Many thanks!! You came through...we [can I use *we*, boss?] loves you. Well Evelyn that makes two of us... at least, and that's a *we* for sure! Great going Kimberly!

Thanks for the heads up on the SNL promo spot. Just saw it.....love the way ODB tends to bark his own name. "Hello, this is COL-in FIR-th....". T-shirt was interesting. Looked to be a woman's head....close up, laying down and her hair flowing back....Couldn't even tell you what the women looked like as I was staring at Colin the entire time. He looked unsettled when SNL girl said "God you're so cute! Oh Norah, I'm so embarrassed for you!". Then he kinda did an expulsion of air through his lips and gave a very slight smile. He looked great!

Two words for Kimberly: You ROCK! Thank you for your surveillance efforts and reports. Makes me feel as if I were there (GAH, now only few hour trainride away, but can not make it to NYC this weekend).

The promo ran during Leno's show, too, and just now I saw a new one on Conan O'Brien's show. Same three people, same intro from Colin. Rachel says, "I loved you in Bridget Jones's Diary. And I'm just like Bridget, I want to shag you." Colin: "Not in front of Norah." Tress, you're right about the shirt.

*clap clap clap* Kimberley, you done good, real good! So happy that you've had a sighting. Saw both promos tonight as well, but that isn't Rachel Dratch. The blonde one is Amy Poehler (I did have to go to the SNL site to find her name.) I have some screen caps from promo 1 and will put them up in the a.m. Good luck, ladies, and have fun tomorrow and Saturday if you don't get back online for awhile.

Here you go: http://www.firth.com/gal/gal_04snl_promo1.html

Thanks for getting the pics up so fast Karen. After watching both Leno and Conan without so much as a snippet of Colin, the pics were some consolation. I know we in Canada don't get the same commercials as in the U.S. but I was hoping that we might at least see a promo for SNL. And thanks to all the Metro Gals for your intreprid reporting. Good luck with more sightings, and tickets.

Thanks to Karen and Kathy C. for the excellent screencaps! Great, fast work, ladies! Rachel/Amy, whatever; these people are not as memorable as Ackroyd and Murray.;-)

Mari, thanks for this bit: "I loved you in Bridget Jones's Diary. And I'm just like Bridget, I want to shag you." Colin: "Not in front of Norah." Missed that one! Too funny.... And thank you Karen and Kathy C! Lovely! Sooooo that's what the girls looked like (I know what Norah looks like, so no need to look in that direction and I wasn't curious enough to look at Amy Poehler)! Couldn't tear my eyes of the man, so was just vaguely aware that they were there! ;-) Never figured ODB for a print t-shirt kinda guy. He's just full of surprises these past couple of weeks. I do like the shirt though.

*Clap, Clap, Boss. Colin Firth Commercial lookin' good:-))))

Kim! I'm so happy for you -- perseverance pays off! And no one would have blamed you at all for pressing your face to the glass (just watch out for those tell-tale drool streaks).

Why am I reminded of Dustin Hoffman in the balcony of the church in "The Graduate". If I were there, they would have heard the banging on the glass on stage ;-) Loved your reports, Kimberley. I'm so glad you had a sighting! (Still can't quite believe he's going to be hosting--but even my channel guide thingy says so ;-)

Holy Cow, Ladies, what great work. I've been out of the loop for the past week or so, came back and found all sorts of excitement. Kimberley, I just love your recon posts (glad I have windex & paper towels nearby -- I had some great laughs). Karen & Kathy C, thanks for the screencaps. Sure do like his hair.

Way to go Kimberley! I'm proud of you, and not a little green with envy. I would've loved to be in your shoes for a minute or two...:-) Thank you for your wonderful report! Karen, Kathy, thanks for the screen caps. He looks gorgeous - as usual.

Kathy did some more of the second promo slot, which I've added to the same page. Enjoy!

New article in the weekend Melbourne paper. Would somebody check if the actual one used the old Telegraph pic. Renaissance man March 6, 2004 Brooding, serious and awfully hunky in period costume, Colin Firth plays the artist Vermeer perfectly, writes Tom Ryan. Colin Firth has a special affection for Rome. It's where his wife of six years, 33-year-old Livia Giuggioli, grew up, and it's also the birthplace of their first son, Luca, who's fast approaching his third birthday. And although he's reluctant to "do press", as he puts it, he finds himself in Rome doing just that. He was there last year to promote The Importance of Being Earnest and he's back again for the launch of The Girl with a Pearl Earring, in which he plays 17th-century Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer opposite Scarlett Johansson as his 17-year-old muse. With the film's publicist watching the clock in the next room, Firth is staying in a hotel, doing a couple of interviews before heading off to spend the day fending off questions from the Italian media about "what it's like being Mr Darcy", referring to the 1995 performance that officially turned him into a heart-throb, as Fitzwilliam Darcy, Esq, in the BBC's mini-series adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. "I'm sitting in a barren room that looks like an interrogation room in a Belgrade police station," he complains (not that he's ever been inside one). "If I look out the window, however, I'm looking at a beautiful terracotta-tiled roof with a million TV aerials and a dome, of the mini-St Peter's variety. Beyond that there's an ancient Roman palace, and to my right there's a statue of St Peter. I'm high up, so I'm overlooking the rooftops." Ah, Rome! "Yes, indeed. It's pissing with rain, more like a Norfolk winter than an Italian one. Awfully dark and gloomy." No sign at all of the golden sunshine that smiled down six years ago on his meeting by the fountain in the Piazza Navona with Helen Fielding. Forget "smiled", though: it was probably more like guffawing at their exchange. Fielding is the author of two diary-style novels whose perpetually befuddled heroine is named Bridget Jones. She had originally invented the character as a nom-de-plume for a regular column she'd been writing for the Independent newspaper. In the big-screen adaptation of the first of the books, Bridget Jones's Diary, Firth had played Bridget's uptight object of desire, a Fitzwilliam Darcy type of chap named Mark Darcy. In a twist in the second novel, Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, published in 1999, Bridget is assigned to interview Colin Firth. The subsequent encounter is presented in the book as a straight Q&A. The topic is supposed to be Firth's then-latest film, Fever Pitch, based on Nick Hornby's semi-autobiographical novel. In real life, Fielding set up the interview with a co-operative Firth and came to Rome to do it. "It was contrived a little," he explains. "Helen of course is not Bridget and I'm not really Colin Firth, or at least not the one in the book. That's someone I assumed for the interview. "Then she was generous enough to include me in the editing process afterwards. She would fax me a draft and I would say, 'Maybe cut this or add that or change the answer here or there.' " Alas, the scene won't be turning up in the big-screen adaptation of the second film, directed by Beeban Kidron, which is finished and now awaiting release. So who is Colin Firth when he's not busy being Colin Firth? He says he is certainly not, in real life, anything like the put-upon men he's presented to the world in films such as The English Patient, Shakespeare in Love, Londinium (screened here on cable TV as Four Play), Love Actually, Girl with a Pearl Earring, not to mention Pride and Prejudice. "None of them are me as I see myself," he declares, "although they probably all are representative of me to some extent. I think they have to be for any actor playing any role. For it to be convincing, it's got to come from somewhere that's you. The question is about realigning the relevant parts of yourself. "You always have to find something about a character that you like. You can be playing the most despicable human being, but if you pronounce them despicable then you won't be able to make it real." The suggestion that Firth might originally have become an actor in order to meet girls is apparently untrue. It just turned out that way. In 1989, he worked with Meg Tilly on Valmont, Milos Forman's adaptation of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos's famed novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses, and the pair spent the next few years together with their son, William, now 12, pursuing a secluded existence in the Canadian backwoods. After their amicable split came the affair with Jennifer Ehle, who played Elizabeth Bennet to his Darcy in the BBC miniseries. And then, while shooting an adaptation of Joseph Conrad's Nostromo in Colombia in 1996, again for the BBC, he met Livia Giuggioli, who was working on the miniseries as a production assistant and whom he married in 1997. Their second son, Mateo, was born last year. Acknowledging that his "method training" has left its mark, Firth says there's a thin line between "becoming" a character and letting it become you. "I think if the actor's unstable enough, it could get a little weird. But I do think that in order to get to the heart of a character, an actor needs to suspend his or her disbelief. "You need to do that but then keep a sensible third eye open. You've got to have a critical view of what you're doing as well. They talk about Bela Lugosi having insisted on being buried in his Dracula gear because he kind of lost the plot." There's no danger that Firth will make the same demands of the shoulder-length wig he dons to play Vermeer, which apparently led co-star Johansson to dub him Fabio. He has a rather more cerebral approach to the character. "Basically what fascinated me about Vermeer wasn't how he applied his brush," he explains. "It was more how he must have seen things, because he saw so differently. You know, there are no layout lines on any of his figures. If you look at his painting of Girl with a Pearl Earring, you can't even see the outline of her nose, and yet you know where it is. "Vermeer had this extraordinary softness in his view of everything. That fascinated me as an actor. Some of his characters are in soft focus and there's a kind of intensity and gentleness to everything. I didn't know if there was a way to express that and, in some ways, it made everything frustratingly elusive. But that interested me more than the brush technique. "It's what Vermeer sees when he looks at the girl, or when he looks in the corner of a room, or when he looks at the light coming in through the window. It was that, really. "There's something very elusive about his paintings and there's something quite elusive about the man, I think. And maybe it was just as well that it stayed elusive. "I remember being deeply immersed in it all, but I could never find a single hook to help solve any mysteries. And there came a point where the camera was rolling and someone said 'action' and I just had to get on and act, ready or not. And so, interestingly enough, it always felt like he was slipping away from me. "But it just meant the chase was always on and it kept it very alive." Girl with a Pearl Earring opens on March 11. http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/03/03/1078295440766.html

Oh to be in NYC! Thanks Kimberly for your excellent sleuthing skills and reports. GRRR...Cannot believe that TV stations in Canada are not showing promos for SNL. AHHHHrrrrggghhhh...must rush off to Seattle or somewhere civilized!!!! Thanks Karen for getting the promos posted so quickly. I have let my imagination run wild (bad laura, bad, bad)

Thanks, Karen! And KathyC! (Kimberly) But fellow Droolers, I can officially say I have finally seen the elusive Colin Firth!!!!!! I had a feeling you would! Good intuition, Kimberley! Have a great time tomorrow ladies.

He's on the NBC home page: http://www.nbc.com From the looks of the promos, and the above, I think they're playing the hunk card.;-) (Meredith)Why am I reminded of Dustin Hoffman in the balcony of the church in "The Graduate". LOL, I'd bet anything Kinm's DNA is all over that studio glass.;-) I'm reminded of a movie from the '60s called The World of Henry Orient, in which two teens follow their hearthrob, played by Peter Sellers, all around Manhattan. Too cute.

(Mari), From the looks of the promos, and the above, I think they're playing the hunk card.;-) Duh! ;-) Do you think he's happy about that? ;-))))

(Moon)Do you think he's happy about that? ;-)))) He posed naked (as far as we can see;-) in a tub recently, didn't he?

(Mari) From the looks of the promos, and the above, I think they're playing the hunk card.;-) (Moon)Do you think he's happy about that? ;-)))) (Mari) He posed naked (as far as we can see;-) in a tub recently, didn't he? And if he didn't want to do it, he wouldn't. He'd be doing nonhunky roles in serious films.

(Mari)LOL, I'd bet anything Kinm's DNA is all over that studio glass.;-) I'm reminded of a movie from the '60s called The World of Henry Orient, in which two teens follow their hearthrob, played by Peter Sellers, all around Manhattan. Too cute. Mari, I've been thinking this same thing all week. LOL! Angela Lansbury was in that, too. One of my fave movies. They should remake it with 'slightly' older women trying to find hunky actor :-)

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!! And I'm going to delete it, even though you had a winkie.

Thanks so much for the great news, ladies. Kim, special thanks for the recon work and timely reporting. It is hard to imagine going on a studio tour and seeing him on stage. I still can't believe he's actually doing this! Kim's report and the ads are helping but there are just some things that are too good to be true. Thanks, Mari, for the NBC link. Colin peeking out from behind a beautiful woman with flowing hair reminds me of the GWAPE poster. He's seems quite gentlemanly to let them "upstage" him.;-) Karen and KathyC, thanks for the screen caps. Your speed and thoroughness continue to amaze. I put in a new tape and pushed record and let it go into the wee sma's. I don't think I've ever rushed through 6 hours or programming to get to the commercials. I didn't go slo-mo through his clips because I knew they were here waiting for me. Many, many thanks!!!!! In the third clip with the tan jacket, what does he say when he realizes they weren't saying he was cute? Best of luck to all the drooleurs descending on NYC. I wish the stand by tickets would go to the people who care the most.

(Caribou)In the third clip with the tan jacket, what does he say when he realizes they weren't saying he was cute? What third clip? What have I missed while away from my set?;-)

Didn't see it either, as my screen went blue after Conan last night. Bad cable company. Bad. :-(

Thanks Mari for the hunky NBC link. Thrilling. IMO, Katie Couric's fingerprints all over this gig. Did you say "Marty Scorsese", Moon? I'm thinking Farrelly Brothers;-)

(Karen), And I'm going to delete it, even though you had a winkie. LOL! Fear factor, I suppose. ;-) (Evelyn), Did you say "Marty Scorsese", Moon? I'm thinking Farrelly Brothers;-) LOL! Maybe he wants it bad enough now. If we do see a skit with him as James Bond, beware!

Success Times two: I got to NY just after 11am, checked in and went to NBC for studio tour. Long winded guide and finally as we boarded yet another elevator the guide look at me and said to you like SNL--they're rehearsing and we can watch. YES!!! I was the first one off the elevator and the monitors were facing us and there was Colin. I looked down to the stage and there he was--arms going all over the place and looking like he was having an overall good time. I think, at that point he was just having a conversation with one of the cast. He was in a black long sleeved T, and cords. His hair looked shorter, but I think it was just extra curly because of the weather. Anyway, in NY for less than two hours and ding dong!! I lingered as long as I could. I vaguely remember hearing the guide ask if the people at the front could move so the ones in the back could take a look. Sorry, but I didn't move because of the 26 of us on the tour---they all needed a lesson on who Colin Firth was-sheesh! Of course I was happy to oblidge and give a lesson on the elevator. Ten minutes later, I met Dorine who was running a bit late and we did it again. Now I knew the routine and just lingered so we were the last ones on the elevator for the SNL studio floor which meant first ones at the glass. Colin was still there but this time rehearsing over to the left. He was sitting on a couch and looked like he was a bit drunk (Dorine said that). We couldn't figure out what they were doing but he was on the couch with Rachel (blonde) and she kept getting up and walking behind him and he kept grabbing her arm. We'll have to wait till tomorrow to see what that's all about. Dorine and I stayed behind as long as we could until another guide/guard came up behind and moved us along. Anyway, gotta go. Will check back in later. And of course he was AFGAFGAFG-as usual

YES! Way to go Dorine and Linda! Am so excited that you got to see Colin rehearsing. And Kimberly saw him yesterday! Good times!

(Linda), We couldn't figure out what they were doing but he was on the couch with Rachel (blonde) and she kept getting up and walking behind him and he kept grabbing her arm. Sounds like a BJ skit. You girls rock! Can't wait to hear your comments on the live show. I am confident you will get in. :-)

Viewing area was behind glass! Too bad there would be no way to sneak into the audience seating area and hide. ;-) Very exciting! You go, gals!

WOO HOO, Linda! You, Dorine, and Kimberly are our Triplets of Bello-ville!:-) Way to go, girls--keep us posted!

Yipee Dorine and Linda!!! Ding dong indeed! Knew you guys would break on through to the other side!! Guess we weren't the only ones wondering.. http://www.gothamist.com/archives/2004/03/03/live_from_ny_its_colin_firth.php

oops..Forgot to say thanks for the new article Karen!

Hi Everyone Saw a rough cut of Edge of Reason today and I think most of you will especially like the scenes of a bare chested Colin in bed :) There are some wonderful moments from Renee, Colin and Hugh. Some tear jerky scenes between Mark and Bridget in the Thai jail. I enjoyed it. Hope you will too. If you have any questions about this film let me know. :) Also, the Nanny project was discussed and some of the females in the room gave out a collective "aaaaahhhhh" when told that he plays a widower father of 7. :)Seems like a cross between The Nanny and the Professor, Sound of Music, and Mary Poppins. Not one of my favorite ideas but we'll have to see how it develops. Some of you guessed right about V. :) Truly one of my favorite human beings. Talk about a good soul. I suggested he be cast in our upcoming yet uncast film directed by Peter Jackson. But he might balk. :) Take care and have a great weekend! I know you will have a great Saturday Night at least! Talk to you again soon.

Gothamist OK gang, somebody post! Dorine/Linda....You're on a Roll!!

Hi Lola! Always good to hear from you, hope you are doing well! (HolaLola)If you have any questions about this film let me know. :) I hope you know you are opening up a whole tin of Marmite here! ;-))

Thanks Maria! Like the last post on the Gothamist! LOL! (Hola) If you have any questions about this film let me know. :) And Hola? Really? We can ask questions? Suppose that means that you may or may not be able to answer, so will try to keep general. I love Bridget (all by herself), but am wondering....how much screen time does ODB get? And Hugh? Was Hugh's part expanded a great deal? Will we see more Mark Darcy this time around than in the orginal? And will this one leave us hanging? Have heard rumors of BJD 3...was wondering if this is a 'stand alone' piece or if we will be left wondering what's going to happen.... Thanks! If you can't answer, I understand!

Since I'm still here :) (Tress)how much screen time does ODB get? And Hugh? Was Hugh's part expanded a great deal? Will we see more Mark Darcy this time around than in the orginal? Colin has a much greater role as the story centers around his and her relationship--from heady love and romance in the beginning (with a great takeoff on the Sound of Music hillside scene) to the eventual crumbling of the romance and breakup, to the realization that neither can live without the other. Hugh's part is expanded. Yes. He's a swarmier Daniel Cleaver if you can imagine :)

Thanks Hola!!! (Hola) He's a swarmier Daniel Cleaver if you can imagine :) Oh good! I like Hugh when he's swarmy! He does it so well it makes ya wonder! The bad boy thing suits him, I think.

(Caribou)In the third clip with the tan jacket, what does he say when he realizes they weren't saying he was cute? (Mari)What third clip? What have I missed while away from my set?;-) I've been playing "Where's Colin?" with the six hour tape I put in at 9PM last night. He is in a third clip right after Carson Daly. He changed into a tan shirt jacket to make it harder to spot while fast forwarding but, they couldn't fool me. I called in reinforcements. DH understood the last line he shyly mumbles in one try.:-) CF: I'm Colin Firth and I'm hosting SNL with Norah Jones. Blonde: Won't it be fun to work with such a cute guy? Norah: Yeah, I can hardly wait. CF: (So cute as he humbly looks from one to the other) That's very flattering ladies. Norah: We're talking about Jimmy Fallon. CF: (crestfallen) Oh! Right! Me, too. I'm lovin' it! In just a few seconds of air time there have already been a dozen dear expressions. What will a whole hour of Firth produce?

Yes, yes, yesssssss!!! Just saw the spot identified as third at 8:40 EST. He looks wonderful and v. relaxed. Looks quite sheepish when he realizes the girls aren't referring to him as the cute guy they will be working with. Keeping fingers and toes crossed that the writing won't be terrible and that his charm and wit will be apparant to everyone, not just those of us who love him dearly. Thannks to Karen and KathyC for the delicious screen caps and the new article. I'll read it tomorrow to keep me calm while I'm waiting for SNL. Dorine and Linda, Ding don, ding dong, ding dong!!!! How exciting for you to see him rehearsing. Oh, to be in NYC with you, Kimberly, Bee and Little Bee and any other DD's who are able to make the trip. I have a feeling our intrepid reporters will be successful in their search for Colin in the wild as well. Go to it!!!

(Hola)Some tear jerky scenes between Mark and Bridget in the Thai jail. I enjoyed it. Hope you will too. Hi Hola, and thanks for the great news about TEOR. I do have a question-is there a lot of the Thai jail stuff, and do we actually see MD there with Bridget? In the book we only know that MD is working behind the scenes to free her. Also, did Colin travel to Thailand with Renee and Hugh to film any of this or were his scenes done in studio? Thank you, and hope you're feeling OK.

This is lindak, but I'm on Dorine's computer, here in NY, and the above post to Hola was from me. ...so no, Dorine isn't double posting;-)

(Somebody) This is lindak, but I'm on Dorine's computer, here in NY, and the above post to Hola was from me....so no, Dorine isn't double posting;-) How can I know for certain? You could be anybody. But, nevermind, I'm writing it in my book. I've got it in my book. ;-) Thanks Hola for the early comments. Now, what's this about only a bare chest in bed? Sheesh! Isn't this an R rated movie? I gather we won't be treated to Mark Darcy clad only in a towel striding in barrister mode. Major disappointment. I told Helen, it was my favorite column.

Dorine, Linda, Shosh, Bee, Little Bee, Leslie, Kimberly......our intrepid reporters!! Hope you guys are having loads and loads of fun! I'm with you in spirit and rooting for you all the way! Say "howdy" to ODB when you see him! ;-)

They've been showing another commercial for SNL that shows them doing Ozzy and Sharon. I'm sure another regular castmember does Ozzy (as well as Simon Cowell) but maybe he'll be joined by another fellow Englishman? A long-haired old bandmember? ;-)

Thanks Hola for the inside scoop on TEOR. Do you have any idea of a release date? Looks like someone here correctly guessed about the picnic scene and the connection to Maria and Captain Von Trapp;-) I'm thrilled to hear that we probably won't be seeing a cliffhanger ending. Hope you are feeling well and resting up for your sleepless nights to come.

Saw that commercial with Ozzy. Didn't realize that was a current skit. Think that's Alesandro Sanz (or whatever his name is). Quick early report.... Linda and I got to standby line at 4:40 am, Kim and Leslie and Shoshana not long after. Good amount already in line. When Linda and I went by last night, there were maybe a dozen. (While cruising the Plaza on the way to the Four Seasons for a drink, saw Lorne Michaels getting into a Mercedes across the street (~ 9pm). Had spotted Mercedes in front of NBC side door from down the street and been walking toward it just in case a certain someone else was going to be getting in it. LM got in quickly and left. No one else came out.) A very large group in line by 7am. Kim asked me after I'd walked by the front of the line, how many did it seem were ahead. I guessed 25....and our standby tix are 26-30. Someone came along just before they were given out to say that we had to ask for either Dress or Show. When we come back at 7:15, we line up in the order of our ticket numbers. Those who go to Dress can stay through the show. Kinda blew our theory that more people would pick show than Dress as it seems everyone in front of us picked Dress. A no brainer, really if we can stay. :-( if we don't get in......and will say, speaking for myself....I'm sooooo not holding my breath that any of us will. Linda might post some later, possibly under my name. I'll be in a seminar all day. Think they are all planning to take NBC tour.

Kimberley, Dorine and Linda ........ WOW, Ladies, you really know how to go! Double gratitude from this side of the pond! Loved all your on the spot reporting and great descripitions of ODB! Thanks Mari for the NBC site, essential for those of us with no know how about SNL ;-) Also the great screen caps from Karen a nd Kathy, thank you. What a dream team! Am looking forward to reading all your posts early tomorrow morning , when with a bit of luck, there will still be euphoric ODB posts hitting the board. ENJOY, everyone. Lizza * who's greener than a leprechaun In a St. Patrick's day parade*

Saturday 6 March 2004 Live From New York � It�s Saturday Morning!!!!! Number of Droolers in NYC � 7; Number of hours of sleep � cannot recall, all lost in an alcoholic haze; Number of hours on line waiting for SNL tix � at least 2 and a half ( in the rain, in the wind, cold, etc . .mad hair and all); number of copies of Village Voice we obtained to sit on � 4; sightings of Colin Firth � 2, we believe 9:16 AM Am now dry, showered and fed. . . v. good start to the morning.(despite beginnings of sleep deprivation.) Was not able to post yesterday, due to lack of computer access. But all well. Have now met other Droolers . .Linda, Bee, Shosh (Love Lovely Droolers!) Took dinner and then eventually all gathered in the bar area of Omni Berkshire hotel ( keeping eyes open for ODB) and happily downing many glasses of chardonnay. Had thought one possible sighting. Linda leaned over to me whispered �hooded figure� as I quietly got up and made my way to the hotel lobby under premise of searching for ladies room. Hmph. Hooded gentleman disappered into thin air. Drool gathering ended about 12:30 AM (Saturday). Karmic sign, perhaps? About 4:13 this morning - Leslie and I are in her parent�s apartment on East side. Was dreaming all Droolers were extras in Colin�s newest film. ( Do not think it was NMcP) Location manager was yelling at us to get on the bus so we could get to the newest set, an annoying buzzing in the air. (alarm for us to get up) We take taxi over to 30 Rockerfeller Center. See Linda already on line. Dorine joins us, then Shosh. Is v. wet, v. cold, v. windy. But for Colin, will suffer mad flat hair and soaking wool coat for 2 and a half hours. Will just wring out socks and shoes later. Got tix � v. good. Numbers on tix are low, v. v. good sign again. Were hungry and decided to go around corner to Dean and DeLuca for Coffee (not Fair Trade, I think � Sorry Colin) We hunker down to make plans for the day, NBC tours, etc. . . As Linda goes to buy the 2nd round of coffee. She shouts �Alert!� and runs out door (without coat, phone, umbrella.) Within minutes she is past the ice rink and across the street, rounding the corner. Realize she saw something. But by the time I gathered coat, umbrella and cell phone, Linda is back. Believes she saw HIM! She can post better how she saw him, but she had recognized gait, look of him in jeans, hair (spot on the back of his head wear all the fur has been loved off), and sped off to see if it was him. Mysterious Man disappeared into AP building. Will tell Droolers to keep eye out for any new AP articles. Thought perhaps he went for an interview before 10 AM Rehearsal. V.G. start to day!. Believe these are good karmic signs. Know we will get into SNL dress rehearsal and also see him on NBC tour. Also, may have even better news tomorrow morning if further developments this evening go as planned. Have sent Karen nice pic montage of our SNL tix. Metro Gal � signing off . . .(for now)

Linda should be on shortly. Have had lovely chat about her early morning activities and sightings. Appears that, if it weren't for Nora Jones being on, they'd be assured of getting in. *fingers remain crossed, though is v. hard to type* Just hours to go! The excitement is palpable.

Operating on two hours sleep, here, and yes it's linda posting as linda no AKA Dorine, today. Dorine has covered most of what happened in the early morning hours. I know a lot of people in front of us picked the dress rehearsal, but according to the guides at NBC and the hotel concierge--dress rehearsal is the better bet as a lot of real ticket holders for the rehearsal don't show and more stand-bys get in to that show. We'll see. Thank goodness they are numbered, because I would probably fall asleep on my feet if we had to stand in line, again. It will also be interesting to compare the two shows if we do get in as they told us on the tour that they cut and tweak from the first show in that hour and 1/2 before they do the 11:30 one. I'm going to get some sleep, now, and meet the rest of the gang for the 1:00 studio tour. Hey, I'm going for the record-you didn't think I just did that for movies, did you;-) Thanks for all the good vibes being sent our way-it really does work- and I think the weather worked in our favor again. It poured during the night and into the early am hours and may have kept several away which allowed us to get decent stand by numbers. One more hurdle to overcome and hopefully we'll have some good news.

Oh, gawd, my sighting. I almost forgot. Actually brain is not functioning. Martinis and no sleep;-) I couldn't describe the sighting any better than Kimberly except to say I wish I had looked up sooner because I only was going by the rear view-and a nice view it was (whoever it was if not ODB) As I looked up he had just rounded the corner, but it was the stride that first caught my eye, then the long jeaned legs, curylhair-complete with MPB spot that was also v. noticed yesterday at rehearsal. At times like these, one isn't quite aware how one will react. At least I had sense enought to look both ways before I took off across the street. Also had sense enough to jog on my toes as not to make noise behind him as the plaza was quite deserted on that side-I was afraid ODB or whoever he was would think he was being mugged or about to have his bones jumped. What amazed me was how quickly he disappeared once he got into the building. A guard was there as the sign inside the revolving door said "closed" the door was still revolving as I approached but poof, he was gone- like magic. Maybe he is already preparing for role with the magic Nanny;-) Anyway, there you have it, at least I had my exercise for the day-perfect after two hours of line standing. Bye for now.

From the gang. I'll let them provide the explanations, but looks to be an altar to YKW and (????) Alexander Graham Bell. ;-) Will also be sending to the DDs a link to a zipfile of the first promo spot done by a dedicated lurker. The file is about 8 MB (v. large), so I don't want to post it here, as the downloading could have an adverse impact on our server. I will only leave the file up there through the weekend and then will delete it.

ROTFLMAO....Wonderful! Love that! Will light candles around it and play my BJD soundtrack. Use it as a virtual alter! Am sending positive vibes toward the Metro Girls so that can get in (so as to place offerings at the feet of ODB)! ;-D Gooooood luck crazy girls!!!! Am so wishing I was there with them!!!

Loved all the reports. Can't wait for the morning after the night before. Kimberly S. already a legend. All Metro gals, good luck you crazy girls! Good vibes being sent your way.

Am loving the reports from our SNL Ready for Prime Time Players!:-) Great looking shrine, too. (Dorine)Linda and I got to standby line at 4:40 am, Kim and Leslie and Shoshana not long after. I don't think I've ever seen 4:40 am. What does the clock look like at that hour?;-) You girls deserve to get in and I think you will--and possibly seeing two shows--what a coup! I hope the rain has cleared; of not, you will have to be Colin's own Holden Caulfields--"The Catchers In The Cobbles.";-) Check out http://www.nbc.com now Wish I had the ability to make a screenshot--that's one for the books! Saw yet another versoin if the promo lat last night. Just Colin and Norah. Colin: "I was in Bridget Jones and you're Norah Jones!" Norah: "So what?" Colin (doing his slightly embarrassed stammering schtick to perfection: "Well, I dunno, just seemed interesting to mention . . ."

(Mari) Wish I had the ability to make a screenshot--that's one for the books! You mean this: Actually, I wish I had the little one from yesterday. It had more atmosphere IMO but I won't complain. Is that understood? I'm not complaining. ;-)

LOL, Karen! How could you complain with all the excitment in the air! ;-) (Tress),Am sending positive vibes toward the Metro Girls so that can get in I'm doing the same! You deserve it! Great reports and I love the mini-shrine. Go girl power!

More Success--SPOILERS Just got back from the third tour of the SNL studio. Forget NBC tour--just SNL Tour. Had to go as I was familiar with the route and needed to show the others what the best position would be to be at the front where the glass is to see the stage.(at least that is what I told myself;-) Had few moments of terror as the crew only was there fixing and whathaveyou. Then Colin walked out looking wonderful. He was in a tweed brownish jacket, grey flannel slacks, light shirt and tie with gold, brown, and greenish blue. They rehearsed a political sketch. Three of the cast are arguing their political pov's--liberal, conservative, and independent. Each are called a name, then Colin steps in and acts like a pompous Englishman know-it-all. They label him as pompous opinionated, Englishman. Then some of the dialogue couldn't b e heard, but a French guy with berret is sitting in a corner and Colin says lets beat up the French guy...they all take out foam bats and begin to beat the heck out of the unsuspecting Frenchman...it was quite funny as the others in the tour laughed, as well. Also, while this was going on the crew was putting together a bed, yes, a real bed. It is positioned in front of half wall and behind that wall is the double doors where Colin will come out of to do the monologue. Dying to know what that bed is going to be used for. Sadly our time was up all too soon, but, Leslie got to see Colin for the first time. YES!!! Colin really looked v.v. AFGorgeously handsome-the best of the three tours. We didn't move from our glass position as one comment was: the host is that big tall guy--I forget his name. We, in unision said Colin Firth. It was asked again as we watched the rehearsal, and again, we said, C-o-l-i-n F-i-r-t-h! When the other participants of the tour have no clue...we don't move! OK, gotta get that shower and at least an hours' worth of sleep. Leslie will post a bit more in a short while. Please keep those vibes coming our way...time is getting close, now. Thanking you all for the good thoughts and wishes. Our wish is that you were all here with us.

Have put up more caps from Promo 3: http://www.firth.com/gal/gal_04snl_promo2.html

(Linda) Dying to know what that bed is going to be used for. How many women are regular and featured cast members? Could be quite a crowd. ;-) Thanks for the update, Linda. Am so enjoying all the reports. Almost just like I was there with you all. *sniff sniff*

Yipppppeeeee!! I just knew you guys were seeing Colin (as tried Linda's cellie and it appeared to be off, so made huge assumption that she was right then looking upon ODB!!). YES!!! Am so excited to see this tonight in Portland so cannot imagine what you guys are feeling right now (okay, I can a bit, but you know what I mean)! Things are just going to go your way. I still have faith that you will be in to see dress rehearsal and the taping! I'm going to be looking for you in the audience when I watch! Yell LOUD so we can hear you!!! Am so happy for you guys (please note rambling, which is not unusual for me, but I'm extremely thrilled for the Metro Girls). And congratulations Leslie! He's pretty amazing IRL, huh??? Just wait 'til you get closer. That skin is pretty fantastic up close!!! (Linda) Colin really looked v.v. AFGorgeously handsome-the best of the three tours. GAH!!! And don't forget to scope out the loos!!! ;-) Though you seem to be doing quite well without the bathroom runs..... Still sending positive vibes your way.....have WAGW soundtrack (yeeessssss.....I own it) blasting and am sending those positive vibes and hugs your way aaalllllllll day and into the night!

Sorry for double post! Thanks for captures Karen and KathyC!!! Lovely! I've only seen two of the promos (one of them twice). VCR is sketchy and not hooked up, so I thank you for the peek at the other ones! (Linda) We didn't move from our glass position as one comment was: the host is that big tall guy--I forget his name. We, in unision said Colin Firth. It was asked again as we watched the rehearsal, and again, we said, C-o-l-i-n F-i-r-t-h! LOL....good call! Never give up your seat to a non-believer. If they don't know who he is, then they can stand behind you to have a look at him! ;-) I feel like that Calvin Klein commercial from the late 70s with Brooke Shields....."nothing gets between me and ODB (except another Drooler)" Showing age again.....!

Thanks to the caring and perseverance of my beloved DD�s here in NY�. I AM NO LONGER A VIRGIN!!!! (Sorry for shouting, boss, but if ever there was a time to do it, it�s now.) Just returned from NBC studio tour and my first unveiling of the man, in the flesh. 12:45 pm: Bee, Kimberley, Shoshana, Linda and I on line for 1:00 tour. Linda and Kim carefully reviewing the tips gleamed from their excellent recon work over the past two days. Linda reinforces, over and over, we need to be the last ones in the first elevator after leaving the Tom Brokaw studio portion of the tour. That way, we�ll be in position to move to the front of the glass at the SNL studio. It�s a full house. There are 26 people going on the tour. 1:10 pm: In line waiting to ascend first elevator. Woman in front of us says that SNL may be rehearsing because the show is tonight. �And you know that really tall guy, what�s his name, is tonight�s host�. 5 DD�s respond in unison �Colin Firth�. �Oh yeah�..� she says. (Clearly, we�re not letting this lame brain take our spot in front of the glass when the time comes.) After a long and odious tour we finally find ourselves at the critical moment�Tom Brokaw�s studio. We all start maneuvering into proper position to be the last people in that all important first elevator Linda has told us about. Through brief whispers and side long glances, we all know that five people must leave the studio before we join the line en mass. Walking briskly down the hall to the elevators, we utter frantic whispers to one another, �Make a wall.. don�t let any one by� stay in position�. easy does it�. that�s the way�.� The elevators arrive. As a result of our excellent teamwork we achieve proper elevator positioning. The elevators doors open. Linda nods and nudges me forward. I see the glass looking over the studio at the end of a long hall. �Must walk briskly�must be first�must not look frantic�� I say to myself. I�m finally there-behind the glass overlooking the studio. OMG he�s not there!!! All of us anxiously scanning the stage floor. A lot of carpenters and stage hands bustling about but no cast members. �F**k, f**k, f**k! It�s not going to happen!� We only have a few minutes at this stop. Just when we�re about to give up, he emerges and rehearses a skit. (won�t repeat Linda�s prior spoiler) AFGorgeous. Better in real life than any picture I�ve seen. Hair is lighter than most pics, brown tweed jacket, ecru shirt and rep tie with green/gold stripes. Medium gray felt pants, brown rubber soled shoes. I�m feeling shaky, slightly stunned. �Who�s that guy?� the tour guides asks. Five DD�s respond loudly, in unison, �Colin Firth!� Oh God, we have just �outed� ourselves. The guide had known something was up all along. We�d been acting very giddy and giving only vague responses to his questions along the tour like��Jee..how is it you�re all friends since you come from all over the place?� Now he and everyone else knows. And much to our surprise he opts to help us out. He opens the door so that we can actually hear the skit being rehearsed and let�s us linger longer than any other tour the girls had been on these past few days. Matthew L. was his name�a nice young kid. Won�t forget his name anytime soon. And now, a nap, before our 5:15 rendezvous. Working on nothing but adrenaline at this point. Light all candles, pull out all stops. Hoping against hope to get into the dress rehearsal at 8 pm. Will let you all know ASAP. Thank you, thank you all. Drool really is a wonderful place.

(Tress)....."nothing gets between me and ODB (except another Drooler)" Showing LOL, you said it, dahling-and no one did! Just another comment- I don't know how new the political sketch was but I noticed Colin stumbled over his lines a few times- as he was using the cue cards. He looked as though he didn't have it down, yet. May have been a late addition. Also, the first time they did it they had to stop before Colin jumped in with his speech-he was about ready to enter the conversation then stepped back into beginning position before it began, again. I watched him open and close his hands several times like someone just a bit nervous as they are waiting their turn. V. cute.

You guys are the best! Thanks soooooo much for all this info!! Next best thing to being there is to have another Drooler on the spot reporting the play by play! Leslie, I'm so thrilled for you and thank you for your in-depth report of the jittery moments! Nothing beats an ODB high....when the adrenaline starts to pump and you realize....it's really HIM (sorry for the shout again Karen)!! Thanks so much everyone for their great coverage! It's been very exciting on this end too! Am so happy for you all!!!!

(the nonvirgin Leslie) �Make a wall.. don�t let any one by� stay in position�. easy does it�. that�s the way�.� The elevators arrive. As a result of our excellent teamwork we achieve proper elevator positioning. LOL! What year did you graduate from West Point? ;-) I think you guys could teach lessons in not only gathering field intel but strategy and operational effectivenesss. I think field commendations may be in order. The Bronze Star with Towel?? He opens the door so that we can actually hear the skit being rehearsed I wondered about that, how you heard the dialogue. (Linda) but I noticed Colin stumbled over his lines a few times- as he was using the cue cards. He looked as though he didn't have it down, yet. From what few times I've watched SNL lately, most guests (and cast members) seem to rely on the cue cards. Great report, ladies! Rest up. The time is getting close. Remember to breathe at all times.

Oh my goodness, what are you guys doing to me? All my nails are chewed off, nothing left for later... You are the greatest NY ladies, I wish you the best time of your lives! Have fun, feast your eyes on that gorgeous man, and savour every moment of your experience. Thank you for your exciting reports, looking forward to more! Karen, KathyC, thank you for the lovely screen caps and the promo. Mmmmm...

I'm lighting candles for you girls in NY tonight. Your reports have been wonderful and can't wait for your updates tomorrow. Good Luck!!!

Thanks for the reports and good luck to all! Time for you to be on your way! Thinking of you and hoping for the best!

Hello from Houston... Finally joined this party..but have been keeping in touch with the boss during airport lay-overs.... DD's I *knew* you'd *Make It Happen* That's always been our motto. And the rain came through again...just like the Press Tent. Yesssss! You're the Best...

And the rain came through again Don't cheer just yet....rain has cleared. Off to meet them now after much needed wee nap. Get those vibes and candles goin' and wish us luck for us to actually make it inside!

It is approx. 8:10 in NYC.....I haven't heard anything from Linda so am hoping this is v. v. good news! They were to find out if they got into the dress rehearsal at 7:45. If I didn't hear from her, she says it means they got in....don't know how long I was to wait ??? but surely ten after is a good sign!!! Dress rehearsal is 2.5 hours so if they are there, we won't get word until after 10:30 p.m.!!!!!! Am thinking they had great luck.....!!! We'll see.....I will wait.....and hope my phone does NOT ring!

(Tress) I haven't heard anything from Linda so am hoping this is v. v. good news! I came to the same conclusion, as Linda was supposed to call me too. They must be in. Yeah Team!

Confirmation!!!!! I got a message from Little Bee, who said Dorine, Shosh, Kimberly, Leslie, and Linda all made it into the SNL dress rehearsal!

Yesssssssss!!!! I'm so thrilled for them!!!! This is the one they wanted to see! 2.5 hours. They cut some of the skits and things on the version we will see tonght (hope that we was okay!).....jammy gits! I'm so happy for them, it couldn't have happened to a better group of people! Way to go ladies!!!! Did Little Bee and Bee not get in?? :-(

I don't believe they had standby tix from this a.m.

Hi folks! Little Bee and I didn't get tix cause she couldn't be on line at 5:00 am and the only thing that I care about in NYC today more than seeing ODB is my first and only born! So we did reconnaissance and had a great time and we're meeting the group again at 10:15. We don't think that they will be too awfully coherant;-)) And will be an insufferable to be with but what can one do?? I did see ODB during the NBC tour so it's fine. Little Bee here: Since we weren't able to go to the dress rehearsal we watched the others waiting on line and talked some to the woman who was organizing the line. Bee again: From her we were able to get some fun information to feed to our cohorts on line and she is a firthette and saw 3DOR! Told her to go to CF.com! I'm at Little Bee's walking the dog and we're on our way back in shortly. It's been great fun. Back to studio.........

OMG, I can't believe Linda, Dorine, Kimberly, Leslie and Shosh got into the dress rehearsal! So happy for all of you, and sorry that Bee and Risa won't be there. My day has been v. strange, a complete fog alternating with periods of euphoria. I know he's going to be wonderful, and we'll be talking about this for weeks to come. Thanks to our Metro Gals for keeping us updated. It's almost like being there. DD's rock!!!

Sorry the Bees couldn't get in. To be sooo close . I'm thrilled that our Metro Gals made it in and all that hard work paid off! Since I can't be there, I'll watch on telly and drink a toast to the intrepid DDs. You go, girls!!!

Karen, I've sent you a couple of emails, but no reply - have you sent out a URL to the DD list? If so, I haven't received it - am I no longer on the list? Was it something I said? ;-) I think it's showtime right now in NY - hope all of the DD's were successful in getting into the live show!

Quick update while the NY group is watching SNL.... Quite a few things tweaked in several skits that got on. Unfortunately they cut a Jane Eyre spoof that was really funny, and kept the Sopranos skit we wish they'd cut. Fortunately they did cut a couple of skits we didn't like. We're just remarking that it's interesting to see what they keep and what they don't and to possibly realize that maybe they are poor at editing....they keep poorer material and leave in somewhat weaker material. I'm sure the others will be able to expand further as I'll be internet-less tomorrow, unless I pop into my favorite internet cafe in Times Square. ;-)

Actually, the last post was me. Didn't realize that Linda's account was signed on here. ;-D Hope everyone who saw SNL enjoyed it!!

I thought the show was very funny and Colin did a great job! And I loved that they did--as I predicted--a Sopranos sketch, utilizing Colin's ability to do the wiseguy personna. Paulie Walnuts, no less, with the white wings in the hair! I thught there was only one bad sketch and that was the one where Colin is at the hotel. Loved the Civil War movie one, with Colin sounding like Paul Lynde.;-) The spoof of the hideous Spanish network programming was good also. All in all, a good show, I thought. Colin looked very comfortable and I loved the stylized photographs they showed during the breaks. A big shout out to the Metro gals--can't wait to hear more.

Congratulations, Metro Gals. Throughly enjoyed the show and Colin seemed to be having a good time. Thought he did a great job with the monologue, an area that I was thinking could be iffy. Thanks again for all the great reports.

Oh wow, he was great! Even in the weaker skits, he did an excellent job with what he had to work with. I also loved the Civil War movie sketch; somehow I just knew when he opened his mouth, the accent in that one would be really hideous (purposely)! I was rolling with laughter, and I'm so glad I taped this. Congrats to everyone who got to see the show in person! :-)

Paul Lynde! Yes, that was it. I couldn't place it. Been on the phone with the Metro Gals and heard about the Jane Eyre skit. Boo hoo! Colin as Rochester (boo hoo again!). This show had a lot of pluses to it. First off, you had Darrell Hammond doing his Bill Clinton and there isn't anyone better. Was he also the one who did Ted Koppel? He was perfect. IMO, they could've cut more of the Sabado Gigante-type show. It was a snooze until Colin showed up. The monologue bit was pretty good; wonder how many in the audience were mouthing along with him from P&P? ;-) Oh to be in Rachel's shoes, when she laid one on him. Loved the pics too! Wonder if there's anyway to get copies.... Hmmmm. A good show. He came off very well, except when he turned around after introducing Norah's second number. Somebody in hair/makeup fell down on the job. ;-) The ladies are off to the cast party now. *fingers crossed they can fineagle a way in.*

I really enjoyed Colin's SNL debut, particularly his opening set and the Cold Mountain spoof. All in all, I would give it a two thumbs up. (Mari)Colin looked very comfortable and I loved the stylized photographs they showed during the breaks. I agree and especially liked the photo of Colin with sunglasses, straddling a chair and holding a cigar. Anyone....? BTW Had no idea there were so many commercials during SNL. Of the 91 minute show, there must have been 50 minutes of commercials. :(

Congrats to all of the intrepid DD's. I may not post too often , but I'm always tuned in, and am thrilled for all of you Metro Gals. There were some loud fans at the taping, too....loved his suit!!! Does anyone know if the show gives a copy of the tape to the host? I would think so; hope he gets to see how well he handled it, and that some big shots in the industry saw him and took note.

(Sandy) BTW Had no idea there were so many commercials during SNL. Of the 91 minute show, there must have been 50 minutes of commercials. :( I thought the same thing- they didn't have so many in earlier years..bummer, but made it easier for Colin to juggle.

(Karen) Was he also the one who did Ted Koppel? He was perfect. Yes. ( Sorry about the triple posts but I"ve temporarily lost my head again.)

(Sandy) BTW Had no idea there were so many commercials during SNL. Of the 91 minute show, there must have been 50 minutes of commercials. :( LOL! It wasn't quite that bad. Since I tape without commercials (a pause button person), the show was more like 70 minutes out of 90. I have to guess at the exact because I left out the Smigel cartoon as well, though I probably shouldn't have because it was pretty funny. Maybe, I'll redo it on the replay later. Our poor Metro Gals are running on fumes now. They've been up for nearly 24 hrs, with only brief naps.

(Karen) They've been up for nearly 24 hrs, with only brief naps. I know-I admit I greatly admire their devotion and stamina-although I know the adrenaline kicks in with a Colin experience-or so others have said.....someday I will get a turn. I will get a turn. I will get a turn. When they began the skit on Martha Stewart stating that the rioters were middle-aged women I thought the police would bring in Colin as their crowd control! (Since he still quips that is his fan base.)

And having Ana Gastyer do Martha Stewart was a plus, and Seth Meyers' Hugh Grant at the beginning was a hoot. A personal fav: the Weekend Update news item about the "homeless man" at the Oscars. ;-)))))) Colin truly showed a lot of versatility, which may open up some new doors for him. Hey, maybe, he'll get a guest arc on ER now since they seem to hire lots of Brits like most Chicago hospitals.

(Karen) Hey, maybe, he'll get a guest arc on ER now since they seem to hire lots of Brits like most Chicago hospitals. Ooooh! Wouldn't that be great ? I liked the homeless man too,pretty explicit making comments about the smell,too. So people writing the skits for a national institution also thought PJ was negligent in the grooming department. Seth Myers doing Huge was very good-has he done that impression before?