(Livia)"NOT ALWAYS" Ellie, that was great! Makes me love her husband even more (!), and Livia begins to seem more and more like the right one for him. But I�m endlessly curious, forgive me---what did your friend answer to that then??? I�d love to know exactly what makes Livia say such a thing....

Hi, Yes, I'm still here! I've had the flu- Nothing personal. I've just been reading through some of this stuff. I can't believe some of you guys have actually met him! Now, can I have a truthful answer? In real life, close up, are the hands as perfect as they seem in movies and pictures???? Ellie, I loved the story! For some reason I don't think we get to hear enough about Livia... She sounds like a real character. It's not wrong to want to know more about the lovely lady who has captured our favourite actor's heart, is it? I understand Colin is quite big in Australia. (He should be - they've shown P&P enough times - not that there's anything wrong with that!) The only trouble is that we miss out on all the interesting things like Movie premiers and theatre reviews. It is SO unfair. To all those fortunate people who met the man himself, you have my unswerving envy. Can anyone PLEASE tell me any news on upcoming work of his. I might be going to Germany next month and would gladly drop in on London when I'm passing, if he was in town. (At least I'd be on the right side of the hemisphere - Unless, Colin decides that he and Livia deserve a tranquil retreat to Australia's Port Douglas... Just as I'm buckling my seatbelt on the 747 to Germany.) Can anyone tell me the rough age of ladies in drool? I've got an incling that I could be the new baby, but do not be prejudiced.

Welcome Ellie, I also enjoyed your comment.

Welcome home, Renate! (Elena) meeting one�s idol is such a huge thing that one�s mind demands a moment of peace to deal with it. Also, there is the paradox that it�s so easy to feel very close to someone from afar, but meeting him in real life reveals the factual distance. An insightful comment, Elena. Welcome, Adi and Ellie. Good for you, Ellie, you did it! I loved your story as well. She does keep him grounded, doesn't she? Now that you've crossed the threshold, Ellie, I hope you keep posting. Glad you're feeling better, Mannen. Age, shmage! Don't think about it!

Ellie, I'm glad you posted, and hope you'll keep it up,your debut was delightful Drool is getting more and more international, isn't it,with Mannen and Adi joining the group. Mannen, I once knew a comics magazine that contended it was for people from 7 to 77. Drool only asks that you are over the legal age for drinking.

Renate, I just email'd you my snail mail address. You are truly a dear! Looking forward to that report when you've recovered sufficiently.

Welcome Adi and EllieP. How wonderful to have two new ex-lurkers joining us for the post-London debriefings! Remember to check out the other topics: film discussions, keepsakes, and the always popular Darcy Drool--that's what brought us in and will forever keep us here. Great to have you back, Lizza, and great to hear that your mother is better. We anxiously await seeing your pictures. ***If anyone wants their pictures posted like I did for mine, let me know**** (Elena) And I�m still wondering about that moustached chap in the pictures, he�s everywhere, doing nothing, just looking around. A bodyguard, I say. No, hon, he is definitely someone's husband. I'd give you the woman's name, but I'd have to shoot you afterward. ;-) (EllieP)Livia was standing nearby and leaned over to her and said "NOT ALW YS". What a fabulous comment!! Does make one wonder what Colin does that would make her say that. Perhaps, he's difficult to live with when he is getting into a role, tends to act out at home or something like that... Can't imagine that he refuses to take out the trash. ;-) Time for another Letterman-like list: Ten Top Reasons Why Livia Would Say CF Was Not Always Wonderful (aside from the fact that he's just human! ;-)) (Gi) I once knew a comics magazine that contended it was for people from 7 to 77. I'm in there! ;-D

Welcome Ellie, as you can tell, we just "hoover" up any news of ODB and that was a real goody. Any takers yet on why he is difficult to live with?

Surely we are not going to take the word of that Telegraph woman on how ODB is to live with. As for Livia, she doesn't look as if she is having a hard time of it. My DH is hard to live with but he is adorable in spite of that and I am a saint;-)

Karen, photos have begun their journey to drool at last. I was going to post about the flowers, so here goes. When I ordered them, I was waiting smugly for the florist's gasp of recognition as I said his name. Instead she said sharply "How are you spelling that name?" I was instantly brought back to earth with the realisation that there ARE people out there who don't know (or care) who he is!!! On reading the message back to me she said "Colin Frith" and I shrieked "it's FIRTH" . "oh I know how to spell it " she answered, "It's just that I don't know how to say it." These little encounters with reality are very good for me!! In case you are all screaming out in mock horror at my choice of London florists, they did come recommended!! Anyway they certainly know one end of a gerbera from another, even if completely unaware of the sensual appeal of a threadbare green jumper and damp curling tendrils!!!

Renate, we all have shared what you are going through at some time or another but we are eager for anything you want to share with us. Hopefully you will put us out of our misery fairly soon!!

Karen, my pics should be there, I sent about 7 or 9 of them last week to the drool address. Please let me know if you can�t find them.

Mannen, the reason why I asked if Colin is well known in Australia is because the Austalian reviews for SIL seem to give more credit to Colin than say the American ones. I guess Colin still isn't very well known in the States and he has had Fever Pitch released in Australia, have you seen it? Age makes no difference here you are as old or as young as you feel here.

Can anyone explain to me why I cannot get on Chat WITHOUT accepting "A pair of Colin's dirty nickers?" AAHHH what is going on?

We will ask our geeky friends to check it. I recommend not to use chat until then. We can always set up a list meanwhile. Email me all who have been in chat right now.

Lizza, what did you write on the card? Renate, please come back to us soon. :-D Karen that sounds like a top ten list that we could have with. ;-) Why don't you start.

good question Lizza. I checked out and came back with Valmont all over my screen. Strange. Did anyone els came over from chat?

We will ask our geeky friends to check it. I recommend not to use chat until then. We can always set up a list meanwhile. Email me all who have been in chat right now.

Renate tried to email you but it was rejected, will try again.

Ooops. I did not post this one again. I've been back to chat, and have seen that Valmont thing. Someone is trying to play tricks on us. Best would be we ignore it. There's always the private mail option. I'll ask our geeky friends to set up a mailing list for us until this is over.

Renate, your e-mail was returned. I'm having the same problem Lizza is having.

(Renate) I'll ask our geeky friends to set up a mailing list for us until this is over Is that something that will work for now? Or only later, tomorrow perhaps?

Ooops. I did not post this one again. I've been back to chat, and have seen that Valmont thing. Someone is trying to play tricks on us. Best would be we ignore it. There's always the private mail option. I'll ask our geeky friends to set up a mailing list for us until this is over.

Hi, is it not enough that my computer throws me off line more often than not, and now we have to get thrown out of chat by some stupid jerk whose idea of fun is to cause chaos in a roomful of women?

Got your mail, Kirsten. Apparently mine has been sent to everyone? i don't know Carola's, though.

Ooops. I did not post this one again. I've been back to chat, and have seen that Valmont thing. Someone is trying to play tricks on us. Best would be we ignore it. There's always the private mail option. I'll ask our geeky friends to set up a mailing list for us until this is over.

Excuse my speech impediment. Rare kind of stutter :-).

Checked my computer for viruses, but I have only an old version of the virus scanner, this might be a good time to look for an update.

Well I suppose that's it then for today. Will have another try tomorrow. See you then.

Excuse my speech impediment. Rare kind of stutter :-).

(I haven't mastered the italics bit yet, so please bear with me.) Ann, I loved Fever Pitch. Although Mr Darcy is (for most) the average woman's ideal man, Paul showed Colin in a different light, which I found fascinating. He seemed more approachable. (and I'm not referring to Darcy's brooding scowl either!)More real. The Australian reviews for SIL were quite good. One actually made reference to 'the most popular man that women want to see naked was old Mr Riding-Breeches himself, Colin Firth.' -trying out a somewhat different role as the villian Wessex. Speaking for myself, I agree 100%. I think Colin would be difficult to live with as he strikes me as being quite a serious person. I mean, I've heard he has a great sense of humour and everything, but he seems the type to take work and life in general very seriously. (Other than that, I can't possibly see what Livia's talking about. In the same situation, I'm certain I'd be blissfully content wearing my rose-coloured glasses for the rest of my life.) In pictures of Mr and Mrs Firth, she always looks very mischievous and he appears more th -dare I say it- "father figure". How much younger than he, is Livia? It seems like she would enjoy teasing, if not shocking him.

Moon, I got through now, hope you did too.

I have been having the same troubles you all have and I have just gotten a flood of Email which was piled up somewhere with the chat problem! Answering them as quickly as possible!

(Mannen)an anyone tell me the rough age of ladies in drool? Sorry, that's classified material...Top Secret:-)) (Gi) I once knew a comics magazine that contended it was for people from 7 to 77. (Karen)I'm in there! ;-D So am I :-) ****** Why Livia said..."Not Always" I bet he leaves the toilet seat up and socks on the floor...like every other man. *** Welcome Adie , pardon my bad manners. (I already welcomed EllieP. who has been a JE Lending Library patron.) *****

Mannon, I believe Livia is 28 although she looks much younger and Colin is 38 and looks about 32.

Hopeless! Can�t stay in Chat for more than two minutes before something strange happens again and again, like getting into a Virtual London tour when posting a message. Better keep away.

(Ann)I believe Livia is 28 Excuse me...Livia is 29. But does look 16.He is 9 years older than she...or so reported in an article.

Yes, I think we should leave chat alone for a while. The geeks will see to it. But I don't know why I shouldn't talk about him here. Again: CF gave a brilliant performance at the Donmar, even with a bad cold. It is a pity he doesn't do more theatre. He has a great stage presence, is full of energy, commanding the room.

I got the same London Tour Elena, think I will call it a day, the hacker has won! Good night all.

Excuse me...Livia is 29. But does look 16 I was also surprised how young she looks: I would believe 16 every time. And she is indeed very, very pretty.

Renate-I have tried e-mailing you 3 times-per your request for difficulties at chat. I was refused with the claim that your e-mail address was mispelled. Perhaps the problem is on my end-maybe it's the y2k compliant

I hope whoever is screwing up Chat doesn't find us here. They would indeed have a field day. Welcome Adi! I believe you've posted here once before a little while back. I'm glad to see you've decided to stay. Welcome Ellie! It didn't take you too long to get here. Don't let our bad jokes fool you into thinking we're particularly bright. We just know each other and you will soon too. Mannen, I've always envied the laid-back Australian lifestyle. They can gleefully refer to him as the man most women want to see naked and not feel they have to apologize about it. We have a few other Aussies here who will make themselves known occasionally. Loved Ellie's story. Can it mean he's...gasp...human? Perhaps he nags her about smoking. There's nothing worse than a reformed smoker (ducking for cover). Lizza, loved your flower story too. Frith...Firth....the lady must have had a speech impediment. I have an extra program, unsigned unfortunately. Any takers? E-mail me.

I hope whoever is screwing up Chat doesn't find us here. They would indeed have a field day. I wonder if someone is saving the new messages daily? Karen, Heide, do you know? It was started after the disappearance of boards way back when. Is it still continued? Not only had I the trouble with chat, but my program went mad reposting and reposting the same messages here, and then I had a *VERY* strange call of someone who told me *not* to quit the line for the next 45 minutes because of technical reasons.... how stupid can someone be?

Another link in chat you are transported to: Marcia's musical flute. To all in chat who emailed me: Please forgive me if I don't answer all mails you sent me during this interruption.

the man most women want to see naked Why? O:-)

FINALLY! I have made it though all the posts and gotten caught up! It's been so easy to get behind during the last week or so. Karen- love the idea for the top ten list! who's going to start it? Lizza- I'm so happy your mum's doing better! And do tell us what you wrote to Colin on the card! (loved the Frith/Firth story, btw) :) Adi- Welcome! Your English is lovely (in truth, you write as clearly as I do, and I have not your excellent excuse!) I am always impressed with people who can communicate in several languages. I attempted to learn German once, but after a couple of months my teacher bribed me with a passing grade if I promised never to take any of her classes again. (some lame excuse about me obviously not getting it) :) Elli- Welcome also! I loved your Livia story! I must admit she intrigues me. What is this woman like, the one who stole ODB's heart? I too would like to hear more about your friend's conversation with her. Heidi- I would very much like to have the extra program if it's still available, I shall email you the moment I get home. (-currently trapped at work. I think my company should be obligated to help support my CF habit as part of its mental and physical health program!) :) Ann- A Very Happy (and very late) Birthday! Many, many returns of the day! Jenn- Yippee! Congratulations! Go bake on Hawaii for a while to celebrate. Maybe take a stroll in Hilo, take in a softball game, drop by to chat with the lovely lady running the tee shirt/baseball hat stand. :) Just a suggestion.

I just came from chat but didn't see anything about Valmont. Nan and Myr had been there so perhaps they took care of the problem. Marcia e-mailed me a picture of the group at 3DOR. Good looking bunch. Did Myretta or Nan go? When are the pics going to be posted?

Welcome Adi and Ellie and thanks ellie for that priceless insight... --Difficult to live with?? I suppose it depends on your temperament and what time of the month it is... I would guess his tendency to wax passionate about certain issues combined with his being so articulate about his views...(remember, Kate complained that she could NEVER win an argument with him?...) might seem troublesome at times. I suspect he would probably have a tendency to analyze things to death. And given the about-turns and his ability to see both side of an issue might render life with him a bit--um--confusing at times. Maybe he just keeps knocking over the salt shaker during dinner discussio s... But since she seems goodhumored about his faults--whatever they are-- I'm sure he knows how to make it up to her--thoroughly. :-)

(Renate) I wonder if someone is saving the new messages daily? Karen, Heide, do you know? It was started after the disappearance of boards way back when. Is it still continued? We had it set up so that all the boards were automatically saved every night. You might have to check with Terry to see if he turned it off. I don't have the access I need to check myself, sorry. Renate contacted me about the weirdness of chat. Near as I can tell, some wiseass is having a good time at our expense. I doubt it's some 16 year old boy--who, I imagine, would rather harass the DiCaprio chatrooms. I'm sorry I wasn't there to deal with it, ladies. Pity, because I'm in just the right mood to kick some troll butt. In fact, were I not on a public board I would be swearing like a sailor. Anyway, there were 2 problems: 1) Being rerouted to other pages (the Marcia Musical Flute and Tower of London Pages). The records show that someone who logged in as "Ellie" embedded a meta tag in her post that sent everyone to those other URLs and 2) Someone logging in as "Lilith" embedded a Javascript message into her post about the server being down. So every time you tried to refresh the page, one of those 2 things would happen. So, it isn't anything horrible...just some douche who has nothing better to do. (pardon the vulgarity, but it was either that or the F word). If I'm around, I can get rid of those people, but when I'm not you are free to use the Exile board...though that's not really a chat room. If you want I can set up an additional chat room for just such emergencies (the location of which we can circulate in email) or I can set up a mailing list. Whichever you prefer. Let me know. BTW, sorry I haven't been around. Glad you all enjoyed 3DOR. Sorry I missed it. And Evelyn, thanks for the program you excellent creature! ;-)

Nan You left chat just when I logged on. I had no problems though, I thought you and Myr might have solved it.

(Renate) I wonder if someone is saving the new messages daily? Karen, Heide, do you know? It was started after the disappearance of boards way back when. Is it still continued? We had it set up so that all the boards were automatically saved every night. You might have to check with Terry to see if he turned it off. I don't have the access I need to check myself, sorry. Renate contacted me about the weirdness of chat. Near as I can tell, some wiseass is having a good time at our expense. I doubt it's some 16 year old boy--who, I imagine, would rather harass the DiCaprio chatrooms. I'm sorry I wasn't there to deal with it, ladies. Pity, because I'm in just the right mood to kick some troll butt. In fact, were I not on a public board I would be swearing like a sailor. Anyway, there were 2 problems: 1) Being rerouted to other pages (the Marcia Musical Flute and Tower of London Pages). The records show that someone who logged in as "Ellie" embedded a meta tag in her post that sent everyone to those other URLs and 2) Someone logging in as "Lilith" embedded a Javascript message into her post about the server being down. So every time you tried to refresh the page, one of those 2 things would happen. So, it isn't anything horrible...just some douche who has nothing better to do. (pardon the vulgarity, but it was either that or the F word). If I'm around, I can get rid of those people, but when I'm not you are free to use the Exile board...though that's not really a chat room. If you want I can set up an additional chat room for just such emergencies (the location of which we can circulate in email) or I can set up a mailing list. Whichever you prefer. Let me know. BTW, sorry I haven't been around. Glad you all enjoyed 3DOR. Sorry I missed it. And Evelyn, thanks for the program you excellent creature! ;-)

Lizza I'm glad to hear that your mother is better.

(Renate) I wonder if someone is saving the new messages daily? Karen, Heide, do you know? It was started after the disappearance of boards way back when. Is it still continued? We had it set up so that all the boards were automatically saved every night. You might have to check with Terry to see if he turned it off. I don't have the access I need to check myself, sorry. Renate contacted me about the weirdness of chat. Near as I can tell, some wiseass is having a good time at our expense. I doubt it's some 16 year old boy--who, I imagine, would rather harass the DiCaprio chatrooms. I'm sorry I wasn't there to deal with it, ladies. Pity, because I'm in just the right mood to kick some troll butt. In fact, were I not on a public board I would be swearing like a sailor. Anyway, there were 2 problems: 1) Being rerouted to other pages (the Marcia Musical Flute and Tower of London Pages). The records show that someone who logged in as "Ellie" embedded a meta tag in her post that sent everyone to those other URLs and 2) Someone logging in as "Lilith" embedded a Javascript message into her post about the server being down. So every time you tried to refresh the page, one of those 2 things would happen. So, it isn't anything horrible...just some douche who has nothing better to do. (pardon the vulgarity, but it was either that or the F word). If I'm around, I can get rid of those people, but when I'm not you are free to use the Exile board...though that's not really a chat room. If you want I can set up an additional chat room for just such emergencies (the location of which we can circulate in email) or I can set up a mailing list. Whichever you prefer. Let me know. BTW, sorry I haven't been around. Glad you all enjoyed 3DOR. Sorry I missed it. And Evelyn, thanks for the program you excellent creature! ;-)

Dammit! Now it's double-posting in here. Technology is pissing me off today.

Maybe he's like my husband when he's not feeling well. Believe me I would rather have 6 sick kids than one sick husband. Perhaps that's what Livia is talking about when she said "Not always."

I envy all of you who were lucky enough to see Colin Firth in person. I know that some of you felt that the experience was somewhat anti-climatic, but However, now that some time has passed how do you feel about it now? If you had a chance to do it over again would you or wouldn't you choose to see him in person? Happy Belated Birthday Anne. Lizza I"m glad to hear your mother is improving.

Happy BIrthday Ann.... Welcome new comers. I am so glad to have you post. I lurked for months.Everyone loves our DB that is why we are all here. I want to read the article where Livia says NOT ALWAYS... where is it. I have missed several days. I am having a crisis in my life that throws me around every now and then

Oh, please tell me what you got when you accessed Marcia's Magic Flute!!! I cannot imagine, but I sure would have chacked it offered the option! Sheer gall and other things I cannot say here. Susan A. Hello! Jenn and SBR come and join the fun in Hilo!!! Bring guaranteed sunshine!!! Is someone telling me not to post to much? Nan, we've missed you Dear!

Susan, hi and welcome, its wasn't that meeting Colin was an anti-climax, it was wonderful meeting him in person and seeing that he is actually more gorgeous i real life than on the screen, it was oh its hard to explain its just that one is so in awe and you feel things can't get better that this but they can and I am over it now and looking forward to his next project, next interview and MLSF,also his performance on stage was spell-binding and I think I was possibly in shock after meeting my and everyon else's favourite actor, how many people can say that. .

Nan, glad to have you with us - and a triple post can be nice sometimes;-)

Some thoughts about our 3DOR adventure (part I): I must confess I still have the feeling that all this hasn't happened to me really, it is as if I had just been to see another Colin Firth film. It's all at a distance, so unreal. Well, it really has been a �distance" on Friday night because Renate, Carola (still a lurker at Spring, but you may know her from the chat) and I had seats in the circle, second row, left side. So we hardly could see what was happening on the left side of the stage - and there's much of the action - the view was disturbed by a g id railing, but on the other side we had a good view on what was going on on the gallery. But I must confess that I sometimes hardly could look at them there - since I can't stand heights myself I always thought they might fall down when they got too close to the edge because the railing ended half way through. After the show we went down to wait for CF. But as I knew before I felt that I couldn't by any chance ask for an autograph, not even take pictures, let alone ask for one with me and him. Though I know it's just �normal fan-behaviour" and really nothing despicable to do, I would have felt awkward to do things like this to a person to whom I am a complete stranger. So I gave my camera to Carola and positioned myself near the entrance door and restricted myself to watch Colin from a distance. But thought tha I would unquestionably be the only fan without an autograph of ODB although I had the opportunity to ask for it. But the autograph thing was not what me disappointed, what me really annoyed was my inability to overcome my shyness at such an opportunity. But all that really doesn't matter, I've seen him on stage and that's what I came for. (I'll try to post some of my thoughts about the play and the actors' performances later in the discussion. We will discuss it, won't we?) Saturday night we had the best possible places in the stalls, left side, first row just near the famous bed. I really relished this second performance. Not only because of the better point of view but because I was less excited than the day before. I tried to find out why and the only reason I could think of was that either it was because all this was so unreal or it was because seeing him acting was so familiar his mannerisms so well-known (although again Walker and Ned are completely different character from the ones we already knew) , a bit like watching a film with him only a bit closer. Though I was really worried about his voice in this performance. Especially in the first act where Walker has quite a lot to say and always in this excited way. Luckily it seemed to be easier in the second act since Ned is a less eloquent character although he couldn't help but clear his throat or even cough in that one too. But as Chloe said, his sore throat didn't affect his powerful performance in a bad way, it cou d have been part of the character.

Some thoughts about our 3DOR adventure (part II): As the night before I didn't try to get near Colin but watched him from a distance when he finally came down to meet his fans. I was standing at the wall somewhere in the middle of the foyer. Although there were more fans I think than the evening before I could catch some very good looks at him. When he was still more in the back of the foyer I saw a little boy standing near me with something in his hands obviously waiting for an autograph and I was astonished to see him there since he seemed not to be a ypical Firth fan. Then I recognised the person on the photographs he was holding what even increased my astonishment because it was John Malkovich. But in the same moment I saw why he was there because JM just came down the stairs. He only signed one or two pictures but refused to sign more. I like the thought of Valmont meeting Valmont. When Colin passed by me on his way to the entrance there was a woman offering him a cough drop - what a nice idea - sorry, couldn't catch what she said but he replied smi ing �It's a bit late now" (something like that). And I saw him - only half way through with his fans - checking with the lady who was there to close the doors whether he could go on with his fans. He just sent her an enquiring look and she nodded generously (good girl ). And now another think which proves the character of a real friend (unlike me, the scaredy-cat). Saturday night Carola took my program with her to ask Colin to sign it for her �friend who is too shy" and he did (he even got my name right, good spelling job, Carola I hope you'll come out of lurkdom and tell the story in your own words.). And I didn't ask her for it! would never have dared! Although I'm usually not that keen on autographs it goes without saying that I surely am very happy to have that on , to have friends who take such a trouble for me and that I certainly keep it as a most precious treasure! Well, that's all I can think of at the moment. I fear my account is a bit muddled up. But I really feel like I have lived through this only in a state of a shock - you know like after an accident or some terrible event, when your mind tries to protect you from an emotional overflow by blocking out the reality, the excitement and nervousness is replaced by an apparent calmness but it also hinders you to take note in a proper way of what is happening around you. Though I really felt quite calm but also had he feeling like I was watching all this from an outsider position, as if I had not really been there. Really the feeling now is quite similar to the one before the trip when I only have read about your encounters. Strange. Well I don't know, that's just it. And it goes without saying that the whole weekend has been wonderful. Not only because of the play but very much also because we were able to meet some other Firth fans what has been quite an experience and I enjoyed it very much..

(Kirsten)what made me really annoyed was my inability to overcome my shyness at such an opportunity. But all that really doesn't matter, I've seen him on stage and that's what I came for.....I have lived through this only in a state of a shock Thank-you so much for your lovely and sincere report, Kirsten, it brought it all back to me like it was yesterday. Pity I didn�t make such a detailed report here on all that in time, don�t know if I could anymore. I�ve been remembering the Donmar evening in bits and pieces and flashes, like �oh yes, that�s how it was�, on and on. About shyness...I understand it well that you wanted just to watch him, not to go close or talk to him, and I do not think that you really missed anything important. Maybe I should�ve done the same thing actually, or not meet him at all, cos it really was the play I went to see and the play was what he wanted to give to his audience in the first place. What I regret very much is that I didn�t take my tiny video camera with me and film the whole happening in the foyer!!! What an unique opportunity I lost.

Thank you very much Kirsten for your lovely report! I have no doubt that I also would have been to shy to approach the DB, doubtless just being in the same room as him would have reduced me to a blathering idiot! How fortunate that you had a friend come to your rescue and secure his signature! (Carola, delurk already!) :)

Thanks you Kirsten. I'm not sure how I would act in such a situation. Would I be shy or would another persona come out and talk to him. I hope I will be lucky enough to find out in the future. ;-) Renate, do post here, we want to know more.

TOP TEN REASONS WHY LIVIA THINKS COLIN IS NOT ALWAYS WONDERFUL: 10. He hides her cigarette packs. 9. He forbids her to say �It�s only a game�. 8. She wants to live in Chelsea he wants to live in Islington. 7. Hates Bridget Jones�s Diary. 6. He confuses her panna cotta for cr�me brul�e. 5. He hates Ramazzotti. 4.He takes her waxing appointments at the salon. 3.He wears those Arsenal boxers much too often. 2.He bites his nails. 1. He won�t do Darcy.

LOL Moon over your top ten. Haven�t been able to post in a while, writing the paper from hell!! Happy Birthday Ann! Lizza, I hope your mother is doing better. Welcome to all the newbies. Kristen I got chills from reading your story and from anticipating what would happen next. I understand how your feel--my hands were shaking so much just from taking his picture I�m surprised anything showed up on the film.

Welcome to all delurkers, it's good to have you along. Thanks for continued good wishes for my mother too. Nan, thanks for explaining last night's weird episode to us.

Moon, what a great top ten. I can vouch that he doesn't have smelly feet (well not on March 6th) having been exceptionally close to them!! So Livia probably does not get wild about "ripe" socks. In one interview (Guardian?) it said he drinks Nescafe!!! Good God, I find that impossible to believe, but IF he does that would drive any self respecting Italian to distraction I should think. I am excited about meeting with some friends this evening,who are eager to see and share my Donmar photos/experiences. It is times like these that compensate for the "low" periods, when "I can't believe it happened " and "What else is there to look forward to when I 've met him" etc start to take over. Ann has expressed this so well and I guess we will all come out of it sooner or later. Haven't forgotten your flower info requests BTW.

Hello everybody, well, there you catched me. No way to lurk a little longer. Thank to all, I enjoyed the time I spent here so far very much. Thanks to Kirsten who let me get the autograph for her. So I had the best of all possible excuses to approach the man. And he recognised me from the day before and I received the most wonderful smile. ;-) Cheers Carola

(Moon)I hope I will be lucky enough to find out in the future. ;-) So do I Moon, and I�ll be there too if I get a chance. After all, it�s pretty great to have the fantastic opportunity to be painfully shy and mumble unintelligently in His presence!

Kirsten, your report was wonderful, thanks for sharing it. I know what you mean about feeling like you're outside yourself, watching it happen -- you expressed that so nicely. Moon, your top 10 had me LOL. Can't wait to see what others come up with; I myself am not feeling anywhere near witty enough to attempt one. I figured out what I like most about Livia volunteering that comment to Ellie's friend: it seemed to show that, at worst, she thinks Colin's fans are harmless (as opposed to celebrity-stalking weirdos) and at best she realizes we're intelligent ladies with impeccable good taste in men;-)

(SusanA.)If you had a chance to do it over again would you or wouldn't you choose to see him in person? Are you kidding? I'd walk over women and children..... **** Thank you Nan and Myretta for repairing chat. I was there at 10PM last night and they were still working diligently. We're so lucky to have these techies on board. ***** Kirsten....Your report was lovely ...I read it twice.But you should have been there the week before with all the other Spring Droolies. As someone said "There is strength in numbers"...also we had had several glasses of wine with dinner:-).And I can assure you I would not have let you stand alone without having been in the picture. As the group can attest....Colin and I were having a battle about placing people in the picture. He was in rare form that night...wouldn't you agree girls? **** Welcome Carola...what a true friend you are. (Kirsten)I would unquestionably be the only fan without an autograph of ODB I didn't get an autograph...they don't mean much to me. But I was determined to get a group picture:-)

I can't keep up with you, ladies! So many postings, and how marvellous to see more de-lurkers taking the plunge. The more the merrier! I'll add to the list of suggestions for " Mr Not Always Wonderful" :-) Here goes... 1. Not a handyman (inability to fix stero speakers) 2. Accident prone (said speakers falling on head) 3. Absent minded (the 3DOR experience..open zippers and visible price tags!) 4. Messy in kitchen (own confession) 5. Clings to old bachelor haunts (after 14 years (14 years!!!)in Hackney, makes mega-move all the way to next door Islington!..But has also bought flat near mum-in-law in Rome, so can be forgiven) 6. Probably prefers (very loud) Bruce Springsteen to Italian opera Inspiration fails me (Top Six only)...over to you! I've loved reading all glowing 3DOR reports, and am so glad he managed to fight off the cold/cough in the last performance. Hope he went straight to bed with a hot toddy! I shall have a touch of the post-Colin blues myself, when the reports come to an end. Winter, congrats on your Masters, and it's good to hear that your mum is okay again, Lizza.

He bites his nails. Oh, no, he doesn't...

He bites his nails. Oh, no, he doesn't... Check again my dear.

He bites his nails. Oh, no, he doesn't... Check again my dear. I saw his hands... up close and personal...clipped short...but not bitten.

Maybe he's conquered his nail biting habit! That and giving up smoking all in one year- well done Colin! (or maybe I should say 'well done Livia') :)

Thanks, Kirsten and Carola for giving us your stories. Each perspective is unique. Kirsten, I was more like you but I am so grateful that I had a bunch of Carolas with me because what I have to treasure now would never have happened without them. Enough of my sentimental claptrap, those nails look clipped down to the quick and then some.

--My, my--you're making the DB sound like a reformed nervous wreck!! Wouldn't our energies be put to better use to work their miraculous healing powers (as they seemed to do for Lizza's Mum) on poor sick DB, now langouring in bed with an illness brought on by the intense expenditure of concentration and energy due two weeks of the vigorous demands of performances--both on stage and in lobbies--which was carried off with aplomb! Get well CF!!!

--Oog!! I meant "languishing" of course!!

LOL at your top 10 list, Moon, a riot. Glad to see you continuing Bethan. How about this one: Can't stop him from shopping at Oxfam's thrift store. ;-) Wonderful account of your trip Kirsten and Carola and a big welcome to you too. Regardless of how you felt, you performed an invaluable service. No one, but no one has documented his clothing as you did. You are forgiven for not noticing the shoes on the first night. Sounds like our two groups hit the same hot spots: Highbury and antique shopping, although I would say the stuff in Portobello Rd was more like junque! :-) I still tingle with the thought that I was there, saw CF perform his little heart out, talked to him (sort of), got his autograph and there are photographs to prove we were all in the same space, breathing the same air (and I am going to continue deluding myself that he had his hand on my shoulder and it was not yours, Evelyn!!) What memories! What great memories! Wish everyone here could have been with us, but you were in spirit and many if not all of you have the little bits of memorabilia that we brought home. *sigh*

Welcome Carola and Kirsten, these accounts keep us going. So glad you have joined us. Evelyn, you are too modest in not revealing how gently assertive you were with CF that night. Would he dare to refuse YOU? (Cue dialogue from the first proposal scene in P&P!!!) You had the presence of mind in a situation that many of us did not possess. Just saw a lot of Wessex scenes on breakfast TV re Oscars which has set me up for the day ahead. Sadly not a daily occurance over here.

Media watch report...two snippets from the UK press... Tere's an item about another legal suit against Miramax for "stealing" the plot line for SIL, which was filed "as virtually the entire SIL cast gathers in LA to celebrate the film's 13 Oscar nominations". So does this mean that CF is in LA? I think possibly not as he was marginalised in the pre-Oscar run-up, and then wasn't mentioned in the BAFTA nominations. Tom Wilkinson could be there along with the other principals. Another news item, not really "new "news. Sice the demise of Polygram, the state of the British film industry has gone from bad to worse. It is now becoming virtuually impossible for British films without a US distributor to reach the screens in the UK. This means that they are also not picked up by cable (Sky etc) who go for standard Hollywood fare, and also, most depressingly of all, are not released on video or shown on TV. A lot of good films starring well known actors are gathering dust and wi l never be seen. EeeecH! Evelyn....HELP!! What exactly did your bank contact say? Are they still trying to sell SLOW (distribution rights, or the entire film) Is a video release always a last resort possibility? Are you ringing them again, or is that it? I really feel that SLOW may just disappear (AND it's a romantic role...grrrr!!). Can it not be shown at festivals...there are a lot of Back festivals in the US, and there's an African Film Festival next month in NY. SLOW isn't mainstream commercial and probably film festivals could be the the best option. But it sounds as though there's little hope from the UK end. Evelyn, anyone else, any bright ideas?!!!

Done in haste, and, as usual, loads of typos! Sorry! I think it's still readable, just.

yes it is so depressing isn'y it. Quality verus Fodder for the Masses. Quite a lot on TV this morning re Miramax massive budget devoted to promoting SIL pre 21st March. Forcing smaller studios to respond even tho' they don't have the cash upfront etc It will serve Miramax right if ODB stays home, ironically HE is in most of the clips not Tom Wilkinson, but I should imagine John Madden will miss him. They seem to get on so well. I wonder if Martin Clunes will be there looking like a reject from a Doctor Who Fashion parade? (Ouch)!!

Yes Bethan , typos are obviously catching too. Sorry about mine.

I've started reading 3DOR for the discussion and realized that the way the play starts might describe your feelings after having met Colin. "Something happens somewhere, makes a noice, the noice travels, charts the distance: The Story of a Moment." You certainly had that moment.

Glad to hear that chat is repaired. Was that wierd, or what? Also glad to see you posting, Carola and Kirsten. Loved your top 10/top 6, Moon and Bethan! You captured anything I would have said (messiness, way he dresses, etc.). BTW, does Livia smoke?? Hard to believe she does if he quit (sorry, it's the staunch anti-smoker in me...):-) Don't know if Colin will be at Oscars on Sunday (cons: seems he doesn't go for that sort of thing, esp. when not nominated and being virtually ignored. Pros: Harvey requires cast to show(?); he's probably in LA to see his son after Donmar-forced absence). If he is there, it may not make the broadcast. Regardless, we should be treated to many clips featuring dear old Wessex!

(KJArt) Wouldn't our energies be put to better use to work their miraculous healing powers (as they seemed to do for Lizza's Mum) on poor sick DB, now langouring in bed with an illness Quite right my dear. I for one am more than willing to volunteer my services as his nurse. I can sit by his bedside, and bath his fevered brow, rub his temples, run my fingers though his glorious (if somewhat diminshed) hair -perhaps even take a moment to wind one of his adorable curls around my finger. Really, Anything I can do to help the DB feel better ;)

In addition to recovering from his flu bug, wonder if Colin is, like some of us here, suffering from post-3DOR letdown, I mean, imagine: one week you have people coming from all over the world to see you and telling you how great you are, the next, you're back in Islington taking out the garbage and doing the dishes...

Darcy doing the dishes? I would guess those long digits are best employed stacking the dishwasher( with copious cups of Nescafe in between of course!!).

OT: One degree of separation. http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/dynamic/hottx/theatre/review.html?in_review_id=122292&in_review_text_id=102362 Trevor Nunn's Troilus and Cressida, which includes David Bamber (Mr. Collins) as Pandarus and Raymond Coulthard ("What's the first anniversary?" TEP) as Achilles is roundly thrashed by the critic.

Chris (Luvvy), do we have you to thank for the "Firth on Stage" page? Do tell!!!

Lizza what "Firth on Stage" page do you have its address, I thought I knew all CF pages.

Lizza what "Firth on Stage" page do you have its address, I thought I knew all CF pages. We are all human...;-0 Chris's page on the plays Colin has appeared in can be accessed from cf.com's off-site links. It shows the playbills, gives the cast listings, reviews, and pictures. A luvvy-ily job!

(Karen)...and I am going to continue deluding myself that he had his hand on my shoulder and it was not yours, Evelyn!!) Ok, Ok, so the guy has three arms...one on Jana's shoulder, one on yours and one on Lizza:-) **** Lizza ...Evelyn, you are too modest in not revealing how gently assertive you were with CF that night. Would he dare to refuse YOU? Hey, you make me sound like Cruella De Ville. Actually, I was v. polite in my request and he consented readily:-) A nice man. ***** (Moon) "Something happens somewhere, makes a noice, the noise travels, charts the distance: The Story of a Moment." 3 DOR You certainly had that moment. V. insightful of you Moon...I thought of the same thing ...we all shared that magical moment.Like I said...rarely does one get a second chance at these moments. Gotta grab 'em the first time around. **** I feel v. indebted to Chris (Luvvy) for alerting us to 3 DOR at the Donmar. Thank you....I am eternally grateful:-) ***** Bethan..Re: SLOW. I shall call next week. Hate to call every week. I don't think the bank is interested in Film Festivals.Or at least they weren't last autumn.Some films never do sell and that is a fact of life.Didn't someone ask Colin about SLOW and he remarked "I don't think it will ever be released".Happens. Ralph Fiennes' "Onegin"still doesn't have a distrib either. *** I think it would be torture to sit through the Oscars if one was not a nominee.There's a limit to what Harvey can ask of a man.Esp. since he didn't mention his name at GG.Thanked everyone 'cept for Colin and the dog. Grrrr. I'm still pissed off about that.Shocking!! ****

Since Moon provided that lovely quote from the play, let's start talking about the play. Even though not everyone has seen it, many more have the script in their hot little hands and have read it. So here goes: Ned is the most important character in the play. His mood, his personality, and his thoughts set everything in motion and color our thinking about all the other characters. How would you describe his character? Is he brilliant? Is he really lonely? Is is truly a misfit? What IS his problem?

Sorry, I'm moving the discussion to #98 - Film Discussions. Forgot where I was for a second. Yes, Evelyn, he can have all the hands he needs to fulfill MY fantasies!

Only if you wonder what Valmont is doing again in chat - no troll, but only me. I tried to change the pic, not too successfully, and now I cannot go back apparently. Sorry.