"When my children don't want me, but do need me, then I must stay. When they no longer need me, but they do want me: then I have to go." Very Mary Poppins-ish . .was that Nanny based upon this one I wonder . .or vice versa?

According to the introduction, the first Nurse Matilda book was published in 1962 in an anthology called Naughty Children. "The story had been handed down orally in Brand's family from generation to generation and was originally told as far back as the mid-1800s, and it has taken many different forms over the years." "The oral history of the story is readily apparent in repetitive details and lists and in the occasional direct address to the audience. And the predicatability inherent in the episodes, which follow a set pattern, gives listeners a delicious sense of impending doom, as they can easily see what's coming. These qualities of the story that stem from its original oral origin are just the qualities that make 'Nurse Matilda' so suitable for reading aloud." ...I'll type up more of this later, but I thought this more relevant: "The appearance in the 1960s of the story of a Victorian nanny was somewhat uncommon, and this particular nanny could be easily compared to such familiar characters as Mary Poppins and Betty MacDonald's Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle. But there are several qualities of the Nurse Matilda books that set this English nanny distinctly apart from her peers in children's literature. One quality is the outrageously bad behavior of her young charges. They light-heartedly set to the tasks of pouring syrup in their boots, giving the dogs a bath in the cook's stockpot, and shampooing each other's hair with glue. The other quality is the metamorphosis of Nurse Matilda that occurs each time the children improve their behavior...."

Would love to have been a fly on the wall. From Variety: UIP bullish about '04 United Intl. Pictures has set itself an aggressive target of more than $2 billion in theatrical grosses for 2004, up from last year's $1.74 billion. This was the challenge laid down to 90 UIP execs from around the world when they gathered in London a fortnight ago for four days of marketing meetings, intended to rally the troops behind its muscular 2004 slate of pics from Universal, Paramount and DreamWorks. "We believe this is our biggest and best slate ever," boasts one UIP chief, "and we wanted to let the managers know what we expect from them." U carried the burden of the 2003 slate, but this year's product will be more evenly spread across the three studios. Jeffrey Katzenberg flew in to screen a rough cut of "Shrek 2" to UIP managers from the European territories, plus Brazil, Mexico, Australia, Japan and Korea. They also saw the nearly finished "Thunderbirds" from Working Title/Universal ("quite camp with lots of primary colors, great fun," per one territory manager, who predicted it would squarely hit the "Spy Kids" audience). Scott Rudin showed footage from "The Stepford Wives," Emma Thompson highlighted her upcoming "Nanny McPhee," and there were glimpses of "The Bourne Supremacy," "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason," "Van Helsing" and "Riddick." Local managers were bullish about the 2004 gross target (stated in constant currencies), but one noted that with the international B.O. no longer growing rapidly overall, UIP must achieve it largely at the expense of rival distribs.

"the ugliest person you ever saw in your life," with "a nose like two potatoes," and "one huge front Tooth sticking right out like a tombstone over her lower lip" descends upon the enormous family of outrageously bad Brown children Well, Emma is a sharp lady, so let's hope she's had sense enough to: --Lose the big nose and tooth and just look like herself. --Make Mr. Brown a lonely widower. --Reduce the number of kids from 20 to 7. --Give them names like, I dunno, Liesl, Kurt, Brigitta, Louisa, Friedrich, Marta, and Gretl. --Let Colin do a cover of "Edelweiss." These are the only circumstances under which McPhooey would be even marginally acceptable to me. ;-)

(Mari)Let Colin do a cover of "Edelweiss." Only if he plays guitar again . .ala Christopher Plummer . . . Am now getting images of Colin in lederhosen;) . . . .

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Emma Thompson highlighted her upcoming "Nanny McPhee," Ooooh! Maybe there's still time for the execs to quash it. Quick, Evelyn, cash a CD and buy one of the collectors' editions of the book for your nightstand. I'll get out my voodoo doll and stick a potato on as a nose. ;-) (Mari)--Give them names like, I dunno, Liesl, Kurt, Brigitta, Louisa, Friedrich, Marta, and Gretl. --Let Colin do a cover of "Edelweiss." LOL! (Mari) These are the only circumstances under which McPhooey would be even marginally acceptable to me. ;-) But I still might Climb Every Mountain to get away from this one. You'll see, his character won't even have a first name, being as insignificant as he'll be. Mr Brown will join the legions of child story parents with no names, like Mr Darling.

(Karen) You'll see, his character won't even have a first name, being as insignificant as he'll be. Mr Brown will join the legions of child story parents with no names, like Mr Darling. Maybe this is his prerequisite movie that his children can see;-)Especially now since he is an Ultimate Dad.

Maybe this is his prerequisite movie that his children can see;-)Especially now since he is an Ultimate Dad. OMG, now his *kids* are picking his movies.

(Mari)--Make Mr. Brown a lonely widower. One can only hope. (Karen)Mr Brown will join the legions of child story parents with no names, like Mr Darling. Does Harry Potter look any better, now?

(Linda )Does Harry Potter look any better, now? *snort* Hey Linda, think the boss will Shangai-us to a Spring topic to discuss Nanny McPhooey;-)

(Kimberly) Am now getting images of Colin in lederhosen;) If he shows up in jollyhose, I might be enticed. ;-)

(Kimberly) Am now getting images of Colin in lederhosen;) (Dorine)If he shows up in jollyhose, I might be enticed. ;-) OK . .how about a jollyhose appearance + another air guitar moment . . . .now I'd pay to see that . . .;) . .A new interpretive dance moment: I shall entitle it . ."Mr. Brown does the laundry" Imagine the animicolin that Rika could make from it;)!!!

I think those would be Sophie's animicolins. :-)

(Dorine re: Trauma review posted by Mari) Thanks, Mari. I find this to be a literate, succint, and accurate review. The first thing I thought of to describe this movie as I was watching it, was it was definitely an exercise in style, which I don't consider a negative thing. Ditto! I enjoyed how this film was shot. Found it confusing at times, but it was intended to be (IMO) so that we could get a feel for what Ben was going through. It all comes together in the end (and why I recommend at least two viewings as things fell into place for me once I realized what was happening). Even to the point of opening and closing with the same 'image'. I thought it was very clever. (Dorine) I don't understand why the reviews seem to think MS plays a psychoanalyst of some sort. Suvari was described as the enigmatic neighbor...then there was a comma....psychoanalyst. And well....that does need to be discussed in spoilers! ;-D

(Evelyn) Hey Linda, think the boss will Shangai-us to a Spring topic to discuss Nanny McPhooey;-) Don't laugh. I've been thinking about it - a topic I can "forget." (Please note: no winkies)

(Dorine)I think those would be Sophie's animicolins. :-) Erp . .sorry Sophie! . . Was talking to Ada about I think it was Rika keeping a b'day list . .I always associate the appearance of the animicolins w/ someone's b'day on Drool:) . .free association . .

Other Firth Father roles: Do long time fans remember when he was rumored to be doing "Seven Little Australians?" I even bought the paperback. He would have played the father, Captain Woolcot, a real martinet.

(Murph)Do long time fans remember when he was rumored to be doing "Seven Little Australians?" I even bought the paperback. Missed that one on my night table. Like your new Hall of Dads pic boss....dare you to put it on firth.com so he and his agent can see it;-/

(Evelyn) Hey Linda, think the boss will Shangai-us to a Spring topic to discuss Nanny McPhooey;-) I can see it now Topic -000 of 190 (drool): Bednobs, Broomsticks, and Nightstand Nightmares;-)

OK, here are some updates (though not finished yet)... The Chiswick pics are now clearer and clickable: http://www.firth.com/gal/gal_03jw.html And there's a whole new page of LA NY premiere pics; have given placement of honor to one pic in particular: http://www.firth.com/love_gal_nyprem4.html

Thanks for the great pics Karen - both here and the TEOR topic . . OK . .who are the lucky Droolers in the top LA pic?:) . . This one w/ ET and Colin is also darling . .

Thank you, Karen. The abundance of pics today has been a welcome reprieve from this cold, dreary day. And yes, pray tell, do we know any of those lucky fans in the LA premiere photo?

Here's a very negative review of Trauma. Reviewer seems fair, not blaming Colin, who he seems to respect. Doesn't look like this film will go very far. http://hollywoodbitchslap.com/review.php?movie=8520&reviewer=128 Excerpts: ...Basically, 'Trauma' was at the top of my Must See list for much of the fest...and guess what? The flick kinda stinks!... Trauma is a movie that you'll want to throttle after thirty minutes as you spit the following from between your gritted teeth: Get...on...with...IT...ALREADY!... Colin Firth, the ever-watchable and workmanlike performer, does the best with what he's given (which is lots of flashbacks, wide-eyed staring, sequences of sweaty angst, etc.) but there's barely enough meat here to support a whole movie, let alone a standout acting performance... 'Trauma' is not exactly a 'poor' or 'inept' piece of moviemaking, but if this movie had a pulse...it must have petered out within the first 15 minutes.

Thanks for finding (?) this review, although if you look at what this clown as reviewed in the past (pretty much nothing anyone could pay me to see) I find it as meaningless as most online reviews. http://hollywoodbitchslap.com/hbs.cgi?reviewer=128 Some new GWAPE LA premiere pics: http://www.firth.com/gwape_premgal8.html

Thanks, Katty for pointing out the review. I can't totally dismiss a bit of his criticism. I did address the slowness before. I wasn't annoyed about it as he was. But, I have to say that anyone who rates Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom with 4 stars, I take with a grain of salt. (That goes for the 4 star rating for Zoolander, too). Thanks, Karen for the pics. Love the pics of ET with Colin. She looks as proud of him as we sounded. ;-D And what's with the expression in this pic? :-0 (Linda) I can see it now Topic -000 of 190 (drool): Bednobs, Broomsticks, and Nightstand Nightmares;-) Too funny!

(Linda) I can see it now Topic -000 of 190 (drool): Bednobs, Broomsticks, and Nightstand Nightmares;-) Thanks for the title. Now, everyone get on the stick and buy the blasted book so it won't be made. Sticking more pins in my doll and reaching for the Vicodin. OK, the last four were put up at the NY Earnest premiere: http://www.firth.com/p_eye3.html Like the one where he was waving goodbye to Lora. ;-)

Katty, thanks for the review site. This guy was looking for Horror movies. He went to see (from what I gather from the spoilers) a psycho-drama, suspense movie -- could be why he was disappointed.

Sticking more pins in my doll and reaching for the Vicodin. Ahem, please make that Percocet. ;-) (Gail) This guy was looking for Horror movies. He went to see (from what I gather from the spoilers) a psycho-drama, suspense movie -- could be why he was disappointed. My thoughts exactly.

(Dorine) Ahem, please make that Percocet. ;-) Only if you send me over some samples. ;-) (Gail) This guy was looking for Horror movies. He went to see (from what I gather from the spoilers) a psycho-drama, suspense movie -- could be why he was disappointed. (Dorine) My thoughts exactly. The only problem *is* that this is exactly the group they need to sell this movie to.

(Karen)And there's a whole new page of LA NY premiere pics; have given placement of honor to one pic in particular: Many, many thanks for that top placement. I am humbled. Funny you should mention Lora's pictures from the Earnest premiere. At the time, (May 13, 2002) I never thought it would happen to me;-) (Dorine)And what's with the expression in this pic? :-0 ...should I do another drama, or go with the Nanny business?

(Leslie) And yes, pray tell, do we know any of those lucky fans in the LA premiere photo? I recognize a few folks! ;-) That's my pen and poster...and my face is obscured by Kathy's book....I'll let everyone else identify themselves if they wish... (Dorine) And what's with the expression in this pic? :-0 Maybe a cell call from the missus saying they're out of nappies and there is an 'emergency'...he's thinking of fastest route to Sainsbury's and where wipes are located?! ;-D

(I'm behind a vertically held camera - didn't notice that before!)

Oops, Didn't identify myself...I'm standing next to Tress with that goofy expression on my face. (hey what can I say, breathing his air was intoxicating), or was that the Chardonney from across the street? I'm holding a copy of Speaking With the Angel.

So much fun to get to know everyone's faces. But the next logical question to follow is...okay, did HE know who YOU were?

(Leslie) But the next logical question to follow is...okay, did HE know who YOU were? LOL...noooooo! Thank goodness....don't want to be remembered as the loo girl. Besides, I'm not sure that he would acknowledge remembering a fan...

(Tress) don't want to be remembered as the loo girl. LOL! Nor me as the monkey in the "potted palm." ;-) Though standing on the light pole at The Metropolitan Club may have caused flashbacks. :-D

(Dorine) And what's with the expression in this pic? Don't know, but I thought he had a *blahh* face on in quite a few of the Chiswick photos. A bad day, perhaps?? A falling out with the missus?? Beter yet, thinking about his upcoming role in 'Nanny McPhooey'??

(Tress) I recognize a few folks! ;-) That's my pen and poster...and my face is obscured by Kathy's book....I'll let everyone else identify themselves if they wish... I apologize wholeheartedly for obscuring your face with my book! Very bad timing on my part. Since I opted to sit perched on the barricade thing behind us in order to get a better view, I'm behind everyone and I never appear with CF except in one tiny pic on TM where my head is about the size of a pencil eraser. Please avoid the making obvious comments I just set myself up for. ;-)

(Kathy) I never appear with CF But you are in a number of clips shown on Talking Movies, as I recall.

So how long am *I* going to have to do penance and look at those Dad's of my youth when I come here for some Drool juice? Mercy!

(Beedee) So how long am *I* going to have to do penance and look at those Dad's of my youth when I come here for some Drool juice? Mercy! At least until after I get back from Betty Ford and I'm pointing fingers!!

(KathyF) I apologize wholeheartedly for obscuring your face with my book! Very bad timing on my part. Oooohhhhhh no! I thank you for that! I'm sure I have a dumbfounded/awed/stupid look on my face that needed to be hidden at all costs! ;-)

(Karen)Thanks for the title. Now, everyone get on the stick and buy the blasted book so it won't be made. Sticking more pins in my doll and reaching for the Vicodin. (Dorine)(Dorine) Ahem, please make that Percocet. ;-) Ooh me! Me too! I'll take the drugs, but not sure the movie has anything to do with it ;-)... At least I know B,B&NN would release here so folks could take the grandkids.. Thanks all for the news and Karen for new galleries here and at TEOR. Oh, and line up the arrows on that childproof lid... Feb. 04, 2004 Father's day for Firth on 'Nanny' pic Colin Firth is in negotiations to star opposite Emma Thompson in the family comedy "Nanny McPhee" for director Kirk Jones. Shooting starts in April around London, with Working Title toppers Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner producing along with Three Strange Angels topper Lindsay Doran. Thompson also wrote the screenplay, adapted from the "Nurse Matilda" book series by Christianna Brand. The stories follow a magical nanny and the seven worst children in the world. Firth would play the father of the children. Doran has been shepherding the project since 1997, when she was head of MGM specialty unit United Artists. When she stepped down for a production deal at the studio, she took the project with her. Working Title recently signed on to produce with her. Bevan and Fellner have a previous relationship with Firth, having worked with him on "Bridget Jones's Diary." He is in front of the cameras opposite Renee Zellweger on the sequel "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason." Firth is repped by ICM. (Chris Gardner) http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr/film/brief_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=2082929

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Firth would play the father of the children. What happened to wanting to being a fat character actor? ;-)

(Me) What happened to wanting to being a fat character actor? ;-) That would be....wanting to be a fat character actor? Not usually up so early and distracted by prep for phone interview. :-(

(Maria/THR)The stories follow a magical nanny and the seven worst children in the world. Alrighty, one of my five requirements from #1104 above has been met: --Reduce the number of kids from 20 to 7. Four to go. "You look happy to me, t'me." ;-) (Dorine)What happened to wanting to being a fat character actor? ;-) Or a masturbatory village pervert? *Sigh* those were the days. ;-) Love the new LA premiere pics! Fan base, start thinking about what we do for an encore for the TEOR premiere!

From Variety: Multi-nation adaptation A&E execs talk early and often to U.K. for classic co-productions By SHALINI DORE With titles such as "Pride and Prejudice," "Horatio Hornblower" and "Shackleton" as evidence, A&E's success with its Brit co-productions is due to careful, time-consuming preparation. Delia Fine, A&E's VP of film, drama and performing arts, oversees many of these projects with her five-person department, and talks to her U.K. counterparts, be they at the BBC, Granada or Channel Four, early on. Discussions continue during development before A&E signs on. Fine also has her say on writers, cast and other talent. "If you don't have a shared vision, it can all end in tears," says the net's 15-year vet. Jane Tranter, head of drama at the BBC, has worked with A&E for five years, beginning with "Lorna Doone." Partnering with A&E has been crucial to the re-emergence of classic adaptations and not just for the financing that raises production values, she notes. "We've been able to make them (classic adaptations) to a certain standard. It's critical to engage audiences. There is the shared desire of BBC and A&E to make classics accessible to audiences, books that most people wouldn't think of taking off shelves and reading." Michele Block, controller of drama at ITV's London Weekend Television, has worked with A&E for five years on projects including the "Horatio Hornblower" series and Agatha Christie mysteries. "It's not like we take American money and run away," she says about the partnership. "During production we talk every week about casting, about rushes." The series Block greenlights are not necessarily with an eye toward the U.S. "Co-productions have to benefit both sides, have to serve both masters and not feel grafted on," Block says. The amount of coin each company contributes to the project differs, but Fine won't go into specifics. Fine takes pride in the net's role in raising the profile of thesps such as Colin Firth ("Pride and Prejudice"), Kate Beckinsale and Samantha Morton ("Emma"). However, not all their co-productions are what Tranter calls "bonnets and bows." The upcoming "Pride," from the BBC, is a coming-of-age tale by Simon Nye about lions in Africa. Docu, directed by John Downer, includes the voices of Sean Bean, Helen Mirren and Kate Winslet. "The Last King" ("Charles II" in the U.K.) is based in the 17th century, a turbulent period in British history. Fine says A&E rarely imposes casting choices based on American preferences, although they did suggest Peter Falk for the role of the Rev. Theo Kerr in "Lost World." "You just can't force that," Fine says of the casting process. "You don't want to violate the integrity of the project." While most of these projects are co-productions, BBC's "MI-5" started out as a pickup for the American net. " 'MI-5' was on our radar," Fine says, but the Beeb had only ordered six episodes. Once viewers responded, the Brits ordered 10 episodes and A&E stepped in as a co-producer. Tranter says the project, called "Spooks" in the U.K., happened very quickly. "I read the script and commissioned it in hours. We didn't search for a partner. A&E looked at it and decided to come in, but it was already in the can." Date in print: Mon., Feb. 2, 2004,

Fan base, start thinking about what we do for an encore for the TEOR premiere! And start saving those pennies! If there's a NY Premiere in Dec, it'll cost ya extra for hotels. Prime tourist season. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a huge lead time to know when it is to make reservations ahead.

(Mari)Or a masturbatory village pervert? Wasn't he that in MoM? ;-))) (and a v.v. cute MVP he was)

(Mari) --Reduce the number of kids from 20 to 7. LOL! I started reading the book last night, and in the first five chapters, I've already noted 24 children's names). This is pathetic stuff, unless you're a four-year-old. :-( The parents, thus far, are completely on the periphery and, as Bethan said "clueless." For the mother, Glynnis John comes to mind. At the end of each chapter, NM tells them the kids have learned a lesson and that's about it.

Does anyone remember a CHEERS episode where ET played, I believe, Frasier's first wife who was a children's program TV hostess who showed up wearing a hat that sprouted a daisy or am I completely bonkers? (Or more precisely: Am I bonkers on this recollection?) If I am not, if certainly conjures up an image suspisciously "Nannyesque."

According to the IMDB, it was 1982, the character was Nanny Gee/Nannette Goolsmann, in an episode entitled "Fraiser Crane's First Wife." There is a collage at this ET website: http://www.muldermedia.com/emma/gallery/stills/cheers1.html

Seems that wasn't the episode title. More info here: http://s9000.furman.edu/~ejorgens/cheers/episodes/235.html

Okay, just a beanie no daisy - am clearly confusing her character with Mary Poppins. Ergo, only partially bonkers (a condition that has already been diagnosed;)

From IndieWire's article about the indie boxoffice results from the weekend: "The increase in 'Girl' screens was not a result of, but rather it was timed to, the Oscar noms," said Lions Gate chief Tom Ortenberg via email responding to iW questions on the film's larger roll out. "We were confident of 'Girl''s playability in art houses, and we knew were a contender in several categories for the Academy Awards, so we decided to use the week of the nominations as our springboard into commercial theatres."

we decided to use the week of the nominations as our springboard into commercial theatres." Saw it twice over the weekend in an art house and commercial theater-both sold out. I'm also surprised at the number of times a day it's playing as well-even through the weekdays. More of the same: Firth Joining Thompson in Nanny McPhee Source: The Hollywood Reporter Tuesday, February 3, 2004 http://comingsoon.net/news.php?id=3289

and another from Zap2it: Firth Fingered for 'Nanny's' Father Figure Wed, Feb 04, 2004, 08:02 AM PT LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Colin Firth fans who love to see the strait-laced actor distressed and slightly rumpled will practically drool over his newest role. Firth, 43, will play the harried father of the seven worst children in the world in "Nanny McPhee," according to The Hollywood Reporter.. Adapted from the "Nurse Matilda" book series by Christianna Brand, "Nanny" stars Emma Thompson as the magical nanny to the misbehaving rug rats. Thompson also wrote the screenplay. The film marks a reunion for Firth and Thompson, who co-starred in 2003's holiday romantic comedy "Love Actually." Kirk Jones will direct the project, which will begin shooting in April around London. Firth currently stars opposite Scarlett Johansson in "Girl with a Pearl Earring" and is reprising his role as Mark Darcy in "Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason," which is scheduled for release in November. http://www.zap2it.com/movies/news/story/0,1259,---20354,00.html

Hmmm . .back to Trauma for a minute. Don't think this was posted. Has US relase dated January 19th . .they meant Sundance . .but a UK release of Feb. 27th? http://www.thefilmasylum.com/database/t/trauma/trauma.htm And saw this: http://www.thezreview.co.uk/comingsoon/t/trauma.htm Tress, Dorine, Sandi . .curious . .was reading the 7/29/03 update on this page . .was that scene in the film?

I asked ME to confirm the UK release date....it is not correct, no new date given. I got the impression he wasn't sure. No, that scene wasn't in it. That question popped up at Spoilers, I think.

I got the impression he wasn't sure. That is....he wasn't sure when the release date is. Maybe it hasn't been rescheduled yet.

That is....he wasn't sure when the release date is. Maybe it hasn't been rescheduled yet. Thanks for the clarification, Dorine;) . ..

Oh! That has nice big pics....you can see the necklace he wears in Traaauuuuma is different than the one he wears now (this one is made of, what looks like, wooden beads, about an inch long):

(Dorine) Maybe it hasn't been rescheduled yet. It hasn't (direct from the lips of the distributor); that was the old date.

Colin's in the new Hollywood issue of Vanity Fair. Didn't make th cover (as SJ did) but... http://www.firth.com/articles/04vanfair_march.html

Oh, yes, LA has won three Empire awards: Best British Actress for Emma Thompson, Best BritishFilm, and Martine McCutcheon took Best Newcomer (open to all nationalities apparently). http://www.ananova.com/entertainment/story/sm_862676.html?menu=

Coming Soon announcing April 27th as US DVD release for Love Actually in both full and wide screen.

(Emma) News about old things: any one else in the UK seen the ads on channel 4 for Regency House Party? Oh! Wish we got it here!!! We had Manor House and I was addicted to that show....this one looks to be v. v. amusing! Thanks Emma! And Most Wanted Man indeed! Thanks Karen!!! Love the casual, no fuss way he lounges about......(I know...probably took three hours to get that pic.....but.....he still looks positively slackerly, even in the nice suit. YUM!)

(Tress)he still looks positively slackerly, even in the nice suit. YUM!) Ditto. Where's the location? Lampshade needs replacing. Suit reminiscent of "Tales from Hollywood Hills"

Have moved Emma's to O&E (Evelyn) Where's the location? Says London on November 14

(Tress)he still looks positively slackerly, even in the nice suit. YUM!) (Ev)Ditto. Dayyyyo! Yum indeed. What a lovely eyeopener;-) Thanks Karen

(Evelyn) Where's the location? (Karen) Says London on November 14 Just a few days after we saw him.....seems we took the wind out of his sails! ;-D

Vanity Fair pictures are lovely and made for a nice breakfast treat, but...what is it with photographing ODB in tatty chairs? (thinking: I've got a *very* tatty chair he could pose in) Great suit BTW.

(Eithne) (thinking: I've got a *very* tatty chair he could pose in) LOL....Oh! I'm liking the 'tatty chair' pics (I'd be willing to rip the stuffing out of one of my good chairs to have him sit in in that is what he prefers!).....gives me college day flashbacks....but the boys I knew didn't look that hot! ;-) Like how in this one we get the cool nekky lamp too! (Eithne) Great suit BTW. Agree....not a big fan of white suits in general (too Saturday Night Fever if they aren't the right material)...but a linen suit!? YES!!! Nice....v. v. nice!

I think the setting is charming, full of fabulous antiques. And the model ain't half bad either. ;-)

(Bee)Dayyyyo! Yum indeed. What a lovely eyeopener;-) Thanks Karen Mmmmm... thanks for the lovely morning pickup, boss!!!

Julian Broad does shoot some very nice pics of ODB...InStyle last year and now this. Ditto on the Mmmmm...thank you Karen!

OMG...the Vanity Fair pic....hottest image to come along in a while IMO. Loved the setting, the look, everything (even the striped linen, albeit white suit. Can't afford to be this distracted today...far too many things that need to get done. Thanks (I think), Karen.

Karen . .thanks for the article . . nice nice nice pic! Am liking suit v. much . . . hope more pics from this photo shoot surface somewhere on the internet. . .;) Tress- don't own a tatty chair myself . .but would be willing to purchase one if same such model would be included in the deal;)

Julian Broad does shoot some very nice pics of ODB...InStyle last year and now this. Ditto on the Mmmmm...thank you Karen!

(Eithne) (thinking: I've got a *very* tatty chair he could pose in) (Tress)I'd be willing to rip the stuffing out of one of my good chairs to have him sit in if that is what he prefers!)..... (Kimberly)don't own a tatty chair myself . .but would be willing to purchase one if same such model would be included in the deal;) LOL! Do you think a very large and comfortable but slightly tatty sofa would fit qualifications?

(Karen)I think the setting is charming, full of fabulous antiques. And the model ain't half bad either. ;-) Ditto! But what's the statue of Janet Jackson doing next to him?;-) Thanks, K. That Hollywood issue is Vanity Fair's most popular of the year; great placement for him. BTW, Region 1 DVD of Love Actually will be out April 27.

Yes indeed, LA on DVD! I can drool over that nubbly cardy to my heart's content, and just in time for my birthday (well, two days after). Do you suppose that's how they decided on the release date? ;-)

Eithne . .do you mean this one?;) Karen . .I have to say had a good laugh checking the update page on your site . . .the, um pic you chose for the NMcP news . .shall I be correct to assume that the pic is of the Titanic?;)

(lesliep_Loved the setting, the look, everything (even the striped linen, albeit white suit. Nothing more to add except thanks to the boss. I know the UD's are on the Spring page, but I'll take this daddy, anytime. I know we're a week early, but what a lovley pre-Valentine treat. Thanks for the LA DVD news (Tress)....but the boys I knew didn't look that hot! ;-) Hot, yes, but sizzling sums it up for me;-)

Sorry to double post, but that isn't a sinking ship is it? Could it just be lisitng a bit? New birthday theme emerging... I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes.

(Kimberly) shall I be correct to assume that the pic is of the Titanic?;) Someone emailed me to say I should stencil S.S. Colin's Career on the bow. ;-) Our CF birthday theme two years ago was "Turn the Boat [S.S. Si Cara] Around." Evidently, he doesn't retain things for long. (Linda) New birthday theme emerging... I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes. Do you now? The Birthday Steering (LOL!) Committee will accept ideas at anytime.

(Mari) Ditto! But what's the statue of Janet Jackson doing next to him?;-) LOL!! Thanks, K. That Hollywood issue is Vanity Fair's most popular of the year; great placement for him. Was saying to someone either he has a big fan at VF or he did get a good PR person. ;-)

(Karen) Someone emailed me to say I should stencil S.S. Colin's Career on the bow. ;-) ROTF!!! Oh, that's a shame. :-P

Maria is currently internet deprived, but found this review from The Calgary Sun. I'm passing it on...thanks Maria!!! Film minimalism by Louis B. Hobson Calgary Sun British filmmaker Peter Webber feels there is a time and place for heaving teenage bosoms. It�s just not in the 17th century Holland he explores in his romantic drama Girl With a Pearl Earring. Based on the best-selling novel by Tracy Chevalier, Pearl Earring is a fictional account of how Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer was inspired to create his famous portrait of a young woman with a pearl earring. �Courtesy of such people as Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera and their imitators, we are being bombarded with acres of naked teenage flesh,� says Webber in a phone interview from his home in London. �We are embracing this phenomenon of young women selling sex as part of their music or films. Sexuality is so open. There is no subtlety. �It would have been so wrong to introduce this kind of sexuality into Vermeer�s world.� Vermeer (Colin Firth) becomes fascinated with Griet (Scarlett Johannson) the new teenage serving girl in his household. Through their love of art, Vermeer and Griet fall in love. They fear as much as they long to consummate their passion. �I think the way Colin and Scarlett express the emotions of their characters is far more powerful. They let us know exactly how these people are feeling and what they are thinking using minimal dialogue and without overt sexuality.� Earring is being praised for its minimalist approach but the fact it reaches audiences with very little dialogue does not surprise Webber. �Cinema used to be silent. With no dialogue at all, early filmmakers told huge, complex stories. �Vermeer�s paintings are serene and transcendent. You would do this story a huge injustice if you turned it into a big, noisy film.� Webber inherited the film from Mike Newell, the director of such movies as Four Weddings and a Funeral, Donnie Brasco and Mona Lisa Smile. �When Mike had the film, it was supposed to be Ralph Fiennes and Kate Hudson.� Webber didn�t know the film was in limbo when he went to visit producers Andy Patterson and Olivia Hetreed about another project. �I saw the poster in their office. I was an art history major. I was telling someone outside their office how much I liked Vermeer�s paintings when Andy brought the script out to me and asked if I�d be interested in directing this movie for them.� Hudson had already left for another movie and, within months, so did Fiennes. �The fact I had to start over completely with the casting was the best thing that could have happened. As a director, you have to need to make it your own film.� Webber says he went to Firth with an offer because �there is always a tenderness in Colin that�s essential to Vermeer. There�s no vanity in Colin so I was sure he would risk the challenge of making Vermeer mysterious. �He is essentially a presence that lurks around the edge of the screen for so much of the film.� The moment Johansson read the part, Webber says everyone present knew �there was no one else for the role of Griet. With our picture and Lost in Translation, Scarlett is having an incredible and much-deserved year. She is a very special actor.� Webber is also having an incredible year � Girl With a Pearl Earring received 10 BAFTA nominations. �My phone is starting to ring. It�s amazing the impact even a nomination can have,� says Webber who has signed to direct an episode of HBO�s Six Feet Under before he begins work on a new feature film. 2004-01-31 http://www.fyicalgary.com/perl-bin/niveau2.cgi?s=films&p=81608.html&a=1

Another from Maria.... SPOILT SCARLETT JOHANSSON American actress SCARLETT JOHANSSON had to be taught how to scrub floors for her role in new movie GIRL WITH A PEARL EARRING - because she's never cleaned before. Co-star COLIN FIRTH was stunned the 19-year-old was so ill-prepared for her part as a maid who becomes artist VERMEER's model in the film, based on TRACY CHEVALIER's book. Firth says, "She never read it. However, being a New York teenager, she had never cleaned before and didn't have a clue. In fact, she needed lessons to teach her how to scrub a floor." http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/0/FE0610D0C997EB1880256E23004DDF0B!opendocument

(Firth) However, being a New York teenager, she had never cleaned before and didn't have a clue. In fact, she needed lessons to teach her how to scrub a floor." LOL! But I'd need lessons in how to do wash clothing in the 17th century too. Where's the ON button? No Swiffers? Thanks Maria-channeled-through Tress

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Karen, the Titanic is an absolute hoot! Definitely needed the Windex on that one. (lindak) Hot, yes, but sizzling sums it up for me;-) Ditto.

Firth says, "She never read it. However, being a New York teenager, she had never cleaned before and didn't have a clue. In fact, she needed lessons to teach her how to scrub a floor." New York teenagers don't clean? OMG...I knew I should have grown up there! ;-) Makes it sound as if those of growing up, in say, Arizona, did learn to clean 17th century style....down on hands and knees with big ol' brush, buckets of water taken from the CAP...scarves on our heads...LOL...I think I'd need lessons too, otherwise I'd be asking for the Windex and the Pinesol...

That would be it, Kimberly. My one and only keep. I've been looking for a pattern for a plain zipped cardy that I could knit up to duplicate/imitate that sweater. I have legitimate need for a sweater as I am moving from sunny Florida to frozen (to me, anyway) Maryland the end of February, so it may as well be something I can cuddle up with. ;-)