And my comment was to Sadie-the joys of being here altogether or in Sadie's case in the altogether:-) BTW did they forget to mention someone?

Board is exploding. I cannot type fast enough (for an American, my trigger finger is a little slow ;-) Thanks for compliment Murph, always pleased to amuse. Some of us have no loftier purpose in life. Whot Judy? You got something against me being naked? (Metaphorically-speaking of course, am brilliant literary type in manner of Scaisia. Am bloody poor speller though.)

Nothing against you being naked as long as you don't hold your naked against me or that you don't upload your naked being on sfolks;-)

Holy cow!! Sadie! Would you like to write a Drool newsletter? You've captured the past two months' activities to a T. Am particularly interested if you kept a list of lewd comments by hard-core droolers. ;-) Am checking regional newspapers for real account of Tracy's hols. (if anyone can find it, I will) (Murph) The Christabel ones remind me of Emily Dickinson. Sprinkled liberally with Christina Rossetti, who were both inspirations for Christabel (a poem by Coleridge). I posted info from Murph about the October 22 broadcast of Relative Values on 134. But the reason why Overseas FilmGroup is in the news is that it released more bad financial results on Monday. As far as the US goes, all deals are done. We're going to see it on TV and eventually it should come out on video. Overseas posts deepened loss Indie film distributor Overseas Filmgroup Inc. on Monday reported a widened second-quarter net loss and decreased revenue as it racked up high interest costs related to debt reduction. The Los Angeles-based company, whose upcoming slate of films includes "Cheri" starring Jessica Lange and "Proximity" with Rob Lowe and James Coburn, reported a net loss of $666,705, or 10 cents a share, compared with a loss of $47,714, or a penny a share, a year earlier. Revenue fell to $4.4 million from $6.5 million. The company blamed operating losses during the quarter on distribution and marketing costs. In June, Overseas Filmgroup received a $17 million equity investment from commercial production and studio facilities company EUE Screen Gems but was hit with a $15 million one-time accounting charge.

Don't worry, there is only one person I want to hold my naked against at the moment, and neither you nor Tracy likely look like him! Being demure, I would nevah have even contemplated uploading my Birthday suit to sfolks. Oh my poor innocent state is being shaken. A pic of CF and I'm likely to go all unnecessary.

Help there's a delusional streaker on the board,pleasedon't show her a pic of CF in her present unnecessarycondition.

It happened again! Too slow on the draw. No Karen, I did not keep a list of lewd comments. But then, they flow so freely from my own brain...well, not brain, sexactly. I was afraid to leave names out at that given moment, so I just said "seasoned Droolers" 'cause of course we all know who you guys are....thanks for RV reminder. I know why I forgot. I do not have cable :-(

Have put clothes on now (cold chill of not seeing RV when its shown) and cast away demure pretence. Am drawing feverish sketch of Colin in kilt, in manner of KJ but with rather shocking agenda...

The kilt bit is to torture you Judy, for your corrupting influence on poor little me -D

Oh no, I think I left bold open, how do I fix it. (Bold lettering that is)

The truth will out,this is the Sadie we all know & love But now it's my turn to go all unnecessary ooh Colin in a kilt I can see why you felt the need to strip off, I'm all hot under the kilt as well.

Torture me! torture me!

You mean it's hot under the kilt after awhile.

Especially since its always so crowded.

LMAO Judy! But not too crowded. We seem to have been deserted again!

Just you & me & a pair of...

But only one...

LOL `Me first :-D

Thank you, Sadie! I wish I did not have a hurricane warning overhead and could spend some time on your report. You could be our PA whenever we get round to forming Firthfully Films. Remember, Karen? Gi, ho ricevuto oggi tua cartolina, grazie! Murph, I too enjoyed Possession very much. Any news on the lead male? I heard that Gwynnie wanted the C part. Sadie, Possession is very slow to start but once it does, it is hard to put down. Give it another try.

Did I cut in a a waltz? ;-)

No,no just genital warfare

*Thwack* No need to worry Moon. Just taking over the kilt.

...a highly ignored territory in the South of England, except at Drool.

I'm off now Sadie hubby wants to surf-men! *sneaking off with kilt tucked firmly underarm*

Yes, you may have got the kilt, but I 'm holding what was underneath. See ya later.

LOL! Sadie, don't let slip out, like those kids toys (the gel filled disgusting thing that slips out of your hand.) Grab hold tight and don't let go! Um, then again, not "too" tight... :-)

Don't worry Laura, I have my handling certificate. Sorry Moon, really hope you did not leave because of the low tone Judy brought to the conversation (*ducking*). Truth is, we just keep talking even though everyone else seems to desert us, hence the Judy & Sadie routine above. :-( I actually did like what I read of Possession, but didn't have a solid stretch of time at any one sitting to concentrate and get very far. Finally gave up after second library renewal. Am v. close to Amazon.com binge for some steamy books. Any steam in Possession?

Depends how how much steam you want to see. I mean its about two Victorian poets? Two scholarly nerds and a somewhat lesbian affair... You figure it out.... :)

Excellent summary of summer Drool activities, Sadie, but you didn't mention ODB's buff new bod with six-pack abs. Moon may be interested to know that pic of CF wrapped in chains (and nothing else) is now possible. ;-)

Am drawing feverish sketch of Colin in kilt, in manner of KJ but with rather shocking agenda... Do I detect my initials being used in vain?? Leave me out of this; nothing like that would ever be in the manner of KJ! :-)

Sadie...ROTFLOL! My cover's blown...there's paparazzi at the door ..oh why couldn't I keep my fists to myself..will now have to retreat to Priory-style clinic to curb my violent tendencies in manner or Col-crazed kilt fiend ;-D (Laura) like those kids toys (the gel filled disgusting thing that slips out of your hand. Oh thats a kids toy is is? Whoops! Am trying to imagine Judy's hubby "surf-men" .... cannot get picture of person standing on back of another man in a Hawaii-5-0 stylee.

.... (continuing as far too quick in submitting) out of my warped brain. Saie can I have some of whatever you're having ? *hic*

Welcome back to Moon and Liz K! Moon, I hope that you and your family enjoyed your stay in Italy. Liz, I remember you. Atleast, I hope I have this right -- one of your favorite CF films is "Apartment Zero" and you claim to be a poor speller. I that isn't you I apologize. Now that Moon's back maybe the film discussion on "Apartment Zero" will materialize. Sadie, I am the worst speller on this list -- and don't you forget it. I'm going to go medicate myself now.

(Laura)Two scholarly nerds and a somewhat lesbian affair Sounds like a TV sitcom for the upcoming season. (Eileen)Excellent summary of summer Drool activities, Sadie, but you didn't mention ODB's buff new bod with six-pack abs Quite right, Eileen. I tend to forget to say the most important things! (KJ)Leave me out of this; nothing like that would ever be in the manner of KJ! :-) Deeply sorry. I was merely making reference to act of sketching, not content of sketch. Did not want to say "in manner of Jackson Pollock" and could not think of any contemporary realists at the time. Again, sorry for dragging your name into the gutter where I live.

(Tracy)will now have to retreat to Priory-style clinic to curb my violent tendencies in manner or Col-crazed kilt fiend ;-D Say hello to Judy when you bump into her there! Hey, maybe we should join that Sciasia party and show 'em how literal (as opposed to literary) 'breaking'is done? Nothing like a pack of wild drooling women on the political scene. Porn stars have got nothin' on us! Oh thats a kids toy is is? Whoops! LOL Tracy, and here you thought it was an adult toy! (Cheryl)Sadie, I am the worst speller on this list -- and don't you forget it. I'm going to go medicate myself now. LOL! Ok Cheryl, I won't forget. If I switched to your medication though, maybe I'd be fiercer competition. -D

From Baz, today's Daily Mail Poetic Jennifer returns as lover Hot from her Tony award winning success in Tom Stoppard's TRT, JE has returned to these shores to work in the film version of A S Byatt's novel Possession. The cast, which includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeremy Northan, Toby Stephens and Aaron Eckhart, begins rehearsals next week in London on the tale about two contemporary scholars who discover a tragic love story involving two 19th century Victorian poets. Pic of JE from the Tony Awards. Ms Paltrow and Mr Eckhart play the modern-day literary detectives, while Ms Ehle and Mr Northam play the 19th century lovers. Byatt modelled Ms Ehle's character, Christabel and her poems on the work of Emily Dickinson and Christina Rossetti. The project will be given an infusion of 1st centry hipness by writer-driector Neil LaBute, who has charged his work on screen and on stage with a sense of sexual fury.

Great news Aishling, good ole Baz, and quite a coup for Jennifer, don't you think.

Why Jeremy, Colin would have been so good in this role.(sorry Jeremy fans, just wishful thinking!)

Re Christabel: Great news, Evelyn! What a wonderful part for Jennifer. So happy for her. And a wonderful cst too.

Wow!! Fiennes is out; Northam is in as Ash. Amazing! This ought to be adorable with Jennifer and JN and a class act production. Let's see, what would Toby Stephens play? How about Maud's ex-boyfriend and Roland's nemesis? Now, you're going to have to read the book, Ev. You've made our day, Aishling. :-)

From Empire today: Neil LaBute - A Man Possessed After the sweetness and light of Nurse Betty, which opens in the UK next Friday, it looks like director Neil LaBute is returning to more familiar territory. The man behind such caustic films as In The Company Of Men and Your Friends and Neighbours is about to start filming A.S.Byatt's novel Possession in England this autumn. "It will be a surprise for some, others will say it's a natural progression," says LaBute of his choice to shoot the novel. "There are two really f***ed-up couples, and who better to deal with them [than me]?". The story of two contemporary academics (to be played by Gwyneth Paltrow and LaBute regular Aaron Eckhart), the film follows their growing love for each other as they uncover a hitherto unknown affair between two Victorian poets. Unlike the casting of LaBute's Nurse Betty star Ren�e Zellweger in the forthcoming (and very English) Bridget Jones' Diary, the choice of Paltrow, who honed her British accent on Shakespeare In Love and Sliding Doors, shouldn't raise any eyebrows. "She's frankly good," says LaBute. "She's adept at it. I knew she wouldn't have to go through the kind of thing I was watching Ren�e go through playing Bridget Jones. We couldn't even have a press conference about Nurse Betty without people saying 'Could you do the dialect for us?' I knew it was past that." LaBute is currently living in London during pre-production, having scouted locations including Whitby and Lincoln, along with casting a nearly-all British support cast. Backing Paltrow and Eckhart will be Jeremy Northam and Jennifer Ehle as the Victorian poets, with roles also for Trevor Eve, Toby Stephens and Anna Massey. LaBute, who adapted the novel with screenwriter Laura Jones, [uh oh, didn't she do ATA?] came to the book originally as a reader. "I read it a few years ago, and loved it," he says. But - with two previous directors already having tried and failed to adapt it - LaBute's efforts to film it mark the tenth year that the novel has been in the hands of Hollywood. "I was looking at the book from a nationalistic perspective," he says. "My experience of going to the Royal Court, of being the big, loud American, with everybody looking at you. I saw a lot of that in the book." [huh??]

Laura Jones IMO is horrible... She adapted I believe (don't quote me..) Wings of a Dove (which I really didn't like). Am happy about JE and JN in the poets role. Karen, I would suspect TS as the ex-boyfriend. Trevor Eve, eh? Yummy... Anna Massey as the older mentor to Maud????

Anna Massey as the older mentor to Maud???? The flouncy American Leonora? Naw. Was thinking she'd be a perfect Blanche if she was a lot younger. I'm guessing she's Bea, although AM doesn't appear to have Bea's physical endowments. ;-) Trevor Eve has me stumped. Can't be Blackadder or Cropper.

Have been reading about Possession on this board for awhile (haven't read it yet). What great news about JE's casting! LaBute has me a bit nervous, although I found ITCOM engrossing and well acted by Eckhart (particularly at the end when you wanted to disembowel him). Re: Laura Jones--having read the screenplay for ATA, IMO you can't blame her for the final product.

(Baz) The project will be given an infusion of 21st century hipness by writer-driector Neil LaBute, who has charged his work on screen and on stage with a sense of sexual fury. I'm guess we'll get more than the image of cavorting seals between Northam and Jenn. ;-)

Excellent news--thanks Aishling. Way to go, Jennifer! Ann, you called it--I think you had a feeling she'd do something on the big screen before coming back to NY for the play. Smart girl, you really need to strike while the iron is hot in that business. She is choosing wisely. I haven't read the book (but will now). It sounds like excellent source material, and LaBute is a real indie darling and I do like his work. Big question mark is Laura Jones--for the most part, I don't care for her work at all. Aside from ATA, she's done Portrait of a Lady and Oscar & Lucinda, neither of which appealed to me. On the plus side, I did like Angela's Ashes. I do heavily blame her for ATA--she moved the book's action away from the '70s and into the current time, which totally ruined it by eliminating the chance to explore what America was going through at the time both politically (post-Vietnam) and economically (farmers losing their livelihood through corporate takeover and consolidation). Without that, it's a soap opera. Ruined it. Anyway, this is some cast--Ehle, Paltrow, Eckhart, and (YUM!) Northam--I like them all! Ann, I know how you feel, being disappointed that CF isn't doing this, but what can I say that I haven't already said elsewhere. Sigh. He does have that Sciascia gig lined up. Oi. Karen, I doubt if Fiennes was ever really attached to this. He's doing Richard II/Coriolanus in Brooklyn for the next two months, then he's taking it to Japan. He's booked for the rest of the year.

Northam is really far better for the role of Ash than Fiennes. When I read the book and did some mental casting, it was Daniel Day-Lewis in that part. Colin I could see more as Roland, who will be played by Eckhart (who is far more suited to play the narcissistic ex-boyfriend Fergus Wolff). Roland undergoes the greatest changes in the book. He's described as mole-like, but as his name implies, he is far more than that. BTW, everyone's name is highly significant. Gwynneth is Maud Bailey Jennifer is Christabel LaMotte Aaron Eckhart is Roland Michell Jeremy Northam is Randolph Henry Ash This book has so much in it. I've two copies: the original hardback and a paperback which is underlined and full of post-it notes.

This is a huge break for Jennifer, good for her and her agent whom I am sure fought hard for the part. JN will be great as Ash. I even thought RF would be right for the part. I did not see Colin at all. Forgive me. He was better as Roland. Could someone post a pix of Aaron Eckhart? Karen please email me about the Sciascia gig. I am in the dark. LaBute, who adapted the novel with screenwriter Laura Jones, [uh oh, didn't she do ATA?] That is bad news indeed! We need Balzac!

Here ya go:

Here ya go: And w/ Julia Roberts

Don't know why the first one didn't come out;(

Aaron looks so different in each part. Here's a good link with lots of pics: http://aaroneckhart.homestead.com Terrific actor,IMO.

Thanks, Laura and Mari! Who said that Colin and Jeremy had the same agent.It seems he is working just a little bit harder for JN. I am not so crazy about Aaron as Roland, his eyes are weird. Colin would have been much better. I always felt that there should be some kind of physical connection between Ash and Roland. Aaron would have been better as Maud's ex. Anyone agree?

Aaron would have been better as Maud's ex. Anyone agree? Proof positive that no one reads my posts. :-(

This ought to be adorable with Jennifer and JN and a class act production Whoopee....Holy Moses!!What a break. Mr. Knightly, Emma, and Lizzie all in one film....Miramax again...Thank you Harvey. And who was the one who said that winning the Tony had not brought Jennifer any good film break. *Snort* First thing outta Baz's mouth. Shows what you know;-) I am currently in Houston and happen to have the book with me....am starting right away. Thanks Karen for giving the cast and updating IMDb. Don't know Randolph, but feel sure Colin would have been able to play that role...have always said JN is his competition for roles...and is more marketable.Has the Golden Bowl coming soon...another Henry James...but P. should not be art -house, don't you think? Jennifer is sure on a role...after this on to Broadway in January....

Have never felt Colin was right in the role of Ash. Sorry. Forgot to tell you, Jennifer will be blonde, v. blonde for Christabel. Can't remember if it's white blonde or golden blonde. Christabel is a great part. She won't be the lead, with Gwynnie/Aaron, but it's a fabulous part nonetheless. Nothing like people have seen before. Always reminded me of Holly Hunter's role in The Piano. Another reason why Eckhart is wrong. He is going to have to dye his hair. He can't be blonde. You know, based on the Empire interview with LaBute, we can safely assume that Roland is now American. An academic geek is an academic geek, I suppose, anywhere. ;-)

Aaron would have been better as Maud's ex. Anyone agree? Proof positive that no one reads my posts. :-( Karen! I am your most avid reader. Our posts did cross, look at the posting time. Cheer up now! We do have the same idea for casting, naturellement!

(Karen) You know, based on the Empire interview with LaBute, we can safely assume that Roland is now American. An academic geek is an academic geek, I suppose, anywhere. ;-) Hee hee. Actually, maybe not. I was just looking at his bio. California boy, but spent his teenage years in England, so he should be able to pull off a decent accent with some coaching. I *must* get this book!

Mr. Knightly, Emma, and Lizzie all in one film.... But not Mr. Darcy :-( Now I really will have to read the book. I believe all of you who say it's wonderful so I'm very sorry that CF is not going to be in the film. What a missed opportunity! Say what you will about LaBute, I think he's a talented director, and good have got a great performance from ODB. I agree that AE is highly talented. I thoroughly enjoyed hating his character in ITCOM. Great news about JE. Wow, she really has taken off. Imagine if...but I better not say it.

I meant "could have got a great performance"! What is the matter with me today?

(Mari) California boy, but spent his teenage years in England, so he should be able to pull off a decent accent with some coaching. Oooh, didn't know that. But he still will have to darken up. Roland cannot be a golden boy. So against type. Sadie, there's hardly any hanky-panky. But yes, this is a fabulous book. It actually brought be to the web to participate in a book discussion at the Chgo Tribune site and then I found Pemberley's Library, which was going to do a discussion. A core group of about 4-5 of us dissected the book. And that's what got me here. Sorry, it wasn't Colin, but the book Possession. Think a topic for Possession might be desirable?

Hardly any hanky-panky? Well that's ok, I'll still read it. As long as there are no gum-shoes, porn stars, or butterballs....

Well there's not much I can add as I've never read the book & until I found spring I'd never even heard about it.Of course I may have had my head in the sandI'm sure I'll be told if that's the case:-) I'm glad for JE being involved with auch a well known cast but only time will tell about its success over here but you all know my views on that.

Oops meant to add that I worried over TEP & SIL in the same way so I hope this also captures the imagination of the English public.

(Karen)Aaron would have been better as Maud's ex. Anyone agree? Proof positive that no one reads my posts. :-( (Moon)Karen! I am your most avid reader Me too, me too, boss. Don't read everyone's, I must admit, but always yours... (Karen)Think a topic for Possession might be desirable? Please, please, please...can you wait til Mari gets it and and I read it? (Judy)I'm glad for JE being involved with such a well known cast but only time will tell about its success over here but you all know my views on that. Do not mean to be patronizing...but really, a "British success" doesn't make any difference ..whether in reviews or box office receipts.Lots of Brit films bomb in UK and "make it" over here...Sunshine and Croupier , for instance which is a current winner in the US.

Hey, Cheryl. Nope that wasn't me...I've been over at fanfic for well over a year, so you might have come across me there. Thank you all for the welcome though...it was very nice. :) So, when is this JE film due to come out?? Probably sooner in Britain than here in the US, huh?

(Evelyn) and happen to have the book with me....am starting right away So does that mean you've finished "Rose"? (another good one, Sadie, but has other bits you might enjoy) I've cast Colin and Cate Blanchett in this one. ;-) (Moon) We do have the same idea for casting, naturellement! Yes. Sorry, I didn't check the posting times. We are very much in agreement over the main roles and have the same concerns over the directing/writing talent. (Mari) I *must* get this book! Yes, you *must* It just has everything. Literary depth, plus a romance, a mystery/detective story... even a chase scene (which should make the Hollywood types happy as we have ACTION!!) I can just hear Moon exclaim, "the chase is on." ;-) Anna Massey could be playing Ellen Ash when she's older. Small part, but v. pivotal. Have decided that Colin couldn't have played Roland. It might have required that he go to France, where some of the action takes place. ;-)

Hi Liz. Yes, I think many of us had you confused with another Liz who delurked awhile ago. Welcome. The JE movie we're all talking about "Possession" has just started shooting. So it won't be out until next year. But I think we can be certain that it will open in the US first.

Karen, Forgot to tell you that Jennifer is blonde, very blonde for Christabel Oh, I hope she is not too blonde, although I liked her in the The Chamomile Lawn, I thought Jennifer was too blonde in that and that bright red lipstick! Oh Louisa! Although I am very very pleased for Jennifer, it makes me very sad for Colin, why isn't he being offered similar roles, one film a year is just not enough.

Karen,I think a Possession board is wonderful, and perhaps we can do a group read of it. I know that reading and rereading it again, I get so much out of it! Just some background on the novel, AS Byatt won the Booker prize in 1990 for this novel. It was her first Booker award, and hopefully not her last. As Karen can attest, she is MY FAVORITE author, I devoured all of her books and am waiting for the fourth book in her so-called tetrology;) AS Byatt is also sister to Margaret Drabble. (Byatt is her married name by first hubby.) AS Byatt also wrote Angels and Insects, a Novella. some of you may know that from the movie. This is a book to be dissected! I love it and push it on as many people as I possibly can! Now Roland. I have always pictured him as dark with longish hair. Now the contemporary part takes place in late '80s, they'll probably update it to the '90s. Wonder who could do Val and Blanche??? This book is so character driven that everyone really serves a purpose even Val who's barely in the story... Karen, now that I think of it... Patsy Kensit... As Blanche??? (however in Angels and Insects she was very, very, blonde!) There are so many different people who would be great in different roles. Leonora???(Kathy Baker???), she's American, kinda hefty, lesbian... Damn, wish I were casting agent! ;)

Have decided that Colin couldn't have played Roland. It might have required that he go to France, where some of the action takes place. ;-) What a pity....there goes that role;-)Off to the book. ("Rose" stayed at home..."Possession" is my travelling book;-)Soo glad you guys approve of Jennifer as Christabel. (Ann)Although I am very very pleased for Jennifer, it makes me very sad for Colin, why isn't he being offered similar roles Agree, Ann. It sorta takes the joy out of it for me...I do so want him to have roles that command respect .I felt the same way Tony Awards night.He deserves better.

Since a number of people plan to read Possession, we'll hold off discussing it and the characters for a while. This is NOT a story to *ruin* for other people. I'll open up a board later. So let's cool our jets. :-) BTW, I have the complete Pemberley discussion of Possession on my other computer; can upload. (Ann) Although I am very very pleased for Jennifer, it makes me very sad for Colin, why isn't he being offered similar roles Let me preface this, I'm saying this very rationally and not intending to be mean. Possession is a big-time production, the kind of thing they might put out late next year for Oscar consideration. However, it could fall on its face, as the article said Hollywood has been trying to put this one on the screen for 10 years and no one has a clue. All the actors are film actors who put their careers first and don't dilute their CV's with television and nobody directors. To be a "respected actor," IMO, one has to really work at it and not treat it as a 9 to 5 job for 5 months of the year. Having the talent isn't everything. Being there, being available, and promoting the film are required. It kills me too that Colin isn't getting these plum roles. Maybe Bridget will bring him to the forefront and make him a viable "British" actor in Hollywood's eyes. Right now, there are only two: Ralph Fiennes (drama) and Hugh Grant (other) and now Jeremy Northam may be making some inroads, but he's still relegated to costume work, as no one went to see Happy, Texas. I'm thrilled that Jennifer is on the road to the majors. Not another word about the Queen Mum or the Forsyte Saga. ;-) She's moved on and why should she look back?

Liz K, sorry that I confused you with LizG, who posted here in May and June. It is good to have you here. You're welcome for your thank you to my welcoming of your posting here.

It's Murph's Birthday!!! Have a Great One!!

Happy Birthday Murph!

It's Murph's birtdey? *slap* C'mon, Uncle Junior, let's raise a glass to that Bergen County babe, Murph. She's one a da few who can pronounce my name da right way - 'Antney', not 'An-tho-ney'.

How come nobody told me it was Murph's birthday?

Hey, Murph, I'm just Colin in to say I hope you have birthday to Crowe about, and I'm Owen you a big hug when I see you!:-) Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk . . .

Nyuk, nyuk, nyuk . . . Mari, thought your message needed a graphic. How's this? :-)

Happy Birthday Murph, hope you have a great day.

Happy birthday Murph! Hope you enjoy it tremendarcy!

Murph! Have a fantastic birthday. I guess it is true, you now have three dudes, I mean stooges, but all vv handsome.

And since we are casting Possesion, I would like to suggest Camryn Manheim for Leonora and H B-C for Blanche.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MURPH All the way from Houston... Karen's card says it all...We on Drool love and appreciate ya... Bring on the Bubbly for a wonderful new year!!

Happy Birthday Murph

Many Happy Returns Murph!

Karen) thought your message needed a graphic. Why, you little . . . Perfect! (*Really* need to learn how to do graphics around here:-).

Gee, youse guys are the greatest. I got a couple of friends who want to thank you in my name: THANK YOU! And... THANK YOU AGAIN! Big Hugs for making my day. And kisses xxxxxXXXXX Hope this works.....

(Mari) (*Really* need to learn how to do graphics around here:-). We give lessons, tutorials and even have a place for your practice attempts. Most of us CAN walk AND chew gum at the same time too. Weez a talented bunch. ;-)

In birthday thanks, and Colin's response to Mike Binder's new HBO series: Murph

Uh-oh!! We're going to have the FCC after us now. LOL, Murph ;-)

Before the FCC arrives, allow me to wish Murph the most extraordinary birthday and exemplary year.

For those interested in what the Butterball people (Lolafilms) are currently doing...and it's not in the Lake District (far from in all senses)...read on: Lolafilms, Kinowelt make Rain together in Iowa Marking their first co-production since announcing their share-swapping production and distribution pact at this year's Cannes Film Festival, Spain's Lolafilms is joining forces with Germany's Kinowelt to make Rain, an English-language American-set project to which Martin Scorsese is attached as executive producer. The film will be a 50-50 co-production between the two European powerhouses, with Lolafilms' chief executive officer Andres Vicente Gomez and Kinowelt chairman Rainer Koelmel each taking co-producers' credits. Newcomer Katherine Lindberg wrote and will direct the drama, which shoots in Iowa this autumn. Jordi Ros produces. "It is our intention to develop 10 to 12 projects per year and produce at least two or three of those, making more and more ambitious films," Gomez says, describing those projects as "English-language films to be made in Europe with budgets of around $20m or less." He calls Rain - to be shot in the US and directed by an American - an exception to the rule. Rain is the first new project to be launched out of Lola's UK branch since it initiated activities last year with an ambitious English-language slate of films, including: Manuel Gomez Pereira's three tenors satire Off Key; John Malkovich's directorial debut The Dancer Upstairs, starring Javier Bardem; Chris Monger's That Girl From Rio; and Susan Seidelman's Gaudi Afternoon.

A bit more on this from Variety. Shame that the person who is most interested in Butterball doesn't read this topic... ;-) Starring Melora Walters ("Magnolia") and helmed by writer-director Katherine Lindberg, "Rain" will be co-exec produced by Martin Scorsese and produced by Barcelona-born Jordi Ros, a former prexy of Lynda Obst Prods. Pic turns on a woman who kills her husband and has an affair with a young man who turns out to be the son she gave up for adoption. For Lola, which plans to announce a slate of English-lingo projects this fall, pact opens the door still further to markets where Kinowelt has distribution operations, including the U.K. [...]

(Karen) Pic turns on a woman who kills her husband and has an affair with a young man who turns out to be the son she gave up for adoption. Ew. Yuck. I did think Melora Walters was fantastic in Magnolia, IMO a wonderful film.

I agree pretty yucko. A twisted-up Oedipus story which, as Pip would say, "doesn't make sense." ;-)

(Karen)Pic turns on a woman who kills her husband and has an affair with a young man who turns out to be the son she gave up for adoption. A guiltless Oedipus? :-(

Karen, our posts crossed. Sorry! But we had the same idea...

LOL! Don't worry. I don't bite.