I think you've all got the gist of those recent interviews and what may be hidden behind them. His insecurities, his characteristic manner of thinking fast, way ahead of his words... his need to say as much as he thinks is needed to make the listener understand... wandering off the subject... saying things he didn't really mean to in the first place... being interrupted and forgetting to finish the previous statement... confusing all but the most experienced and sympathetic reporters... So you think he's urprised that people know so much about him? Uncomfortable about it? But look: simultaneously, in the same interview, he's gleefully feeding more personal info: He cooks. He's messy. He's just bought a house in London with a front room on the second floor. He likes to relax listening to music. I didn't find his remark about the Internet in the least disparaging. More flabbergasted. Furthermore, one could easily interpret the casually made comment as a clever way of innocently, almost inadvertently, pointing all interested parties directly to the very place where the buzz is at its most intense... Make no mistake: our man is clever enough to express loudly his (yes, basically genuine and honest) doubt, but at the same time he cannot afford to ignore a good and cheap opportunity for publicity. He is indeed too modest and too private to say openly "Oh, goodie: I love it!" (simply because he, as well as all of us, realize what would happen next), but if he really utterly and completely disapproved, he would simply avoid talking about it loudly, in a whingeing fashion, and to a (presumably) complete stranger, knowing very well that it's gonna be smeared all over some Sunday rag or another just as SIL (and soon the theatre project) is hitting the headlines... ;-D And before you all jump for my jugular - no, I don't think he is duplicitous. But, after 16 years in the business, neither is he that simple or naive as some would imagine him to be.

I find I'm agreeing with everyone.....does that mean I don't have a mind of my own? Although, Arami, I don't find his interviews particularly confusing! On safer ground, some more Q&A's. Q. What do you see when you look in the mirror? A. Something very over familiar and ordinary. Q. What's your charm? A. I have a kind of neutrality, physically, which has helped me. I have a face that can be made to look a lot better or a lot worse, depending on how I wwant it to look. Q. Have you discovered your feminine side? A. It's more acceptable in England for men to be a little more feminine. Suddenly we're all touchy-feely-weepy people. Tony Blair comes out and cries about Diana. Fifteen years ago a male prime minister doing that kind of William Shatner voice-breaking acting would not have been possible. (There he goes again. Now he's offended New Labour! Can he be implying that Tony B. isn't, well, completely genuine?) Q. How do you like living part-time in Italy? A. There are a lot of rules that are difficult to remember. For instance, it's impolite to have a hand in your lap at the table. I think it comes from the idea that a hand under the table could have a knife or a gun in it. That shocked me a little. (Aargh! Now he's suggested that the entire population of Italy have Mafia connections! Tut!) Didn't note down any more, but I remember that he said that his grandmother used to do a lot of amateur acting (this triggered his interest) and he thnks that more "ethics" should be taught in schools. There was also some stuff about SIL and Darcy. i think what he says is interesting and real. There was a comment recently by a journalist who spends a lot of time interviewing well known actors (usually accompanied by their minders and PR people) and he said he was completely nauseated by their bland, unrevealing and self-regarding answers. At least CF says what he thinks! Maybe he should have a little PR person sitting next to him. "No, Col, don't say that, you'll offend half of Britain, no, not that either, I mean , not if you want to live in Ital , etc"!!!! Today, I'm answering my emails, so please be patient with me!

(Evelyn)Bethan....Allison....answer your emails!! I just did! Thanks, Evelyn. Today's times has a feature article on the effect of seeing SIL on modern relationships. Basically, the writer claims that lots of modern relationships (what she calls "comfortable shoe relationships") cannot withstand the effect of seeing this love played out on the screen. Viola's "I will have poetry in my life" is touching raw nerves. So she gives thoughts that will enable couples to survive the experience. 1)Viola is a virgin, Will is married, so that accounts for the passion - and - 2)"the man GP is asked to marry may have many faults but underneath it all, he is still Colin Firth"! Good to see that he is still talked of in reverential terms! The Daily Mail today announced that CF will be joining EM and DM in 3DOR. Showed it to my husband as I broke the news of our planned theatre trip. He laughed (Yes!!) and said "Oh Lord, we had better get you some valium"! Not a bad idea. That or beta blockers.

Now he's offended New Labour! Can he be implying that Tony B. isn't, well, completely genuine?) I have been wondering about his poitics though I don't get the feeling that he is a very political animal. The Firths are quite possibly Liberal Democrats. Winchester is a hotbed of LDism and I think it would fit in with what I think of as CF's liberal non doctrinaire politics. I am sure he would be much more liberal than TB!

Just been to What's on Stage website www.whatsonstage.com/ and it is advertising CF in Three Days of Rain, apparently it is the first time he has been on stage in 5 years, unfortunately it lists his filmography as Sense & Sensibility, pleeese!!, FP & SIL. Still it is good to see it is being advertised. Arami I agree with your comments re CF particularly that despite the fact that he was shocked that someone new his date of birth etc, he was still willing to disclose that he likes cooking, that the kitc en ends up a mess and what his favourit room is, Its strange because personally these things don't interest me, but I am interested in knowing what he is doing next because I just love to see him act .

Bethan, thanks again for more questions & answers. I�m hopeless, the more foolish quotes I read from him the more I like him (and I�m using the word foolish with every possible tenderness, Colin (!!)). I wish he�ll always stay that way, talking so spontaneously. Arami, for the first time here at Drool I feel like writing here: LOL. (I�m such a serious peson!) Your cynicism is great and probably hits the spot. Col�s cunning strategy revealed! Furthermore, he likes to refer to the Internet and the things about him in it as something that OTHER people have told him about (in an older interview he said: �I�m told that there�s a Fans of Firth site in the web�). But who knows, he could be here right this minute and know exactly what�s going on and what�s the content of all the sites. I would if I were him, out of vanity and also because I would be a little troubled about the fact that the Internet lives its own life that�s seemingly out of his cont ol unlike other publicity.

Q. How do you like living part-time in Italy? A. There are a lot of rules that are difficult to remember. For instance, it's impolite to have a hand in your lap at the table. I think it comes from the idea that a hand under the table could have a knife or a gun in it. That shocked me a little. This is very true, and my husband can't understand why Americans do it. His explanation is that you never know what a person might be doing with the other hand such as touching oneself. Thanks for posting more of the interview Bethan. I did like the "feminine side question", which he didn't seem to answer for himself, did he? Arami, you have a v. good point, but is ODB so cleverly wicked?

I have an extra hardcopy of the PEOPLE article which I shall be glad to send to anyone who sends me her/his postal address. Better get it...it'll might be a long time till we see such a beautiful one.

I have an extra hardcopy of the PEOPLE article Evelyn, please! I have E-mailed you.

Ooh, this debate is turning into an exquisite one!How can one man's 3 or 4 sentences trigger such subtle turns of fine minds? ;-) Firth, let me thank the ladies who took the trouble to post the interview/article. Second, bare with me if this is a long post... (Lizza)not being able to go out "for a bog roll" What is a bog roll? (SusanMC)Ben Affleck as being "so vain that he actually chats with female fans in the chat room of his unofficial web site." And I thought, what's vain about that? I think it was a very generous and appreciative gesture. Would that we could get Colin to do that! (Lizza)I don't know if I would actually like it if our DB was actually joining us online!! I prefer our discussions to be uninhibited and relaxed, imagine all the mistakes in postings we would make with quivering fingers!!! (Elena)who knows, he could be here right this minute and know exactly what�s going on and what�s the content of all the sites. I would if I were him I certainly would too, not so much from vanity (I think) but for the main reason I come here, which is exactly what I stated at the beginning of this post: that a man's comments (gestures, appearance, acting)can be the origin of so much intelectual activity! And if some of that activity is a little less than intelectual ;-)so what, I think an educated man who has lived in the world would take it for what it's worth...and laugh with us! (Colin) There are a lot of rules that are difficult to remember. For instance, it's impolite to have a hand in your lap at the table. I think it comes from the idea that a hand under the table could have a knife or a gun in it. That shocked me a little. Are the English rules of etiquette different? I thought only Americans had escaped the French influence ;-) (KJArt)He "disappears" into his characters. I saw a film the other day, with a young Anthony Hopkins, and found him as usual, being himself, with the same inflections and mannerisms. I have long ceased to consider him a great actor for this reason, and I appreciate Colin more and more in contrast with such actors. (Arami)one could easily interpret the casually made comment as a clever way of innocently, almost inadvertently,pointing all interested parties directly to the very place where the buzz is at its most intense... Make no mistake: our man is clever enough Oh Arani, thou art Macchiavelli reincarnate!:-)Clever, clever thought. I loved it. May it be so, and my respect for him will grow in proportion to the cunning. (AnnW)personally these things don't interest me, but I am interested in knowing what he is doing next because I just love to see him act. Let me echo your feelings. Bethan, are those comments in brackets yours or the magazine's?

I'm sorry, of course I meant Arami

I have to agree that Colin secretly likes the publicity and the attention that is given to him. There is alot of information on him out there and it could only have come from him. The only thing that seems to be somewhat off limits is Will and even there we know quite a bit. LOL about the hand under the table. My parents are German and we also never put our hands in our lap at the table. I also use utensils differently from Americans. My husband thinks it is bad manners to push food onto your fork with a knife, but I always have the last laugh when he eats peas.

Interesting bits from today's Evening Standard: - pictures of SIL premiere. All taken at after show party, so no CF (I am sure he was not there) - an aticle on Elizabeth McGovern, says she is about to take a part opposite CF at the Dolmar. She seems like a nice lady. Married to Simon Curtis of the BBC (why is that name ringing a loud bell). Two children, gave up earlier glowing Hollywood career. Now apparently domestic mum-style person. - article on Crispin Bonham-Carter(remember him?) who is directing a play at the Etcetera Theatre which is above the Oxford Arms in Camden Town. I go past there all the time, never knew there was a theatre there but there are theatres above half the theatres in this part of London:-)

theatres above half the theatres in this part of London:-) How fascinating! That should read ...above half the pubs....

(Bethan) I don't find his interviews particularly confusing! No, I didn't say you or anyone of us would. I meant the reporters. For example, I have noticed how the woman interviewing him for A&E missed or ignored one or two jests and hints, which to me seemed a clear invitation to explore a particular subject further. (In particular, how and why playing Shakespeare eluded him; and how he enjoyed exploring comedy in straight situations.) (Elena who knows, he could be here right this minute... I would if I were him, out of vanity and also because I would be a little troubled about the fact that the Internet lives its own life that�s seemingly out of his control unlike other publicity. There is a very simple reason why he could be (occasionally) tempted to lurk amongst us (either in person, or through his assistants/publicity agents): these are the only conversations of ardent fans which are freely accessible to all, including the subject himself. I think he's a very inquisitive chap. He still admits to being amazed by the impact of his portrayal of Darcy; he keeps asking "What did I do right?" Well, all the answers are here - no holds barred: wouldn't you want to know them, if you were him? (Moon Dreams) is ODB so cleverly wicked? No - just wickedly clever. :-) (Patas) What is a bog roll? Toilet paper. Colin was moaning he couldn't go shopping like an ordinary person, because the press was harassing him. (Gi) my respect for him will grow in proportion to the cunning. Ditto here. (Sue) ...Colin secretly likes the publicity and the attention that is given to him. Not secretly: he admits to it quite openly, almost in the same breath as moaning about the loss of privacy. Disarmingly human and endearing, I say.

Tag

Just WHAT am I reading here. I never knew you couldn�t put your hands in your lap at the table in Italy and Germany, good to know! We do it practically all the time in Finland, in fact it is more than appropriate. .....About Donmar, does anybody have any clue why he�s in a play in that particular theatre of all theatres? Have any of you ever seen a play there? ......And about my dear husband. He has started to get annoyed because I�m spending so much time in the Internet. Also, he doesn�t get it why I�m planning to go to London in March to see an unknown play by unknown actors in some theatre that nobody�s ever heard of (!). I �ve asked him to come along but he refuses, jealously. I wonder how you others have managed to explain the reason of this trip to your husbands and boyfriends.

.....About Donmar, does anybody have any clue why he�s in a play in that particular theatre of all theatres? Have any of you ever seen a play there? Elena, it is very highly regarded. I am not sure if it comes into the category of West End (i.e.Broadway) or Off West End but I really do not think that matters. Sam Mendes is the artistic director, I think that is his title and he has a reputation for getting good names to his theatre. Nicole Kidman has just finished a run there. Yes, I have been there several times. It is one of the theatres in London where you can be sure of a good theatrical experience. A totally appropriate place for Colin to b . On the question of the problem of getting big American names onto the stage in London, Peter Hall has an article in this weeks Spectator magazine in which he describes his battles to get big names to appear on the stage. He says that most of those he approaches would like to appear but they are tied by their committments to future projects and are always waiting for films to be greenlighted and have to keep themselves available for that. Interesting.

(Evelyn)I have an extra hardcopy of the PEOPLE article (Allison) Evelyn, please! I have E-mailed you. I know, I know...I sent yours today. But I have yet ANOTHER ONE. Gi...Sabine....Kirsten...Uk lurkers....anybody want an extra Colin Firth PEOPLE? Speak now....email me.

--I have an extra I can donate, too...

I HAVE GOT TICKETS for 3DOR !!!! THANKS TO ANN AND EVELYN !!!!!! I am so exited, I will be flying to London on March 5., stay for 3 days and have got tickets for the Saturday 4 and 8 o clock play ! Will someone be there at the 6., too ?? I really would like to met you ! Thank you for the video Evelyn ! I hope and think CF will be very happy that so many fans will fly to London just to see him act. Evelyn, I will try to get the PEOPLE Magazin in germany, thank you for the offer :-)

It sounds like the entire world in converging on that theatre in London to see DB Live and Direct. Someone take a group snap and post it with who's who attached. I am so envious! But a 20 hour flight each way is not my idea of a good thing just to see a play (plus a few thousand dollars!) Even with *him* in it!

If anyone has a spare copy of People with Colin and would like to donate it to a computerless Colinist or two, please let me know and I'll arrange for the addresses to be emailed to you.

an aticle on Elizabeth McGovern, says she is about to take a part opposite CF at the Dolmar. She seems like a nice lady.Married to Simon Curtis of the BBC (why is that name ringing a loud bell). Two children, gave up earlier glowing Hollywood career. Now apparently domestic mum-style person. (Allison) Seems as though there's starting to be a build up towards the opening of 3DOR. I remember sseing EMc in some of her earlier films and was impressed, and I also seem to remember reading that (unlike Nicole Kidman,Juliette Binoche etc) she's had a lot of experience in NY theatre. Simon Curtis...yes, familiar, or am I thinking of Richard Curtis (wrote 4 Weddings) but they are tied by their committments to future projects and are always waiting for films to be greenlighted and have to keep themselves available for that. Interesting. Yes, I'm sure this has been the case with CF.... Perhaps this is why he's squeezing in a short theatre run. I hope and think CF will be very happy that so many fans will fly to London just to see him act. (Sabine) I'm sure he'll be delighted. He's said that all he wants is for people to say "Colin Firth, he's a good actor", and by making such an effort to see him , that's what you are saying. Actions speak louder than words!

Donmar: It's known as a major "fringe" - i.e. not mainstream - theatre. Fringe theatres specialize in small scale contemporary and experimental plays. Situated close to the West End (Covent Garden), in a building which, if I remember correctly, was originally just that: a commercial warehouse belonging to a Mr Donmar... Modern concept and small capacity: the auditorium sits about 200 surrounding the stage area on three sides in three blocks of four rows. Cosy: actors may have to cross the auditorium to get to the stage, and if anyone is lucky to have a seat in the front row, prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience of having Colin act practicall in your lap... ;-)

Think of the self-control this is going to require of "our" attendees! No audible drooling, suppressing the urge to reach out and touch...Oh My!!!

( Sabine) have got tickets for the Saturday 4 and 8 o clock play ! Will someone be there at the 6., too ?? I really would like to met you ! Yup...me and a lot of others from Drool...for both performances. We'll keep in touch. Dinner together would be fun. ****** Donmar Theatre :Cosy: actors may have to cross the auditorium to get to the stage, and if anyone is lucky to have a seat in the front row, prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience of having Colin act practically in your lap... ;-) That's Ann and Lizza. We'll be in Row D....the better to look into his eyes. Four weeks from tomorrow. ***** Oscar Noms due out on Tuesday...during breakfast television. I'll post as soon as they're announced. ****** Wanna see Colin in "Vanity Fair"? Tell em: vfmail@vf.com Don't underestimate the power of email.

Can you remind me who is going on Friday 5th and Saturday 13th (8pm) - I'd like to recommend to you a computerless Firthfan who is planning to get equipped and connect to the net in the near future; she'd love to meet you all. Please repost here and I'll arrange to contact you privately. Thanks.

The Donmar is tiny (250 seats?). It was originally opened by the RSC in the mid-70s as their "Other Place" in London. (The theatre of the same name in Stratford is their second theatre there. My luvvie background amounts to having been in a couple of plays there when I was a nipper.) Mendes took it over in the early 90s, and has had lots of critical hits there. One of the best things of his I saw was a production of The Glass Menagerie. Fantastic. I am trying to get hold of his (SM's) email address, by th way. Also, there is a rather fun restaurant opposite called Belgo's (it's Belgian). Healthy portions and biere blonde. And, for the fashionable amongst you, there are some ruinously expensive but frightfully trendy clothes shops in Neal Street, round the corner. The area used to be pleasantly seedy - in the days when Covent Garden really was a market - but now its all scented candles and massive shoes. Shame. BTW, I am mystified by the hands-on-lap rule. It's quite the opposite in England, I've always thought. Well, at any rate, to eat with your forearms resting on the table is quite out of the question. My ancient grandmother told me about a terrifying governess who, if she saw young Betty's elbows on the table would come scurrying round, pick them up and thump them down hard on said table. What a cow. Anyway, the effect was that my elbows never got within yards of my grandmother's table.

I am so relieved to see we're already off the topic of DB's views of the Internet. I was afraid there might be mass self-flagellation but we seem to be handling it with great good humor....as always. Gi and KJART, you talked about the friend who didn't know it was Colin as Wessex until she left the theatre... Makes me wonder how many people who saw SiL and who don't really know Colin Firth were even able to connect him to his character after seeing the People article. He looks quite different. Rita and anyone else having trouble with the download time here. The February 7, 2036 date screws everything up unless you use the "New" responses option found on the entry page (the one with the Tumbledown picture). Since "new" is working rather well right now, click on it there and it will bring up all the topics. Once you click on the topic you want to access, it will bring up the new responses since you last logged in. If you want to see earlier responses, just enter a response number in the "Redis lay" box at the bottom. For instance, this is response #930. If you enter 900 in the "redisplay" box, it will go back to that response and all subsequent postings. Have I thoroughly confused you? Go to nomdedrool@yahoo.com if you need further clarification. Arami and anyone else wondering who is going to the Saturday, March 6 performance... right now I know of myself, Karen, Evelyn, Jana, AnnW, Elena, Emma, Lizza, and Sabine. How about the rest of you? Ben, dear, why don't you come along? Your, ahem, connections may come in handy. Oops, never mind...can't appear too eager. I too have an extra of People and would be happy to send to a friend in need. I'm sure the favor can be repaid if there is a big write-up in one of the UK magazines.

US Alert. In case anyone is interested apparently Valmont ant ATA are coming on cable this month Encore? according to someone at Virtual Views, can't remember the exact details. Arami, that is me in the first row and my seat is no 27 by the aisle where apparently the actors run on to the stage oh my I am sure to have a hot flush and it a good thing I have my husband with me to hold me back and not make a fool of myself. I am all of a flutter as Mrs. Bennett would say.

Bethan, did you get to see SIL last night?

US Alert. In case anyone is interested apparently Valmont ant ATA are coming on cable this month Encore? according to someone at Virtual Views, can't remember the exact details. Arami, that is me in the first row and my seat is no 27 by the aisle where apparently the actors run on to the stage oh my I am sure to have a hot flush and it a good thing I have my husband with me to hold me back and not make a fool of myself. I am all of a flutter as Mrs. Bennett would say.

I have just posted a snippet about BJD on #80 but it has not shown up as "new". I would hate you to miss it. I think you may find it interesting!

SIL...Yes! And I really enjoyed it (and I'm a horribly critical person and slightly resistant to hype!). I thought it was an excellent ensemble piece, and CF, as ever, turns in a first-rate performance. He really is a chameleon actor, capable of tackling amost anything, I would say. And his voice, mmmmm!!! Husband also, remarkably, enjoyed it. His taste veers exclusively to politics/current affairs/documentaries. Sat through it without looking at his watch once, sighing or yawning!! This is on a par with a star studded recommendation from Barry Norman.!! :-) I emailed the BBC about the possibility of adapting the 3DOR performance for television (with the same cast of course). Reply received: Thank you for your comments and suggestions which I shall forward to the drama department. Pretty standard response perhaps. But the BBC have put on at least two of the Donmar's productions..."Company" was one, the other slips my memory, retaining the original cast. Who is the current Head of Drama for the BBC? It used to be Micahael Wearing who co-produced P&P, Nostromo and The Advocate, and Our Mutual Friend. But I think he retired recently...unfortunately. Some more emails could prompt serious action! Email address is info@bbc.co.uk

Allison, Your snippet of news about BJD at #80......apart from a confirmation that CF is playing MD, I think this is the best news we can get! And I am now even more confident that he will play MD! Ben, Evelyn, there's an article abot JE's new film "This Year's Love" in the Times. It focuses mainly on the lead actor Dougie Henshall, and has a photo of JE in dreadlocks, looking very pretty, with DH . Article then commits CF-type omission by failing to mention JE in the cast list. Has no-one at the Times watched P&P?! :-)

Who is the current Head of Drama for the BBC? Is it Simon Curtis? Husband of EMcG. That is just a guess but I know that Simon Curtis is famous for something dramatic at the Beeb.

(Bethan)..apart from a confirmation that CF is playing MD, I think this is the best news we can get! And I am now even more confident that he will play MD! I know I am being lazy and not looking things up for myself (we have friends coming to dinner and I haven't done the shopping yet!) But didn't Colin say something in You or People about "staying with him a while longer" in respnse to a question about whether he had put Darcy behind him?

I'M GOING TO LONDON FOR 3DoR! :-)))))))))) My fiance is coming too, he says he'll take the excuse for a London week-end with me. I think he's also curious about CF and about my Internet friends. So we'll meet you on March 6 and going out to dinner seems a lovely idea!

What a lovely party you will all have in London. I'll be thinking of you. Ben, "elbows should not be placed on the table", is also a very strict rule in Italy.

Anyone going on Friday 5th? Saturday 13th? "Hands (not) in the lap" and "Elbows (not) on the table" are two rather different rules of table manners, BTW.

Gi, you have a wonderful fiance. Wish I could say the same about the man I have chosen to live with (at the moment I�m quite put out by his wry attitude to my London plans. But he does have his wonderful moments, I recall)

(Arami), "Hands (not) in the lap" and "Elbows (not) on the table" are two rather different rules of table manners, BTW. Quite right my dear, knowing rather different rules of table manners does make one rather worldly.

Arami, that is an intriguing idea of yours, our DB as a lap dancer or should that be lap actor?!!! I have tried to Email you with no luck! BELGO, re Ben's idea of a meal in the nearby restaurant on March 6th I have just had a call from a friend who went to the Belgo that has just opened here, last night , to recommend it re food and atmosphere. Menu sounds good but I am not sure how it would be for any vegetarians. I can find out if needed.

I see the italics monster is back. One last comment for the publicity debate: I think Colin said it best in People, which I'll paraphrase here--he likes attention because every actor needs to be adored, but he wouldn't want everyone in a restaurant to recognize him. That's where his boundary is. As for our collective self-flagellation: looks like we all participated over the past several days, but never once did we think about abandoning this board or our DB! Even Moon is back! Thanks for decoding 'bog roll,' Arami. I see one of the side benefits of this board as a lesson in international relations (for lack of a better term--perhaps customs?). I was LOL about Colin's response to the living in Italy question. He has such a wry sense of humor. I was also unaware of the hand-in-lap rule. BTW, if you can't put your hand in your lap or put your elbow on the table (the latter being an American rule as well; Ben, your grandmother and my father employed similar corrective actions) then where do you put it? If you're not using a knife, do you wave your free hand over your head? :-) I was in Germany, Italy and Switzerland this past summer and must have offended many countrymen. Marcia, don't fret about not being able to fly to London. Many of us can't make the field trip either. Rest assured, those who are attending have promised to report every single detail.

Gosh, I'm so incredibly thrilled for all who'll be attending 3DOR! Looking forward to receiving those "dispatches from the front lines." Please do take a commemorative group photo -- would love to see through whom I'll be living vicariously that weekend! Has anyone ever seen "Racing With the Moon" -- wonderful film from the early 80's starring Eliz. McGovern, Sean Penn and Nicolas Cage, very early in their careers. I belive EM and SP were briefly engaged -- luckily she came to her senses! Evelyn, will you be attending Jennifer's new film whilst in London?

WOW..one can hardly sleep around here...so many postings just overnight! Heide; I think it says a lot about having a level-headed host that we took the interview when Colin mentioned the "I" word in stride. One big laugh... He would want it that way. ***** Great about Gi and fiancee going. Want to meet him.Your PEOPLE is going out today, Gi. **** Belgo restaurant sounds good to me...we should reserve. Lizza -in-the-first-row, contact our fearless leader Heide.Thanks Ben for the tip. ***** (Ben)My luvvie background amounts to having been in a couple of plays there when I was a nipper. Ben, your CV gets more interesting by the minute.....which play? and please translate nipper **** Going to the Times right now...I hope someone sends me the hardcopy esp. with Jennifer's pic. Pox on them for not listing her...but "a picture is worth..." This Year's Love is getting great publicity...heralded as "best Brit romantic comedy of the year..." Just got a distributor last week.. the Good Machine International co.....(doesn't that sound like something out of the Simpson's...but we'll take it if it means it will be shown in the US.) Yes, Susan, I do plan to see her film while in London. *** Bethan I will email BBC today.And how about asking them for info on Donovan Quick (can we just call that now..."DQ"?) ** Sorry for lengthy post

PS Forgot to mention... Gwynnie will host "Saturday Night Live " tonight. She's bound to say something humorous about SIL. The publicity seems to go on and on...... IMDB voted it the Outstanding Film of the Year.

Hello all. Oh good God, the thought of a CF lap dance has short-circuited my brain! Someone must log a BJD -esque account of the 3 DOR trip for us less fortunate Firthophiles who remain at home. This will be our only consolation for misssing the play, dinner, etc. I am still giddy over my first viewing of Valmont this morning, which I taped off the Encore channel. Wow! What an elegant production. CF's performance as Valmont makes John Malkevich's(sp?) portrayal look like a cartoon character (Snidely Whiplash, perhaps?). Now I must go back and reread Cheryl E's inside scoop on MF..... Our DB's acting ability continues to amaze me.....

(Lizza) I have tried to Email you with no luck! No wonder: there's no email address to my name here. Do you still wish to make contact? :-) (Eileen G) He has such a wry sense of humor. I have watched snippets of various interviews with Colin made during the recent SIL publicity drive on the American TV (there was none of that on the British TV, btw), and he kept quipping time after time - most of it went straight over the interviewer's head... made me wanna howl!

(SusanMC)Looking forward to receiving those "dispatches from the front lines." Please do take a commemorative group photo (LisaJH)Someone must log a BJD -esque account of the 3 DOR trip for us less fortunate Firthophiles who remain at home. I guess we could each give her own view, that would be at least ten reports in different styles! (EileenG)BTW, if you can't put your hand in your lap or put your elbow on the table then where do you put it? You are allowed to rest your wrists on the table :-)

Elena, tell your husband other men are going and it really is a meeting of friends, maybe he'll like it better if he sees it this way!

(Evelyn) But I have yet ANOTHER ONE. Gi...Sabine....Kirsten...Uk lurkers....anybody want an extra Colin Firth PEOPLE? Thanks for thinking of me, Evelyn, but we have some decent bookstore around here which do supply us properly. Dear me, you're really too busy for me to be able to catch up for the moment, but I'll try my best to come back soon, at least to #98.

The screenplay of "3 Days of Rain" is on the broadway play page, where you can order it: http://www.BroadwayPlayPubl.com/scr2.htm It is included in the volume: "PLAYS FROM SOUTH COAST REPERTORY", VOLUME TWO I S B N 0-88145-142-2: $14.95

Did I ever post this link (SIL premiere pics) here? http://firth.com/prempic/annprem.htm

Drs.Moon and Arami, strictly, as a matter of anatomy, you are right - wrists are not elbows. (And laps are not seats, I might add.) HOWEVER - even the continental habit of resting one's wrists on the table while eating is frowned on by some. And laps are a perfectly good place for (one's own) hands. (But no-one else's seat.) Yours etc., BB

(Ben) And laps are a perfectly good place for (one's own) hands. (But no-one else's seat.) LOL, Ben. I better stick with left hand on lap. Doubt if I ever go back to Italy anyway.

Way, way back, Simon Curtis.....yes, I do believe he's Head of Drama at the BBC, and Elizabeth McG's husband. Should boost the chances of a BBC adaptation of 3DOR, although could provoke charges of nepotism...or uxoriousness! I'm too lazy to nip across to #80. Just heard a snippet on the radio about the Andrew Davies-Helen Fielding collaboration on the screenplay for BJD. General consensus is that the script should be a "cracker", possibly the best of 1999. Here's hoping!

Dear Ben, If only you could demonstrate it to me, I'm sure I'd find it all easier to comprehend... ;-)

Oh dear oh dear, we all may have forgiven Colin for his rather thoughtless and tactless remarks about the interenet but it seems as if he has really offended Ellen (Ellen's FAQ's) as she is withdrawing the page and writing to Colin to see if he has been mis-quoted. I must say I do have a little sympathy for her as she has put in a tremendous amount of work in the publication of the FAQ and after all it is meant as a tribute to a wonderful actor not an infringement on his privacy. Such a shame as it was ne of the best and most comprehensive FAQ's I have seen for any celebrity.

Arami, would still like to make contact. Ann, sorry to hear of Ellen's reaction, was FAQ not the first CF page to start up? It seems to have a bit of a parallel with the "Rules" that I have read for hosts of conferences and postings. We all have to be careful not to "offend" others in a conference, because we can't see each other and different nuances etc that we would pick up in spoken conversations or ironies etc are easier to misconstrue. Obviously WE manage this very well as we are all so erudite, discerning etc but it COULD happen. Reading a second or third hand account of CF's views in a publication is the same and something that apppears to have given huge offence may not have been intended in that context. I am reminded of the occasion quite some months ago when someone posted critical views of CF and made some disparaging remarks about the names we post under, Heide or Evelyn with support from Moon and Winter sent them packing in no uncertain terms. Glorious to behold!!!

I really am puzzled by the over-reaction to CF's "alleged" comments in a tabloid supplement. Has he been accurately quoted? We don't know. And what has the poor bloke actually said? I don't think he was tactless. He was probably interviewed over the phone whilst he was chewing on his cornflakes, and was asked a series of brief questions, all on completely different topics, so there's no follow-up to any response. He's asked, specifically, "what's the downside of fame", so , very obligingly he comes up with an example ....people seem to know too much about him. He's not thumping on a soapbox, shouting that he hates this. If someone asked you what is the downside of your job, marriage, relationship etc, you could be blissfully happy, but you would be able to find at least one example! And he doesn't say he hates the Internet, or the excellent websites dedicated mainly to his professional life and work. He also made comments that "could" have offended New Labour or the Italian community, if they chose to be absolutely devoid of humour!! I dunno...I really give up on this one. His best bet is to say nuffing...and then everyone will say he's aloof, unfriendly , spoilt by fame. It's a no-win situation!!! But i thought Ellen's FAQ was excellent, and I'd love to see it updated, not withdrawn. I watched his A&E interview for the first time, and was struck by the fact that once he's got over his initial nervousness (and twitchiness!), he's capable of giving a fully rounded, carefully considered, intelligent response, far beyond the requirements of the actual interview. His thoughts on "what is period" and the relationship between "now" and "history" would not have been out of place in a university seminar. Short soundbites are never the best medium of communication. But someone should have told him to sit on his hands (or keep them in his lap!):-)

I must say I�m pretty shocked by Ellen�s strong reaction and wish from the bottom of my heart that she would be able to forgive him. And what is there to forgive anyway, it was not an interview to be taken too seriously, look at all the other funny answers for heaven�s sake. Those answers were all very quick and circumstantial, not something that he has thought in depth. Like I�ve said before, I do believe he was accurately quoted, he just did not have time to think properly. Bethan, I think you put it so well: if someone asked you what is the downside of your job, marriage, relationship etc, you could be blissfully happy, but you would be able to find at least one example! Exactly, and that one example is NOT the whole story. AND like I�ve said before, I like his lovely spontaneity like nothing else. I�d just hate to think him becoming wary of everything he says to the press.

To think of it, maybe we should invite him too to dine with us in March at Belgo, just to show him what lovable and harmless people his Internet fans are :-)))

Elena, you just wish! :-)

(bethan), But i thought Ellen's FAQ was excellent, and I'd love to see it updated, not withdrawn. My sentiments exactly! If you are reading this Ellen, you're work is very much appreciated and I hope to see it again soon. I think what you're doing is right and will be most curious to know the outcome. In boca al lupo!

(Gi) Elena, you just wish! Yes, it�s beginning to look like his internet fans are the last people he would care to dine with :-)) I hope I�m not offending anybody by guessing that we�re probably so touchy about his careless sayings because after all these years of adoration, we tend to wish for some sort of gratitude or love in return from him! We better face it, we won�t get it, at least not publicly. Whatever he thinks privately is unknown. The FAQ is completely decent and beneficial too for Colin as it serves quite harmless and general information for his fans, saving a lot of energy from his management and pr people. Actually I do not see why its existence would need his APPROVAL and I also very much doubt that Ellen will get an answer of any sort. I wish she could be tougher about this but of course I understand how she feels, having done such an enormous work.

Ladies, you're so right. Perhaps some of us here should take over from all those faint hearted people who seem to crave their idols' approval and gratitude. That, I'm afraid, is not the name of the game. Those of the webmasters/mistresses (yuk, I'm not keen on this description!) who are sure that their sites do not offend any normal, generally accepted rules of decency, should carry on regardless. If they can't, they patently do not understand showbusiness people. Besides, we, the fans, do not generate th information, we merely circulate it for our own pleasure, and for the benefit of our favourite actor's publicity, because we are happy for the world to know more about him. People are naturally curious - what's wrong with that? You know the saying: "Bad publicity is worse than no publicity". And Colin has never had any really bad publicity. What is the matter with those people? I give up. (Btw, Bethan, I love the way he uses his hands in conversation!)

......Ellen... writing to Colin to see if he has been mis-quoted She should call ICM and speak to a PA of the agent. Really, they are v. nice. I call on behalf of Jennifer about once a month (different agent...JE has a woman) and they are v. obliging. Hey, these people don't want mis-information out there. I am sorry about FAQ....the most comprehensive on the Internet...I wrote to Ellen and pleaded with her not to tank it. Why don't you all do so also. Not only fans make use of these websites...producers and directors do too. I understand Jane's Articles website which I consistently use for the film discussions is also going down. I can see where she's coming from. The website managers go through a great deal of trouble and expense to maintain them. I know I do.Lots of telephoning to UK postage,letter writing etc. I think I would be crushed too if Jennifer said that in print...Lord knows they all must think it. But I wouldn't take it down. Anyway...if they go down...we'rethe losers. I,m glad no one on this board defected...we're taking it in stride. **** (Lisa)Heide or Evelyn with support from Moon and Winter sent them packing in no uncertain terms.Glorious to behold!!! We don't tolerate rudeness or flaming in any form on this board...anyone who gets her/his jollies doing that sort of stuff can go somewhere else. That's why we have so many newbies and want more.....No one ever feels intimidated.

I have already mailed Ellen too. At this rate we will be the only ones left to report 3DOR!! Thanks for the tip re "whatsonstage" Ann, I was able to check out my seats for the performances.

Oh this is so sad, I am sure Colin did not mean it the way it sounded, why should he, after all the Internet has been very good publicity for 3DOR, I hope that other websites will see it as it is an off the cuff remark that really didn't mean anything. I mean Winter said how charming and pleasant he was and he seemed very pleased to have his internet fans, personally on thinking about it, and I will admit at first I was a bit peeved, I would rather believe Winter's account of him which she got from the orse's mouth so to speak than an questions & answers article reported in the newspaper. So please if there are any Webmistresses reading this, please keep your sites going, I am sure Colin really appreciates his websites and all the work involved in maintaining them. Ellen and Jane we , the fans, also appreciate your hard work and hope that in due course it will continue.

Re:vegetarians and Belgo. Belgo's is well-suited to carnivores. If you want, you can munch on wild-boar, sitting on benches in a big cavern downstairs. It feels like one of the feasts at the end of Asterix. However, for the more dainty, there is a more stylish end of the cavern, with string quartets and forget-me-nots in a glass (well, almost.) For the really squeamish, there is a famous vegetarian restaurant round the corner called "Food for Thought". This has been going for 25 years or so, and was, at least in the 70s, a real thesps' hangout. Food for thought is rather bare and uncomfortable, but vegetarians seem to like suffering so I'm sure it's perfect. It's on Neal Street. Finally, there is a smart restaurant, on the opposite side of the road, called the Neal St. restaurant. Again, I'm not sure how this is now, but a few years ago it was v. fashionable and well thought of. All these are within spitting distance of the Donmar, but radiating out from there, Longacre and Southampton St. are teeming with restaurants. Strangely, I am going to London next week! But I have to come back before the great event. Another time, I'm sure. I have been v. slow on the uptake with this questionnaire thing - I hadn't realised till now that it was composed right here. Ellen, come back! I tend to think that, if he were to meet you all, or read this site, he'd be reassured, indeed flattered. BUT, it's natural to be generally suspicious, I would have thought, of a very deep attachment formed by someone who's never met you. (The worst case is that his followers are all nuts.) Isn't it a good thing, as far as his own character is concerned, that he h s a little of this suspicion instead of thinking it only natural that everyone should love him, even if they've never met him? Anyway, have a WONDERFUL time in London, those going.

Thankyou Ben, you have made a lot of sense.

Did anyone else see Gwyneth on Sat. Night Live last night? I thought she was marvelous! (And I still have not as yet seen SiL, unfortunately.) Her opening monolog was priceless, done in her flawless English accent and pretending to be a British actress and not understanding why people think she's American... and then Ben Affleck pops up in the audience with his comment "...remember me? We used to date...then we broke up recently...it was in all the papers." Good for them -- they really tweaked the nose of the tabloids!

Isn't it a good thing, as far as his own character is concerned, that he h s a little of this suspicion instead of thinking it only natural that everyone should love him, even if they've never met him? Well said. My last word on this! No matter what Colin thinks. We know that what we are doing will not harm him and that we all have his best interests at heart. We should just "go to it"! [and I don't think he objects anyway].

My last word on this: if he really doesn't object, he should answer our questions. He's had them for two months now. As Evelyn has said, "The website managers go through a great deal of trouble and expense to maintain them". He must realize this. If he really objects, he should let Ellen know, that would be the correct thing to do. His comment was most gratuitous and ungrateful. While it is true that sometimes actors are incorrectly quoted (I am only referring to serious papers or mags.), in my experience as an interviewer, I have always made sure that all the quotes were correct. If you want to establish a relationship with an actor (for future interviews), you better get the quotes right.

I was going to leave this issue as I don't want it to get too serious...but I have to make two points. The first, I recently attended a seminar on "Information and the Internet". The Internet is a double-edged sword. It's an excellent medium for conveying straightforward factual information via responsible and well managed websites. But it does have a darker side. There are loonies and potential stalkers out there who hack into databases, electoral registers, medical records etc and publish (quite indiscr minately) confidential material ...addresses, ex-directory phone nos etc. The Data Protection Act is impossible to enforce on the Web because it's an unfettered domain. Several actors in the UK are known to have serious persistent stalker problems..there was an article in the Telegraph recently on this topic (in a general context, no names given) It can be difficult to protect them...and sometimes members of their family are also threatened. In the US "stars" tend to retreat to private estates and have b dyguards. I hope this isn't too heavy, but a wariness of the Internet may stem from other reasons. Two (turning into a real Anorak here), a quote from CF in Elle magazine (about his response to interest in him) "There is a measure of evasiveness. One newspaper story, in which I was quoted saying "I don't need a woman around" was in response to a barrage of questions about why I didn't have a girlfriend at that point" "Surely you need a woman?" I was just trying to fend that off, and it's been one of the most regularly repeated quotes ever since. I completely respect people's curiosity and I'm actually glad of it in a way. It means you've made some sort of impact. But there should be some degree of mystery about any creative process and I thnk that's the way it should stay. When you see a magician perform, it's appropriate that you should be curious how the trick is done: it's not necessarily appropriate that you should be told" He puts it very well, and politely. Also, it is possible in the UK to be a very successful actor and a very private one. Two of the actors he most admires, Paul Schofield and Ian Holm, have had careers spanning over forty years, and never give interviews. We know nothing about them. And arguably the more anonymous an actor remains, the more credibly he can assume different roles. I should think that CF just wants to be a jobbing actor par excellence. Positively my last word! (BUT he does need a source of factual professional information on the Web)

Moon, I see that we have something in common! You know, it happens during interviews that a person says (because of a hurry, thoughtlessness, ignorance etc.) something that you understand to be harmful for him/her if you (as an interviewer) put it in the paper just like that. Depends very much on the situation and your own moral whether you just do it or make some further questions to help him elaborate his message a bit. Even the smartest people are able to say big stupidities in unfavourable interview circumstances, of course. It�s also possible that Colin doesn�t belong to those insecure people who want to check every word in their interviews before they�re printed.

So many voices of reason here. Too many to cite; however, I agree with the view that this comment has been blown way out of proportion to its significance. Also, why would anyone take anything a tabloid publication printed seriously? If that were the case, I should be on the lookout for aliens in my backyard or at least a half cow, half human baby living down the street. Am looking forward to 3DOR and have no intention of letting this little comment taken out of context ruin what should be a fabulous time to meet so many of you and see Firth in the Flesh! "Nobody, but nobody is going rain on my parade!!" (Sorry, Barbra...) I too am sorry that some webmistresses have chosen to fold up their sites. We shall miss them dearly and perhaps you can get them to change their minds. However, they will do whatever their respective consciences tell them to do and and, unless someone else is willing to pick up the baton, that information may be lost. Colin's sites are classy and something no one should be ashamed or afraid to maintain.

(Bethan) The Internet is a double-edged sword Two faces of the net, not about CF, but related. When I heard the news of "3 Days Of Rain" I did a brief search for Elisabeth McGovern. Only links I got were sites which promised nude pics of her. I did not check further if these were a kind of fan sites or commercial sites because I don't want to give those pages hits. But surely it was an encounter with the not so pretty sides of the net. And if she knows about it her opinion of the internet may be not the best. Then today I found a very interesting article about her on the thisislondon page (brief CF mention only). With her view on her career she and CF must get along *very* well. http://www.thisislondon.com/dynamic/hottx/theatre/top_direct.html

...Colin from Elle via Bethan..." But there should be some degree of mystery about any creative process and I thnk that's the way it should stay. I told you that's what JE says when they ask her about boyfriends.... "personal information hinders the credibility of the role one is trying to portray" **** Colin doesn�t belong to those insecure people who want to check every word in their interviews before they�re printed. Well, he should....but sadly, I don't think they often have that option. Sometimes,TV interviewers will give them a list of questions beforehand...but not always. **** I hated missing Gynnie last night....slept through it.How clever of BA and GP to deflect all future news for the tabs...shows maturity and a sense of humor.. ***** Let's just tell all the web managers that we need them desperately.

Because it takes about 9-12 minutes to download all the posts since February 2036, I only have enough patience to post once a week... anyway... From CF's reaction last December, he didn't strike me as someone singling out his Internet fans as the "loonies" among the lot. In fact, his reaction when I mentioned us was more of positive interest-- eyes lighting up, etc... He's a sensible bloke, and I'm sure he's sensible enough to know that whomever accosted him with a barrage of his personal trivia went too far. No one goes out blaming the Yellow Pages, the phone company, county birth records for making information accesible to the public... the re l culprits are those who take this info. to stalker-size proportions. Chin up, friends-- he knows we're not that type. Belgo's is well-suited to carnivores. If you want, you can munch on wild-boar, sitting on benches in a big cavern downstairs. Tell me, do the waiters ever stop in mid-service to compete in a joust? ;-) Very very very jealous of you all to be going to London... though I'm still happy for you to have found such a great deal. Aside from scheduling conflicts, I can't seem to take advantage of these cheap fares to LHR because the rates for hotels are still very high. Hostels are also out of the question as they have curfews, and who wants to go to London on a weekend and be on curfew?

Thank you Renate for the This is London link.... good article on Elizabeth McGovern (can we name her EMc).. And also an article on Mr. Bingley who is about to direct a play... with the interviewers comment.... ....it must be pretty galling to be cast opposite Colin Firth, one of the most fancied man in Britain.

To the Drool Damen in the UK, thank you for clearing up the mystery about a "bog roll." I was among the clueless, and was trying to figure out its meaning. I came up with four remote possibilities: 1. A new form of sushi (the British version of the California Roll) 2. An illicit outdoor "tumble" (in Scotland, perhaps) 3. Yet another name for a cannabis cigarette 4. A decadent cream-filled cake (I have seen too many re-runs of the "Two Fat Ladies") Along the lines of this theme of "two countries divided by a common language," it is my understanding that what we Yanks call "garbage", you Brits call "truck," and what we call a "truck", you call a "lorry." So does this mean then what we call a "garbage truck" you call a "truck lorry?" ;-) A former colleague of mine (an ex-pat Brit living in the suburbs of Chicago) told me that the British word for "turf" is "sod" in the States, and that "sod" has a far cruder meaning in the UK. Needless to say, she was quite taken aback to see signs for "sod farms" in her new country. She thought they were brothels. ;-) And then there is the "bum bag" which we Americans call a "fanny pack." Only recently did I find out that a "fanny" is another term for a female body part opposite the "bum." Oh the trouble one can get into�..;-) Now that I have veered off topic again, let me close by saying that I am also saddened by the dismantling of Ellen�s FAQ. Her FAQ is first rate and a class act. I also feel the same way about Drool. IMO, the fact that fanfic has been limited to fictional charachters says a lot about respecting the personal boundaries of CF and others. Ben , I believe, coined the phrase "respectful lust" (for JE), with the operative word being "respectful"�..

Good to have around...Dame Winter....moreover you are the **only** one who has ever met him and even owned up to being an Internet fan. I can't seem to take advantage of these cheap fares to LHR because the rates for hotels are still very high Oh Winter...contact Heide....we're staying at a B&B nr. Russell Sq. Walking distance to Donmar. V. reasonable. Contact Heide.Internet fares are still available.

Three points: I don't think anyone has any right to expect someone well known (a "celebrity", for the lack of a better description) to reply to some kind of questions from people he doesn't know, for the purpose he is not sure about. Colin has thousands of fans all over the world. Not all of them are represented here. Most of them probably don't even know or care about the Internet activities. Quite bluntly, if some fans and website administrators are quitting, that's because deep in their heart they want to drop Colin Firth, and probably have been looking for an excuse. This is an ideal opportunity for the fainthearted and those who have lost their interest and faith in him, mainly because the Darcy thing is now some distance behind us all, and not everyone feels they care for the real actor behind the mask, so to speak. This is no big deal, because those of us who will stay, are the real, sta nch fans, and that's what counts. We will carry on. (Applause)... ;-D I MEAN IT, COLIN!!!

Lisa, "truck" in England is "rubbish", I 've never heard it called "truck" ever before. What about "pants" that has different meaning either side of the Atlantic too Anyway we all use the same language to wax lyrical about CF. (whoops a late night corny one there- sorry!!)

BTW Can you still hear the ovation Arami? Well said and perfectly expressed.

Arami, you go girl. Lisa, some vehicular translations: Truck = lorry Garbage = rubbish Hood = bonnet Trunk = boot Windshield = windscreen Gas = petrol and some slang translations: Cigarette = fag Fag = *&*^&87! Fanny = bum *!!?&?%^= fanny Life as an ex-pat is hazardous.

Three points: I don't think anyone has any right to expect someone well known (a "celebrity", for the lack of a better description) to reply to some kind of questions from people he doesn't know, for the purpose he is not sure about. Colin has thousands of fans all over the world. Not all of them are represented here. Most of them probably don't even know or care about the Internet activities. Quite bluntly, if some fans and website administrators are quitting, that's because deep in their heart they want to drop Colin Firth, and probably have been looking for an excuse. This is an ideal opportunity for the fainthearted and those who have lost their interest and faith in him, mainly because the Darcy thing is now some distance behind us all, and not everyone feels they care for the real actor behind the mask, so to speak. This is no big deal, because those of us who will stay, are the real, sta nch fans, and that's what counts. We will carry on. (Applause)... ;-D I MEAN IT, COLIN!!!

Ooops... seems I've jammed... Seriously, there's a fault with this software: it reposts automatically when you hit refresh!!! Sorry! (But this time it's really worth repeating... ;-p)

From CF's reaction last December, he didn't strike me as someone singling out his Internet fans as the "loonies" among the lot.In fact, his reaction when I mentioned us was more of positive interest-- eyes lighting up, etc... He's a sensible bloke, and I'm sure he's sensible enough to know that whomever accosted him with a barrage of his personal trivia went too far.(Winter) From the gal who mentioned "The Internet" and lived to tell the tale. Well said, Winter! And Arami, yes...go to it!. And, seriously, (yet again!) all that we can really expect from him is that he carries on choosing and appearing in projects which give us pleasure.

Since it was posted twice, let me respond by saying I agree with Arami's points #1 and #2 but reserve judgment on #3. I can't second guess anyone's reason for taking down her web page. I agree you don't have to be on the Internet to be an admirer of Colin Firth, therefore the Internet is not necessary to continue one's admiration. Dropping doesn't necessarily mean your interest or faith has diminished. Lisa, Lizza, Ben - I enjoyed your diversion. I'd love to know what all those !*!!&?* signs mean though. Karen, welcome back. Belgo restaurant sounds good to me...we should reserve. Lizza -in-the-first-row, contact our fearless leader Heide.Thanks Ben for the tip. Yes, thank you for the tip, Ben. Are we given utensils? Evelyn dear, you and Lizza have hit on a great plan but please, I'm not the leader, just a co-host here. I'd love to meet you all but don't want to tie anyone down to my schedule. But since Lizza very kindly has volunteered to make reservations, I'm sure I'll join you.

(Heide)I agree with Arami's points #1 and #2 but reserve judgment on #3. Spoilsport. ;-p Are we given utensils? LOL! It's not all complete wilderness here, you know... ;-p

Are we given utensils? And put your left hand in your lap :-) Agree with Heide on Arami's #3. Ellen's FAQ and Jane's Articles were v. crucial to the success of the other websites...IMO the most impressive of the CF websites.We all used them as resources. I saw no indication of waning interest. I am v. grateful to them.

If I understood Jane right, her main reason for taking the page down was the tremendous lot of work and time that went into it. Also, she took the trouble to ask the authors for permission to publish, and did not get it for the best articles. (What does that teach us?? �8-)=) ) I think we must respect the decisions of the webmistresses to take down their pages, however sad it is. Well, perhaps let them know they will be missed much! And don't forget: each and everyone who is reading this can become a webmistress/master and step in. It's right before your noses. Webspace is free, there's freeware for the tools you need, there are free tutorials out there, and always people you can ask. Why don't you start tomorrow? (Yes, you!)

Film Four (TV subscriber rchannel) are showing "Another country" TONIGHT 10pm. Photo of RE and CF in TV section in the Times. First showing on TV?

Ahhh! Green with envy. We can think of you. Let us know how it goes?

(KarenR)Also, why would anyone take anything a tabloid publication printed seriously? If that were the case, I should be on the lookout for aliens in my backyard or at least a half cow, half human baby living down the street. ROTFLOL! My favorite (and I only go so far as to read the headlines while waiting to check out at the supermarket) is the Weekly World News. It's a riot!! This discussion re: internet info overload has been typically thoughtful and sensible, although we all didn't have the same reaction to Colin's comment or share the same view. That's what makes this site so much fun for me. We have a common bond but respect one another and don't agree on everything. I was surprised to see that Ellen withdrew the FAQ since it was compiled from other sources of published media. Thanks, Renate, for clarifying why Jane is taking down her articles page. As I caught up on these posts I had visions of a domino effect with Colin's web pages being withdrawn one by one. Having spent the majority of my 'net time at FOF sites prior to arriving here, I was always pleased with the integrity of the info presented: not only was it accurate but procured honestly (e.g., no ictures taken by paparazzi). I don't think that Colin's comment was a misquote (even though this was a tabloid), but it might have been an incomplete quote. At any rate, I've been thoroughly enjoying these legitimate (because they come right from him) glimpses into his thoughts and opinions. I hope they don't stop (or he goes back to "watching what he says" as in the 9/97 Vogue article). Having pontificated all that, is there any interest in posting the remainder of the People article on this board? P.S. Ben, thanks for the translations. When I first visited England in '85 (a travel destination chosen in large part because of the common language) I was amazed at how uncommon it was. While in a pub, someone next to me asked for a "serviette" and I had no idea what she wanted (a napkin!). I'm reading Fever Pitch right now and sense that at least half of Hornby's wry humor (now I know why he and Colin are friends) is flying over my head.

(Renate)Why don't you start tomorrow?(Yes, you!) You're joking...I'm thrilled every time I can log on Drool.!!! Not all of us are techies...but we admire you enormously. ****** (Eileen)We have a common bond but respect one another and don't agree on everything. I like to quote Nan..our webmistress emerita..."if we all agreed all the time we would have nothing to talk about" :-) ****** Elena, I read your posting at Chat on buying FP in London. I have a PAL I shall be glad to give you.Will bring it on the 6th...pl.email me.