(Dorine)LOL!!! Welllll.....if most, if not all of Colin's clothes could be washed away rather than washed ashore with them, I'd be *so* there! ;-D Well, than you for finding the silver lining.

(Beedee) She and Lorne Michaels were on Charlie Rose last night, too. Was too sleepy to listen by the time they got on in the second half. The first guy was too dull. ;-) The repeat is on in a few minutes, maybe I'll try to catch it. And Terry Gross puts her interviews on a web archive, too, I think, so I'll look for it there. Thanks. That ad on eBay is hysterical! Love his add-on posts.

Gah!! Hadn't done that in a while.

From an NBC station, make sure you click on the slide show to see him model the dress from all angles: Man Sells Ex-Wife's Wedding Dress For Beer Biker Tries On Gown For Cameras SEATTLE, Wash. -- An online auction is turning a burly, bearded Seattle biker into a blushing bride. Slideshow: Images Of Biker In Wedding Gown Larry Star is selling his ex-wife's wedding dress. But Star says he needed to show potential buyers what it looked like, so he tried the gown on. Star's wife left him two years ago. She kept the ring, but left the dress. Star was going to burn the dress. But instead, he decided the best way to get revenge was to put the dress up for auction on eBay and make some cash on it. Star has already received around 100 bids on the dress. Among those bids are a handful of marriage proposals. But Star says he will not accept any of those proposals. The gown is a size 12 and sleeveless, the best way to accent Star's tattoos. Star says he plans to use the money from the dress to buy some beer and see a Mariners game. http://www.nbc10.com/news/3245813/detail.html I couldn't find any video on the Today Show site. :-(

(Dorine)And Terry Gross puts her interviews on a web archive, too, I think, so I'll look for it there. Thanks. Fresh Air usually repeats at 3PM EST, as well. That bit about the skits for the final show would be interesting. I remember that was one of the questions I wanted to ask Colin...of course I didn't think of it until the train ride home;-(

Hysterical!!! Love the guy with the wedding dress. Dorine, if most of Colin's clothes washed away, I sure hope he's got some sunscreen (volunteering to administer sunscreen) because that fair English skin will peel off him in strips without something between him and the sun (also volunteering to sacrifice own body to protect ODB from sunburn and other assorted solar induced ills). Geeze, I love you guys!!

Sorry for the double post... Durr! Almost forgot to thank Sonia for her great birthday poem! DVD of choice for the birthday evening was Advocate. (sigh)

Check your email, Ada.

Before I get old and forget again, here's the birthday lists for May and June... May 2 - Me (yes I'm turning 40..and no I'm not happy;-)) May 7 - LindaK June 7 - Lizza June 14 - Moon June 17 - Beedee June 23 - Shoshana And somewhere in these 2 months is Annette's birthday but she's not saying when:-).

40? Been there. Done that. Happy Birthday Ada!

Wait wait! I've still got 24 hours, thank you;-D!

Ooops! Did I jump the gun again? Good, then I'll continue tomorrow.

(Ada)May 2 - Me (yes I'm turning 40..and no I'm not happy;-) LOL, I'm turning 50 and really it isn't so bad. See you tomorrow Ms. Keeps

My Ada, my Darling The Mistress of Keeps To be 40 is charming Don't let it give you the creeps. I'd give you a poem if master the words I could but alas, no such talent I have, or I would. Hope your day will be merry with presents and joy so glad, we may share it along with "our boy". Ada - congratulations! I'll stick to what I know, and send you my best wishes along with these flowers:

Happy Birthday, Ada Aw, you're a babe!

Ada, one of your fellow mistresses wanted to wish you a happy birthday, but she was a little busy, tending to her duties: Instead, she's giving you her favorite pet to help you with your responsibilities:

Rupi has nothing on me now! ;-) Ada my dear you keep my things as you keep me: close to your heart. It is with heartfelt delight that I wish you a very Happy Birthday!

hey ada: mistress of the keeps' not enough for you ? you're gone *spanking* now ? oh well, it seems consistent with the lint roller/rubber glove fad that has developed these past weeks, hey ? let's not rub in (with or without rubber glove) the fact that you turned 40 today. instead, let's celebrate your achievements and give a clear view of your duties to newbies, with a littel help from animatronicolin 3.0 ("oh god, i'm gonna fail the test and get spanked" mode on) (btw: forgive the master instead of mistress : it sounded more SIL that way... and i'm getting confused switching from french to english sometimes) **happy birthday Ada !** keep up the good work !

His Lord Wessex proudly proclaims himself Defender of Our Lady Keepmistress and All Her Treasures Thou sottish plume-plucked rabbit-sucker! Nay, sir, you shall not toucheth Milady Keepmistress's treasures! One stepeth further and I shall slicest off thy bollocks, roast them til toasty and serveth them to my swine! Verily, though, I feareth they shall still be hungry. Thou mewling lean-witted flax-wench! Dust thou thinketh that thy can offereth up a bribe? A boon? Ye wish snother subject's keep?! Prithee, taketh this hag awayeth! Mayhaps, I must hieth to my sentry duty at the Drool vault: But not until I giveth all a peek at Milady's greatest treasure::

Come along, Bridget! It's time for Ada's Birthday Party!! Happy Birthday, Ava!!! Hope you enjoy your cake! thanks to firth dot com for the picture

Oh, bugger!!! I meant Ada. But you knew that...right?

Darling Ada, if you hadn't given my belt away I wouldn't have had to come to the party with my pants down. Happy 40th Birthday to the loveliest mistress of all.

Ain't no river wide enough to keep me from getting to you

Darling Ada, if you hadn't given my belt away I wouldn't have had to come to the party with my pants down. Happy 40th Birthday to the loveliest mistress of all.

Happy Birthday to the one who protects things most dear. Thank goodness you take better care of important notes than someone else we know�. Have a fabulous day, Ada!!! (Thank you, Firth.com for the great images)

Oh my goodness! Such a day...roses, chocolates, bare nekkid bums and spanking mistresses! ROFL! I never thought turning 40 would be so much fun! Annette, thank you so much for your lovely poem and roses. Hearing my name from those lips makes me smile too:-) Evelyn, are you sure you didn't you hear my bones creak this morning...my brother said he heard them all the way over in Italy;-)! Karen, ROFLMAO!! Oh wondrous boss...pray tell me where you found such a whip! I need a replacement for my old one;-DD! Moon, mmmm...I love that look of his..thank you. Sophie, I'm loving it..heehee..I got an animatron! Master, mistress, who cares. I got an animatron:-DDD! Thank you so much! Karen, Lord Wessex and a chocolatier?! Oooh, I've died and gone to heaven! Eithne, heh..I knew that...Thank you honey. Now give me back that cardigan;-P! Linda, now honey, I didn't give his belt away. Colin came with his pants down because he knew how much I love his knees;-)! Leslie, heh..if you only saw my notes! Ladies,you are all the wittiest lovliest and most caring Colin compatriots out there! Thank you so much for making my day so special:-)

And the best of all possible worlds...a chocolate marble cheesecake with sprinkles! Hope you left room for this!

Ada, As you do for others, I looked around trying to find one of your keeps in honor of your big day. Afraid I fixated on the spoon one: spoon, lips, lips, spoon, do you blame me? Searched high and low for it. My intentions were good, but I guess I got waylaid, didn't find the spoon but found this... Hope it was a happy day! Thanks for being the Mistress of the Keeps, you're a champ! Barb

Keepsmistress Ada, On this, the anniversary of your momentous entry into the world, I bestow unto you a tribute I composed while inspired by one of your keeps. It is but a trifling gift presented as a token of my high esteem. That which thy noble neck enclosed, Has now thy lovely throat exposed. Unrequited, rejected, cast down in dismay; Cravat is unbound and collar torn away. Thwarted passion moistens thy brow; A drop slowly wends its way, and now Near shirt half-shed in agitation Anoints thy suprasternal indentation. Far grander than famed chimney place Is strain�d emotion afflicting thy face; But shy from her Ladyship�s rude attention Lest thy love meet her gracious condescension! Though thy unhappy repose en dishabille To baser feminine urges may appeal, Thy exposed body reflects thy agony; Both shirt and man are treasured by me! (by me I mean you, since this is a gift to you, though I like both as well!) Happy Birthday Ada!!! Please excuse the very silly, flowery, and overwrought language above. I've been reading far too many historical novels recently. ;-)

Surfing the net you�ve found quite a lot Pics, reviews and I know not wot. Thanks for your efforts to search and delight Ada, keepsmistress, to me you�re alright. This year is Olympic, set your vcr Swimmers �n divers in speedos aren�t far. Til then you�ll contend with boxers and tights On Essex and Ware, could more be in sight? Cheasecake �n chocolates, tomorrow you�ll fast How great to be 40! I was in the past.

So WAGW, a cute little 'tween rom-com, is now the epitome of its genre? Apparently Dennie Gordon seems to think so. ;-) Time Is Right for Olsen Twins' 'New York Minute' LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Dennie Gordon is happy to have made the Olsen twins' first major studio feature, "New York Minute," which opens nationwide Friday, even if her joy took a minute or two to set in. "I knew early on what I was getting into because there was a big huge twins backlash," says Gordon, whose credits include "What a Girl Wants," starring Amanda Bynes (news), and "Joe Dirt," starring David Spade (news). "But there is also this unbelievable jinormous fan base. They are the 600-pound gorillas of all the other girls out there, the Lindsay Lohans, Amanda Bynes, Hilary Duffs and all these girls. They are in a league completely all their own, but there is a backlash." Gordon thinks the backlash can be turned around if "New York Minute" is a big hit. "When I met them, they were extraordinary," she says. "I thought this is the next Reese Witherspoon (news) and the next Cameron Diaz (news). If I play my cards right, and we get the script right, I will watch them become movie stars. And they already have a massive target audience and a massive built-in audience, and it's global." But, to get there, Gordon and her girls must help continue the return of teen girl movies, sparked by the current No. 1 showing of "Mean Girls," starring Lohan. "There has been this spate of teen girl movies that have tanked, and I'm sort of proud to say that they were recycled versions of 'What a Girl Wants.' I mean do we really need 'Ella Enchanted' and 'The Prince & Me?' I felt we said everything about that last year with 'What a Girl Wants."' Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

Ding Dang it! I missed it!!! So sorry Ada . .due to various technical difficulties at home, seems like I missed the party ! Hmph! Very sorry I missed your actual b�day. Hope this can make up for it . . . A belated tribute to you: She is mistress of the keeps generous kind wise with patience and foresight she doles out the precious items for our adoration our link to the man himself keeper of the treasures holder of the key to the vault of the items so desired by us all with reverence I write this and bow in supplication to you dear mistress on the occasion of your natal day Hope your birthday was just lovely darling!

'Good' deal for Hornby bestseller 04/29/2004 Adam Dawtrey, STAFF LONDON -- Columbia has optioned the movie rights to Brit writer Nick Hornby's bestseller "How to Be Good," for Laura Ziskin to produce. Columbia paid mid-six figures for the option. Ultimate purchase price if the movie is made reportedly exceeds the $3 million Hornby was paid for the film rights to his previous novel, "About a Boy." "How to Be Good," published in 2002, is a complex moral comedy about a couple on the brink of divorce. The wife is a well-meaning doctor whose sense of superiority to her angry, cynical husband is undermined when she has an affair, and he suddenly decides to become "good" in the fashion of the Gospels. When that turns out to mean redistributing the family's possessions to the needy and inviting poor people to live in their house, she discovers that she misses the man he used to be. Leslie Morgan, senior VP of production for Laura Ziskin Prods., will shepherd the development, together with Columbia exec VP of production Amy Baer and co-prexy of production Matt Tolmach. His bestselling "High Fidelity" was successfully relocated to Chicago for the eponymous Stephen Frears pic starring John Cusack (news); "About a Boy," starring Hugh Grant and directed by the Weitz brothers, kept its original English setting. Hornby's autobio "Fever Pitch" was also turned into a low-budget Brit pic, and an American remake is in the works at Fox. Hornby is working on a new novel and is carving out a career as a screenwriter. His original script "Fast Forward," co-written by Emma Thompson, is in development at Working Title, which co-produced "High Fidelity" and "About a Boy."

His original script "Fast Forward," co-written by Emma Thompson, ODB is in the "click". ;-)

Ada, Hope you had just a wonderful day....... and here's another wish that you will have a superb year full of fun and frolic with ODB;-) BELATED BIRTHDAY WISHES

(Moon)ODB is in the "click". ;-) Yes he is-my thoughts,exactly. Isn't he usually on a movie set, a restaurant, his couch-when he hears about these things?

His original script "Fast Forward," Must be a confessional about a Colin Firth fan who is called upon to use that button frequently.:-) It's brilliant really. I can see the sequels now. "Pause" -- the Firth Fan has an epiphany and stops using FF button and "Slo Mo" when the viewer tries to get on with life after said epiphany but can't.;-) Happy Belated Birthday, ADA! I had dreaded the big 4-0 for so long that it was quite a relief to be 40 and realize the big 5-0 was too far away to worry about.:-) Hope you have a great beginning to your new decade.

His original script "Fast Forward," (Caribou) Must be a confessional about a Colin Firth fan who is called upon to use that button frequently.:-) It's brilliant really. I can see the sequels now. "Pause" -- the Firth Fan has an epiphany and stops using FF button and "Slo Mo" when the viewer tries to get on with life after said epiphany but can't.;-) LOL! Brilliant Caribou! You're likely correct. Nick met many of us FFs while on his book tour of the US. I think anytime a women showed up with a Fever Pitch anything, he'd ask, "Are you a Colin Firth fan?" OK, the neon sign on my forehead might have been slightly overboard. ;-)

Ohhhhhh noooooooooo......I feel just awful.....I missed the party! Happy Belated Birthday Ada! I was all 'wrapped up' (seriously!) these past few days! Hope you can forgive me!

(Karen)I think anytime a women showed up with a Fever Pitch anything, he'd ask, "Are you a Colin Firth fan?" Did he say it in the very British way Peter Webber used to throw me off? "So, you're a Colin Firth fan, are you?" "You like Pride and Prejudice, do you?" And, don't forget Emma's recent experience with Fervent Firth Fans.;-) It was too hot to sleep last night and I entertained myself with thinking of more movies in the Remote Control Button Series: They could do one with Colin about a luvvie who puts together a perfect career by starting over after every stinker--"Rewind". Not sure of the storyline but I thought some might like "Mute". If it starred Colin and was NC-17, several might enjoy "Display".;-);-);-);-)

(Caribou) Did he say it in the very British way Peter Webber used to throw me off? "So, you're a Colin Firth fan, are you?" "You like Pride and Prejudice, do you?" No, I think it was more direct and to the point: "Are you a fan of Colin Firth?" Nick is pretty soft spoken; he seems a man of few words, unlike Webber, who likes to yak, is more demonstrative. Right? Any ideas about a movie called "Zoom In"? ;-) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From Empire: New State of Play BBC drama leaps to the big screen 04 May 2004 Last year's essential TV viewing, State of Play is to make the leap from small screen to big. The BBC drama about press and political corruption was adored by critics and won itself a rabid fanbase � so much so that it sparked a bidding war for the film rights Scott Rudin, most recently the producer of School Of Rock, emerged victorious from the fray, clutching a contract signed by BBC Films head David Thompson. Rumour has it that the story will be Americanised (cue howls of British outrage) and made in the mould of All The President's Men. For anyone not in the know, the plot concerns the efforts of three journalists to uncover a political conspiracy while treading the fine line between fearlessly seeking truth and holding onto their jobs. Paul Abbott, who wrote the series, was initially reluctant to sell the film rights because of concerns that a two-hour adaptation of a six-hour series would be, well, a load of arse. Still, Abbott is now onboard as an executive producer, and he can take comfort from the example of Traffic, which managed to work in both formats. Meanwhile, fans can content themselves with the thought that State of Play 2 is on its way to a TV screen near you. Star Bill Nighy told us recently, "It�s almost written. I do know the plot and I am not at liberty to divulge it. It�s a cracker, it�s wild, and if it were anybody other than Paul Abbot you�d think they were insane, but you know that he�ll pull it off."

"The BBC drama about press and political corruption was adored by critics and won itself a rabid fanbase ..... "fans can content themselves with the thought that State of Play 2 is on its way to a TV screen near you." Not near me. I must be missing something here. I could care less what happens to the disreputable characters in this series, except for Kelly Mac Donald and I can't understand a word she says.

LOL, Evelyn! I'm with you all the way. BTW, what I want are more period pieces. ;-D

I know that this is against the rules but I got *sasser wormed* this weekend and couldn't get out! So please forgive this late wish as I don't want Ada's cake to get too stale! Glad you had a great day Ada!!

Attended a screening of Troy last night. First off, where was the nudity I was promised? I kept hearing and reading reports that there would be male nudity in this movie. I wasn�t expecting a full frontal, unless it would be some unknown extra, but at least a bare backside. What I saw was just a sliver of a bare backside, and with very poor lighting! I will admit that what I did see of Brad Pitt�s Achilles, Eric Bana�s Hector and Orlando Bloom�s Paris was drool-worthy � they really worked out and were amazing looking, but that�s nothing new. I apologize for my previous lackluster response to Brad Pitt � I guess I�ll have to rent some of his movies. He owned this role. Eric Bana was at last night�s Q&A. He is breathtaking. Very tall. Humorous. Self effacing. And well dressed! There was a teensy part of me that wanted to run my fingers through his thick hair, and telling him that needs a haircut � I must be getting old. � He joked about doing publicity with Brad, likening it to being in the Beatles, with him as Ringo Starr (if you saw Oprah on Monday, oh my poor baby Eric). � He spoke about being offered the role of Hector and how immediately he leapt at the role then seemed to back away thinking who does he think he is to be able to play that role. When he finally met with Wolfgang Peterson (mimicking a German accent), WP asked him which role he was interested in. EB said Hector, and WP replied that lucky for him BP wanted the role of Achilles. � He had to learn to ride for the role. WP said that Hector rides like the wind, and asked him if he too can ride like the wind. EB said that he thought of bluffing, but decided that he wanted Warner Brothers to pay for his lessons, and that he didn�t want to shame in his mother-in-law (a dressage rider) in front of her friends. � There were no stunt doubles for their fight scenes, and yes BP did have to pay him for every unintentional hit � he thinks it�s $500.00 and that BP injured himself as well. � The moderator told EB that WP said he was comparable to a young Robert DeNiro and how did he feel about? EB was speechless, he would start to say something, catch himself, eventually saying that it was very nice. And if it were true, how come it wasn�t reported � He freely admitted that he doesn�t have anything lined up next, and has been just relaxing at home in Australia with his family and likes it that way. And did I mention he was great in this role? He is. All the other actors were wonderful. Orlando Bloom, Sean Bean, Brendan Gleeson, Brian Cox, and the brilliant Peter O�Toole. Why doesn�t this man have an Oscar (not the lifetime achievement kind) or been knighted (is it cause he�s Irish?)? I was crying at his scenes � well a lot of the scenes, but that�s spoilerish. He has this wonderful line � and I hope I�m not mangling it cause I can�t quote it verbatim, too busy crying at the time � �Even enemies deserve respect.� The way he says it, the way he looks when he says it was just heartbreaking. I liked the fact that all the roles seemed fully realized. You didn�t have to guess at a back story.

Thanks, Marianne! I saw Eric Bana on Leno last night. He is easy on the eyes. I had rented a 4 hour Helen of Troy last year and liked it very much. So much, in fact, that I did not see the need to do another one, but I will take your word and see it. But first it's Van Helsing. :-)

Today's New York Times discusses 'Blind Flight' a film playing at the Tribeca Film Festival tonight. It tells the in-depth story of the relationship between Brian Keenan and John McCarthy during their 4 1/2 year ordeal as hostages in Beirut during the 80's. http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/05/movies/05NOTE.html If people remember, the film 'Hostages' was based on this story. Colin played the role of John McCarthy. Seems like this film goes into far grittier detail and may be v. interesting for those seeking more information. As to whether the film will ever make it to distribution.....who knows?

(Leslie)Today's New York Times discusses 'Blind Flight' a film playing at the Tribeca Film Festival tonight. Thanks Leslie, I'll look for that. I think that Hostages is a great film and as the review you pasted states, the subject is very timely. I also recently read Brian Keenan's book which was difficult but touching.

Thanks Marianne. Am looking forward to Troy. Moon, did you rent the USA Network's series? I passed when it aired, the TV ads were tolerable I suppose but not handsome enough to tempt me. Leslie, thanks for the NYT article. Hope BF is distributed. (NYT) "Whore" (from Spain) is a forced, pseudo-serious study of the world's oldest profession that mixes the observations of (presumably real, mostly female) hookers with a dull fictional subplot starring Daryl Hannah. Something about this sentence just cracks me up. And for those of us Keen on Eddie, Bravo is airing a KE marathon this Saturday starting at 12:00n eastern.

Saw it, too, on Monday with Kim and Little Bee. (Marianne) First off, where was the nudity I was promised? The 3 or 4 butt shots (side view mostly) were good for me. And was somewhat fond of the more frontal shots where the frame rested just below his hip bones and *just* above....well, you know where. ;-) More would've been good, too, but what was there was enough to tempt me. ;-) I'm not a particular BP fan, but it's rare to see a body that amazing. :-P And EB was pretty awesome looking, too. Eric Bana was at last night�s Q&A. He is breathtaking. Very tall. Humorous. Self effacing. And well dressed! There was a teensy part of me that wanted to run my fingers through his thick hair, Mmmmm, sounds like my kinda guy, without the haircut. I'm soooooo jealous you had him there. We had WP and the one who played Helen. I remarked to the others that WP seems to have a man-crush on BP. ;-) (if you saw Oprah on Monday, oh my poor baby Eric). LOL, yes I did. He didn't get any time to talk. :-( Funny about the betting on getting hits. As far as the movie goes, I was getting worried by 45 mins that I wasn't all that compelled. Ok, there had to be some intro to the characters, but I couldn't believe I looked at my watch after about 30 mins, then looked again thinking another 45 mins had gone by and it was just 15 mins. :-( It picked up for me when the first major battle ensued between Greeks and Trojans. Virtually flawless CGI in the movie, IMO, esp in the big battle scenes. I was getting tired of all the closeups of BP glowering in or out of helmet in the first hour. I was beginning to think he had only one expression for the whole movie. He branched out later. I mentioned to the others that I wasn't sure if some parts were intentionally or not intentionally humorous. More than occasional and less than frequent snickering around the audience. Though Brian Cox as Agememnon was a hoot. Sean Bean was good and looking pretty good, too, except for an odd poofiness in the top of his hair at times. The best scenes for me were the fight between Hector and Achilles....excellent choreography and impressive that they did it all themselves; and the scene not long after with Peter O'Toole asking for Hector's body back that Marianne referenced. Heartbreaking scene. Oddly enough, many of P 'OT's scenes almost came off almost kinda campy because of his wide-eyed look. That got a few snickers at times. These are the 2 scenes that WP pointed out were his favorites before the film. the brilliant Peter O�Toole. Why doesn�t this man have an Oscar (not the lifetime achievement kind) Funny, that's the exact conversation several of us were having in the bathroom afterward. WP was supposed to do a Q&A after but did a little one before instead as he had to go do a show on CNN or something, then catch a flight, I think. I found Helen insipid, self-absorbed, naive. Not sure if that's the intention of how Helen should generally come off, but she did to me. The Helen in the miniseries did, too. I asked her for clarification about her portrayal according to what WP wanted without coming right out and asking if she was supposed to be like that, but didn't get enough of the specifics I wanted. I found Saffron Burrows as Hector's wife a tad bit annoying also. Fortunately, she wasn't in it much. It runs 2:40 and I give it a thumbs up after the first 45 mins or hour.

I will admit it was a little too long. And that my high opinion of the film was most likely caused by Eric Bana. But yes, my friends and I were snickering over the fact that there were a few too many shots of BP, and why oh why did Paris do what he did, cause we didn't think Helen was worth it. ;)

(Marianne), and why oh why did Paris do what he did, cause we didn't think Helen was worth it. ;) That's the question. ;-) (Dorine), The best scenes for me were the fight between Hector and Achilles....excellent choreography and impressive that they did it all themselves Then I guess I'bve seen the best scene already. That's the clip they are milking on the talk shows. (Sonia), Moon, did you rent the USA Network's series? I don't know, but it was 4 hours and I liked it. Do rent it.

I saw Helen of Troy TV mini with Rufus Sewell and "Georgiana" as Cassandra; it was excellent . As was Spartacus with Goran Visnjic:-)))

Here's someone who didn't like HKHWR-- ANDREW Davies had high hopes for his latest Trollope TV adaptation, He Knew He Was Right. There was even talk that it could reach six or seven million. But it managed only four million on Sunday, down 400,000 on the previous week, despite a star cast which included Anna Massey at her most splendidly disapproving of manipulative aunts and promising newcomer Laura Fraser as the suspected wife. It�s a long way from Davies�s Pride and Prejudice, with Colin Firth as Mr Darcy emerging dripping from the lake, which pulled in a massive 12 million. http://news.scotsman.com/opinion.cfm?id=512442004 ...and more on the P&P half-baked remake: Pitt to 'bend it' with Keira in Austen's Pride and Prejudice! New York May 06, 2004 4:04:35 PM IST Hollywood heartthrob Brad Pitt will play the role of the aristocratic Mr Darcy in the latest adaptation of the classic, Pride and Prejudice. Pitt will be seen in the attire of a typical English gentleman of the past, wearing breeches and a waistcoat, according to imdb. Keira Knightley of Bend It Like Beckham fame will star as Jane Austen's intelligent heroine Elizabeth Bennet. The 1995 BBC television adaptation was a huge success worldwide and launched Love Actually star Colin Firth to fame.(ANI) http://www.webindia123.com/news/showdetails.asp?id=37497&cat=Entertainment

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/0506people0506.html Ever ready with a quip Hugh Grant was being his puckish self when he recorded the commentary for the newly released DVD Love Actually. Filmmaker Richard Curtis tells the LA Daily News that Grant showed up at the London recording studio "in very wicked form. His primary aim was to be extremely rude about Colin Firth. "When we see Colin wearing a turtleneck (sweater), he says, 'He's wearing that because his neck's gone, you know. He has a turkey neck.' And when we see Colin hailing a taxi, Hugh says, 'See, if you don't set him very complicated tasks, he's a wonderful actor.' " Ed.note-I was really hoping to hear him say, "bloody Colin";-)

" Hollywood heartthrob Brad Pitt will play the role of the aristocratic Mr Darcy " The guy is gonna be 41 in December, fergodsakes. He should be taking "hunk daddy" roles;-/

LOL, Evelyn. Somebody quick tell Brad that his romantic lead days are over. BTW, that Pitt as Darcy story originated with the ever-reliable (*snort*) imdb and of course all the rags are dutifully regurgitating it. I don't believe it.

(Evelyn) I saw Helen of Troy TV mini with Rufus Sewell and "Georgiana" as Cassandra; it was excellent . As was Spartacus with Goran Visnjic:-))) Rufus Sewell was a more menacing Agamemnon than Brian Cox, I thought. No humor in RS's characterization if I recall correctly. Kim and I were wondering what happened to Cassandra in the film. And LOL about this thing you have with Mr. Spartacus, GV. Will say you have excellent taste. ;-)) In the miniseries, if I recall correctly, Paris didn't come off as such a cowardly fop and Menelaus wasn't a very strong personality or warrior as they were in the film. (Mari) Somebody quick tell Brad that his romantic lead days are over. OMG, if he's washed up as a romantic lead at 41, then ODB has no hope. ;-)

It's Linda's Birthday!!! (better she than me) So let the festivities begin!

Happy Birthday, Linda Your wish is my command: http://www.fan-sites.org/scans/itw0401-11.html A rose is a rose is a rose, but a Linda-rose should be perfect for you Henry is waiting to have breakfast with you Matt has promised to find a nice restaurant in the South of France, were you can have lunch and while you�re lunching with Matt, Earnest is getting ready to take you to a grand birthday dinner Hope you�ll have a great day, Linda :-)

Linda, I found this guy, who has something to tell you (I believe he borrowed his words from Shakespeare). LIVE with me, and be my love, And we will all the pleasures prove That hills and valleys, dales and fields, And all the craggy mountains yields. There will we sit upon the rocks, And see the shepherds feed their flocks, By shallow rivers, by whose falls Melodious birds sing madrigals. There will I make thee a bed of roses, With a thousand fragrant posies, A cap of flowers, and a kirtle Embroider�d all with leaves of myrtle. A belt of straw and ivy buds, With coral clasps and amber studs; And if these pleasures may thee move, Then live with me and be my love.

It may be my birthday, but I'm still hard at work trying to tack down this Pitt as Darcy nonsense. Mari, I think your observations are correct: It�s been wall-to-wall Brad and Jen this week, with Jennifer Aniston sobbing over the Friends finale and Brad Pitt baring almost all to promote his new film, Troy, but showbiz insiders can feel a controversy coming on. What are all the Colin Firth fans going to say about Brad snaring his role of Mr Darcy in yet another big screen version of Jane Austen�s Pride and Prejudice? Bend it Like Beckham�s Keira Knightley will play the heroine, Elizabeth Bennet, and a jolly nice job she will make of it. But Darcy was the part that made Firth, who had women around the world swooning over his performance in the 1995 BBC adaptation. Brad is the producer�s favourite, but hasn�t yet signed on. Perhaps he wants to check out how he looks in a tailcoat and britches.(ed note-quit while your ahead, Brad). http://breakingnews.iol.ie/entertainment/story.asp?j=103402172&p=yx34xz878

I know this is the second double post in 24 hours, but what the hell, you only turn 50, once. Thanks, Karen, for the kick off of festivities. I think I shall go over the hill by rolling down it, slowly, with those gorgeous men who have come so early to take me to breakfast, lunch, and dinner...LOL, better me than you Annette, do you have ESP? How did you know I wanted that man in the grey shirt;-)?? Wow, wot a picture. ODB looks like he's going to jump right out of my computer. But, I must pull myself away so I will be on time to have breakfast with HD. Hmmm, I know what I want on the menu--and it isn't even fattening;-) Then lunch with Matthew in France-oooh la la. I hope I'll still be hungry for Earnest, uh make that hungry for dinner with Earnest... The roses are lovely, and I'd live and be Lord Wessex's love any day of the week.

Hey, Ms Crumb Cake.... May the next 50 be as much fun!

"YESSS! Linda is here! I knew this trip would be worthwhile." And here is what he wrote: "Happy Birthday to Linda, a most devoted member of my fan base. Loyal, intelligent, discerning . . . and hot!"

My dearest, loveliest Linda..... I just had to show up for your big day like you showed up for mine. Had to stop to pick up your present first. I tried to write a poem for you, but the one from Lord Wessex was much more eloquent. So here's a toast to the birthday girl! May you have plenty of your own Mishimooko....Mashimoto....Mati Hari....well, you know. ;-) Happy Birthday, Linda!!

Happy Birthday Linda! I had to take a break from filming to be able to be here with you on your special day as I know you've done for me in the past. Love you lots.

Linda, I'm making up some coffee to start out the day. So grab your birthday mug and relax!

Happy Birthday, Linda!

Let's see if this works better for Mark's posting:

ROTF! Mark, that is hilarious; let's see if we can get it to show up:

�Sorry Gwendolyn, it�s been nice but today is Linda�s birthday�: And we all know �what a girl wants� for her birthday is what she should have: �How�s �bout I pick you up, say around ten, for a late dinner and then some?�: Have a great day, Linda!!

Thanks, boss

Anytime. There are some pretty funny ones there and some not so funny.

Oh my Linda! It�s your Birthday! A good day to remember special events and places of your year� * * It seems like yesterday that you were on patrol in Rock Center� * * and that we were wandering around the Rock lobby scoping out a game plan�. * * and we were having such a good time that I fancy that we might have looked somewhat like this� * With lots of clothes of course as it was winter

Opps! This is what we might have looked like;-))

You guys are a riot. Evelyn, I can't wait till we break crumb cake together, again. Mari, I'm so glad Colin thought his trip to NY was worthwhile-after all I think Mr. Brown's role was hatched in Nanny's mind that evening...careful what I wish for--Next premiere-no more silly ass grins for me;-)I'll have to remember to be sultry. Dorine, SNL with you was probably the most outrageous night of my 49th year! Hope we have many more ahead. I can't wait to read Jamie's poem. In a few hours I'll be joining Colin for a few Very Dirty California Vodka Martinis-plenty of mishi moshi mashi for me!! Karen, I love my mug of coffee especially since it was prepared so lovingly by AFGMFT (Mr. Fair Trade) Moon, How wonderful that Mr. Brown decided to make his appearance today, and taking a break just for me. I'm so honored! It looks like he's looking for me, too. I think I'll join him for a stroll on that lovely beach. Mark, Oh holy Je--s! Please ask Colin to hang on, I'm on my way. I hope they aren't holding MDB in that shed. How in the world did he get there? Hey, now wait a minute... Actually, if he's being held hostage-he just might not be able to finish NMP? Hmmm. I may need to hold off a bit;-) Mark, you're amazing and I want to know the facts behind the photo. ROTFLOL. Thanks so much for stopping by...and to the boss for assistance. Leslie, Thanks for getting Ernest away from that prissy, possessive Gwendolyn. He's mine, today! And my Henry in those AFGBLP-you really do know what I want. Just imagining HD and me in the limo... Yes, this is turning out to be a pretty amazing day. Thanks so much for all your wishes.

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS FROM ACROSS THE POND Have a truly fabulous day Linda and here's to the next frenetic, fantastic fifty years of drooling (hey give that Brad a miss and go get some hunk daddy instead) Have a great day

Knowing how much Linda likes a man in a kilt, it's time for her special birthday entertainment!! Grab your martoonis, here we go! Your own Kiltboy! Phew! I'm not sure how much a 50-year-old can take, but....

That is too funny, Karen! Anyone you know? ;-) Mark, brilliant! And that soldier looks like Jim Caviesel too.

*hee hee hee* I think he Highland Flung it off! ;-)

You probably thought I was waiting for the paint to dry before I wished you a Happy Birthday! Not so! I was waiting on this guy....the one you seem so fond of.... He was so busy 'taking care of business' we were a bit late!But then he realized what was truly important in his life and got his booty really in gear... So here we all are...to wish you a very.... ...and too funny Mark! ...and are you certain that that he is a true Scot Karen? I heard they don't wear white g-strings under those things! ;-)

Bee, oh to live March 4,5,and 6th all over again. I'm kicking up my heels like a Rockette just thinking about it. I wonder if any Rockettes are Firthettes? And to think we were together November 5, 6, and 7th. What a year. Lizza, thanks so much for the wishes from across the pond--don't worry--I'll find some way to railroad Brad. Maybe I can offer him up in my hostage negotiations for Colin. You know, exchange The Pretender for the legitmate heir to the throne or vice versa. I'm a bit confused and bothered by that kilt guy! Karen, Oh my giddy Aunt! How on earth does one respond to that? LOL, I'm so discombobulated I just may be using improper english. Looks like he was going to take it all off...however, real men don't, you know. I'm sure Edward Pettigrew didn't;-) Tress, my one handed friend. So glad you could make it...and you brought Johannes and Henry what a combo. I don't know how I'm going to deal with those BLP...while Itake care of Henry, eh business. Sorry;-))

The FDA has completed its testing and confirmed that the sheer number of candles on your cake ensures it has no carbs and is South Beach Diet-compliant. So enjoy! You may want to check out this website: http://www.50plusfriends.com/ Please note: you can enlarge the text font size with just a click of the mouse. ;-)

Linda, I wish I could be at your party today, but I�m filming �that nanny movie.� As you can see, I�m very enthusiastic about making this film with seven adorable children, all of whom are riding the bus with me to the set. Wot? You don�t care? Why, surely you realize that the nanny is an archetype in literature, as well as the cinema and television --not that I ever watch television, of course. Here�s a shot of the children with their nanny. Oh, hang on--wrong family! How in the #&*%! did that happen? Well, this illustrates my point of the timeless, universal appeal of a widower and his children in need of a nanny to put things right�.not to mention the timeless appeal of Julie Andrews. Here we have the uber-nanny, from which all other nannies spring�again played by Julie Andrews. Why it�s a veritable nanny leitmotiv: A nanny with magical powers who swoops in and saves the March family. Please don�t make me spell that super-cal-a-whosis word! Turning our attention to television, there was Phoebe Figalilly, played by Juliet Mills, on a short-lived comedy, The Nanny and the Professor. Perhaps you saw it as a child? No? Ah well, once in a while everyone makes a clinker. The nanny idea was sound. Must have been in a bad time slot�. With out further ado, I�d like to introduce Emma Thompson, screenplay adapter and star of Nanny McPhee�..Er, Emma? Hullo, Emma? Wot do you mean she�s no longer playing the lead? Who could possibly replace her?�. Who? �. I have no idea who you are talking about? Fran? And my name�s being changed to Sheffield? Sorry??���. Happy Birthday, Linda!

Bridge, wot are you doing??? I�m just ringing Leenda up on my mobile . .just wanted to wish her the happiest of happy birthdays! Crikey . . .I almost forgot! I�ll just head on over to the party for a bit. . . Hope you have a wonderful one!!!!

I hope that you are having a lovely birthday Linda! I can�t get our last outing to NYC out of my mind and am amused remembering you thus� calculating the exact place and positions that our group had to be in at every step of the NBC studio tour so we could be front and center at the window to be able to watch ODB rehearsing! How grateful I was to be the benificairy of your calculations! And then the ultimate prize!! But!!! I do have a great fear that our poor darling boy will look like this at the end of your birthday celebrations� Enjoy but leave a little for us!! Happy Birthday!

Ach! Those cheap geocities folks! Hope the links works... http://www.geocities.com/thesciencefiles/scipgphoto2.JPG

Linda, you must allow me to wish you a very happy 50th birthday! By the way, I have to agree, the actor they're suggesting for Darcy is the Pitts. ;-) Here's one for Ada. Sorry I missed your big day. You must allow me to properly pose a happy birthday wish to you, too!

Before I continue my thank yous'...My step-son just stopped by and you won't believe it. I'm now the proud owner of a Colin Firth pillow case and T-shirt all the way from E-bay. He even bought a new pillow to display it! Like his dad, he's a gem. This could be the start of a new premiere tradition;-) I'm going out for a few hours with the other gem...the DH...must keep him happy as I will be v. busy later on with YKW. I will apologize in advance if, when I return, I'm a bit squiffy? squishy? Well anyway, I'm off to have those dirty mishi moshi mikooko martinis. See you all later, and party on party on. I will share ODB with all of you while I'm gone, but remember when I get back...off you go;-)Grazie and Ciao, for a bit, dahlings. LOL, Karen. I know you have such "noble intentions", but are you implying that I might need larger font because my eye sight has gone? (remember what goes round, comes round)*singing...I'll be with you in apple blossom time*.... And the cake, Lousia. I'm going to need NMP, Mr. Brown and all seven children to help me put out the fire on that one. Maybe I should blow out those candles before the martinis, no? But thank goodness it's South Beach approved...I'm dying for cake, literally! Lisa, our darling looks so depressed on the Nanny set...I'll think of something to cheer him up. Guess wot, being 50...I remembered everyone of those freakin Nannies. I can't believe another one is added to the mix. I wish to thank Julie for starting the whole mess and for stopping by.**sheesh** Kim, OMG. Mark Darcy-my all time favorite...and he's walking the walk to my party. Oh what that man makes me wanna do. Oh, and thanks to Bridget, too. But she'll have to move on for the evening as I'm going to be v. busy and important. Bee, Bee, Bee...let me tell you--getting Colin to look like poor tortured Ben will be my ultimate pleasure;-) I'm so glad you liked my little NBC tour within a tour. I sure hope all the old timers that we knocked over and that one little boy on crutches that Leslie mowed down are all in recovery. Is that cake carb-free? Well I'll have some anyway since the boss's cake is now barbecued with all those candles. Lora, OH my! Colin wishing me a happy day from Rome. Brava. Now I'll be able to have him whisper sweet Italian nothings in my ear all night long.

LINDA ! *** Herzlichen Gl�ckwunsch and Happy Birthday *** What a start:   Yesterday I joined drool and today I can celebrate your birthday !!! Hurrahhh !

Hmmmm...so it's the Troublemaker's birthday eh? And she's 50 not 40? Well for this extra special day I'd better get out the good pics;-)! You say it's Linda's birthday...do you think she'd mind if I came to the party all hot and sweaty? I'd be there already if I could just find my bloody robe! Uhm, Sammy...have you seen my ring? Lord, I have to play piano at ANOTHER birthday party? Am I going to get paid this time? ed note. Okay so this is my spoon but I couldn't find one with yours...deal with it;-)! I've lost my shirt! If he's coming without a shirt I'd better the smelling salts HAH! I've got my shirt;-)! Aurelia,I can't play with you anymore...I want to play in Linda's paddling pool now. And last but not least;-) Wot do you mean I can't have the coat? Ah, Linda has it. No? Karen does? No, Linda...no,Karen. Dammed coat..I'm getting dizzy..just tear the thing in two! Hope you've had a great day Linda! with very grateful thanks to Firthissimo,the Bucket and several other places