*clap clap* Good one, Mari!

(Mari) A spokesperson for Colin Firth announced today that the actor is set to star in a new film, "No Comment." I thought it was supposed to be "New Cardiff." Don't do this to me, Mari! You had me going for a minute there! Oh, Beth, have you considered a career in screenwriting?!? It sounds like the trailer for Colin's new movie, "Concentric Circles Spiral Downward."

change of topic (had to, otherwise I'd wet my pants laughing at the stuff above) wrote to the BBC to ask when they're going to show "Conspiracy" since its an HBO/BBC co-production and its got lots of Emmy nominations; here is the (fairly useless) response: "Thank you for your e-mail. As you are aware the film 'Conspiracy 2000' which stars Kenneth Branagh and Colin Firth is in fact a joint production with HBO productions who also distribute the film. At the present time we cannot confirm whether or not we will be purchasing the rights to broadcast it. I do hope this clarifies the position for you. Thank you once again for taking the time to contact us." I've written back to say that, essentially, no the position is not clarified and since I contribute to funding the BBC then shouldn't I be able to see things that they fund and co-produce? will let you know what response I get.

'Attagirl Rachael. It IS indeed pretty stupid for the Beeb not to know if/when they are going to show a production, that they paid for.

How much you want to bet they'll come back with "No Comment."

well earlier attempts at emailing the Beeb from this corner had them telling me that they'd never HEARD of Conspiracy!

Firth things first: Bethanne and Rachael, get thee to a pharmacy to buy some Depends! Can't stand the thought of you nice people catching a chill . . .;-) Will Obfuscation be available on DVD and will it feature cast interviews ? At this point it is premature to divulge DVD content, but the audiobook of the Obfuscation trilogy--read by Congressman Gary Condit--is available wherever fine books are sold.;-) The Foreword as been authored by Bethanne. In other news, Rachael will be penning a history of the Beeb entitled "Sweet Clarity." ;-)

Thanks Mari, I do have a lot of living to do after all....not as much as I was planning on doing from Row 3 Seat 14 next Spring, but there you have it.

read by Congressman Gary Condit Come on, Mari, that's a low blow!

Beth (Bethanne) The mists part to reveal our hero ( clad in a billowing white shirt ) striding purposely up the moor, clutching a riding crop and a credit card refund form. He is desparate and mourns the loss of his best friend... ... the Great Dane, who fell victim to foot-and-mouth-disease.

(Toyce) Come on, Mari, that's a low blow! I know. But Gary's got to find something to do in between lie detector exams. ;-D C'mon Mari! More! Rachael, have you dug into the old posts to read the saga of Bethan and the BBC re: DQ? And the Beeb *had* the broadcast rights to that production.

As opposed to us who are falling victim to Footing the Credit Card bill disease. It can be pretty deadly ya know ?

(Renate) He is desparate and mourns the loss of his best friend... ...for a minute there, I thought you meant Lassie.

I was worried for a sec too, I thought she meant Mr Bingey until I saw the pic. I mean, Darcy and Bingley are THAT close are they ?

Oops that should be "aren't" that close.....O the horror !!!!

... the Great Dane, who fell victim to foot-and-mouth-disease LOL!!! But I feel you're all very hard on that poor Dane (must protect my fellow contrymen a little...)

Beth (Bethanne) The mists part to reveal our hero ( clad in a billowing white shirt ) striding purposely up the moor, clutching a riding crop and a credit card refund form. As Van Morrison sings "My Worst Fears were Fulfilled" from the hit album "Exploring Possibilities and Other Fantasies"

Eileen, no I didn't see the DQ correspondence - when it got a Bafta nomination I wrote to the BBC saying when are you going to repeat it since it got nominated and Colin is a big hit in BJD, and they wrote back saying "no plans" for repeats on either digital or normal TV. When you see the tosh that's on there most of the time it makes me really annoyed to think of the good stuff they've got that they don't repeat.

DQ (aaargh...red rag to a bull!)..the Beeb have no plans to release it as a video either (although several other lesser dramas shown on the BBC over Christmas are now available on video). So if you missed it, tough. If you want to buy it, tougher still. BBC Films (one of the many, many departments in the labyrinth) had heard of "Conspiracy" (well, they made it) and told me that it would be shown on TV. But I'm afraid I have no faith! I did see a mention of "Conspiracy" on a Dutch site though, with September as the date when it would be seen (if my guesswork translation was correct). Maybe you'll be lucky in Holland!

After consulting my Guru Richard Curtis, I've put the cancellation of Hamlet in its proper perspective. Life's real cruelties involve third-world debt, earthquakes in the Far East, testicular cancer and people starving in the Sudan. But those may be a few years old. ;-)

if you missed it, tough. If you want to buy it, tougher still. You can always try begging, borrowing or stealing.

Obfuscation Trilogy cover artwork:

LMAO! Gotta get my Windex and clean this monitor. Too too funny, Mari.

You can always try begging, borrowing or stealing. You forgot recording, multiplicating and circulating. ;-) Which we would never do, I must add! But just imagine how much money BBC would loose if we did. Tsk, tsk... I think they should release the DQ video without any further delay.

I think they should release the DQ video without any further delay. I think the whole DQ fiasco shows all the faults of the BBC. I had always been in favour of the BBC licence fee (that's the annual charge every television owner in the UK has to pay and from which the Beeb is funded)but this is leading me to change my mind. Can any one imagine a commercial company allowing this to happen? It stars one of the hottest British actors, it has award winning performances, it was universally praised by the critics and yet they, apparently belatedly, squeeze it into the schedules with no fanfare and now seem keen to drop it like a brick. Incredible. Like the Tory party (sorry for all these UK references) they are so keen to dumb down and chase the Sun reader audience that they have forgotten what they are there for. End of rant.

Allison I so agree with you!! DQ and now the Conspiracy thing, why do I pay my licence fee??? Would it be worth lots of us emailing them do you think, they're not to know who is UK based from most email addresses. They haven't answered my 2nd Conspiracy query yet.

You forgot recording, multiplicating and circulating. ;-) Moi? Nevah!!! ;-) Would it be worth lots of us emailing them do you think Writing heartfelt and well reasoned pleas to independent publications could have a better effect - at least the letters would have a better chance of getting noticed. Complaining to the culprit directly will be ignored as usual. Target film, TV, entertainment publications and national (and maybe some local, e.g. London) newspapers where Colin's name has been mentioned favourably. Shall we start a directory list of key addresses firth?

From THR (a little more salt into the wounds): HBO Programs BAFTA/LA Nod Citing HBO Original Programming for recognizing British talent and aiding the United Kingdom's industry, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Los Angeles has selected the cable network's production unit for its Britannia Award for Excellence in Television. The honor will be bestowed at BAFTA/LA's 11th annual Britannia Awards on Nov. 10 at the Century Plaza Hotel in Los Angeles, with HBO Original Programming chief Chris Albrecht accepting the award. "We are delighted to be honoring HBO, truly one of the leading suppliers of innovative programming for the past 25 years," BAFTA/LA chairman Gary Dartnall said. "The premium cable network has long embraced Britain's most creative talent, and we recognize and honor HBO for its expansive support of our industry." HBO filmed the upcoming 10-part miniseries "Band of Brothers" in England. "Band," which focuses on an elite World War II U.S. Army unit, is executive produced by Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg. HBO projects shot in England in recent years using U.K. talent include "The Last of the Blonde Bombshells" starring Judy Dench and Ian Holm; "Wit" starring Emma Thompson; and "Conspiracy" starring Kenneth Branagh. As previously announced, the Stanley Kubrick Britannia Award for Excellence in Film will be presented to George Lucas (HR 6/6).

(Evelyn) As Van Morrison sings "My Worst Fears were Fulfilled" from the hit album "Exploring Possibilities and Other Fantasies" LOL! 'Atta girl, Ev. (Mari) Obfuscation Trilogy cover artwork *guffaw* (Karen) a little more salt into the wounds Ooh, I'll say.

(Karen) a little more salt into the wounds. Ahem...when do we start the countdown for Londinium on Sept 2nd;-)) *dodging tomahtoes from across the pond* (Mari)Obfuscation Trilogy cover artwork: LMAO, Mari.Paul and his henchmen! May I be in charge of the soundtrack? I have a few more songs that would be a propos. Never heard of BAFTA/LA Britannia awards. Wonder who else they honor. HBO deserves it.

Have received an email from someone in the UK, saying she received the cancellation letter from the Riverside this a.m.

saying she received the cancellation letter from the Riverside this a.m. Screw the letter...I want the refund.

Karen, I can top that, I recieved TWO cancellation letters from Riverside, do you think I will get two refunds?! hee hee Incidentally it says that the money will be refunded directly to the credit card over the next couple of months and that they will write to us again with confirmation of the refund. So with a bit of luck we should be refunded by Colin's birthday. Would still rather see Colin live and meet up with friends,boo hoo.

(Evelyn)May I be in charge of the soundtrack? As long as it includes Ain't No Mountain High Enough . . .the job is yours, m'dear.:-) I've heard of the Britannia Awards from BAFTA/LA. I'm pretty sure Spielberg is a prior winner. BTW, Band Of Brothers features several hundred parts--vast majority played by British actors including some of the leads. No wonder he's Sir Steve.;-) BAFTA/LA always throw a big pre-Oscar bash--wonder if they'll do the same for the Emmys? They should--British actors have a nice shot at sweeping the TV movie acting categories. Plus the Emmy people always have a big luncheon for the nominees. I'm sure HBO will be feting their folks. Colin should plan on spending a couple of party weeks here, easily.:-) Ann, I'd hold out for the double refund, absolutely!:-) From What's On Stage: Firth Cancels Hamlet Due to Film Commitments Colin Firth has cancelled his involvement in an upcoming stage production of Hamlet due to ongoing film commitments. The actor was due to star in a version at London's Riverside Studios at the start of next year but has now withdrawn after a filming agenda was altered. The production company behind the venture, Concentric Circles, have expressed their disappointment but are believed to be talking to Firth about future projects. Firth has commented that his "worst fears were fulfilled when my filming schedule for early next year changed". Concentric Circles is a new theatre company and they had hoped to launch their works with Firth in Hamlet. However, they have admitted to being aware of the risks involved with film productions and the demands on their star's time. Firth was, ironically, originally discovered whilst playing Hamlet at the Drama Centre in north London. His first major stage role came as Guy Bennett in the original West End production of Another Country. The actor later received a BAFTA nomination for his portrayal of Mr Darcy in the TV adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. A refund will be provided for customers who have already purchased tickets for Hamlet, which was to have opened on 30 January 2002. Concentric Circles will now present its planned production of Phedre with Sheila Gish during spring 2002. Fresh from her success this year in the Edward Albee double bill (Finding the Sun/Marriage Play) at the Royal National Theatre, Gish will be working with director Christopher Fettes once more. It is 20 years since they last collaborated on an acclaimed production of Berenice at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith. No confirmation has been signalled yet for what might take Hamlet's place on the Riverside's programme. - by Gareth Thompson

ongoing film commitments Those sound very specific. ;-D For Evelyn's approval, a few Van Morrison selections for the Obfuscation soundtrack: It's Too Late to Stop Now album: -Ain't Nothin' You Can Do -I've Been Working -Bring it on Home To Me Wavelength: -Take It Where You Find It Into the Music: -You Know What They're Writing About -It's All in the Game A Sense of Wonder: -If You Only Knew Hymns to the Silence: -Why Must I Always Explain -Village Idiot -Take Me Back Too Long in Exile: Tell Me What You Want How Long Has This Been Going On: -Your Mind Is On Vacation -Don't Worry About a Thing -That's Life -Heathrow Shuffle The Healing Game: -It Was Once My Life -Sometimes We Cry The Philosopher's Stone: -Don't Worry About Tomorrow -I Have Finally Come to Realize

Re: DQ & Conspiracy on BBC Why don't you guys go for the big fish and email Alan Yentob. At one time his email was: alan.yentob@bbc.co.uk ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hey..thanks for all the titles for songs...I like "Sometimes We Cry"... Wanna be my co- muscial director?

(Elton Evie) Wanna be my co- muscial director? Whaddaya think I am, "The Fool on the Hill"? ;-)

MEDIA ALERT ~~~~~~~~~Press Release from Parallel Lines Production Co.~~~~~~~~~ The star of the film "No Comment" is also the composer of the song "Ah Feel Yo Pain" which he sings with an accent (Grammy's take note), dedicated to his fans and back -up group, Concentric Circle. Riverside Studios declined the honour

I succumbed to temptation and bought a copy of "New Cardiff". It's an absolute hoot! Haven't read it all yet, but every page has "film me" written on it. Reads more like a (very funny) screenplay. Even if it isn't made into a movie (and it has to be) I wouldn't regret buying it.

LOL Ladies, for the place to come for blues dispelling mirth, this place can't beat. Thanks ! Agree with all your Brit comments Allison. It's so therapeutic reading a good rant now and then :-) Seems like we all got our Riverside letter today. Go for double Ann!

Hope you can put that letter to good use (e.g., line the bottom of a bird cage). Has Madame Eileen checked her crystal ball lately?

(Karen) Has Madame Eileen checked her crystal ball lately? *tsk* Sorry. Ms. Moon borrowed said ball and took it to Italy. She mumbled something about Rupie and serendipity. ;-) a few Van Morrison selections for the Obfuscation soundtrack LOL! I think the How Long Has This Been Going On Album has the most relevant selections.

Evelyn you're on - an email will be going to Alan Yentob shortly, citing DQ, Conspiracy, and the BAFTA HBO thing mentioned above. I'll let youse all know if/when I hear anything (but I'm not holding my breath) - oh, and I might just bung Londinium in there - and send a note to FilmFour about Londinium too - they're supposed to support innovative British drama after all *sound of hysterical laughter in the background*

Just saw a trailer advertising what's up and coming on Film Four. Can you believe something about London as seen thro' the eyes of film!! *double hysterical laughter* Karen, lining a bird cage is too good for said sheet. Will have to come up with a "Ten uses" list :-)) As a certain lady said about ODB "Just give me time.. give me time."

Lizza, the film four "trailer" about a weekend of London film actually was for the weekend of 6/7/8 July (Fever Pitch went out on the Saturday) so its already been and gone - their July trailers are way out of date. Have emailed Alan Yentob re DQ and Conspiracy, have emailed Sunlight about Londimium - feedback as and when ... and, oooooohhhh I just went to the official Londinium site and printed off the big version of the "Colin by himself" still - now I don't normally go for facial hair, but, that pic is right in front of me and I can hardly type, he is No.1 AFG bloke! (Absolutely F***ing Gorgeous) but then you all knew that anyway .... just had to share *g*

No.1 AFG bloke! (Absolutely F***ing Gorgeous) Thanks Rachael...Newest acronym to add to the list around here....(mine anyway) Others: AAA= Apologies All Around DC = Drool Cop (Rachael)oh, and I might just bung Londinium in there - and send a note to FilmFour about Londinium too Did you send them the Londinium URL?Helps. I always include an URL if there is one.

Here's a film fest lineup with possibilities ;-) The Locarno International Film Festival (August 2-12) will have a showing of BJD in the Piazza Grande (open-air screenings for noncompetition films).

got New Cardiff today, only read ch 1 but I can see it as a film - only thing is, having the main character called Colin, and knowing the discussion here (which prompted me to buy it in the first place) its impossible to read it without hearing his voice or imagining him in the scenes - so do I like it cos I imagine ODB in it, or do I think its good anyway?? Both, I think. hmmm

OK, Moon has FedEx'd crystal ball back to me (won't tell you what she said ;-)). Am gazing now. What will Colin do next? I see a small, light blue and white box with blue lettering...A..C...U...V...U...ohmigod! Nooooooo! Nooooooooo! That's Sean Bean's job! Wait--I put ball down in front of a box of my contacts. Let's try again. *shaking ball in manner of paperweight* It's hazy, very hazy. What's that? A martini? Shaken, not stirred? ;-D That's all for now. Must get ball over to DC police, missing persons division.

LOL Eileen, toooo funny !!! Anyone else catch Sean Bean on the Vicar of Dibley last weekend, on PBS ? It ws only a small cameo part, but it was very funny.

Given your choice for cover artwork for Obfuscation Trilogy, you really must also consider these songs for soundtrack: I'm Not Your Stepping Stone (could be sung in manner of soliloquy in regard to Concentric Circles) Daydream Believer I'm a Believer Take the Last Train to.....Umbria ;-)

Thank you, Lora. elton evie and Parallel Films are taking all suggestions into consideration for soundtracks of Obfuscation Triology. ("You want me to do *three* films?") Additional song: "In Your Dreams"

This "Obfuscation" project has really gotten to be too big for a feature film. I'd feel much better if it were put into the BBC's hands. ;-)

thus guaranteeing that we will nevah, evah get to see it, coz as soon as the Beeb sign on the dotted line, they will forget that they even own the righs to the darn thing and it will be consigned to oblivion forever....sound familiar ?

Yahoo reports that HG has been offered the role of Gilderoy Lockhart in the next Harry Potter movie. I only mention this because the original report mentioned Hughie as likely to play Lockhart and CF Sirius Black (Sirius doesn't appear until Book 3)

oh, my, I can't believe I forgot to include that Davey Jones classic, "I Wanna Be Free." Must add that to the list above ;-P

Yes hand the project over to the BBC. Of course it will sink without trace, but only for a while, when at short notice it will resurface as a beeb "Xmas Special"

Then we could have such classics as "All I want for Christmas..." and "I saw Mummy kissing..." but probably "In the bleak Mid-Winter."

You people have truly been doing excellent work on the soundtrack for the trilogy "O" (to be released in France as "Eau" ;-) Keep it going . . .we've got 3 CDs-worth to fill! Here's a thought re: distribution. If the Beeb isn't interested, we can always sell it to Miramax, which will circulate, oh, 22 prints for the entire continent should do it.;-) Interesting article on Hugh Jackman in the London Times today--talks about having to strike when the iron is hot, leaving the theater for film work, of reaching a level where you get more choices opening up to you, the necessity of traveling to where the work is--and getting a sharp agent and publicist. Perhaps it could be included with the "O" CD liner notes?;-) As opposed to the OCD liner notes. As opposed to the OCD liner notes. As opposed to te OCD liner . . . sorry, I get that way when I miss a dose.;-) ;-) Bethan I read the HG Harry Potter rumor too, but today his "spokeswoman" is saying it isn't true. Still, where there's smoke . . .

advice please - have been browsing at Amazon, have got or seen most of the CF videos they list (which isn't a great selection in total) - the only 2 I haven't seen are Nostromo and Turn of the Screw, would people recommend investing in either?

Re: Credit Card Refunds. Do not discard any correspondence you receive from Riverside Studios re: the cancellation. The credit card company wishes to have this evidence for a refund.As per a telephone call I just received from the rep handling the disputed charges.

(Mari) Interesting article on Hugh Jackman in the London Times today Read that last night too (did ya notice the movie is on its third title?)...especially the part about how plans for him to reprise Curly on B'way have been cancelled. ;-) (Rachael) I haven't seen are Nostromo and Turn of the Screw, would people recommend investing in either? Colin's only in the first couple of minutes of TTOTS, so the answer is a big NO WAY, Josefina. You will probably get mixed reports about Nostromo. It's not *that* bad. I love the score, the pgymy horses, the way most of the cast looks like their dialogue has been dubbed, among other things.

The best thing about Nostromo is that Colin had a tan. He freckles adorably. And that scene in the mine is good, too. Rachael, do you have access to a library that has a video collection? I think my library has Nostromo. Perhaps one near you does, too. It's "literature," after all.

Emmy Awards will be bestowed Sept. 16 in a ceremony to be broadcast on CBS-TV. Hope he comes. Nostromo: I go for the mine scene. It's worth the cost of the video. And then there's Albert Finney who probably told him the story there about doing Hamlet at 20 or 40;-)

Yup, the mine scene does makes Nostromo worth the purchase, provided its not too expensive as it was rather dark in the mine and, we don't really see all that much...but all the sweaty groaning and panting was fun to listen to. I wonder it was really theirs, or dubbed in later. I also liked it for the lovely, exotic, steamy locations. I can just see myself, clip board in hand, specs perched sexily at the end of my nose as I go about my job of Production Assistant, catering to every need and whim of the director....when suddenly my eye catches the lambent chocoalte pools of the leading man, looking incredibly sexy on a pygmy horse, that any other actor other than Mini Me, would look ridiculous on. Our two hearts beat as one when all of a sudden....damm it, I'm woken up by my bloody cat looking for its dinner....O well, a girl can dream can't she ?

(Beeth)I can just see myself, clip board in hand, specs perched sexily at the end of my nose as I go about my job of Production Assistant, catering to every need and whim of the director....when suddenly my eye catches the lambent chocoalte pools of the leading man, looking incredibly sexy on a pygmy horse, that any other actor other than Mini Me, would look ridiculous on. Our two hearts beat as one when all of a sudden.... Beth, you should be writing romance novels!!!

Sorry Kate, but thats one plot-line someone else thought of before me, including the requisite happy ending, an idyllic farm house in Tuscany and a boucing baby boy to complete the picture of domestic bliss.

Or is Livia from Umbria ? I can never remember.

(Karen) (did ya notice the movie is on its third title?)...especially the part about how plans for him to reprise Curly on B'way have been cancelled. ;-) Yes, what's it called now--Someone Like Your Husband's Animal? ;-) HJ is on to greener $$$ pastures; too dry in Oklahoma!:-) (Evelyn) Emmy Awards will be bestowed Sept. 16 in a ceremony to be broadcast on CBS-TV. Hope he comes. Peer recognition for excellence in a dramatic role--he'll be there. I guarantee it. He's proud of this one. ODB has been smelling the Starbucks, alright. And now, having almost recovered from the traumatic prospect of a Daneless winter of our discontent (ok, so I mix 'n match 'em;-), I think Colin is doing absolutely the right thing in turning to film at this point. Timing is right for him. It's the smart move. Go for it, Colin! (Beth) incredibly sexy on a pygmy horse, that any other actor other than Mini Me, would look ridiculous on. "Mini Me, are you hungry--would you like a hot pocket? They're breathtaking.;-)" Too funny, Beth. Hey, this Hollywood Movie Awards line-up looks very credible to me. From a Variety article on the Fest: "The event will culminate with the Hollywood Movie Awards ceremony Aug. 6 at the Beverly Hilton. Presenters and guests include directors Michael Apted, James L. Brooks, Anthony Minghella, Sydney Pollack, Ridley Scott, Tony Scott and Penny Marshall; and actors Sandra Bullock, Harrison Ford, Sally Kellerman and Charlize Theron." C'mon and vote, folks! Colin's lead over You-in is only 36% to 27%. Too close for comfort, and God knows what they'll try to pull with the alleged balloting available at Hollywood Video stores. They'd better not pull a Katherine Harris.:-( www.etonline.com Go to lower right and click on H'Wood Movie Awards

Rachael, Nostromo is worth the price of the video as long as you don't pay more than a buck three eighty for it and you only watch the house tour and mine scenes (OK, throw in the wet shirt scene too). That leaves...oh, about five hours and fifty minutes worth of tape that'll make you want to go for a swim with bars of silver in your pockets. ;-) (Karen) the part about how plans for him to reprise Curly on B'way have been cancelled Ooh, have been away from NYC for too long. My first thought was 'there's a play about the Three Stooges?' :-P

Have just voted. Here are the standings: Johnny Depp 13% Colin Firth 35% Anthony Hopkins 17% Ben Kingsley 2% Ewan McGregor 27% Guy Pearce 5%

Now that we have all voted...we need to ask family and friends to vote...and alternate places. I voted at the library this AM. That's not a commancing lead. BTW anybody have any luck voting at Hollywood Videos? I went to two and they never heard of the Best Actor contest. You think he'll attend a function in LA on August 4th?

(Evelyn) You think he'll attend a function in LA on August 4th? Related question, when are the Emmy ballots due in? Surely, he *must* understand by now that a certain amount of (cough cough) campaigning in the form of 'being seen' and 'networking' is required to actually win an award...and it's not like he's going to do the talk shows again without a movie to promote.

(Evelyn) You think he'll attend a function in LA on August 4th? Heck no. Should CF win, I see two possible scenarios: a) They'll show a videotaped acceptance speech featuring Colin, poolside. He'll start by saying something like 'I drove all morning just to tape this here.' b) The presenter will say 'Colin Firth could not be here tonight due to a change in his film schedule.' Sorry, Col, you're still in the doghouse.

Have just looked it up: week of July 30: tapes mailed out August 17: deadline for at-home judging (is there "not" at-home judging??)

The August 6th date is for the Hollywood Awards...not Emmy. Emmy's are Sept 16th (Eileen)They'll show a videotaped acceptancespeech featuring Colin, poolside. He'll start by saying something like 'I drove all morning just to tape this here.' Then, he'll launch (no pun intended) into: "My worst fears were fulfilled..." Hey, it worked once. That story has legs by now.

LOL boss, you crack me up!

In case anyone is interested in increasing Colin's chances at the Hollywood Film Awards: If one were inclined to do such a thing as to 'stuff the virtual ballotbox' for the ETOnline contest, this would be how one would go about doing it: Click on "Start > Find > Files or Folders" on your windows desktop type in "cookies.txt" and click "Find Now" When the "cookies.txt" file is found, right-click the name and drag it and drop it on your desktop. This will bring up a dialogue box - select "Create Shortcut(s) Here" Double-click the new shortcut to open the cookies file in Notepad. Click "File > Save As" and save this file as something different (like "save_cookies.txt"), if you want to save your cookies Once you have saved the file as something else, close it. Once again, double-click on the shortcut to cookies.txt. Highlight everything EXCEPT the first three lines in the file (which start with "#") and delete it. Now save the file (with only the first 3 lines). Close it. Open your Netscape browser to http://www.etonline.com/html/page_meter/hff2001/index.htm (to save time and clicks, I have this set as my home page). Vote for your favorite choices. Close your browser. Repeat steps 7 through 11 until your arm feels like it's going to fall off. Please remember, this is a theoretical list of steps. I would never do this myself, nor would I encourage anyone else to do so... Once the voting ends, of course, one would then rename the saved cookies file back to "cookies.txt" and their cookies would return...

Sarah, why so complicated? I have a PC, and all I have to do to get rid of cookies is to delete them from temprorary internet files via Windows Explorer. I routinely get rid of cookies that are not related to frequently visited websites. It's all quite innocent, really. What's the last day for voting? I have a meeting in NYC next week and a few of the people there will let me vote on their computers. (Evelyn)I voted at the library this AM. Clever girl!!!!

Hi Kate, Well, if you don't care about the old cookies, you can skip most of the steps, but some folks on here said they didn't want to lose their cookies (so to speak). ;-) I've found that deleting the cookies and not the file itself seems to work better on my computer for some unknown reason. Having to create a cookie file over and over seems to cause memory problems for my computer. But whatever works for you, go for it. :-) Last day of the contest is July 25.

Lucky Australians! Not only is BJD finally opening, but Donovan Quick is being shown again on your ABC on Tuesday night, the 24th, at 11:00p http://www.abc.net.au/tvpub/schedule/sheds/p20010724.htm

I think Sarah's method allows you to do continuous voting, without having to manually delete the etonline cookie each time. Or am I wrong about that?

Actually, you would be manually deleting the etonline cookie (for Netscape only) by following those steps.

I have to delete the etonline cookie each time. But what I do as part of regular file clearing is scroll through the list of cookies and take out the ones I don't want, one by one (leaving any Spring cookies intact, of course!)

Colin and BJD are losing ground to Ewan and Mouline Rouge, although RZ seems to be holding her own against Nicole (for now). I wonder how the voting at the video stores is going for our candidates. ET usually publicizes these things on their show at some point, so this will probably happen the final week of the vote. We'll be better able to see how the general public votes at that point.

(Louise) I wonder how the voting at the video stores is going How?? Have you actually found a video store that had ballots or knew about this? I see...in my crystal ball...an armored truck pulling up in front of the Hollywood Film Festival offices after collecting the ballots from Palm Beach County. What? They hanging chads indicate votes for Pat Buchanan?! Argh!

Colin's snuck up 1 point to 36% - child has agreed to go on all computers in the library at school on tuesday and I'm going to see what I can do from work ....

It seems we're besieged on more than one front. Here's another revolting development: over at this BJD site, the vote for "who is cuter--Mark Darcy or Daniel Cleaver?" is currently 62% in DC's favor. Yuuuck! Are these people mad? Or, more likely, the vote is being rigged. If your clicking finger isn't too tired, go here and vote for ODB. http://ninemsn.com.au/bridgetjones/info.asp?blipid=5481

P.S. There are some v.g. clips at this site--interviews with cast, director and HF about the film. Maybe some of you have seen them, but I had not, so I was v. interested in what they had to say.

I believe the clips were the ones shown in the UK "Making of" program, aren't they? Don't you think voting for the Hollywood FF Awards a little more important? I do.

Cads seem "cuter" to bimbos.

I guess I must not be a bimbo, then, as I have never liked the TV and film stars who were "bad boys" in real life. Don't you think voting for the Hollywood FF Awards a little more important? I do. Oh yes, they are definitely more important, but I try to vote against injustice wherever I find it.

got New Cardiff today, only read ch 1 but I can see it as a film.. Have you read any more, Rachael? I can *always* enthuse (hey, I'm very keen on both MOB and TIOBE!), but if I had to put my money where my mouth is, this is the one that would get my life savings. Even as I was reading it I could *see* the scenes being played out on film. Hope it comes through -it will be a winner-and that CF plays Colin! The blurb on the book cover actually states that film rights have been purchased by Fragile Films who own Ealing Studios.

Bethan, I finished the book now. Saw the fragile films note; thought the book was a little odd although can see how it could be a film. good twist in the middle (won't say any more at risk of planting a spoiler); interesting that there's almost no description (we don't actually know what Colin, Mandy et al look like, really) but its nearly all dialogue so presumably wouldn't be hard to turn into a screenplay; I can see why it might appeal to ODB as its got that certain quirkiness that seems to characterise a number of things he's done, and you'd assume that as its written by the guy who wrote "The Graduate" that it would be a seller ... so. one funny thought - if the main character is called Colin, being played by someone really called Colin, would it be hard to remember which Colin to be and when to stop pretending? ;)

Which ever Colin he plays will be just fine and dandy with me.

Hello Everyone, I have been "lurking" for ages and, having greatly enjoyed all your comments - it has often been a major source of enjoyment for me after a hard day's work. I therefore felt I should finally make a contribution, especially since this rather amusing article appeared yesterday in the Sydney Sun Herald ("Bridget Jones" has just opened here and is getting a lot of publicity). I apologise in advance if any of your other Australian contributors have already sent this article. As I sadly don't have a scanner, I can't send the delightful drawing which accompanied it (it showed CF as Mr Darcy, lying back and drinking a martini and was labelled "007th Heaven". But I have re-typed the article below, if any of your readers would enjoy it. #Double oh, Colin There's a bond between Mr Darcy and a tuxedo dream. LADIES, brace yourselves: it is my happy duty to report that Mr Darcy is set to be the next James Bond. Whoof! Colin Firth, he of the skin-clinging, soaking-wet white shirt in the ABC's "Pride and Prejudice", is said to be "desperate" to give the 007 tuxedo a bit of a turn. The mind boggles. If costume drama-Darcy to secret agent seems a bit of a leap, then consider Firth's current Darcy outing as Mark Darcy, the highly eligible human rights lawyer in the movie "Bridget Jones's Diary". Strong willed, out to get the baddies and most definitely a ladies' man, he has a surprising amount in common with Bond. Take away the reindeer jumper (go see the move, you'll know what I mean), Santa ties (another movie in-joke, sorry) and legal get-up, add a concealed weapon and a martini - and voila! Most definitely licensed to thrill. "I'd go for it, absolutely!" Firth has said of the chance to replace Pierce Brosnan on the Bond perch. "I'd love the idea." It's hard to think of a more dashing 007 candidate. When it comes to being a bona fide screen god, Firth's credentials are impeccable: * Smouldering eyes and a tendency to come over a bit dark - tick. * Ability to look mouth-watering in clothes of any style or era - tick (he even gets away with sideburns, for heaven's sake). * Screen smooch rating - extremely high (sorry, it's that film again!) Who better to step into the shoes of one of the screen's most suave operators? Judging by how women are howling out loud at his "Bridget Jones" appearance (not me, of course), there can be no doubt that Firth's Bond would be a winner. He's not without competition, however. Russell Crowe is said to be taking aim at the 007 part, too. A source in the Firth camp said: "He's realistic about his chances and admits that Russell Crowe is probably the favourite." I beg to differ. Crowe certainly wore his "Gladiator" togs well and no-one does the brutish, bad-boy act better. But Bond? Nah. One glimpse of Firth in his "Bridget Jones" sharp suits and crisp tailoring and it's clear that he was born to be on Her Majesty's Service. Ooh. I fell shaken AND stirred already.# I had a smile on my face as I read this - hope you all liked it too. Nellie

Welcome Nellie, great to have you with us at last! Thanks for posting the article. We are always getting "shaken and stirred" by ODB here, so I'll raise a dry martini to your next post ;-) I always enjoy these articles where the jounalist is under the spell too! Thanks for sharing.

Or even journalist! OOh am I shaken up, it's the images conjured up in your article!

Welcome Nellie!! Great to see you delurk and happy that Bridget has finally made it to your shore. Join us on 126 when you'd like to share your Bridget experience. ...now back to this Mr Bond thing! Ooof, those *journalists* make me nuts. Have they no shame? It was a cute little article though. But, come on, who really believes he that? There's a bond between Mr Darcy and a tuxedo dream. Tuxedo dream? Must be the same as a pipe dream. ;-) Judging by how women are howling out loud at his "Bridget Jones" appearance This, I'd love to have seen/heard. ;-) Plus that drawing... surely someone has a scanner downunder. *foot tapping*

(Karen) Ooof, those *journalists* make me nuts. *Heehee* Am sure Aussie readers will recognize that the author's tongue is set firmly in her cheek and not mistake this little fluff piece (thoroughly researched at the PeopleNews site ;-)) for bonafide news. Plus that drawing... surely someone has a scanner downunder. Yes, yes! Cathey? Anyone? Welcome, Nellie! Keep posting!