We'll probably have to run these past LD and find out how much hands-on exploration she'll allow for the sake of academic research. ;-D

Is LD, La Dottoressa? Let's not get too complicated. He's a big boy (or so the theory of the hands go), ;-) I'm sure he can handle our well meaning Firthettes. BTW, once you are all done fitting and dressing, I'll take him on a "walk" inspection. ;-)

I'd rather take him out for a "test drive" ;-D

I'm mulling over my thesis topic. Considering either a comparison of various breeches cuts on male figures, (have several subjects in mind for use as subjects in research and analysis) or, the effect of various breeches styles upon the female libido. Will need female volunteers for this research, ladies please sign up below! Karen , love the BB but please look on the main Drool page and correct the spelling...............

Karen, the BB is great! You did a great job setting it up...as usual! Glad to know our obsession and purchases thereof can add to drool (and our drooling ;-D). Since I ordered more than one item, I clicked "back" to BB to make sure drool got credit each time. Do I need to do that, for the future, or is the first click on BB enough? Or maybe you already explained this and I didn't know what was being explained because I hadn't noticed BB on the main drool page or gone to it yet. :-0

(Karen)I'd rather take him out for a "test drive" That's fine-right after I fire up the engine;D (Moon)I'll take him on a "walk" inspection I'm sure you two will let me know if I need to re-adjust my measurements! As far as LD is concerned-all for the sake of vital educational research-I'm sure she'll understand. She should be in a good mood this week as tomorrow is their anniversary.

Glad to help you all with the homework. Am preparing a handout as required and essential for the class--can be purchased through campus bookstore (i.e. the bucket). Thimbles not included.

Very nice topics everyone! It sounds like we're in for some stimulating reading! Also, you realize that dissertations are usually defended.....orally! ;-D For my thesis, I'm leaning toward....Analysis of the factors affecting males regarding positioning in breeches including, but not limited to, personal preference, female preference, type and intensity of various activities, and origin and style of tailor. Data will be gathered through a variety of methods: Anecdotal reports, personal observation, and hands-on. (Amy) Thimbles not included I don't think financial aid will cover this. I'll have to work extra hours to afford this. Or go without eating. Argh! I already went through this once. ;-)

I think this needed a slight adjustment... Analysis of the factors affecting the decision making process for males regarding positioning in breeches including, but not limited to: personal preference, female preference, type and intensity of various activities, and origin and style of tailor. (Lisa) Will need female volunteers for this research, ladies please sign up below! Ok! Done. Sorry it's a tad illegible. I was in such a hurry to sign up, I forgot the bucket to catch my drooling.

Thought I'd bring this over here from 160: (Colin on self as channeled through Mari) The flick is mediocre at best, but damn, I look hot in it!:-) But she didn't post the *hottest* pics, which IMO are: The Lean: (Lora) Do I need to do that, for the future, or is the first click on BB enough? I'm pretty sure that when you shop after the fact (or link), the rebate percentage is less. (Dorine) Data will be gathered through a variety of methods: Anecdotal reports, personal observation, and hands-on. You might want to contact Catherine of Empire online to assist with the empirical. She'd probably be more than willing. (Amy) Thimbles not included Pfft! And thank goodness they are not. Nothing comes between me and my study materials.

(Minkee) Mine will be on : "Assessment of impact of male *form* on costume pattern-making during Regency period. Pilot project and intensive examination of male model with impressive experience in wearing Regency costumes." As your thesis advisor is sure to point out, you may wind up with someone like Sam West as the focal point of your study given the criteria. ;-D

Hi all, I let Karen know that I have FEW new DVD sets of "LOST EMPIRES" for sale at the price of 45.00, which includes shipping in the continental US. The bucket will also recieve a commission on it. for all those interested, email me. sandi

(Karen) But she didn't post the *hottest* pics LOL, Karen, these women are about to spontaneously combust here, as it is! Mmmm . . . yum yum and triple yum. Damn, I think that Illinois sun agreed with him!:-)

Awwww, that doorway lean and the city hipster-organic boy clothes. You just know that Jess is trouble, big trouble, as soon as he shows up at the picnic. Unfortunately, and you may all throw cushions at me if you like, ATA is the one I have to watch with the sound turned off! Sad but true. FWIW, there's a special tool now that produces a superior result for the measurement known as "crotch depth". It's an interesting device, firm but flexible, that holds its shape and can be traced before it's released to use again. For true fit, crotch depth must be recorded from both the front and the rear. It's hard to make the true inseam measurement impersonal, though. You pretty much have no choice but to get down on your knees. The subject often must be told to relax and stand naturally, with both feet on the floor for accuracy. And he usually can't help but look down at what you're doing, which shortens the assessment considerably. Sewing is fun. ;)

(Elizabeth)". It's an interesting device, firm but flexible, that holds its shape eh, the crotch or the device? Just kidding-I'll order one it might come in handy for my research. Just want all of you to know I'm ready to volunteer on all projects-even though I am working on my own. There is no such thing as too much in education. (Mari)yum yum and triple yumDitto!

Has anyone seen the new TIOBE ad in today's papers? Rupie has been excised; it's just Colin (looking magnifico!) surrounded by Reese and Frances who have their hands on him. Lucky goils . . .;-)

Forgot this: they've added a big-deal 21 screens, so we're now over the 200 mark. Supposedly, will be 250 next weekend.

Great to hear that TIOBE is still going strong! I thought Rupie was the main attraction! Looking ahead, there was an item on the radio about BBC Films. The "Sylvia and Ted" movie was mentioned...starts shooting in the Autumn, BAFTA winning director, producer did "Elizabeth", GP to play Sylvia and CF "tipped" to play Ted Hughes. Hope this comes off - dramatically, it will take some beating. "Big Fat Liar" starring CF's "daughter" Amanda Byrnes opens here next week. It's actually getting good reviews...good family entertainment etc, and, given that most schoolkids are finishing their exams (and we're out of the World Cup!) it could do well.

(Bethan) I thought Rupie was the main attraction! Things change. ;-D

(Bethan) I thought Rupie was the main attraction! (Karen)Things change. ;-D Indeed they do and due to all the TV appearances that ODB did; across the board to programs that appeal a crossection of demographics.He's *The Man*! BTW, I'm just now catching up with some of the interviews that I didn't get. Let me tell ya! that VHS 1 Cast Party is a must-see for all Colin fans. No transcript can do it justice. You have to see him saying the lines. Relaxed, sipping white wine,actually enjoying himself. He's come a loooong way from the BJD promos. And I haven't even gotten to the Jon Stewart interview and The Angelika. A real joy to watch many times. Beg, borrow or steal this one.

(Mari)... they've added a big-deal 21 screens, so we're now over the 200 mark. Supposedly, will be 250 next weekend. Don't forget the subtractions. The western wind is no longer blowing fair and now TIOBE is gone. :-( Can someone please explain how not showing a movie is a good way to make money?

Aishling emailed to say there's a mention of AG in Baz's column today. She didn't have time to type it up, but it says that Anna Chancellor is playing CF's wife and Christina Cole as Amanda Bynes British half-sister. If there's a half-sister, then Colin's character would have to have been remarried. So goes the fiancee angle and bringing both parents back together again (a la Parent Trap). It could well be that Kelly Preston might *really* been done filming in England. If anyone in the UK can run out and get the Daily Mail and post the full blurb, I'm sure we'd all like to see it.

Mari, thanks for the heads-up on the new ad. You neglected to mention the headline and copy: EVERYBODY LOVES 'EARNEST'! [ed: sorry, but they really did use that] IT'S SEXY, IT'S ENTERTAINING, IT'S THE SMARTEST COMEDY OF THE SUMMER! Colin does look yummy. But this ad implies possibilities that do not exist in the film--two women competing for Colin (well, who wouldn't?) or even a menage-a-trois. Reminds me of the off-plot ads for Ideal Husband, which made it look as if the Rupie was the ideal husband (as in catch of the year), and a bunch of women were trying to snag him and drag him to the altar. (Elizabeth S)Unfortunately, and you may all throw cushions at me if you like, ATA is the one I have to watch with the sound turned off! Sad but true. No cushions from this quarter. He's AFG in that movie, but the accent! When he does an American accent, not only does he flatten the vowels, he flattens his whole voice. It loses that magical resonance. He also overpronounces the R's that are not pronounced with in a Brit accent. This bothered me when I saw 3 DOR, too.

(Karen), If there's a half-sister, then Colin's character would have to have been remarried. So goes the fiancee angle and bringing both parents back together again (a la Parent Trap). This is surprise. We really don't know anything about this film, do we? Maybe it's all about making her a debutante? *coughs*gags* :-( (Kate), When he does an American accent, not only does he flatten the vowels, he flattens his whole voice. It loses that magical resonance. And that's what makes ATA unwatchable for me. (Amy), Am preparing a handout as required and essential for the class--can be purchased through campus bookstore (i.e. the bucket). This would be a fun read at Le Bouquet. Keep that in mind ladies. ;-) (Caribou), Don't forget the subtractions. The western wind is no longer blowing fair and now TIOBE is gone. :-( True. It has gone from 4 theatres to one "exclusively" showing it in my area. Good thing that one is close to me.

I checked with Yahoo Movies, and TIOBE has lost two locations in my area. I plugged in zipcode much further out and nothing, plus one, way downstate and got nothing. Not terribly scientific or accurate, but two reels have departed for points west. Maybe they're the ones near Evelyn now. ;-D

well rats rats rats!!! I have just looked in hopes that I would find a theater playing TIOBE closer to my home, only to find that the ONLY THEATER playing is not anymore!!! My whole state is now HIGH AND DRY. Should have gone every day instad of just twice! I guess I should count my lucky stars though!!

(Sandi) My whole state is now HIGH AND DRY Was it not the latter for the longest time anyway? ;-D

AG in Daily Mail... Only got a moment, but the new bit is.. Firth, who plays a hotshot British politician whose comfortable life is changed dramatically when his unknown daughter tracks him down. Anna Chancellor plays his wife, AB plays the title character, and Christina Cole her British half-sister. Director Dennie Gordon has been shooting the film in London and the Home Counties. Eileen Atkins, Sylvia Sims and Jonathan Pryce also star." BTW, CF also features with JE in this week's Radio Times....BBC2 is re-showing P&P, starting on Saturday. (Will be interesting to see Mr Darcy and Miss Bingley together!) The Daily Mail also has an item on Gwyneth Paltrow...apparently she won't work again with Aaron Eckhart (Possession)...personal hygiene problems! No such problem with CF, I'm sure!

I guess this is a bad time to note that they've added screens in my area--it's even playing in one of the beach towns (v.v. smart as we NJ-ers head "down the shore" this time of year:-) It's still a net gain of screens overall, even if the original group has shifted around a bit. Small consolation for anyone going without, though. Sandi, where do you live?? (Bethan)Hope this comes off - dramatically, it will take some beating. How so, Bethan? Indeed they do and due to all the TV appearances that ODB did; across the board to programs that appeal a crossection of demographics.He's *The Man*! Agreed, he did himself a big favor by being front and center on the publicity for this one. Well received no matter what show he was on, always came across as bright, funny, and just plain nice. Now, what he does with the higher profile next is up to him. (Moon)Maybe it's all about making her a debutante? *coughs*gags* :-( Gagging here also. The "I'm trying to get my folks back together" aspect was the only part that gave me hope for some great leading man romantic type scenes for CF. Let's hope Baz is wrong about the wife. "Big Fat Liar" got good reviews here too, Bethan, and did well at the box office. Pegged as a smart teen flick, not a gross-out affair.

Anna Chancellor plays his wife (Mari) Let's hope Baz is wrong about the wife Oh Dear. I agree Mari - the 'ParentTrapish' bit was what i was hoping for as well. If he's already married... what a boring plot.... *sigh*

TIOBE has been added to two more theaters in addition to the one I've been frequenting in Princeton. Looks like NJ loves Earnest. It will stay in Princeton for the coming week as well. I was holding my breath-since I am taking friends to see it next week-that makes numero 8. (Evelyn)Indeed they do and due to all the TV appearances that ODB did; across the board to programs that appeal a crossection of demographics.He's *The Man*! Indeed he is!. I got the impression that CF was the man just after I saw the long awaited commercials for the film. The focus seemed heavily on him. Then there were the poster ad changes. I hope this will be the case in August when the publicity(hopefully publicity)begins for HS. Just think HS opens in 76 DAYS-Publicity should begin a couple of weeks before that. Maybe we won't have too many dog days of summer around here after all. I'm not really fond of cricket anyway.

No one seems to include religious affilations in their thesis topics. Also, there has been research on various, um, piercings done at the time when breeches were worn. For now, I'll leave it at that (being that this may not be appropriate for all fellow classmates ;-)). This handout will be in the adult section. Must show i.d.

For future considerations....(no warning not to post elswhere) SP/TH

drat! try this: http://www.strangechord.com/potd/sylviated.jpg

(Mari) Let's hope Baz is wrong about the wife. Then how do you explain the half-sister? (Baz) Firth, who plays a hotshot British politician This sounds promising. Do you think he'll be modeling himself after Tony? ;-D Nice pic, Amy. You know, Sylvia kind of looks like Charlize Theron, and Ted reminds me of the guy who took over the Jets after Riff died. What was his name, Ice?

(karen)What was his name, Ice? hmm, who knows, could be.....? :p

did i close tag? argh

amy: Also, there has been research on various, um, piercings done at the time when breeches were worn. For now, I'll leave it at that (being that this may not be appropriate for all fellow classmates ;-)). This handout will be in the adult section. Must show i.d well being the youngster that i am this thesis would be right up my alley, luckily i shouldn't have to use a fake id to get in now :-)

(Kate F) Colin does look yummy. But this ad implies possibilities that do not exist in the film--two women competing for Colin (well, who wouldn't?) or even a menage-a-trois. Plus, he's got a wonderfully mischievous, even flirtatious look on his face that doesn't really match Jack's character. But somehow I find I can live with that.... :-D Anyway, thanks for the notice, Mari! I would have missed it otherwise. It's an adorable photo, and how nice to see CF front and center (literally) in the ad campaign. TIOBE is still playing at five theaters in the Washington, DC, metro area - looks like the same list I saw two weeks ago. It's getting to be time for me to see it again, but I don't know if I want to drag DH there with me, especially after our recent tailoring education, which will have me focused on the cut of Jack's trousers (solely for scholarly purposes, of course). And yet I can't see how I'd explain going off to the movies and leaving DH at home.

This may be new? More Casting on American Girl Variety reports that Kelly Preston will put her singing voice to the test playing a professional thrush opposite Amanda Bynes and Colin Firth in the Dennie Gordon-directed American Girl, the working title of a film just getting started for Warner Bros. Preston, who last starred in A View From the Top, is said to be a capable songstress.

(Rika)And yet I can't see how I'd explain going off to the movies and leaving DH at home. Sure you can, it's the old- I really need to go out and get a few things, dear. The movie is only 1hr.40mins. Surely you can come up with something.

Thanks, Karen for the Bucket Boutique. It really is incredibly convenient! I have a question, though. Are all the tapes, etc new and unopened? I thought many were OOP (out of print) - like AMITC, WOF, most of the early ones.

Finally I got to see TIOBE today. Just came into a theater relatively near my home. Better than Scarsdale NY which was the closest till now. I really did enjoy it. Thought it was really well done. Will go back to see what it's all about as mostly I just watched CF. Know the storyline, but should watch entire movie next time. Too cute for words, wonderful expressions and great eyes, but what else is to be expected. Pants I thought a little loose in pertinent area. Definitely not britches. Looked good though. Even liked the glasses on him. Will check it out again tomorrow. Princeton and south must be gettin the majority of the theaters as it is very sparce up here. Too bad because this area is heavily populated and I've checked theater areas up to 25 miles from here. It's just not around. Will take advantage and see it as often as I can before they take it out of this area. I also turn the sound down on ATA. Not the greatest movie, but I watch it for him than rewind it again. He is definitely HOT in this movie. So its a keeper. After all a picture speaks a thousand words.

For those who might not have gotten to see the new TIOBE ad in Friday's paper, here's a scan. The quality isn't wonderful, but I was trying to strike a balance image quality and file size:

Sorry - I should have mentioned that I clipped off the headlines in the ad - this is just the photo that's included. DB looks a LOT better in the original than in this scan.....

hmmm... dunno about anyone else, but I can't see the scan of the TIOBE ad. :-(

Strange! Can see it when not logged in. V nice - would be even nicer in colour, I suspect.

I can't see it either-logged in or out. Help! The NY Times has the same ad as last week. RE and RW and CF and FOC sitting on the lawn in front of the estate. I long to see the new ad.

Thanks for posting the new ad photo, Rika. Unfortunately, you can't post images from geocities anywhere. They don't allow it. You can always just post the url. However, I've got loaded here at Spring to make it easier: (Caribou) I thought many were OOP (out of print) - like AMITC, WOF, most of the early ones. WOF is still in print and very cheap ($8 new). I can remember when you could only buy it for like $90, although many of us were lucky enough to find a hoard of used ones at $10 from a place that's now defunct. Some of the out of the print ones being sold at Amazon are through their third-party sellers and could be either new or used. It will say. (Pam) Even liked the glasses on him. Colin's worn glasses before, in Playmaker. Liked him in them before and still do. ;-) BTW, I dug out another Ruth Gemmell article from my clippings box, which talks about doing "love scenes" with Mr Darcy. It says very similar things to the one Rika posted on 160 from Harpers but doesn't have the bit about his being a "crap kisser." OK, this is from the esteemed Sunday Mirror, March 30, 1997, entitled "I Went to Bed with Mr Darcy...and Promptly Fell Asleep!" which starts off with: Ever since he emerged half naked [Ed note: I must've missed that part] and dripping from the lake at Pemberley, it's been every woman's fantasy to swoon into the arms of Mr Darcy. But when actress Ruth Gemmell found herself in bed on the film set with the screen's ultimate fantasy man she fell asleep. "He was talking about football," says Ruth, who stars alongside Colin Firth in one of this year's hottest new movies, Fever Pitch. "He was explaining the difference between the Premier League and the Nationwide League and I'm afraid I got a bit bored and dropped off. "I know it was a bit rude and the truth was I had actually asked him. But when he started to tell me my eyes just glazed over." [...] "When I landed the part I didn't know I would be playing opposite Colin," she says. "When I found out that was nerve wracking enough. "But when I had to kiss him before I'd barely knew him, I was terrified. "But he's so lovely that he immediately put me at ease. "Like everyone else I'd seen him in Pride and Prejudice and was pretty impressed. So the prospect of working with him was scary. "But I decided right at the start that if I felt nervous about the love scenes I would just tell him because he's not the kind of man who would think that was funny." The pair met in a London pub just before filming began to try and get to know each other. "We had a few pints, swapped a few stories and by the end of it we knew how we were going to play the characters," says Ruth. "By the time the love scenes came around he wasn't the elusive Mr Darcy any more. He wasn't even Colin the heart-throb. He was just Colin." So what was it like snogging the man who is lusted after by millions. "Yes, it was pretty good," she says smiling. "But believe me there's nothing romantic about filming sex scenes. "When the camera wasn't rolling I spent the whole time wondering if my breath smelled and worrying about which parts of my body were on show. "In fact there was one scene when we were in bed. Both of us were vitually naked and there was a part where I had to sit up. "I wasn't supposed to flash my boobs all over the place, but the point was made that because we had just made love it would have looked daft if I'd tried to keep myself covered up. "When I actually saw the edits I had pulled the sheet around my boobs so tight that it looked like an evening dress out of Dallas. Maybe I was a bit shy about it after all." [...] "But Colin is not as serious as people think. He's also a very sweet man." Was there any romance between them? "Oh God, no," says Ruth. "He's very involved with someone." [...]

"In fact there was one scene when we were in bed. Both of us were vitually naked Oh, God! I wanted a quiet, normal Saturday. Nothing is normal once you log in here. Will carry this image around all day. Lucky, lucky, Ruth. Thank you, Karen for the poster scan. Does give the impression that the two women are after him. Hey, if it sells more seats-what the heck. I guess I wasn't really in the mood for a normal Saturday after all. Since Evelyn mentioned the VH1 cast party yesterday, I decided to watch it again early this morning. It really is a great show. Colin looks so relaxed. Love the laughter.

(Karen) Thanks for posting the new ad photo, Rika. Unfortunately, you can't post images from geocities anywhere. They don't allow it. You can always just post the url. However, I've got loaded here at Spring to make it easier: Thank you, Karen! I didn't know that about Geocities. Odd... it appeared to work last night when I posted it, but maybe the image was being loaded from my browser cache. Ah, well, so much for my first foray into posting an image here. Thanks also for sharing the Ruth Gemmel interview. Very timely - my copy of FP just arrived! I shall be looking carefully for that scene to which she refers....

Thanks for the reprint! Was doing a bit of reading and found out (in relationship to the "Earnest" hidden meaning) that "Cecily" was an underground reference to what were called "rent boys" in London, and "Bunbury" is a hidden pun. BTW what ever happened to Ruth Gemmel?

(Elizabeth S) ATA is the one I have to watch with the sound turned off! Sad but true. (Moon) And that's what makes ATA unwatchable for me. Since ATA has been mentioned quite a bit recently, I decided to finally rent it yesterday to see what all the fuss, good and bad, was about. I was quite startled by the voice at first. For his first 3 lines, I was convinced that his voice had been dubbed by those people who dubbed those old foreign movies (like the old Godzilla movies). Thank God he looked amazing!...certainly the only redeeming factor in this oppressively depressing film. I may watch again with the sound off, too. BTW, I think my vote for the *hottest* pic in this would be him in the red button down shirt by the truck with Ginny before his buttoned it. ATA was my second choice...I called the video store first to see if they had The Advocate, which they no longer carry so they held ATA instead. While browsing, I was so excited to find the cover for TA and thought he made a mistake....alas no! Hopes dashed again, bugger! For some reason they hadn't taken the cover off the shelf. I'll track it down eventually. Interesting tidbit Amy..thanks. And love the new ad, he looks quite mischievous :-)

An alternative to non-posting images is to right-click the "x" box, call up the properties, which includes the URL, copy that, and paste into an address window. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. It worked on your post, Amy, so I got to see ODB's impish expression even before Karen so generously posted it for us all. Thanks to both of you -- it's the thought that counts...

(KJArt): An alternative to non-posting images is to right-click the "x" box, call up the properties, which includes the URL, copy that, and paste into an address window. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. It worked on your post, Amy, so I got to see ODB's impish expression even before Karen so generously posted it for us all. Actually, it was I and not Amy who made the error when posting the scan of the ad. I wouldn't wish her to take the blame for my inexperience as a Drooler! Thanks for the suggestion above - I've run into other situations where a picture couldn't be downloaded and this will be worth a try in future.

(Karen)but two reels have departed for points west. Maybe they're the ones near Evelyn now. ;-D Sorry guys.TIOBE finally bicycled- in to the 47th state! Only one city and I drove up to see it this weekend.(300 miles RT, Dorine;-D) Nice crowd too about 70 at each showing that I checked. Good review in the Tulsa papers helped. Cheated:-(( Also saw Enigma at the same multiplex ;only 16 people....no review;-( But I checked the numbers at the TIOBE theatre when I went to see E. Am I forgiven??? Crowd at the showing laughed at all the right times.Man next to me whispered to his wife:"This is better than the play". I almost kissed him. Next weekend Miramax rep tells me OKC will get a print. Duckface is Colin's wife in AG ? *in Lizzie mode* "Impossible".

(Evelyn) Duckface is Colin's wife in AG ? *in Lizzie mode* "Impossible". LOL! Slyvia Syms played Stephen Whalby's mother in MOTM. Wonder if she will be Lord Dashwood's mum?

(Dorine) Thank God he looked amazing!...certainly the only redeeming factor in this oppressively depressing film. I may watch again with the sound off, too. BTW, I think my vote for the *hottest* pic in this would be him in the red button down shirt by the truck with Ginny before his buttoned it. I watched it for the first time this afternoon. Oh my goodness, he was gorgeous! I'd seen the snappies posted here and had read the drooling, but I was still not prepared. As to the voice - I'm sorry, did he talk? I didn't notice. :-D No, seriously, the accent was rather jarring, especially at first. My fellow newbies might want to check out a discussion of ATA this group conducted a few years ago. It's in topic 98, starting around response 1400. There are some interesting comparisons of the novel and the screenplay to the film. It helped me to understand why DB might have found the role of Jess interesting (before they cut it to shreds, that is). It sounds like it could have been a better film, and a very good role for DB, had circumstances surrounding the production been different. There's also an interview with CF in which he explains why he was "completely unsuitable" for the part - I won't spoil it for those who haven't read it, except to say that it has to do with, among other things, his thighs.

(Rika) it was I and not Amy who made the error when posting the scan You didn't make an error. Not only did you scan the ad for everyone to see, but you tried to post it. If it hadn't been for Geocities' rules, you would've been successful. The reason it showed up for you initially is that it is viewable for about 30 seconds and will then go into cyberlimbo. (Evelyn) Man next to me whispered to his wife:"This is better than the play". I almost kissed him. LOL!! Did you discreetly squeeze his thigh instead? ;-D (Caribou) Sylvia Syms played Stephen Whalby's mother in MOTM. And there's another connection here. This is good. The film discussions are a good read. The edited versions will be uploaded again to firth.com and I've started work on them.

(Rika)I wouldn't wish her to take the blame for my inexperience as a Drooler! No worries, Rika, I am an inexperienced drooler. It was a big day (for me) when I learned how to do the italics/bold!....(as I am showing off my new skill) :-)

Transcript from Australian "New Woman" magazine, article titled "A Firthy Mind": Is it getting warm in here... or is it just us? As soon as we catch a glimpse of Colin Firth, we get hot under the collar. Frankly, it was the bit in Bridget Jones' Diary when he said he liked her "just the way she was" that swung us. And after waiting patiently for another chance to coo over him, it has now arrived. High brow it may be, but with the release of his new flick, The Importance of Being Earnest, you can bet we won't be there for the Oscar Wilde quotes. So let's just skip the plot shall we? [editor's note: refers here to a review on another page in the magazine which doesn't actually exist] Despite his penchant for playing conservative, stuffy types, don't be fooled. If he hadn't been an actor, Colin said he'd probably have been a criminal. "I would have been a rather pathetic minor criminal. I wouldn't have been imaginative or evil enough." Really? We suspect his son Luca might disagree about the evil bit. After all, when Luca was born in March last year, daddy Firth said he looked like a turnip! "But, I mean, you know, a beautiful turnip as root vegetables go..." said Colin. Just like a man to try and wangle out of it later. Still, despite his slightly dodgy credentials we still wouldn't mind being the wild pig he once filmed with: "She came over and lay down across my feet and went to sleep," he said, "and from that day on there was an extraordinary bond. She had a passion for me." Mmmm, we know how she feels. Nothing really original - looks like it was cadged together from a few other interviews (some of them more than a year old).

From lindak's June 20th posting: As far as LD is concerned-all for the sake of vital educational research-I'm sure she'll understand. She should be in a good mood this week as tomorrow is their anniversary. They were married on June 21st? At mid-summer? How romantic!! A belated happy anniversary C & L!!!

(Jane) Nothing really original - looks like it was cadged together from a few other interviews (some of them more than a year old). Most definitely, the quoted bits are from the Rosie Show. Now to see which site's transcription of the interview was used. ;-) Thanks, Jane, for typing this up.

I sent a note to the Amanda Bynes site webmeister, asking to clear up the plot point we were discussing. He said Anna C. is definitely Lord D's fiancee--not his wife. We shall see . . .

Amanda Bynes at UK screening of Big Fat Liar with 3 SL Doesn't look like "dad" to me.

I never saw this one....you?Cute....

try website: http://www.rexfeatures.com/cgi-bin/rppshimg0?i=335038M

Thank you, Evelyn for that picture. I never saw it. ODB certainly looks happy to see RZ. Hope they will have another reunion soon. Thanks, Mari, for clearing up the little matter in AG. There is still hope, then, for parental reunion-lots of snogging, and what have you. Like the name of that article posted by Jane. A Firthy Mind. The author should hang out with us sometime. (CF)I would have been a rather pathetic minor criminal. I wouldn't have been imaginative or evil enough." We know, dahling, we know.

(Mari) He said Anna C. is definitely Lord D's fiancee--not his wife. We shall see . . . Grrrr! We shall get to the bottom of this one way or another. How does one have a "British half-sister" then?

Ohhhhh...thanks for the pic, and thanks for the article. Karen, file that pic away for the 'shoe' discussion later on!

Actually, I've had that pic, but what do you see about the shoes that I don't? Unless we're talking about Renee's shoes now. ;-D

Cute pic, Evelyn, I haven't seen that shot from that angle. Nice to see that "Bridget" still has to stand on her tip-toes to kiss "Mark.":-) My, he has big hands . . .;-) (Karen)How does one have a "British half-sister" then? Well, if the "wife" report is wrong, then no surprise that the half-sister part is wrong too. Maybe it's Anna's daughter, i.e., AG's step-sister-to-be? Who knows if this webmeister is right, but I must say he writes *very* confidently.;-) He also mentioned Lord D. having to choose between staying in England or returning with Daphne to the States. I only report this stuff.;-)

(Messenger) I only report this stuff.;-) So I better put my shotgun away, huh? ;-D

I think I've seen that pic somewhere before, but it is sweet, isn't it? Nice to see it again. While I was at the site I was looking at the other photos from the premiere. Could HG possibly have looked more bored? (Mari) He said Anna C. is definitely Lord D's fiancee--not his wife. We shall see . . . (KarenR) Grrrr! We shall get to the bottom of this one way or another. How does one have a "British half-sister" then? Let's see. I suppose the half-sister might be a child from some past marriage of Lord D's, and now he's preparing to marry again. Or maybe "half-sister" is also wrong and it's really a future stepsister - AC's character might have a daughter from a previous marriage.

I'd like to try to guess to: Anna Chandler, the Lord's fianc�e, has a daughter, so she would be the "would-be step-sister, who is preparing for her debutant ball. Anna finding the Lord's such an "American girl," insists in making her a debutant. Amanda falls for soon to be step-sister's boyfriend, and all hell breaks lose. In comes mom to save the day, and in the end, casual shoes win out over pumps. :-( *gags* Unless we're talking about Renee's shoes now. ;-D I happen to have those black 50's pumps and I love them. Could the woman behind Colin in that picture be his mum? Renee seems to have dark roots in that picture?

Drats, I type too fast. Again: Anna Chandler, the Lord's fianc�e, has a daughter, so she would be the "would be step-sister, who is preparing for her debutant ball. Anna finding the Lord's daughter such an "American girl," insists on making her a debutant too. Amanda falls for soon to be step-sister's boyfriend, and all hell breaks lose. In comes mom to save the day, and in the end, casual shoes win out over pumps. :-( *gags*

I never saw this one either....SIL premiere in LA. The one Winter attended and got to talk to Colin and LD. I think that's TEP suit. Renee seems to have dark roots in that picture? v. fashionable now. All one color is o-u-t. Hey...that Lord Dashwood gets around. If he has two daughters and is just now getting engaged ;-)

If it doesn't come up:Here it is. http://www.rexfeatures.com/cgi-bin/rppshimg0?i=298413E

All you Minkeeland-ers: I understand that The Today Show interview with Colin that was done here was aired in Australia today. Did anyone catch it? If not, keep your eyes peeled, maybe you will get some of the interviews that we had.

Hi Everyone, Have just completed 3 days of TIOBE enjoyed immensely. However, a little bit discouraged to see that all three showings were older people and retirees. Thought over the weekend might be mixed crowd, but no such luck. My son, mid 20's, went with me once. He enjoyed it. Qusestion: Have watched FP again. I really love that movie. He's excellent in it, and also it's a leading roll for him. But I still can't see relationship with Ruth Gemmel. If you watch it closely, there's more charisma between him and Robert's mother in their short scene, watch his eyes and facial expressions, than there is between him and the leading lady. I think she would have been better in the part. Any one else agree? I understand the opposite attraction theory, but there should also be a little charisma too. Would make the love scenes more believable. I don't think HG and JR showed any charisma in Notting Hill either. Am I being too fussy or does anyone else think so too? Thanks for pics, I hadn't seen these either.

They're repeating Colin's Daily Show appearance next Monday at 11 p.m., and Tuesday at 10a.m. and 7p.m. on Comedy Central. If you didn't catch this one the first time, be sure to watch--it's a classic. I'm still laughing over the "doughy Stilton cheese.";-) Pam, I thought Ruth Gemmell played her part well--but I didn't like the way the character was written. They seemed a bit too intent on making her an uptight bitch, instead of just a normal person who doesn't much care for football. No nuance there.

(FanPam)But I still can't see relationship with Ruth Gemmel. I don't think HG and JR showed any charisma in Notting Hill either. Am I being too fussy or does anyone else think so too? I totally agree with you on HG and JR. Zero chemistry! As for Ruth and Colin, I didn't mind them at all. But what about the hag he supposedly had a hot and heavy affair with in Lost Empires? Almost as bad the chick in Playmaker. Yuck!!! :) I think he fit the best in looks and believabilty with Kristen Scott Thomas (I could so totally see them as a real couple) and perhaps Jennifer Ehle. While on the subject, what casting moron decided to pair him with Heather Graham? :)

I keep thinking about Colin and Heather and don't see the chemistry either. The character she plays in the book is young and kooky but I guess she is not one of my favorite actresses.

(Pam)Have watched FP again. I really love that movie. FP is one of my favorites, too. I'm not crazy about RG, but I thought she was ok. I'm more concerned about Heather Graham. IMO, after reading the book, she doesn't seem to fit the part. I agree, with audiogirl, hard to think about there being chemistry. We'll see. Thank you for the BJD pictures-nice memories. Think I'll watch BJD this week.

Forgive me girls I'm still a half-newbie getting into all the flix. Which one did he play with Kristen Thomas in. I've tried to get my hands on all the movies I can and bought some from the boutique. Today I saw Dutch Girls, cute and Apartment Zero a bit scary for me but what an acting job. Very well done. I could definitely see him with Jenefer Ehle, that was good casting, I thought RZ was good too, couldn't see him with his friend in MLSF but loved the movie, didn't see him with either in ATA but they were purely recreational and I was only looking at him, sooo HOT in that. Maybe you're right. Pushing the anti-football in FP may have made her seem too harsh and unemotional to him. Of course he's an emotional fuckwit in it, but if you really love the man, as I would have, I liked him, you could allow his passion, it's not like he was out cheating on her or picking up women. I just missed the warmth between them I guess, and when he told her the marriage would be fine he looked so uneasy, atleast he was willing to take on his responsibility. She didn't seem to acknowledge any of the good points to me. Not knowing about the business I just wonder what these casting directors look for when they team up couples, cause alot of the time, headliners or not, they just don't work.

(FanPam) Which one did he play with Kristen Thomas in. The English Patient, Colin was the husband. thanks for the pics, really like the BJD premiere one, never saw that one before. i liked the TIOBE newspaper ad, love seeing Colin front and center :) not sure how i feel about HG and Colin, will just have to wait and see.

Mari, I'm glad you brought up trying to clarify AG's story. I was going to bring it up after reviewing all the articles on Bucket's AG page this weekend...I have read such different accounts as to puzzle me exceedingly :-). I didn't see how he could be married to KP, get divorced, marry someone else, have another kid, find out he had a first one who has a plan to break up the current marriage, then reunite the parents. I may have no sense of teen movie plots, but that seemed a bit much. It's one thing to break up a relationship or engagement of 1 parent, a la Parent Trap, but to encourage divorce, potentially causing trauma for the half-sibling.....seems a bit harsh.

(Dorine)I may have no sense of teen movie plots I fear we're about learn:)

(Evelyn) Hey...that Lord Dashwood gets around. If he has two daughters and is just now getting engaged ;-) Well this is the 21st Century. But again, I find it another odd plot point for a teen movie. Nice BJD pics...RZ looks so tiny compared to him. Strikes me more here than in BJD. Saw the Harper's Bazaar RZ article and pics yesterday. 2 present pics (3 including the cover) and 2 of the old ones they didn't want to run before. Not a huge difference in looks, but you can tell more so in the face a little. Hard to tell much though since the older pics were conveniently smaller. Nice one of her sitting in the theater chair though (new). And hated the Carrie Fisher penned article. Don't think I've read her other pieces, and if they're all like this, don't want to.

Vg points, Dorine! We usually know the plots to ODB's movie in advance anf this one is throwing us for a loop. (Lola), While on the subject, what casting moron decided to pair him with Heather Graham? :) She seems to fit the character in the book whom I always imagined as a Goldie Hawn type from "Butterflies are Free." Only they made her smarter by making (HG),Mandy a nurse instead of a helper/aid at an home for the elderly.

BTW, did anyone catch the box office totals today. TIOBE's just over $4 million total. Another 500K ending this weekend. I think it said a 19% drop since last week with a 20 screen increase. Guess it won't get close to breaking even here, hopefully it'll do well overseas.

(Lola), While on the subject, what casting moron decided to pair him with Heather Graham? :) Speaking of morons, I heard recently, that HG is actually a moron. *ducking thrown tomatoes and such from HG fans* (Those were there words, not mine). I heard that's why her relationships never last.

(FanPam)But I still can't see relationship with Ruth Gemmel. I'm with you here, Pam. That awful grating voice of hers was sooo irritating.

(Pam) But I still can't see relationship with Ruth Gemmel There are many who would agree with you that the love angle of the film does not work, is not believable, etc. Perhaps that is due to the fact that it is superimposed onto a story about being a fan and is not part of the original source material. (Pam) I understand the opposite attraction theory, but there should also be a little charisma too. [from one of my old postings] One of those "opposites attract" things? No. Early on, when she and Jo are discussing the new teacher (shagging discussion) and Jo is pointing out the pros of a purely physical relationship, Sarah replies, "I want a brain as well...eventually." Maybe she has discovered that he has one as well. Maybe the discovery was left on the cutting room floor? C'mon, how can you not like feel the emotions when Lisa Stansfield sings out "I can't find my baby, I don't know when, I don't know why he has gone away and I don't know where he can be but I'M GONNA FIND HIM." ;-D (Lola) But what about the hag he supposedly had a hot and heavy affair with in Lost Empires? Almost as bad the chick in Playmaker. Yuck!!! :) Pffft! LOL! But how else are you going to show contrast between the beautiful and virginal and blonde Nancy (played by the daughter of Sylvia Syms, who is now in AmGirl) and the boozing, on the way down, older actress?? I think she looked the part, unfortunately it wasn't all that pleasant to watch Colin with her. (Lola) While on the subject, what casting moron decided to pair him with Heather Graham? :) You probably wouldn't have cared for my casting choice for that role either. Not terribly pretty, but an actress. ;-D (Dorine) Not a huge difference in looks, but you can tell more so in the face a little. Actually she looked pretty normal in the older pics, but if you look lower, you can see the dreaded crease lines on her slacks.

footnote: same shoes in both pics Evelyn posted..... I am not a HG (hg=heather graham, not hugh grant, do we need to make some notation adjustment?) fan either, but I can see her as Mandy. My memory of the book is that Colin/Mandy have this rather uncomfortable relationship. I can see CF haveing an uncomfortable relationship with HGm. She sort of takes him over. (Karen)You probably wouldn't have cared for my casting choice for that role either. Not terribly pretty, but an actress. ;-D Who was your choice?

My choice was Jane Adams. Who, I hear you cry? ;-D Maybe it was because I remembered her so vividly from The Anniversary Party, Songcatcher and even Wonder Boys. She seemed so right, so waif-like. But not exactly someone most people would plunk down $8-$9 to see in a movie.

That rexfeatures web site has some pretty great pictures (search for CF). For those crying out: :P

One thing's for certain, Heather's latest release (in the UK--doubt if it will ever see the light of day here) has been met by scathing reviews. Most critics have said it will likely be their candidate for "worst film of the year." Much of the criticism has focused on the complete lack of chemistry between Heather and Joe Fiennes, a big case of "miscasting." The film is "Killing Me Softly" and is full of required Heather nude scenes and sex. Still no one likes it. Imagine that. ;-D This won't help the marketing for Hope Springs any.

Hey! I was looking though the webpages of one of my favorite photographers, and noticed he'd done a shoot for TIOBE. I hadn't recalled seeing any mention of them here, so I thought I'd post the link. http://growbag.net/photographers/gregwilliams/hughgrant/index.asp Have a great day!

Thanks, Mariel! Photo by Greg Williams. Colin relaxing and we ask, where's it hanging? ;-))))