight Time (an hour before GMT). Also, try to keep the K-size of the images you post down to a manageable level. ..So under 100K is a good rule of thumb. Oh, sorry. :-P Thanks for letting me know. I shall take extra care about it next time. And to express my apology, here're some hor d'oeuvre: However, I still have no regret to start the celebration early. :-))

So git along little doggie and Parteeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!

I thought I'd brew up some coffee for the celebration. Hope this is enough for all the ladies at their computers.

*hee hee hee* with all that coffee, don't you think you should provide a catheter? [Please no pictures necessary]

Giddyyap...I'm coming back to my roots....

Duke Wayne here. Now listen, and listen good. I understand that your ideal role is that of a stuttering masturbatory village pervert. Can�t quite see it myself, but what the heck. The only way you�re gonna rustle up a character like that is to take the bull by the horns and start your own production company: Stuttering Masturbatory Village Pervert Productions, or SMVP Productions for short. Now that you�ll be able to develop this role, let me give you another hint. Basically it comes down to two archetypes: The Stutterer and The Masturbatory Village Pervert. Happy Trails, partner, and Happy Birthday, too! (With apologies to any Pee Wee fans out there�.)

Trying to adapt to �the range is broad�, I thought I�d provide some breakfast, whether you like the picturesque stile or just Coco Pops And � no birthdaybreakfast without a rose: this is my first b-party, so I�m still learning ;-)

Here's some bubbly to get you well into a party mood, Colin ... ... And for your gift, here's something you've always wanted -- your very own Mark Rothko!! ... .. And here's another one... ... and yet another one. ... Don't worry about finding wall space for them -- they're only on loan ...(Couldn't afford the few mil each would go for...) ...Thanks for broadening *our* art range !... ... Stare at them as much as you want while you have a ...

If he's back in London, unfortunately it was a bit of a dreary start to the day, but now the showers are clearing. Although he's likely still across the pond. In honour of today, and reflecting the fact that I just discovered I have an NTSC enabled tv and vcr, last night I got to watch the Lisa Tape for the very first time (and it was a riot!). It inspired me, actually, not to wish him sunny skies at home in London on this day, but to wish him back Home on the Range -- of west Texas that is. god I hope these photos work having not done it successfully before Since he apparently enjoyed it so much in his youth, what with the snow and everything. And Big Bend National Park. So Colin, glad you are back in the saddle, and am immensely looking forward to what some of the lucky ladies on here have already seen - the results of your non-specific selection criteria in the recent past!

Oh and HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I missed the important part =)

Happy birthday Colin ! I'm just that you have talent to give your characters depth and good looks. Enjoy your day!

Happy Birthday Colin!!!

Happy Birthday Colin!!!!

Something strange is going on here with my computer. Want to say that I have no art, no wine, no tasty snacks, Just these wishes.... May this year bring you: A producer with a great book who is not convinced that every movie has to appeal to the teenagers to make money A screenwriter who knows what to keep and what to throw away and a casting director who appreciates your value as we do. Many Happy Returns Of The Day

As usual, I'm late for the party :( But, I just wanted to say happy, happy b-day, Colin!!!! ***SMOOOOCH***

Last year the accepted mode of travel, for your party was a ship. This year, in honor of your birthday, dear Colin, I thought another means of travel would be more appropriate to cover that very broad range. Also, I've stocked the wagon with all sorts of goodies to help you navigate your way back to the saddle. Here is your first present, one at a time, it's going to be a long day. This is the Tex Tan Tex Flex Pleasure Saddle It's the "extra" wide model; built to accommodate more than one. So hopefully it will live up to its name. Enjoy! and, Happy Trials!

The Range is broad... (All together now!) How broad is it?!!! Happy Birthday Dear Boy!

...ooooh, those breeches will go well with the Tex Tan Tex Flex. Colin

(and that would be the Tex Tan Tex Flex model that Linda gave me)

Dear Colin, I wish you a happy birthday.May all your dreams come true.

That's OK, didn't I mention that I'll be here as long as you need me for lessons on how to use that Tex Tan Tex Flex Pleasure Saddle? Practice makes perfect. ...this is going to be more fun than kissing lessons.

Ooops! This was supposed to go up much early. Must be a little tzdrait with all the excitement. ;-D

So your back in the saddle? Happy 43rd Birthday, Colin! Be reassured that I always knew your range to be broad. Angry Colin and one of our favourites, Colin in costume with Pearl Earring Now don�t point your finger at me, you know that I prefer you in costume, Mr. Darcy. You know I always bring the music to your party. So I got Steven Tyler and the Aerosmith gang to start the party with �Back in the Saddle� Getting back on topic. I googled �The Range is Broad� and came up with some very good tips which may help you with future roles: If the range is broad, therapeutic drug monitoring becomes relevant. The range is broad: denims pants and jackets, tees, shirts, tops, pants and knits. If the range is broad, it can be traded by somebody who is going short near the top and going long near the bottom. The range is broad and the analysis largely methodical and balanced. �but the range is broad and encompasses many styles. You will see that the range is broad�from physics to theater, from business to biology. The range is broad, shifting slowly, constantly over time. And to end it all, the other one I like to call, �the man himself� David Bowie, the original �Chchchchch Changes� one. May you find inspiration with many character changes in the future. Je t�embrasse comme toujours and remain yours ever. Have a very Happy Birthday

LOL Moon! I can't believe you actually found my Colin on greyhound pic. ;-D If the range is broad, therapeutic drug monitoring becomes relevant. I think we all know what a mind on drugs looks like:

Hey dude....Happy Birthday.... Even cowboys get the blues.... Blue suit, that is... From http://www.usbluesware.com/ebay/8-18/mvc-417f.jpg And just to keep up with your new style... Baci, Baci.. Colin for all the entertainment you give us through the year... And thanks to all the Drooleurs. Hey, Let's Never Grow-Up.

Drum Roll.... Here it is....

Now, Evelyn, you do realise that the jacket should have three buttons and smaller lapels? I want those little flat boots, too cute! If the range is broad, therapeutic drug monitoring becomes relevant. (Karen), I think we all know what a mind on drugs looks like: ROTF! My thoughts exactly!

(Moon) Now, Evelyn, you do realise that the jacket should have three buttons and smaller lapels? Aw....dudes don't know no difference;-)

(Moon) Now, Evelyn, you do realise that the jacket should have three buttons and smaller lapels? Hang on, a few surprise guests have arrived. I think they can settle this dilemma

Where do you think yer goin, birthday boy? Get back on me and start, er, flexing yer pleasure! Powerful dry 'round here, anyone up for a whistle wettin'?

I see the QE guys are here, daarling! And while we're on the subject of fashion... Colin, please don't wear these with your dark suit. Not brown!

I thought I might expand the range past the "Wild West" to the "Wilds of Northern Africa and Central Asia." We know you have the ability! Such a broad range of talents! Here's a lovely antique two seater saddle frame. Good for taking the boys out for a ride... ...and all of the exciting lessons Linda has prepared for you. ;-) Happy birthday, dear Colin!

Cryptic Quotations Inc. formerly known as "Weeeeell, what has he got himself into now" Inc. (and recently renamed after a vicious takeover by The Double-Entendre Co.) is proud to present its very own reading of Mr. F.'s: "it's gratifying to know some people realise my range is still broad" This quote-du-jour had our best brains working feverishly for the past few days, and after careful examination, cross-examination, and passionate debate (not to mention barrels of choice beer and cartons of exotic cigarettes), we at Cryptic have narrowed down the options to a very likely interpretation in view of what he has achieved this year : mr. f. was definitely *not* refering to his weight : the bjd2 reports were mentionning only ms. z.'s complimentary donuts, and not even a leaf of salad for him (talk about a tight budget) mr. f. was not refering either to this monstruous new side of his skills re: suit and shoe color matching : in fact, we had trouble invalidating this one, since the pen pix showed a laid back version of the very same desastrous match (btw watch out for new ones next year, how about mixing burnt orange and shocking pink ?) mr. f. was definitely not refering to some ("wohoho, next year, elbow patches !") nasty comments at the shocking admission that he only has one good suit in his closet (albeit blue) : after all, the trauma pix were proof enough that he can vary the wardrobe as well as the answers (go chuckies, go !) in fact, what a surprise, one of our team members suggested he might actually be refering to his acting abilities. but of course ! acting abilities, broad range and all that, hmhmmm... so, we brought back from the 2002-2003 time vault the very evidence of this "broadening of his range". we sincerely hope this blinding demonstration will allow the man a first class ticket to thespian heaven (in an as-late-as-possible future). i believe you all know the first one quite well by now, no preliminary explanation necessary then, let the power of the image convince you we are right : Fig. 1 : Wiggle King but you are probably less familiar with this fresh approach : the thrilling originality, the nuanced performance is admirable. i have to say our animators at Cryptic are very very happy to witness this u-turn in your career, mr. f. : it is so much more exciting afterwards to get animatronicolins with *ants in their pants* rather than ole-grumpy-who-looks-like he-swallowed-a-porcupine-and-cannot-get-rid-of-it-and-who-doesn't-even-flex-a-muscle-except-when-showing-off-while-riding-a-horse . hey, i heard you back there, shut up and get back to work you lazy animators ! ah, peace and quiet, that's better, here's our second piece of evidence of the "broadenang range thang" : Fig. 2 : Bouncy Boy very impressive i must say... We at Cryptic believe that if he would exercice a little, he might be able to combine the two moves and become the next cha-cha god this side of the universe. until then, we suggest that he has himself a happy bouncy birthday. and of course, keep up the good suit. errr, sorry, work.

Brilliant, brilliant!!! Kudos to vouz at Cyptic. ;-D

Fantastic, Sophie, you rock! Colin, did you know the range extends here too: Home, home on the range... Hurry up now boy, ya hear? We know you love that Country (hic), music.

ROTFCyptic (Moon)And while we're on the subject of fashion... Colin, please don't wear these ... with your dark suit. Not brown! Or go to nice stodgy Mossbros For these

Happy Birthday Had hoped to bring a cake to the birthday bash but not able to post the cake!

Happy Birthday, Colin! Sure, it's great to see you back in the saddle. But to really explore that broad range - to fully rove over it, one might say - you're going to need something with a little more than one horsepower. So I'm sending you a special gift:       You can ride it downstream to new roles and challenges       It can keep you from getting mired in the mud.       And above all, if you find yourself getting stuck in a rut, it can pull you out!

Ok, time for more gifts from that covered wagon of pleasure... This is the E Z mount stirrup. I've included the instructions, as well. Don't want you falling off, again. Place your foot in the bottom bar and mount as usual. ...and to go along with your Tex Tan Tex Flex-- The Easy Rider Seat System-with instructions, of course Reversible -- one side non-slip; the other side, smooth. For those who like more freedom, this seat saver makes long rides more pleasurable. Absorbs shock and grips. Also will not absorb sweat or water. Makes old, hard seated saddles a pleasure to ride.

Looks to me like he might need this one

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear Colin You can put your boots under my bed ANYTIME you're in range!!!

Dear Colin , Hippo birdie 2u, Hippo birdie 2u , Hippo birdie dear Colin Hippo birdie 2u! Really sorry not to post your cake but my technical range is not as broad as I would like however have a super day, wonderful week and successful year.

Hello ladies. Knowing your great interest in my son, I thought I'd share a little something I found buried in a cupboard. While in America, we took a lovely roadtrip through the Wild Wild West, and David put together an album of our experiences many years ago. Colin did manage to write several notes next to some of the pictures when we returned to England, despite having to endure being called "The American" by his classmates. It was a horrible ordeal for him, but I expect he has forgotten about it now. As an aside, Jon and Kate were so over the moon about the trip that they insisted on wearing costumes throughout. Perhaps I should have recognised how that would foreshadow their career choices. Colin seemed more interested in rock music at the time, and I caught him--more than once--pretending to be a rock star in front of the hallway mirror. After our little holiday, I had him working at one of the soup kitchens once a week. He had too much idle time, if he could dance in front of mirrors. I worried what he would become. :-( Here is a map of the initial path of our trip: Starting out in St Louis, we took the older, scenic Route 66 west to Amarillo, instead of the bigger motorways. We stopped at many lovely and convenient modern establishments along the way, like this one: I think the children liked the orange tabletops nearly as much as the ice cream. I wasn't terribly fond of some of the waitpersons. Cracking gum sets such a bad example for the children. I can't remember precisely which town this was taken in, but Colin managed to snap a few pictures of these men in a flashy sports car. Note from Colin: These guys were totally cool and so was the Vette, not like the bloody station wagon we were driving. Quite a bit of the landscape looked like this: and we had to be careful so the undercarriage of the car didn't get tangled up with the loose ones blowing across the road. In West Texas, we exited the highway for a real look at the countryside on our way south to San Antonio. Colin's eyes appeared to glaze over during this portion of the trip. I don't believe he recalls the hundreds and hundreds of miles of this particular landscape. No matter. However, these photos of the Western sky made up for it all: Aren't those lovely? When we arrived in San Antonio, our first stop was The Alamo. For some reason, Colin wanted a coonskin cap as he had seen in the movie, but we refused. There are many people starving in Africa, you know. A cowboy hat would be slightly more practical. Apparently, he snatched the camera away from his father again, possibly a little adolescent rebellion. Note from Colin: Hot babes in odd costumes. Serves them right. None of the children would pose for the camera in front of the Alamo. They all appear to be camera shy in front of people. Something they must have gotten over, given their choice of careers. Some very lovely scenery when we arrived at Big Bend National Park: Note from Colin: I did get that cowboy hat and was made to pose hear those rocks, but I've removed the picture from this album. I know how travelogues typically bore one's friends and relatives, so I'll sign off now and perhaps join you again sometime with my recollections. Regards, Shirley

Ladies, who are hoot, all of you. I'm sitting here laughing my head off. I wish I had more time to come up with something and knew how to post it. Oh well, next year I suppose. So let me just be pathetically simple... HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLIN!!!

I know how travelogues typically bore one's friends and relatives, Thank you, Shirley. No, no, no...we're never bored around here. Colin's broad range seems to have been inspired years ago. (Colin)Hot babes in odd costumes. Serves them right. LOL...You know all about that, don't you? Thanks, Karen, for inviting Shirley and her travelogue to the party.

Shirley, indeed this is a privilege that you would share family memories such as these! Come and share any more if you'd like! *I'm sorry... I was laughing so hard I bit the inside of my cheek... ow!*

Psst , hey Shirley......you forgot to take pics of our outhouses.

ROTFLOL! Shirley, so nice of you to drop by. Looking forward to more pictures and insights.

Too bad they didn't stop by my house ;-)

From our own herd of Foolish Antelope: ;-D

(Evelyn) Too bad they didn't stop by my house ;-) Ha ha!! Maybe it was because you were hanging around the Boyz in the Hood back in Saint Louie ;-D

Since the party is outdoors, it is nice to know we have a full moon tonight. Tonight's full moon, the harvest moon, will flood the twilight sky with natural light just after sunset, providing folks a few extra hours to complete outside chores. Unlike the rest of the year, the nearly full moon will continue to rise shortly after sunset for the next several days. These consecutive evenings of moonlight-filled twilight sky prompted ancient European farmers to name this particular full moon the harvest moon, explained Chester. The moniker is given to the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox. Those nice farmers and their coffee beans.

I have a home, Where no buffalo roam, Even though I live in the middle of Kansas. My homes in the city, But please don�t feel pity, Buffaloes smell and really shed much!!! From the city to the prairie, And all points in between, Happy Birthday Colin!!!

Moon Tonight's full moon, the harvest moon, will flood the twilight sky with natural light just after sunset, providing folks a few extra hours to complete outside chores. ....or a few extra hours of moonbeams and moondreams!! How about our handsome, virile birthday boy in a Western out on the Open Range....???

For the "American" boy on his Birthday!

Colin, I'm so excited, I can't even say boo, Hey looky, this is my B'Day wish for you!

Actually love it, Ildi! I just hope he wears a real bowtie when if it happens.;-) Birthday cake looks delish. The "Open Range" Martini Bar is officially open.

Shirley did manage to discover where the picture had been hidden:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLIN! For your birthday I'm sending you the latest self-help book for actors. It's entitled Spot The Clunker or How To Avoid Bad Scripts Like The Plague. This should be required bedtime reading to counteract the influence of *friends* who say they've seen a script that has your name written on it.

You are good Karen! LOL!

Hey, Colin, dude, Pack your new birthday boots, your new birthday saddle, your new birthday spurs, and come on over to our big event. We'll celebrate your birthday with a big, ol' Texas welcome BBQ and lots of hootin' and hollering'. Then, we'll mosey on down and enjoy the show. Then, we'll have some more fun out on the Katy prairie with the Zellwegers. Then, we can all sit by the campfire and sing songs, and roast marshmallows.. And finally, bed down in the bunkhouse. By the way, they'll be several droolers from Texas rooming with you...

Hello big boy..... I hear that you are into getting a "Broad" on the Range for a Birthday celebration this year...... So why don't you come up and see me sometime!