HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - The producers of ABC's ratings-challenged rookie drama "MDs" may have inadvertently predicted the date of their own demise. The network last week sent out an upcoming episode of the series dubbed "R.I.P." The episode is set to air Oct. 30 -- the night before the start of the November sweeps and the date most industry insiders predict will be the last night "MDs" airs before going on what seems like an inevitable hiatus. An ABC insider said no decision has been made on the fate of "MDs," and said that even if the show is pulled for sweeps, there's still a very good chance it might pop up after the ratings period is over. As for the eerie title "R.I.P.," there's a logical explanation: It's the show's Halloween episode. ~~~~~~ Oh no! I kind of liked this one. It's very M*A*S*H-like: two renegade doctors, bucking up against the system; there's even a Hot Lips and Frank subplot just started, with rules-oriented, uptight nurse and the HMO rep (Frank). Besides, who doesn't love to hear John Hannah's accent. So cute. And Providence is getting the axe as well. :-(

For the chocolate lovers: Posted on Tue, Oct. 22, 2002 Chocolate takes on life of its own at show in Italy PERUGIA, Italy - (AP) -- Chocolate statues, cocoa-flavored pasta, even solid chocolate ''Pinocchio'' noses are some of the sweets on display at an annual, weeklong festival dedicated to the food of the gods. An estimated 30,000 people converged on the Umbrian city of Perugia, about 100 miles north of Rome, for the first weekend of the Eurochocolate festival. This year's theme is chocolate and cinema. To celebrate the extremes of chocaholism, Tuscan chocolatier Simone di Castro constructed life-size characters from the newly released Roberto Benigni film Pinocchio -- all made of solid chocolate. Visitors could marvel at the sculptures in a Pinocchio village, where di Castro sold Pinocchio cups and T-shirts, as well as Pinocchio noses: cone-shaped chunks of chocolate sold in weights ranging from 2 ounces to more than 3 pounds. ''We can't make enough noses,'' assistant Pamela Fontana marveled. ``People just keep buying them!'' At a special event Sunday, five sculptors on platforms sculpted huge hunks of chocolate into Star Trek characters and scenes from La Dolce Vita, throwing scraps to crowds who gathered to watch. ''For the baby!'' some parents yelled, as they held up their young children over their shoulders trying to get a piece of the prized shaving. The Eurochocolate festival has been held every year since 1996 in Perugia, home of Perugina, maker of Italy's famous Baci hazelnut and chocolate candy. In a beauty salon, chocolate soap, marzipan body lotion and cappuccino bubble bath were on sale. Saleswomen gave free chocolate baths, chocolate tattoos and even styled hair with chocolate paint and chocolate-covered berries. ''Time is precious,'' a well-dressed man said after he had his hair styled with chocolate. ``You need to spend it on beautiful things.''

This is a good article. Hollywood's dirty little secret: Why films are dumped BY PATRICK GOLDSTEIN Los Angeles Times HOLLYWOOD - Haley Joel Osment has put together a pretty impressive string of recent films. He got an Oscar nomination for his role in the blockbuster The Sixth Sense, co-starred opposite Jude Law in Steven Spielberg's A.I.: Artificial Intelligence and appeared with Kevin Spacey in the drama Pay It Forward. But the movie the young actor really put his heart into is a movie that you may never see. Called Edges of the Lord, it features Osment as a blond, blue-eyed Jewish boy who is given a chance to survive by passing as a Gentile during the Nazi invasion of Poland. The film, which co-stars Willem Dafoe -- no slouch himself when it comes to appearing in high-visibility films -- as a Polish priest, was acquired by Miramax Films two years ago and has been sitting on the shelf ever since. Having his film go unseen has been a rude jolt for Osment. His father, Eugene, says he and his son are disappointed. ''We're trying to understand. Why isn't this in the theaters?'' asks the elder Osment. ``It was a difficult movie to make, but it's even more painful now, because the movie isn't out there for other people to see.'' A HOLLYWOOD SECRET Edges of the Lord isn't alone. Every year, Hollywood studios quietly dump movies -- even ones with top stars -- that aren't worth the money to distribute in theaters. Call it Hollywood's dirty little secret. With marketing costs spiraling higher every year, studios increasingly have economic and psychological incentives to cut their losses by keeping their stinkers in the closet. Sylvester Stallone is the star of D-Tox, a $60 million crime drama from Universal Pictures filmed in early 1999 and never seen in the United States. Al Pacino plays a press agent in People I Know, which Miramax bought 18 months ago and has never released. Miramax has a cupboard full of orphaned movies. Daddy and Them, a Billy Bob Thornton film that starred Thornton, Laura Dern, Diane Ladd and Andy Griffith, was recently sold to Showtime after sitting on the shelf for several years. Michael Caine stars in Shiner, a boxing drama that Miramax acquired in February 2001 and has just released on home video without a U.S. theatrical run. Miramax is also the distributor of The Third Wheel, a romantic comedy that features Luke Wilson, Ben Affleck and Denise Richards. Shot in 1999, the film has been on the studio's release schedule for two years without ever coming out. `BETTER OFF ON TV' ''Sometimes you have to face the fact that some movies are better off on TV or DVD than in a theater,'' explains Miramax Films co-chief Harvey Weinstein. ``You're asking a lot of an audience to pay nearly $10 to see a movie, so you don't want them to feel cheated.'' Most of these movies never see the light of day for an all-too-obvious reason: They're awful. In its review of D-Tox, released overseas this year, Variety called the film ''almost totally merit free.'' One Internet review of a Third Wheel test screening called it ''a laugh-free comedy'' and said Wilson was ''excruciating to watch'' in the lead role. Even Weinstein admits that The Third Wheel would be better off as a video release. But since Affleck and Matt Damon, who have close ties with Miramax, produced the film, Weinstein says he'll let them make the final call. ''It's up to Ben,'' Weinstein says. ``He's going to run the company someday, anyway, so I have to be nice to him.'' [huh?] Studios, of course, put out bad movies all the time. Just ask anyone unlucky enough to have sat through such recent Warner Bros. releases as FearDotCom and The Adventures of Pluto Nash, a film that sat on the shelf for years before reaching theaters. But Warners has a big incentive: Many of its movies, including FearDotCom are financed by other companies, which also often pay for the film's marketing expenses. THE POWER OF REVIEWS If, however, you have a film that needs to reach a discerning adult audience, reviews count. Miramax had been giving the cold shoulder to another Caine film, The Quiet American, until the film got a rave review in Variety when it played the Toronto Film Festival. Barely a month earlier, Miramax had been shopping the film, hoping that another distributor would take it. Now the studio has given it a November release date and is pushing Caine for an Oscar nomination. So why is this film getting a theatrical release while Edges of the Lord is still buried in the vault? ''If the critics would champion Edges of the Lord the way they've supported Quiet American, we'd love to put it out,'' Weinstein says. Miramax competitors say other factors are at work. Miramax, they note, is one of the few remaining studios run like a personal fiefdom. When it comes to acquiring and marketing films, Weinstein is involved in virtually every major decision. Unlike most of today's studio chiefs, who are often influenced by corporate concerns, Weinstein still operates on gut instinct. If he is passionate about a movie, it gets the studio's unstinting support; if he is unmoved, the film is often neglected. WHERE THE MONEY IS Weinstein has also spent considerable energy in recent years pursuing more ambitious projects. Producers of smaller films often find it harder to get his attention. ''I think Harvey has lost interest in those little quality films,'' Edges of the Lord producer Zev Braun says. ``It seems that he's going after more commercial movies that are a lot easier to market and sell.'' Miramax is one of the few studios, besides its parent company, Walt Disney Studios, whose brand has a strong identity in the marketplace. So Weinstein is especially cautious when it comes to releasing a film that might tarnish a brand that has come to stand for quality filmmaking. Still, if a studio knows that it has a stinker on its hands, why keep it on the shelf for years when it could at least get some return on its investment by selling it to pay TV or putting it out on home video? One reason is financial. As long as the film hasn't been released, the studio can keep it on its books as an asset. The minute the film comes out -- and fails to deliver at the box office -- the studio must write it off as a loss. Most companies wait as long as possible before taking a write-off, often delaying the decision until they can hide the loss among several big hits. Psychological issues also come into play. Studio chiefs are human; they prefer to avoid dwelling on any unpleasant reminder of failure. ''When you know you have a dog, you're in no rush to deal with it,'' one top executive says. ``It's like remembering a bad love affair: You just want to sweep it under the rug.'' Not every film has been permanently damaged by sitting on the shelf. New Line's ''new'' gangster comedy, Knockaround Guys, was shot in the fall of 1999 but not released until this month. In the three years since it was filmed, its young actors, who include Vin Diesel, Barry Pepper and Seth Green, have become recognizable names, especially Diesel, who has starred in two megahit films. As New Line marketing chief Russell Schwartz put it: ``Knockaround Guys and its stars have improved with age, like wine or a good cheese.''

Thanks Moon...this is most interesting...esp. "the dirty little secret"... "" One reason is financial. As long as the film hasn't been released, the studio can keep it on its books as an asset. The minute the film comes out -- and fails to deliver at the box office -- the studio must write it off as a loss. Most companies wait as long as possible before taking a write-off, often delaying the decision until they can hide the loss among several big hits. LOL. Fooling the stockholders...those doggy films on the shelf are declared as assets! Remember when Handmade Films who made SLOW went belly-up. Imperial Bank took SLOW and other films as assets.

I worry about Hope Springs. Sounds like it fits the assets category.

And, what is the deal with Ben Afflect? Why would Harvey say that?

Hmmm, wonder if the chocolate craze (and the Perugina stuff) will have spread one region over... yum yum (although would not want a Begnini nose replica out of any substance) Excellent article, Moon. If, however, you have a film that needs to reach a discerning adult audience, reviews count. Miramax had been giving the cold shoulder to another Caine film, The Quiet American, until the film got a rave review in Variety when it played the Toronto Film Festival. Barely a month earlier, Miramax had been shopping the film, hoping that another distributor would take it. Now the studio has given it a November release date and is pushing Caine for an Oscar nomination. Does this tell you these people don't know nuthin' about what people are willing to pay $10 to see. Have-a-heart Harvey is what we should call him. ;-) "I think Harvey has lost interest in those little quality films,..It seems that he's going after more commercial movies that are a lot easier to market and sell." Wow, that's a revelation! ;-) As long as the film hasn't been released, the studio can keep it on its books as an asset. The minute the film comes out -- and fails to deliver at the box office -- the studio must write it off as a loss. Most companies wait as long as possible before taking a write-off, often delaying the decision until they can hide the loss among several big hits. I love studio accounting, but it's true. The film is an intangible asset before it's released. Given Disney's financial state, they're going to keep this stuff on the shelf. They don't need to offset any huge profits right now. More smoke and mirrors accounting, making their financial situation even worse in reality. :-( (Evelyn) Remember when Handmade Films who made SLOW went belly-up. Imperial Bank took SLOW and other films as assets. They had nothing else to take. Those were the company's only assets. No choice. But again, they weren't going to sell them for so cheap either. (Moon) And, what is the deal with Ben Afflect? Why would Harvey say that? A joke with some basis in reality, given BA's more active producer credits.

sculpted huge hunks of chocolate into...scenes from La Dolce Vita The mind boggles. The holding-losses approach makes a nice tax buffer against a highly profitable film, too. Record companies large and small have been doing that (among other tricks) for years. Maybe Harvey really means Ben's going to ruin Gwyn? :)

Thanks for the most interesting article Moon. I truly hope that Hope Springs is not in the asset category either. They seem sure about London Calling as their putting that out first, but seem a bit reluctant about HS although they have given distribution dates for spring. Lets hope, if not for theater distribution atleast for video. Does anyone watch Ed on NBC? It's filmed in my town. Stucky Bowl is or was my local bowling alley Country Club Lanes and locations are filmed all around this area. Carol's house is two blocks from mine and we see them filming all the time. Production offices are across from bowling alley. They've been filming here I guess three years or more now. Saw Danny Diveto in July filming opener for this season. He and "Ed" were going for lunch in Pub next to Stucky Bowl. It's interesting to say the least. You never know who you might see.

(Pam) Does anyone watch Ed on NBC? It's filmed in my town. I watch it off and on, and now that you mention it, I had heard that they were using a town in New Jersey as Stuckeyville. Tom Cavanaugh was on Letterman last night.

(Pam) They seem sure about London Calling as their putting that out first, but seem a bit reluctant about HS although they have given distribution dates for spring. These are being distributed by different studios, and London Calling is a sure bet, having a huge built-in preteen audience. Very different audiences, marketing and expectations. As we've read here before (Time mag article), success in the rom-com market is getting harder and harder to archieve.

(Harvey Weinstein) You're asking a lot of an audience to pay nearly $10 to see a movie, so you don't want them to feel cheated. And there's still a lot of dreck out there in theaters. As long as the film hasn't been released, the studio can keep it on its books as an asset. The minute the film comes out -- and fails to deliver at the box office -- the studio must write it off as a loss That's interesting. I didn't know that. It's like a car's value depreciating as soon as it goes off the lot. (Karen) Does this tell you these people don't know nuthin' about what people are willing to pay $10 to see. Have-a-heart Harvey is what we should call him. ;-) LOL! ''It's up to Ben,'' Weinstein says. ``He's going to run the company someday, anyway, so I have to be nice to him.'' Boy that's a frightening thought. I truly hope that Hope Springs is not in the asset category either. They seem sure about London Calling as their putting that out first, They're from different companies, if I'm not mistaken, with different attitudes toward the types of films they have and they're method of marketing them. Am I making sense to anyone? This year's theme is chocolate and cinema. To celebrate the extremes of chocaholism Now this is *my* kind of event!

(Karen), As we've read here before (Time mag article), success in the rom-com market is getting harder and harder to archieve. After reading the book, I wouldn't call HS a romcom. ;-)

(Karen), As we've read here before (Time mag article), success in the rom-com market is getting harder and harder to archieve. And since romcom is one of my favorite gendres when its well scripted and casted I find this very discouraging. We're not all into teen movies, or classic sci-fi, or violence films. The good dramas, period piece or modern, seem to slip through the cracks. I realize the marketing strategies and the reasons behind them. It's just a shame. IMO too often romcoms have no character chemistry between the actors which I detect and that ruins it for me as well as boring, unoriginal scripts. Perhaps if they put a little effort into chosing good scripts and the right actors it might be different. That's why IMO BJD is so good, chemistry with actors and strong script. Just know sequal will not be disappointing. However the teen movies are all the same. But they don't seem to mind watching the same plots over and over again just with different characters, and that's where the money is.

(Karen)Given Disney's financial state, they're going to keep this stuff on the shelf. They don't need to offset any huge profits right now. Maybe that's why they delayed the HS release. It costs money to market and release a film. It's a shame, because Disney as a studio has had a decent year, with some huge hits (Signs, Sweet Home Alabama, Lili & Stitch) and some medium hits too (The Rookie, The Count of Monte Cristo). But the theme park business is really hurting as tourism is off all over. Part of the problem is that these studios are all part of bigger conglomerates; if something goes wrong in another sister business, it's bad for everybody, no matter how good a year the one division may be having. I read yesterday that Disney is trying to unload ABC News (a real loser, apparently) to CNN--which in turn is owned by AOL-Time-Warner. You can't tell the players without a scorecard.

Anybody see that: Alaska made it to the news today - at least the morning news desk. We had a 6.3 earthquake in the Interior. No serious damage since virtually nobody lives where it happened, but we were 90 miles from the epicenter and we sure felt the ramble (at 3:30 am this morning). When everyone is okay, it's rather exciting to live through it (although some - like my daughter - still managed to sleep through it :) ; she slept through a 6.2 one 7 years ago too). Plus it's not everyday we get mentioned on the news. Now if only they wouldn't show Alaska as if it were an island like Hawaii on the maps... :)

I admire you, Odile. Living in Alaska is not easy. ****************** Has anyone else received the Neiman Marcus Holiday catalog? Well... one of the gifts is... create your own action figure! And it comes with accessories, ie. we can design the Mr. Darcy/Mark Darcy doll, with whatever accessories we might fancy. All they need is the pictures. The catch is the price, a mere $7,500. So, who wants to go for it? ;-)

(Moon) we can design the Mr. Darcy/Mark Darcy doll, with whatever accessories we might fancy. And what accessory innediately sprung to everyone's mind first? ;) Anyone? Anyone? All they need is the pictures. If we could get the pictures first hand, would we really need the doll? ;)

(Moon) All they need is the pictures. The catch is the price, a mere $7,500. So, who wants to go for it? ;-) Moon, how many dolls do we get??? And do we get extra clothes?? I want to play dress up!! ;-) I found a site that will create a custom bobble head (500 for $4,500...we could all put one in every room we have and in our cars...)

Good point on the clothes, Tress! Gotta have at least one Regency outfit plus something more modern. Interesting concept - "So You Want To Be An Action Figure."

(Rika) Interesting concept - "So You Want To Be An Action Figure." One of the reasons I would like to see ODB in Harry Potter as Sirius Black....the action figure potential. Imagine, made of plastic, they'll be around until the end of the world...what a legacy! ;-)

(Moon Dreams) The catch is the price, a mere $7,500. Since I can't afford that, I think maybe I'll try to find an old Ken doll or G.I. Joe, and "enhance" him.

Kathy, when I read this I immediately flashed to you with a mascara brush in your hand. (Sorry, spillover from 166, but I couldn't resist.) :-)

(Tress) And do we get extra clothes?? I want to play dress up!! ;-) (Rika) Good point on the clothes, Tress! Gotta have at least one Regency outfit plus something more modern. Tiny fall-front breeches, itty bitty dressing gowns... but how the heck am I gonna tie those eensy weensy little neckcloths?! What do you think for modern? Reindeer jumper!! (Rika) Kathy, when I read this I immediately flashed to you with a mascara brush in your hand. You know me too well! And while you're at it, if we're talking action figures (and definitely NOT the real CF), then I think you'd better imagine me with a hot glue gun, because I have to add something important.

Karen, I must apologize. I'm going to take up residence at 166 now, possibly for the duration. I think it's where I belong. *hanging head in shame*

(KathyF), then I think you'd better imagine me with a hot glue gun, because I have to add something important. But will you go left or right? ;-)

(Moon) - But will you go left or right? ;-) My viewings this week vote for the left, definitely...(The crick in my neck to the right and the special glasses I will need after torquing my eyes allow me to say this with some degree of certainty...)

(KathyF) then I think you'd better imagine me with a hot glue gun, because I have to add something important. LOL....ooooohhhh, please do be careful! All that hot glue can cause serious burns (I meant for you to be careful BTW, don't want to hear that you are in the hospital having tiny, plastic 'accessories' (be they left or right) removed from your tortured hands). ;-)

You know if CF did Sirius Black in Prisoner of Azkaban, then *gasp* Karen would have to read the books ;p *this is coming from someone who is still po'd that the fifth book is not out yet! (and I'm reading the LOTR trilogy now)*

(Laura) *this is coming from someone who is still po'd that the fifth book is not out yet! I'm with you....(I even went at midnight to get book four and stood in line with 500 kids...having no children of my own, I had absolutely NO excuse to be there. I did end up buying 'The Adrian Mole Diaries' as well...not that that helped my case as a mature adult....). :-)

(Moon Dreams) But will you go left or right? ;-) (MariaT) My viewings this week vote for the left, definitely...(The crick in my neck to the right and the special glasses I will need after torquing my eyes allow me to say this with some degree of certainty...) I'm definitely leaning to the left (most of the time). Though I also spend a lot of time these days with my head tilted to the right. ;-)

(Laura) *this is coming from someone who is still po'd that the fifth book is not out yet! Me too. But the way the books kept getting longer, maybe book 5 is 1500 pages long and it's just taking her quite a while to get through it.

Rika and any other MD/VA types, have been following the news, it seems so positive that they have the sniper, I can't help but be relieved for all of you. I hope that is in fact the case. (Funny what you think is important, I was just thinking how wonderful it is that now the kids will be able to go trick-or-treating without worrying.)

It's an immense relief to say the least. I think most of us didn't really start to relax until the ballistics report came back, because until then it seemed too good to be true. Some of the school districts have already announced that they'll be returning to normal schedules tomorrow (school's been meeting all along, but nearly all outdoor activities had been cancelled). It'll be nice to buy gas and walk across store parking lots without feeling afraid. And I never again want to have to drive through a police checkpoint where they're all standing there watching the cars creep by, rifles at the ready. I hope the trucker who spotted the car and called 911 gets the reward money. He probably saved some lives.

I can't remember what was said here about Moonlight Mile, but IMO it was 5 Yawner, at a minimum. About the only thing I liked was Ellen Pompeo, who is very RZ-like and therefore likeable. I had so many problems with it, and it didn't help that the people were putting their symbolic dirt on the casket before it was lowered into the ground. :-(

(Rika) I hope the trucker who spotted the car and called 911 gets the reward money. He probably saved some lives. I agree. I think he saved lives too. Saw him on the news this morning. Says if he gets the money will share with families of those lost. Seems like a wonderful human being. A true hero.

(Pam) Saw him on the news this morning. Says if he gets the money will share with families of those lost. Seems like a wonderful human being. A true hero. I can't imagine being brave enough to stay there (after he had called 911), waiting for the police to come. His truck was blocking the exit, and he had to assume the suspects were armed. Thank heavens he was paying attention (to the license plate numbers) and had the courage to do what he did! (Barb S) Rika and any other MD/VA types, have been following the news, it seems so positive that they have the sniper, I can't help but be relieved for all of you. I know you have been in all of our prayers, and it is such a relief that this appears to be over at last.

Aw man, CNN is reporting Richard Harris is dead.

Aw man, CNN is reporting Richard Harris is dead. Just heard that myself. A few weeks ago, I thought I heard that it was going to be tough, but they felt he would recover. Sorry, to hear this.

(Karen) I can't remember what was said here about Moonlight Mile, but IMO it was 5 Yawner, See...that's what you get when you get a coupla' senior citizen actors starring in a film;-)Ellen Pompeo is the young RZ look-a-like. The guy was awful... You told me to go see it I thought it was OK...and I don't even care if old actresses get roles or not!;-)

I saw Brad Silberling on Larry King when Moonlight Mile first opened. I remember when Rebecca Shaeffer ("My Sister Sam") was murdered. I haven't seen the movie, but I definitely think it is his love letter to his lost fiancee. If you know the story behind "Moonlight Mile", it might mean more to you than you thought. I just watched Iris, and I still can't stop crying. What an amazingly beautiful movie and knowing that friends of mine have dealt with Alzheimer's first hand, I have to admire you, because I don't think I could be strong enough.

If you know the story behind "Moonlight Mile", it might mean more to you than you thought. I know the story and I think they used a framed pic of her toward the end, but the story's been changed to just be about "loss." BTW, I forgot. I did like the 2 Van Morrison songs. ;-) And it had nothing to do with the actors' ages. [insert one of your sticking out your tongue smilies]

Karen)BTW, I forgot. I did like the 2 Van Morrison songs. ;-) LOL. *smacking forehead* That's why I liked it;-) I can assure you MM mile is not "In the Bedroom" by a long shot. (K)And it had nothing to do with the actors' ages. [insert one of your sticking out your tongue smilies] No *winkie*??? Bwaaaaah :-((

I was thinking about about what I didn't like about MM and came to the conclusion that there was a disconnect among people, place and time. Things kept popping out at me as being "wrong." After the funeral, the way people were acting and how chi chi appetizers were being passed around I thought the film must be set in LA (insert smilie), then when it turned out to be in some one-window post office small town (Hooterville), I was unpleasantly surprised. Then, and maybe I'm slow, but when I figured out approx when this film took place (early 70s) absolutely nothing seemed right.

Did anyone see "A Case of Evil" with James D'Arcy. It's a USA Original presentation. A young Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. It wasn't bad. A cut above their usual. You might enjoy it.

(Pam) Did anyone see "A Case of Evil" with James D'Arcy. It's a USA Original presentation. A young Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. It wasn't bad. A cut above their usual. You might enjoy it. Shoot! I thought it was on Sunday. I love Sherlock Holmes, not only the old Basil Rathbone movies, but any of the the more unorthodox stories involving he and Watson. I'm sure USA will repeat it at least several times.

Found this on the web: OxFam Concert for Fair Trade Coffee Fair Play�Concert 29 October 2002 Emily Eavis, Glastonbury Organiser is planning a gig in London on Tuesday October 29th at The Astoria in London. Line up so far includes -� Chris Martin & Jonny Buckland,�Miss Dynamite, Idlewild, Lamb�and South. The evening is expected to raise �40,000 for coffee farmers in Haiti. ticket info: http://www.meanfiddler.com/version1/londonastoria/index.asp Think ODB may be there????

New topics in the 'babes' conference today: 72 Helena Bonham Carter 73 Jane Seymour 74 Emma Thompson 75 Justine Waddell 76 Kate Winslet

Is it no wonder that the Woody Allen wannabe's efforts fall painfully short of the mark. They just aren't coming from the "same place." ;-) LD Note: See last paragraphs. ;-) 'Failed Artist' Woody Allen Talks Up European Film (Reuters) - Quirky comedy director Woody Allen (news) dismissed himself as a failed artist on Saturday and described American cinema as a sink-hole of mindless entertainment where everyone was obsessed with money. "If I had to describe myself in three words, I would say: A Failed Artist," a deadpan Allen told reporters in Rome, where he is promoting his latest film "Hollywood Ending." "I don't know how to act, I mean, I'm not an actor like Dustin Hoffman is an actor or Jack Nicholson is an actor, and I don't have enough talent to be a jazz musician. I'm very, very mediocre. In fact, I'm less than mediocre." While characteristically self-deprecating, Allen was also full of criticism for U.S. films, and for Hollywood in particular, a place he had appeared to court in recent months, even making a first-ever appearance at the Oscars in March. "I've always had a very critical attitude to Hollywood. Essentially, it's a place where people spend a huge amount of money and yet make very few, if any, decent films," he said. "If I compare U.S. films to the European films I saw as a child, the European ones were so much more original, rich and imaginative, and they really contributed to the development of cinema as an art form. "I've never really seen the same thing from Hollywood, which always has one eye focused on entertainment and money." While Hollywood may have produced masterpieces such as Orson Welles' "Citizen Kane," Stanley Kubrick's "Paths of Glory" and John Huston's "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre," Allen said overall it was small beef next to Europe's output. "If you look at European films, there's no question that they are deeper works of art. You look at something like "The Bicycle Thief," or "Grand Illusion," or Fellini's "8 1/2" -- there's no comparison." "JUST SILLY PICTURES" While Allen's withering criticism may come as no surprise to those familiar with his laments, he seldom heaps scorn on his home country's film-making, and has certainly done so less since DreamWorks started producing and distributing his films. But he seemed almost indignant on Saturday about American shortcomings. "You know, it's got to the stage in the States that you struggle to find something to watch on a Saturday night -- it's all just silly pictures. "Sometimes, like I did last Saturday night, you find a theater showing a European film and it can transform the evening. We watched Pedro Almodovar's movie and it was a great experience. It's an intelligent and very, very fine film." Asked whether the lack of quality entertainment back home made him want to move to Europe, Allen turned evasive, however. "Well, it's not easy to just pull up your life and move to Europe. It's something that I have at times considered, but it's not an easy thing to give up your home and your language," said the director, who has lived all his life in New York city. "I would happily come and make movies in Rome, or Paris, or London, or Berlin if I had an idea that worked in those places, but it's having the idea that's difficult. In the end, he said he would do whatever his wife, Soon Yi, whom he secretly married in Venice five years ago, decided. "My wife likes to come to all these places in Europe. Whatever makes her happy makes me happy, so I'll do that."

Note: The season opener for "24" is tomorrow (Tuesday). :)

Which two Van the man songs??? my favorite by far is "And it Stoned me", JUST LOVE THAT song!!!! Then again, Van Morrison, just can't do anything wrong. You should listen to the "The Philosopher's Stone", BEAUTIFUL!

Is "24" the type of show that I can just pick up and start watching? Tuesdays are not a good night for me, unfortunately, but I'd really like to start watching it. Anyone see the spranos last night? ROTF at Tony's conversation with anthony Jr. when they visit "the old neighborhood." "Your grandfather came here from Italy with $4 in his pocket and nowhere to stay." "Yeah, but didn't hotel rooms cost, like, about 10 cents back then? Geez, room service must have just been pennies." Hee hee. Thanks for the Woody article, Karen. Who's he kidding? They'd need to stick dynamite up his butt for him to leave NY. Also, I'd like to hear what he says about current day European film, specifically the type that get the plaudits at Cannes.;-)

Seems my caps key was stuck (or maybe it was just the person operating it;-), i.e., Sopranos and Anthony Jr.

(Article)In the end, he said he would do whatever his wife, Soon Yi, whom he secretly married in Venice five years ago, decided. "My wife likes to come to all these places in Europe. Whatever makes her happy makes me happy, so I'll do that." Good old Woody, just another Si, Cara kind of guy. Thanks, Karen for the article.

Everyone has gone completely mad...there's been a shooting at my alma mater: Three Dead in University of Arizona Shooting 10 minutes ago TUCSON, Ariz. (Reuters) - Two teachers at the University of Arizona in Tucson were shot to death on Monday by a gunman who apparently then turned his gun on himself and committed suicide, officials said. (Mari) Thanks for the Woody article, Karen. Who's he kidding? They'd need to stick dynamite up his butt for him to leave NY. Also, I'd like to hear what he says about current day European film, specifically the type that get the plaudits at Cannes.;-) I agree, Woody will never leave NY (no matter what the missus wants). He did say he liked a Pedro Almodovar film (he didn't say it was a current PA film though). Agree that there is a lot of crap out there, but there's a lot of good stuff too (just have to weed through it a bit). Foreign film makers do seem more willing to experiment...but I don't think they have the same sort of studio pressures (as WA should know). (Karen) Is it no wonder that the Woody Allen wannabe's efforts fall painfully short of the mark. Whoever could you mean by this??? *snort*

(Mari) Is "24" the type of show that I can just pick up and start watching? Tuesdays are not a good night for me, unfortunately, but I'd really like to start watching it. Not only is the type you can pick up and start watching, you won't be able to stop because of the 24-hr-plotline. I read this one will start at 8 a.m. and not midnight like the previous season. But you are definitely in luck. They will be replaying each week's episode on FX (remember this is NOT Fox but FX) on Mondays at 11pm and Tuesdays at 5pm (all Eastern time). Who's he kidding? They'd need to stick dynamite up his butt for him to leave NY. Natch. He was just making nice. ;-)

BBC Online report that two London theatres, The Haymarket, where "The Breath of LIfe" is playing, and The Strand, where "Mrs Warren's Profession" is playing, are increasing security in reaction to the siege by Chechen rebels in Moscow, in which more than 600 theatre-goers were held hostage. Arnold Crook, chief executive of the Haymarket, said he was hiring more security guards and putting bag checkers on the door. Crook said it was important not to scare audiences with heavy security. "It's just not possible to have guards standing in attendance with rifles," he said. "It's hard enough to get people to the West End as it is." But other London venues say they will not increase security. David Blyth, operations director for the Ambassador Theatre Group, said London theatres "are probably some of the city's most heavily regulated buildings".

"It's just not possible to have guards standing in attendance with rifles," he said. "It's hard enough to get people to the West End as it is." BWWAAAAHHH......

ROTF at Tony's conversation with anthony Jr. when they visit "the old neighborhood." I saw the rerun tonight. That was a riot. Could the kid be more clueless without even caring to know anymore. How about the answer to what was holding that church up? Bricks. Sad, so sad.

Well it is just so darn quiet in here I thought I would post a tidbit regarding a very silly show I watched this past weekend. Believe me when I say I saved you the trouble, I sacrificed almost an hour of my life to watch "Rank, the 25 sexiest men in entertainment" thinking perhaps?.... I can't think of even one let alone 24 others that are more so than ODB so I watched and waited patiently. O.k. ,o.k Ewan McGregor, Harrison Ford, yada yada, Vin Diesel, (what?!), Hugh Grant (harumpf!), and the number 1 sexiest man in entertainment? Hold onto your pillbox hats ladies, Benjamin Bratt! (No, I am not kidding...)First the indignity of HG ranking and ODB not, then to have BB, above all others, who picks these people anyway? All in all v.v. silly

(Karen)They will be replaying each week's episode on FX (remember this is NOT Fox but FX) on Mondays at 11pm and Tuesdays at 5pm (all Eastern time). Great, thanks for this. Didn't realize they repeated them. Could the kid be more clueless without even caring to know anymore. How about the answer to what was holding that church up? Bricks. Sad, so sad. Sure, he's had everything handed to him. (Maria T.)who picks these people anyway? Whomever's publicist worked at it the hardest.;-) Seriously, most of the people you mentioned--McGregor, Grant, Diesel, Bratt--all have very active personal publicity machines working for them to ensure that their clients make these sorts of lists and stay in the public eye even when they don't have a current project out. Colin doesn't even have a publicist, let alone a "machine." As for Harrison Ford, I think at this stage of the game he pays people to keep his name out of the press.;-)

(Mari) Colin doesn't even have a publicist, let alone a "machine." ) Which justs adds to my admiration...His talent is his publicist.

Then you can't get upset when he doesn't make lists such as this one.;-)

You're right...I am more upset at myself for wasting my time in the first place (but that littler voice would'nt shut up, what if he'son?)

Looking forward to 24 tonight. Very good show and KS is fantastic.

(Maria)You're right...I am more upset at myself for wasting my time in the first place I watched this last week, also hoping. But, I figured if ODB didn't make it in 2001 after BJD, then he wouldn't be on the list this time. You are right, this was a big waste of time. I found v. few on the list to be sexy at all.

(Maria T)(but that littler voice would'nt shut up, what if he'son?) LOL, very understandable. Been there, done that. When I think of all the time I've wasted watching crap like ET, Access Hollywood, Extra, etc. I've promised myself no more. Until his next movie.;-)

(MariaT) First the indignity of HG ranking and ODB not, then to have BB, above all others, who picks these people anyway? All in all v.v. silly They were talking about "Rank" on Monday on a local radio station here...everyone calling in was baffled as well over the picks and many suggested alternates. I didn't hear ODB mentioned and was going to call in, but thought better of it since I was at work (I get teased a bit for my obsession).

(MariaT) First the indignity of HG ranking and ODB not, then to have BB, above all others, who picks these people anyway? Has HG been listed in People's Mag's Most Beautiful People Issue....ODB has! (Don't really know if HG has or not. One might presume at some point)

Gotta run now. Back with more Halloween goodies. ;-)

Here is a goody article from Miami: Eating in B.E.D. is sinfully good Fabiola Santiago Miami Herald Published: Thursday, October 31, 2002 Sometimes this job requires great sacrifice. The task: Review B.E.D, a totally hip restaurant on Washington Avenue in South Beach where luscious, expensive meals with sexy names are served, not on tables but, well, on king-size beds. What's a single girl to do with such an assignment? Find a date. It takes weeks, months really, to find a suitable candidate with an adventurous soul and a sense of humor, then get up the nerve to pose the question (in an e-mail): ``Want to go to Bed with me this weekend?'' His answer: ``Do I come naked?'' Not a chance. ''Dress is business casual -- and trendy,'' the girl taking reservations instructs before she's even asked. And on that subject: Ladies, better wear pants or a flowing long skirt or prepare to do contortions. As it happens, there are lots of rules to eating in B.E.D., which stands for Beverage Entertainment Dining. After midnight, B.E.D. turns into a nightclub where people shimmy on the beds as well as the dance floor. Besides the dress code, there's a strict must-have, same-day reservation policy and a grace period of 15 minutes. Come a minute later and you lose your bed. Getting in and out of bed is a carefully timed choreography. Your assigned bed -- dressed in off-white linens that aren't changed between customers (this is not as bad as it sounds, at least not if you're among the first customers as we were this Saturday night) -- is on a lease of sorts, yours for two hours, during which you are encouraged to consume, consume, consume. Thankfully, it's all fabulous -- fun and food. Before we hop in bed with three other diners already there, we're told to take off our shoes. I'm really glad I got that expensive European pedicure. Black clothes. Red toe nails. Soft candle light. Doesn't get sexier than this. I lean back on the pillows. My date, let's call him Mr. Cafecito, sits Indian-style in front of me. We order Absolut martinis ($9). There's nothing fancy about them, and they come with too many fat, salty olives on a stick. Mr. Cafecito starts massaging my feet. I already like this restaurant. Then, we eat. Starting with the foreplay, I mean the appetizers, executive chef Vitor Casassola delivers creative nouvelle cuisine, appropriately splashed with a Caribbean flair on this Latin-themed night when a band blasts salsa tunes. The rice paper-wrapped crab cake ($14) is simply a beautiful mound surrounded by oodles of delicate carrot swirls. The delicate beef carpaccio ($15) comes in a generous serving, touched with white truffle oil and topped with shaved Parmesan cheese. Mr. Cafecito loves the food but seems a little restless. The guy sitting on the other side of our bed curtain is inadvertently touching his butt, he explains. Lucky for him, our neighbors, an animated bunch in a packed bed, move around quite a bit. Now the guy is touching mine. I slide open the curtain between us. ''If you're going to touch my butt, I want to at least see what you look like,'' I say. He laughs nervously, says something in what I think is Italian. Everyone laughs. I smile and close the curtain. We need to be nice to our tourists. I surrender to the entrees brought to us in oversize plates flanked by sturdy round trays. The lobster Santos ($40) is hardly saintly in its sexy Caribbean presentation with baked pineapple, celery and tomatoes and coconut cashew ginger sauce. The meat is tender and flavorful. The rack of Australian lamb ($39) seduced me with its accompanying blue corn grits and saut�ed wild mushrooms in a cognac-thyme reduction, but the meat, although plentiful for one, wasn't flavorful and juicy enough on its own. All five of us in this bed are now squirming a bit. We're achy from being in a sitting position, and after our plates are carted away, we stretch our limbs. We need to sweeten the deal, and the list of desserts is nothing short of seductive. I want to experience the ''m�nage � trois'' ($14), but that turns out to be ice cream in three flavors: cashew fruit banana, cinnamon apple and mango coconut. Being a hopeless romantic, I instead order the ''cloud nine'' ($14), a fluffy dulce de leche souffle that's enough to feed several people and almost as good as sex. Mr. Cafecito goes for the ''coco loco'' ($14), a gorgeous coconut mousse served on a chocolate half shell and decorated with caramelized bananas. It doesn't quite live up to the looks in taste. Given a second chance, he would have gone for the ''go deep'' ($14), a cappuccino crme brl�e. Our own bed partners are slightly ahead of us on the eating schedule, so they leave first. Finally, we're all alone in this really big bed. Mr. Cafecito joins me on the pillows and lights a cigarette. We order another martini. I'm either developing a major tolerance for booze or this one is quite watery. And wait, can't get too comfortable on those cushions. The sweet, suave waiter, who has been encouraging the consumption of lots of beverage and food, comes right out and tells us ever so apologetically that it's time to go. We gulp the end of our drinks and plunge into our post-bed analysis. Surely, eating in bed is not all that it's cracked up to be. But dining at B.E.D. is quite an experience. It's a great date restaurant if you've got money, a sense of humor -- and flexible joints. As for my date, he seemed ecstatic. His morning-after reaction: ``Now I can say I went to bed with a woman yesterday, and I was casual and trendy.''

I saw this on one of those news magazines. Seemed a bit ridiculous (some even dress in nighties). I heard their is quite the waiting list. (I even saw people with children there too.) (me, after the dessert, I'd fall asleep!)

(from Darcy Drool --- Tress) I was told not to read "The Rules". According to my Bibliotherapy book, it's a "book to be thrown with great force"! ;-) I almost forgot! Based on recommendations from here, I looked up the Cinematherapy books for a friend's birthday, we're both having a lot of fun with them (thanks whoever -- Jeanie?) and I was intrigued by the Bibliotherapy one but passed up on it because of the reviews. Tress, do you like it?

(BarbS) and I was intrigued by the Bibliotherapy one but passed up on it because of the reviews. Tress, do you like it? Barb, it's a lot of fun...not the type of book you read cover to cover...but, there has been a terrible error in it. Pride and Prejudice is not listed (gasp), but I think Sense and Sensiblity is in the book (I'm at work and can't check). I would recommend it (it's pretty much the same format as the Cinematherapy book you mentioned)...

Thanks for article on B.E.D. Moon. Have you gone there yet? Very interesting concept. Thank you for Halloween greetings Karen. So clever. Did anyone get any special treats?

My daughter just read in "Entertainment Weekly" that Richard Harris passed away on the 25th! I hadn't heard anything about it... oh nooo! (sighing sadly)

Oh my! Been busy have you? ;-)

Yes, Dorine, I've been busy reading the other threads, otherwise I would've already known. LOL! Everytime I don't read this thread with regularity, I miss something important.... Who do you suppose they'll choose to replace his role as Dumbledore? I don't think anyone else could truly do that part justice.. (sigh)

Great Picture on front page Karen. I'm only allowed to put up pics regarding education on sons computer, as he's a teacher, so I now have added Afterschool Programs to Be a Mentor. Something nice to look at while I'm thinking about what to write.

Rika, You are my wife. For your birthday, your LD sisters have arranged for you to come to my Villa Eden so that I can whisper, TOMAHTO, in your ear all day long. Happy Birthday Dahling, love Matthew, Dorine, and Linda.

Hello, Peter speaking. A party? How fantastic! Let me check.... Felicity, dahling....there's a bday party tomorrow. Are you free? Well who is it for?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RIKA!! CF says the best presents are always on his LEFT, your right. I'm sure you'll agree!

�Rika, one of my most ardent admirers. You know, the girl from Spring��the one who takes all those nice pictures of me from my movies and posts everyone�s favorites�on request, no less! �Yes, then absolutely we must go! But Moxie has nothing to wear.� �We�ll take care of that. (Into the phone) �We�ll see you there!� �Ma�am, I�m not so sure about this.� �Oh, Moxie�..this fabric will look lovely on you. Don�t you think so Peter?� �Yes, and these earrings are to die for! What do you think Frederick?� �Well, just make sure she has some decent shoes.�

Have a great birthday Rika! Thanks so much for all the pictures you posted, such eye candy for Halloween we got from you... So now treat yourself (I'm sure your kids wouldn't notice a few chocolates missing out of their trick-or-treat bags :) ).

A package just arrived...says it's for The Latte Diva... A Lifetime supply.....

Happy Birthday, Rika! This is an invitation to visit Amsterdam. Where you will be greeted by these actors and accompanied to the set of GWAPE where you will meet and greet all the actors. You will then be taken to your 5 star hotel to freshen up. You will need to be rested because... you room connects to Vermeer's room, ie, ODB! As soon as he's done going over the script changes with the director he's all yours! Have a great time, Rika! And live to tell the tale. :-)

What can I say that this doesn't say? Take Your Birthday Bows!!

Happy Birthday, Rika, my lovely Latte Diva! Today it's *my* turn to serve *you*.

Oh,no! I've forgotten to get Rika's birthday present! Maybe I can make her something out of leaves while I'm at work. Or better yet, I'm sure I can find something in some of those seedy neighborhoods while searching for my wife. If I don't find her, at least I won't embarrass myself showing up empty handed to the party. Now, did they ask me to bring the cake, too?

Kathy and Odile, thank you for the birthday wishes! Linda and Karen, thank you so much for bringing Matthew to the party! The day wouldn't have been the same without him - and luckily he's being very patient with my incessant running of my fingers through his curls. And Dorine knows that no party could be complete witout Peter there to organize things, Joe Prince to be sincere and well-meaning (don't worry about a gift, Joe - I know you have other things on your mind), and The Man Himself (looking verrrry nice) to pour the coffee. Moon, I am packing my bags this instant for my Dutch treat. Am looking forward to slipping into Vermeer's room and..... grinding some colors.... with him. And Evelyn brought the Starbucks card so we can all have as many lattes as we want!

Rupert, I'm telling you, I'm *not* walking into that party with you until you change those socks. Ditch the shoes, too. Since I'm, *The Stairmaster*, I'm a little more sensitive to these things. They'll notice, I assure you. Especially the birthday girl, Rika.....and once everyone zeros in on something, she'll make sure a picture is posted, *in close-up*, so every little detail can be pored over. They're merciless!

Happy Birthday DVDiva!!!! Thank you for all those moments when I have fallen off my chair due to one of your perfect pics! Have a great dayyyyyy!!!!!!!!

We're here! Be still my beating heart! Shall I play something that will amaze the whole room?

Hang on, I'm on my way. I had to sneak out of the house. Moira is still ticked off about the loft. Hope you don't mind my backside.

Rika�.. Do you know how many kinds of �latte� there are? No? Well, let me tell you�.. There are latte dogs� �and goats�. �and latte on demand.

Wait�there�s more! There�re stone images named latte�. �there�s latte right from the source�. �latte whips (oh my)�.. �latte beggars�. and just plain old latte fresco. There�s even latte cake for celebrating a birthday�. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday����

LOL! And who says time here is wasted? It's educational. We have a new degree specialty: Lattology. (Loved that Frasier one)