very grateful thanks to Firthissimo, Firtheaven, Firthessence, Mr.Darcy, Faces and Firth.com! and ooh, before I forget;-) your cigar Bee

I know this isn't your dilemma, but I couldn't resist: And a big happy birthday from Dr. Foot!

Happy Birthday Bee! You know I love it when you buzz such sweetness in my ear, so, on this special day, I want to sing this special birthday song for you, I am joined by my rocker friend, I'm sure you recognize him. Here's to you my Queen Bee She's got my number, knows my favourite songs on the jukebox Goes to gettin' down like crazy and the whole place rocks We'll have a few and get to feelin' right She'll be my queen bee I'll be her neon knight I'm her big cat daddy, she's my little Miss Honky Tonk Oh oh I love her so Stand back give her room boys and watch her go... Brooks & Dunn Lyrics

The 'Bend It Like Beckham" actress will be paid a staggering eight million dollars to portray the character of the headstrong Elizabeth Bennett in the silver screen adaptation of Jane Austin's classic novel 'Pride and Prejudice'. I don't know of the word in the English language to express how absurd that is. Yet another slap in the face of all the hardworking, talented, and probably very attractive actors/actresses out there struggling to make a living. She's another Britney Spears....pretty, with mediocre talent, and good PR people.

Bee...Uh-oh! Colin got stung! Where you two making honey again? He did confide that it was such a messy, sticky business that he would be waiting for you here: So once you are all done partying...don't forget the gentleman in the tub...he's waiting for you (and we don't want him to get all shriveling now, do we??)!

(Dorine) She's another Britney Spears....pretty, with mediocre talent, and good PR people. But check this out from AICN today: There he's picked up by a sympathetic chick named Jackie (played by Keira Knightley, who's severely uglied up in horrid stringy, dyed black hair, gloomy black eyeliner and uber white trash clothes and lifestyle).... I'll be the first to say Keira's sizzling (stringy black hair or not), and who wouldn't fall for her? From an early preview of Adrian Brody's The Jacket: http://www.aint-it-cool-news.com/display.cgi?id=17803

Been searching the gardens here for Bee . . . The buzz around town is that it�s her b�day and I certainly want to wish her a happy one ! Come now, take a sit here with me, darling . .I want to pamper you for your special day . . How about a nice foot rub . . Then a long soak in a hot tub � a glass of wine too, my dear? And just a little shiny bauble for you . . . .(rhinestones . .not real diamonds if that�s ok . .) My dear Queen Bee . .I hope you have the best birthday ever! I�ll see you for TEOR in the fall! Drinks will be on me!

Dang . . . 2nd try. Was distracted w/ BJD playing in the background on the TV! **************************************** Been searching the gardens here for Bee . . . The buzz around town is that it�s her b�day and I certainly want to wish her a happy one ! Come now, take a sit here with me, darling . .I want to pamper you for your special day . . How about a nice foot rub . . Then a long soak in a hot tub � a glass of wine too, my dear? And just a little shiny bauble for you . . . .(rhinestones . .not real diamonds if that�s ok . .) My dear Queen Bee . .I hope you have the best birthday ever! I�ll see you for TEOR in the fall! Drinks will be on me!

LOL Karen! I just love my big juicy SNL bee with his little tongue sticking out. And I�m not Keeding! Perhaps we should look at the *size* issue the next time we discuss kissing issues;-) Oh dear Ada! I had no idea that my keeps hunt would be so tough but you did a wonderful job with my cup..so close to those lips or the bottle of fizzies being sucked by his lips or the earring at the same level of his lips or those ciggies which no longer touch his lips or the cigar that... Wait! I just realize I have an ODB oral fixation! Don�t know what that headset could mean but you were a dear to rummage for so long and come up with those beauties. Ahhh, love those boots Karen and maybe soon I can wear some! So tired of these goofy sneaks. Saw my own Dr. Foot today but yours has some scary tool in his hands.... Eeck! I can almost outrun him now;-) Oooo, thanks and I love that lounge Moon! Would love to be serenaded by my neon knight! My my, I�d love to be his little Ms Honky Tonk;-)) I feel royally blessed. Tress, I love the idea of *making honey* with that sweetie! LOL at the thought of the sticky mess but would love to end up in a tub...before the dreaded shriveling;-) You picked some of my favorite recent photos Kimberly. ODB in a comfy old chair, on a garden bench... You can set that boy down anywhere and he�ll look AFG! And today he�s mine and rubbing my feet! I�ll wear my crown and sip some wine. See you in November if all goes well!

a small 96ko so i can post it straight on the board, yeepee ! the buzz says : now look who's been fooling around with mr. f ! happy birthday bee !

Dear Bee Dee...Sorry I'm late...I've been shopping all day looking for a gift.... But nothing was worthy of you ....dearest So let's pop over to the park And have an evening picnic....

Bee, So sorry I didn't have time to hunt up some CF graphics (work got in the way...dam!) but I do want to wish you a wonderful Birthday! Hope you are having a great time! Breit la sona duit!

(Sophie)the buzz says : now look who's been fooling around with mr. f ! Fabulous Sophie! Love that Jamie Smooch! I just love buggin� that man! So much talent...you and our Darling;-) (Evelyn) So let's pop over to the park�And have an evening picnic.... You got it Evelyn! Those are ab�-so-lutely some of my very favorite things! Think I can get ODB to take *his* shoes off? I�m still keeping mine on;-) (Eithne)So sorry I didn't have time to hunt up some CF graphics (work got in the way...dam!) Ach, don�t worry, I had to slog away at work myself. Plan to party this weekend though;-) Such lovely prezzies from such lovely Droolers� thanks everyone for contributing to a lovely day.

Happy Birthday Bee, hope it's been a great one! Barb

To be, or not to be! I say . . .To Bee! http://www.firth.com/images/gen/lamiki006w.jpg Have a happy, Firth-filled year, Bee, and see ya in November at the Hilton for drinkypoos before TEOR!

To my dearest Aunt Bee, a few birthday wishes... Oops, no not that Aunt Bee! So, I hear that bees are attracted to the color violet, to specific alcohol aromas, and to elegant feet on AFG men... Wait a minute! That last bit isn't about bees; just Beedees!!! Could you ever have imagined what excitement this last year would provide on June 17, 2003? I'm so glad to have been able to share this year with you and hope for even more wonderful things to come! I know you are particularly fond of all his dimples, but I'm not brave enough to show the other ones again ;-) Happy birthday hugs, my dearest adopted aunt and great friend!!!

karen, I have something to send to you but your mailbox is full! Please drop me a line when it is freed up again ok?

Thanks for your good wishes fellow Barb..ara. Now back to your studies! I hope your tests went well. Oh my, the studies, you�re a better Barb than I. (Mari) Have a happy, Firth-filled year, Bee, and see ya in November at the Hilton for drinkypoos before TEOR! At least Mari! And thanks for the Martoonies. It will be fan-tas�-tic to *drink* with you (and as many of your lovely Droolers as may be) again. Can�t wait! (Shosh)Oops, no not that Aunt Bee! ROTFLMAO! And you know, I look like her more each day. Probably should have picked out a better moniker for the Web. Think it would have made a difference? We wear the same shoes;-) (Shosh again)Happy birthday hugs, my dearest adopted aunt and great friend!!! And you too kiddo! Such a sweetie you are and what a lovely cake. I�m booking a ticket to Peachland now so I can have some! Got milk? That fizzie stuff Paul�s drinking will do;-)

I've just gotten in and look at the time. I've almost missed your special day. Happy Birthday, dear girl

(Linda)I've just gotten in and look at the time. I've almost missed your special day. Ahh, but you got me that lovely purple shirted darling. He's so AFG just leaning into that wall and protecting himself from our adoration;-) Ooops, I must have had too many sips of Paul's fizzies......

Oh Bee, I�ve missed your birthday by just a few minutes!! I hope it was as much fun as our SNL weekend......can�t wait to reprise the jubilations next November!!

Dearest Bee! I�m so sorry to be late for your birthdayparty. And I know, I�m against guidelines, when I post a belated birthdaywish, but it can�t be helped. Happy Birthday!

(Leslie)I�ve missed your birthday by just a few minutes...can�t wait to reprise the jubilations next November Thanks Leslie and I'm looking forward to the jubilations too! (Annette)I�m so sorry to be late for your birthdayparty Ahh, but you brought such a lovely flower for me to dine on. Thank you Annette!

As soon as I read the word maid, I knew it couldn't be Moon. ;-) Fan dresses as maid to meet George Clooney A George Clooney fan dodged 40 security men guarding the film star - by dressing as a hotel maid. The 22-year-old student, known only as Francesca, carried a tray of food up to the actor's plush sixth-floor suite in Rome. She was only rumbled as she went to knock on the door, and guards escorted her from the hotel, says The Sun. As security was stepped up, reports claimed CIA agents were now protecting the cast of Ocean's Twelve, which Clooney is filming in Italy. One Italian security worker said: "This girl was very pretty and used her looks to the full. She wasn't a threat, but was taken away."

(Karen), As soon as I read the word maid, I knew it couldn't be Moon. ;-) LOL! You've got that right. "This girl was very pretty and used her looks to the full. Is this the part that made you think of me? ;-D That are done filming on Lake Como. I happen to know the Hotel in Rome where the cast is staying. But I will have to pull a "carol". ;-)

Well, this is a way for Disney to get back at them. Though Miramax has taken a couple of baths in the last couple of years with Gangs of NY and Cold Mountain, unless the DVDs had great returns. Miramax Weighing Budget Cuts, Layoffs Fri Jun 18, 7:13 PM ET By GARY GENTILE, AP Business Writer LOS ANGELES - Miramax Films is considering a number of cost-cutting measures, including layoffs, as it nears the end of its fiscal year, a source familiar with the studio's plans said Friday. Miramax is owned by The Walt Disney Co. and operates on a fixed budget of about $700 million a year to make and market films. With four months left to go in its fiscal year, much of that budget has already been spent on expensive projects such as Martin Scorsese (news)'s Howard Hughes (news) film "The Aviator," the Johnny Depp (news) film "Finding Neverland" and two films starring Jennifer Lopez (news), according to the source, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Miramax spokesman Matthew Hiltzik said a Los Angeles Times report that as much as 20 percent of the studio's work force could be cut was premature. "No decisions have been made," Hiltzik said. Disney chief executive Michael Eisner said recently he wants to reduce total funding at Miramax, which has gone in recent years from making inexpensive independent movies to larger Hollywood blockbusters. Disney is negotiating with Miramax founders Bob and Harvey Weinstein to reduce the studio's budget and the amount of compensation paid to the two brothers. The testy relationship between the Weinsteins and Eisner has reached new lows in recent weeks, with the two squabbling over whether Miramax is profitable for Disney � a tiff that led the Weinsteins to say they would be willing to buy the studio back. Eisner said it is not for sale. The studio crossed the $1 billion mark in revenue last year. While Disney might have been more flexible in expanding the studio's funding in years past, the current emphasis on cost-cutting precludes such a decision this year, the source said. Relations worsened even more recently over the Michael Moore (news) documentary "Fahrenheit 9/11," which was funded in part by Miramax. Eisner told Miramax last year that Disney would not distribute the film, which is highly critical of President Bush (news - web sites). But that didn't stop Moore from decrying Disney's decision, suggesting it was an attempt to avoid angering Republican leaders and jeopardizing tax breaks Disney gets on its theme parks in Florida. Disney labeled Moore's statements a publicity stunt and agreed to sell the film back to the Weinsteins. The brothers formed a separate company and reached a deal to distribute "Fahrenheit 9/11" with Lions Gate and IFC Films. The film opens June 25. ___

Maybe they should start by laying off the Weinsteins? Just a thought.

(Eithne) Maybe they should start by laying off the Weinsteins? Just a thought. ROTF. Oh Eithne, I wish I would have said that. There would be dancing in the streets of the industry...actors, producers etc. Universally disliked.

(Dorine) Though Miramax has taken a couple of baths in the last couple of years But Miramax makes it all up (and more) with its Dimension label. Dimension is the moneymaker; Miramax is the prestige label. Disney wouldn't want to lose either, but Harvey and Bob have contracts. Nothing says they have to continue to work for Disney or that Disney has to continue to employ them to run those studio labels.

From playbill.com June 18, 2004 -- The revival of Tom Stoppard's "Jumpers," which yesterday posted an early closing notice, is the first show to bow to a frightening reality on Broadway right now: After July 4, ticket sales for all but a handful of shows are in the crapper. "Jumpers" ? a London import that pleased egg-headed critics but left audiences baffled (and heading out the door at intermission) ? was scheduled to run through August, but will now close July 11. Theater sources say virtually no tickets had been sold for August. "We were going over the cliff," says a production source. They wouldn't have been alone.

"Carmela" goin back to Bway!! Playbill.com Edie Falco and Brenda Blethyn to Star in Broadway Revival of 'night, Mother By Robert Simonson June 17, 2004 Edie Falco and Brenda Blethyn will star in a new Broadway revival of Marsha Norman's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, 'night, Mother, a spokesperson confirmed.The casting was expected. Falco had recently mentioned that she would be returning to Broadway, and Variety reported the Norman play as a likely vehicle. Earlier Variety reports had a production of that drama coming to Broadway with Michael Mayer directing Camryn Manheim and Blethyn as daughter and mom. The bleak and humane play concerns a mother and her grown and ill daughter's wish to die. The last time Falco came the Broadway, in Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny, the result was a box office success. Mayer previously directed Falco in Side Man, the play that established the actress' theatre reputation. The production will begin in October. Opening is in November. Anne Pitoniak and Kathy Bates played mother and daughter in the original Broadway run of the play, which played the Golden Theatre March 1983-February 1984. Both actresses were Tony-nommed, as was the play and the director, Tom Moore. The production originated at American Repertory Theatre. The 1986 film starred Anne Bancroft and Sissy Spacek.

So David will have the summer off? I'm sure he's already knee deep into another project.

"Jumpers" , a London import that pleased egg-headed critics but left audiences baffled (and heading out the door at intermission) LOL.And the first act was easy...it's the second act that left me scratching my head!! It was still a brilliant production. David and Simon Russell -Beale were magnificent. I'd love to hear Tom Stoppard talk about this one.

(Karen) But Miramax makes it all up (and more) with its Dimension label. Dimension is the moneymaker; Miramax is the prestige label. Right, I know how the 2 divisions are different, but aren't they 2 divisions of Disney vs. Dimension being a part of Miramax? And do they want to get rid of Bob, too? Is he a big of a pain as Harvey is? Are they a package deal? Would make sense if so, I suppose. Miramax has been very profitable in the past for a few years, if I'm not mistaken, prior to the last couple of years as I mentioned. Chicago was a big help to dampen the money loss from Gangs of NY. Nothing says they have to continue to work for Disney or that Disney has to continue to employ them to run those studio labels. No, true. But they have to find someone to work with with large pursestrings. Evelyn, is Jumpers worth seeing? Maybe I can get a good discount now. ;-) Tom Stoppard was on Charlie Rose back when this opened.

(Dorine) is Jumpers worth seeing? Maybe I can get a good discount now. ;-) I'm sure they'd be thrilled to give you a seat, LOL. I'm a big Stoppard fan...and see/read his plays whenever I can. Always a challenge. This one more than others. Like I said, the fact that I didn't understand the second act speaks more about me than the play. It's a play that needs a second viewing, IMO. When his triology "Coast of Utopia " comes, I'll be first in line.

(Evelyn) Like I said, the fact that I didn't understand the second act speaks more about me than the play. But so many people didn't get it, which to me speaks more about the play. Like in school when most everyone got the same question wrong...often it was the teacher's issue for poor wording or whatever was wrong with it.

(Dorine) But so many people didn't get it, which to me speaks more about the play. Hey, I got the first act...that was progress;-) Stoppard doesn't write for the mass audience. In Michael Billinton's[ I think he writes for The Guradian] book on Stoppard he says: "Tom Stoppard remains a witty, gifted complex dramatist. He writes about serious issues in a high-spirited way. He makes one want to argue with him. He constantly challenges one's notion of what a play can do. ...But the fascination of his work lies in watching progress from a drama of manipulative cleverness to one that is inhabited by real breathing suffering human beings." His plays are like a puzzle. Piercing dialogue. Try him...he's fun.

(Dorine) but aren't they 2 divisions of Disney vs. Dimension being a part of Miramax? No, they're "Miramax" to Disney. And do they want to get rid of Bob, too? They'd want to rid themselves of both brothers. Is he a big of a pain as Harvey is? LOL! Read the book. Sounds like they're equally insane and barely evolved from lower life forms. ;-) But they have to find someone to work with with large pursestrings. In most industries, guys like this would have noncompete clauses in their contracts but it doesn't appear commonplace in the movie industry. Studio bigwigs leave all the time and set up new companies. Harv and Bob would broker their own deals...unless someone offered them a Universal or similar to run.

When his triology "Coast of Utopia " comes, I'll be first in line And try very hard to stay awake when you get to see it. ;-) I slept through the first and passed on the others. My son thought it was something he should see so got tickets for all three plays. At the end of the third play, he and his friends decided that they had just lost several hours of their lives and one of his friends has a double first in english from Cambridge so if he could not understand it what hope the rest of us! I am a huge Stoppard fan generally but this was turgid. Or perhaps none of us is as clever as Stoppard ;-) I would recommend Jumpers BTW.

Someone sent me this from The Daily Mail SCARLETT WOMAN WITH BEDTIME BLUES by METRO 08:11am 18th June 2004 Hollywood It Girl Scarlett Johansson has an axe to grind - she no longer wants to film love scenes with wrinkly old men. The 19-year-old says she is fed up with being paired off with actors old enough to be her father. Since being catapulted on to Tinseltown's A-list, Johansson has starred alongside Bill Murray, 53, in Lost In Translation, with 43-year-old Colin Firth in Girl With A Pearl Earring and with Billy Bob Thornton, 48, in The Man Who Wasn't There. She said: "I usually have love scenes with older men and, yeah, it would be nice to try it with a younger guy." Johansson won a best actress Bafta for her role as a lovelorn young wife in Lost In Translation. But friends claim her mother Melanie and her managers keep securing her roles with actors past their sell-by dates. "They have been pushing her into larger roles traditionally played by more mature actors," said a source. "They see her as a leading lady." ~~~~~~~~~`` Psst..hey, Scarlett, your mom and manager knew how to pick the good films. You would have been stuck in Teen Queen movies otherwise.

(Allison)I am a huge Stoppard fan generally but this was turgid. LOL. I never go to see a Stoppard play w/o doing pre-show reading. He's like Shakespeare ...one has to know the basic storyline or else they're snoozers. Looks like I'll have to work extra hard on this one too. Thanks for the tip. ...Or perhaps none of us is as clever as Stoppard ;-) Well, that applies to me, for sure!

The 19-year-old says she is fed up with being paired off with actors old enough to be her father. Poor Cillian Murphy gets ignored. And he's the one she actually had any kind of real kiss or sexual interaction with. I'd bet my bottom dollar *she* isn't including about Colin for any reason no matter how old he is. She never looked too upset over him. ;-) The others I can see. Though I see she wasn't too upset about that IRL while she's hanging out with Benecio Del Toro in an elevator. ;-) (Karen) You would have been stuck in Teen Queen movies otherwise. Yes, she got such wide notice and acclaim for the 2 or 3 projects similar to that she did. Thanks for the Stoppard info and opinions.

(Karen) You would have been stuck in Teen Queen movies otherwise. That was Evelyn. ;-) I had ignored that news item as being the usual regurgitated stuff.

Note that *she* didn't say anything wrong. It's the Daily Mail that used the term "fed up," "axe to grind" and "wrinkly old men." All she said was yeah, I'd like to star with someone near my age. But these "quotes" will undoubtedly be repeated ad nauseum as if they were her own. Mighty fine journalism.:-( It's a wonder any of them speak to the press at all. Anyone else see The Terminal? I enjoyed it, a completely charming film. Tom Hanks is fantastic; he takes a character who could have come off as caricature in lesser hands, and breathes utterly believable life into him. Worth your 2 hours.

But friends claim her mother Melanie and her managers keep securing her roles with actors past their sell-by dates. Maybe she is right...who can forget those wonderful films she did with 'men' her own age....Eight Legged Freaks, The Perfect Score.... ;-) Did really like Ghost World though...and Scarlett must have felt very lucky not to have had the older love interest in that film...Thora got that plum part opposite Steve Buscemi (both were excellent in their roles). Scarlett just got a cafe job and an apartment (okay, and a few good lines too)....very memorable ;-) Anyway, I think she should continue to listen to her mum and managers advice.... LOL...at sell-by dates....Mari's probably right....that'll get repeated....with quotes next time, I'm sure. She may not be able to shag (or something) men in elevators if that goes around too much (who am I kidding...there will always be someone for her to shag in a lift).

I wasn't sure Kevin could pull it off, but this is a fantastic likeness, IMO.

(Tress)LOL...at sell-by dates....Mari's probably right....that'll get repeated....with quotes next time, I'm sure. LOL! Given he's past the *sell-by* perhaps we can get him at a bargain! A girl can hope!

Hey! Just a note. Risa and the DH gave me a zone free DVD player! She ordered from the place that Karen has posted (many thanks!)and it works great and easy hook-up. No sweat going from one range to another. Claims to play all manner of stuff. VCDs, CD-R etc. As soon as I can get myself away from my new GWAPE DVD I'll try some out! And that lovely DH gave me a gift certificate to Amazon-UK;-))

(Mari) Note that *she* didn't say anything wrong. It's the Daily Mail that used the term "fed up," "axe to grind" and "wrinkly old men." All she said was yeah, I'd like to star with someone near my age. In fact I did notice that and thought about making the same comment that the paper used those terms, but just didn't bother. But she *did* say "I usually have love scenes with older men and, yeah, it would be nice to try it with a younger guy." Technically, I don't recall actual love scenes with any of the men mentioned (though if she did with Billy Bob, I've forgotten any of it besides her playing the piano in that).....and she had her most extensive one with Cillian Murphy, such as it was. I guess the one in Lost in Translation was a chaste love scene...the talking in bed. *Great* scene though. And frankly I don't know that I wouldn't put it past her to say those things herself. Wasn't too impressed over her comments about what happened in that elevator with BDT. Tacky to talk about it publicly and say it that manner. And she did say that. Was publicly insulting to BDT. While she impresses me a great deal in many ways, sometimes I think she tries to hard to be hip or something with her new found popularity. Thanks for the Terminal opinion. Haven't read or heard more than fair to decent comments about it. Have heard it's ok, but nothing special. Which reminds me, I saw a new film with Kim Basinger and Jeff Bridges called The Door in the Floor. Think it's out in July sometime. It's a renter, though very good performances from Jeff Bridges and the teenager who plays his assistant (forgot his name). Kim had excellent work done....her face is *flawless* and she looks around 35. I have to say Jeff Bridges has *the* best hair in Hollywood. ;-) Had a Q&A with John Irving who's book (only the first 183 pages actually) the movie was adapted from. Director/writer there, too. Said not much of note. The little kid was played by Dakota Fanning's (I am Sam, Man on Fire, Cat in the Hat) sister. I found she and her character a bit irritating at times. A belated Happy Birthday, Beedee!! Awesome present. Enjoy! I just hooked my new one up last night to watch my Region 2 GWAPE. It's fantastic! Think Lyin's Gate will be getting another letter from me telling them what a stupid move it is to sell such a bare bones version and to take some lessons from Pathe...though I'm sure they don't care. They've probably done well enough selling the Region 1. I have to say the quality of the transfer is *unbelievable.* I presume all versions are the same in that respect. Could someone who's seen the Region 2 version email me, please? There seems to be a slight problem in the extras and am just curious if it's mine. I don't want to have to send it all the way back to Amazon UK. Everytime I glance at that pic Mari posted, I think it's Kevin Kline playing Cole Porter in DeLovely. Been seeing commercials for it, so guess that's why that sticks in my mind. Looking forward to the Bobby Darin one.

(Tress)Maybe she is right...who can forget those wonderful films she did with 'men' her own age Yeah, and just which men/pffff, boys her own age was she on the red carpet with last fall? ...and to the Daily Mail, I'll take that 43-year old wrinkly Colin Firth right here, right now. Bring him on;-) Lucky, Bee!

(Dorine) While she impresses me a great deal in many ways, sometimes I think she tries to hard to be hip or something with her new found popularity. LOL....she is a bit "mid-eighties-Madonna-esque" in some of the things she does (like the Viper Room gig). I don't know if she is trying to appear older (but wanting to kiss boys her age) or if she just likes the attention/reaction she gets. *sniff*sniff* Little Griet is all grown up... ;-)

(Tress), Scarlett must have felt very lucky not to have had the older love interest in that film...Thora got that plum part opposite Steve Buscemi My thoughts exactly! LOL! DeLovely is the one I want I to see. Thanks for headsup on The Terminal, Mari! I too got my zone-free DVD player and my GWAPE DVD but I have to wait for DH to go out before I can play it. :-( He has 0 CF tolerance.

RE: The code-free DVD players.... I ordered one that was 'VCR friendly' in addition to being code-free. It hooked up easily and works beautifully. I've played everything: Regions 1 & 2, + RW, and -RW. All play fine and transfer to VHS readily. Thanks for the tip, boss. BTW - I loved the region 2 GWAPE DVD. The extras were well worth having as I thought they added a great deal to the story. I repeat that I think it was a mistake not include at least some of them in the final cut.

Just started watching the ITAS 10th Anniversary special and I didn't realize James Lipton was the Barbara Walters of cable. Didn't know so many people cried or had to hold back crying.

(Dorine) Didn't know so many people cried or had to hold back crying. Now there was a segment they could've omitted. Did I need to see all those people breaking down? No. I would've rather seen more bad dance numbers. ;-) ~~~~~~~~ Noticed this comment at AICN by a regular submitter (Mr Beaks): There�s so much more coming (reviews of FARENHEIT 9/11, THE LIFE AQUATIC, SPIDER-MAN 2 and the astoundingly awful KING ARTHUR) that my liver fails at the thought of all the whiskey I�ll drain to get it all written up.

and the astoundingly awful KING ARTHUR) To think what that film could have been in our hands. ;-) But what do you expect when Hollywood changes the story. :-(

A little gift for Evelyn... ;-)))) Moore Aims to Oust Bush With 'Op-Ed' Film By The Associated Press FLINT, Michigan - Michael Moore's new movie "Fahrenheit 9/11" has raised temperatures in Republican circles � and that's intentional. "I would like to see Mr. Bush removed from the White House," the filmmaker told the host of ABC News' "This Week with George Stephanopoulos." "It's an op-ed piece. It's my opinion about the last four years of the Bush administration," Moore said Sunday. "I'm not trying to pretend that this is some sort of, you know, fair and balanced work of journalism." Moore's film charges that the Bush administration acted ineptly before the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, then played on the public's fear to gain support for the war against Iraq. The Bush administration denies the allegations. Moore bristled at the notion he is being unpatriotic. "Everything I do, and this film in particular, says that I love this country," he said. "Every day of my life, everything I do is about trying to make this a better country and trying to give voice to those people out there who don't have a voice."

Moore Film Title Angers Author Bradbury By PAUL CHAVEZ, Associated Press Writer LOS ANGELES - Ray Bradbury is demanding an apology from filmmaker Michael Moore for lifting the title from his classic science-fiction novel "Fahrenheit 451" without permission and wants the new documentary "Fahrenheit 9/11" to be renamed. "He didn't ask my permission," Bradbury, 83, told The Associated Press on Friday. "That's not his novel, that's not his title, so he shouldn't have done it." The 1953 novel, widely considered Bradbury's masterpiece, portrays an ugly futuristic society in which firemen burn homes and libraries in order to destroy the books inside and keep people from thinking independently. "Fahrenheit 451" takes its title from the temperature at which books burn. Moore has called "Fahrenheit 9/11" the "temperature at which freedom burns." [yadda yadda stuff] Bradbury, who hadn't seen the movie, said he called Moore's company six months ago to protest and was promised Moore would call back. He finally got that call last Saturday, Bradbury said, adding Moore told him he was "embarrassed." "He suddenly realized he's let too much time go by," the author said by phone from his home in Los Angeles' Cheviot Hills section. Joanne Doroshow, a spokeswoman for "Fahrenheit 9/11," said the film's makers have "the utmost respect for Ray Bradbury." "Mr. Bradbury's work has been an inspiration to all of us involved in this film, but when you watch this film you will see the fact that the title reflects the facts that the movie explores, the very real life events before, around and after 9-11," she said. Bradbury, who is a registered political independent, said he would rather avoid litigation and is "hoping to settle this as two gentlemen, if he'll shake hands with me and give me back my book and title." [...] Bradbury's book was made into a 1966 movie directed by Francois Truffaut. A new edition of the book is scheduled for release in eight weeks, Bradbury said, and plans are in the works for a new film version, to be directed by Frank Darabont. [Ed note: Oh goodie! Another remake of a classic. Must be the reason why they're so concerned over the title.]

(Mari)I wasn't sure Kevin could pull it off, but this is a fantastic likeness, IMO. Wow thanks. Funny but ever since I heard that KS was doing this I I've search his face when coming across his photo and wonder how they were gonna make it work, getting him to look young enough. They seem to have done it. (Linda)and to the Daily Mail, I'll take that 43-year old wrinkly Colin Firth right here, right now. Bring him on;-) Ditto ditto! (Leslie)I repeat that I think it was a mistake not include at least some of them in the final cut Right! Risa and I were incredulous.

Let's move the GWAPE Reg 2 DVD discussion to Firthology...

That was fast;-))

(Karen)A little gift for Evelyn... ;-)))) You *are* kind;-) Always thinking of me;-)) What a pal!!:-)))) ROTF I've been watching The Grand Messiah Michael Moore all weekend on the tube. Dateline's Matt Lauer (no lover of the Prez)didn't take kindly to him. Nor did Katie this morning All I can say is, had we had MM before WW2 , they'd be speaking German all across Europe. But he is entertaining.

Re: code free DVD players. Did anyone order the $99 special, and if so how is it? Or did you all go for the upgrade and what does that provide that's extra? Thanks!

Doesn't sound all that different. I'd call and talk to the guys. Sounds like it's just a mnatter of paying for the manufacturer's name, that's all.

"Go with the proven", I say. I followed the crowd who said the $149 one "worked".

Hand on heart, Evelyn, I swear I hadn't read this one...besides, it was only published on Friday. http://www.suntimes.com/output/entertainment/cst-ftr-moore18.html

Was it yesterday?? Or is it today? I can never remember my own anniversary so ya can't expect me to remember theirs! But anyway, Happy Anni, Colin and Livia!

Sadly, when I see a documentary on PBS...Frontline or Nova, I naively thought it was unbiased. Shows how easily we are manipulated.

Tress - You're a true die hard fan;) To Colin & Livia - May you have many many more years of happiness and joy together. Happy Anniversary!

Here's the response I got from Nick on the difference in DVD players: *************** It is primarily brand name. The JVC is a slightly better finished product, meaning the menus are a little easier to use, and then picture is slightly better, the components within the player are also a bit better. I'm not saying that the International is not a good machine, it is definetly better than it's competition such as Daewoo or JWIN, however the JVC is a little better than that. If you are using it overseas go with the International as it is 110-240 volts, otherwise you can go with either one. ****************

Kevin Kline is on Charlie Rose tonight. Yes today they celebrate 7 years. The seven year itch. ;-) Congrats to sophie for France passing the first round of the EU cup. And, England. I fear Italy will be out tomorrow. But, keeping fingers crossed.

(Mari) Re: code free DVD players. Did anyone order the $99 special, and if so how is it? Or did you all go for the upgrade and what does that provide that's extra? Thanks! (Karen)Doesn't sound all that different. I'd call and talk to the guys. Sounds like it's just a mnatter of paying for the manufacturer's name, that's all I started my conversation with that model and wanted to add the gadget to make it VCR firendly. Mike advised me that the name brand player was a far better quality player and that if I bought it outfitted internally as VCR friendly that it would wind up actually costing less. Who knows, though? VCR's have gotten so cheap that my 'home electronics guy' has gotten to call them 'disposables'. The only exemption he makes is for dubbing - says that's the only time it pays to have a quality player.

Ah, thanks for the photos, Tress. Happy 7th to the Firths. (Tress)Was it yesterday?? Or is it today? Today!

Hi Mari, Tried to send an email. It came back. Could you send me one and I'll get back to you.

A special June wedding cake with pearls and roses for ODB and his very lucky DW! Happy Anniversary to Colin and Livia! Just a bizarre bit of info: Traditional 7th wedding anniversary gifts contain wool or copper. If you prefer to give contemporary 7th anniversary presents, consider desk sets. (Oooh, exciting and romantic!)

Why the Europeans love Michael Moore: From the International Edition of NEWSWEEK " "The French used to think the average American guy was [wacky comedian] Jerry Lewis," says Gilles Delafon. "Now they think he's Michael Moore. " http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5251867/site/newsweek/

Clive Owen is on the cover of two UK Magazines this month - Film Review and Empire, so I guess all the press is not about Keira - Though she has been most visible on the TV ads. I hope this is a half way decent film. I have been following it from the beginning. Have extra's reports on my forum. But with Bruckheimer, you never know, and I haven't seen any of Fuqua's action films. However, it has a great cast. Fingers are crossed. Covers Here: http://www.murphsplace.com/owen/arthur/mag-covers.html Will put this at the Clive Owen section in case I am in the wrong here, but I am interested in discussion on the film.

(Murph)Clive Owen is on the cover of two UK Magazines this month Gorgeous! Love the hair.

Murph, I'm looking forward to King Arthur. I love those big historical epics, and Messrs. Owen and Gruffudd are looking mighty fine.:-) Keira was on Jay Leno last night promoting it; she looked ridiculous. Bangs completely covering her eyes, hideous dress cut down to there on a chest like a boy's. Meeeow.:-) Bring on the two guys--enough of her! I've seen Fuqua's Training Day and Tears of the Sun, and liked them both, for what it's worth.

Reminder: the second season of Nip/Tuck starts tonight, 10 PM Eastern, on F/X. This is *don't miss* TV--smart writing, good acting, and lots of sex.;-)So if you missed it last season, now is the time to jump onboard. In some clever casting, Vanessa Redgrave joins for 3 episodes, playing Julia's mother (Julia is her real life daughter, of course, Joely Richardson).

Thanks for the reminder Mari! Love Nip/Tuck...a show that both the DH and I enjoy watching (those are rare).

Is this Leslie's birthday...or are we jumping the gun?

Hey Leslie, I got that gig with Kevin Bacon thanks to SNL. Little did you and your friends know that it was an audition you were attending. You girls brought me luck and I will never forget it. So thank you from my heart and A Very Happy Birthday to You! See you at the TEOR premiere.

I saw Keira on Leno and agree with everything you said, Mari. Plus, she came off as an idiot. The film is not even ready!!! Last minute editing does not bode well. :-(

Last minute editing does not bode well. :-( Same thing with Gangs of NY and Troy. *Cannot* wait for Nip/Tuck! If I had the spare change, would've splurged for Season 1 on DVD already. Wonder if the psychologist is still there. Haven't seen her on any promos. Sorry I missed KK on Leno. *cough, cough*

Mari and all - there is an excellent Ioan G site with updated info: http://www.ioanonline.com/

There she is!! Leslie, honey, take a bow, it's your birthday! Now say, Happy Birthday to her, Colin! Happy Birthday, Leslie!

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS FROM ACROSS THE POND Hope your special day is even happier than someone at a screening of EOR! Have fun Leslie.

Just thinking of a way to wish lovely Leslie a wonderfully Happy Birthday! My coat's not too red is it? Leslie, thank you for finding all the info on SLY...I was just too tired to find it last night;-)

Leslie! Happy Birthday! You were there when it all got started!! Colin practicing at his lounge act for his upcoming project... Working with his dialect coach to get the accent just right! You must have some good iggy and now it has paid off! Hope you have an out of this world day!

I have these birthday presents and popcorn here for Leslie. I hope she likes the chest hair I'm exposing for her. Now to sign her card. "To Leslie, Happy Birthday to a lovely Metro Gal. Please come see me again in November, darling. Love Colin."

I�ve just returned from a trip to my local Borders to pick up my copy of WTTL and found all these lovely salutations waiting for me. I�m not sure if the better gift was the wonderful news I woke up to this morning about ODB�s next project or all these clever greetings you�ve worked so hard to come up with. Aaah, Evelyn, Peter in RV. That wonderful campy performance is one of my faves. And Moon�we all knew that night had a special magic and sensed it would serve as a catalyst for many good things to come. Karen � Yes, Yes! That was the moment of truth - we knew then that we�d officially made contact. A feeling I will never forget. Lizza � It�s be pretty hard to beat being at a screening of EOR but this comes pretty close. Oh Ada � how wonderful of you to post my beautiful keep. My very first as a drooleur, you know. Tress- Do you think he can borrow that ruffled shirt from the SNL wardrobe room for WTTL? It�s a ringer for the outfits I expect we�ll see. But let�s just hope he comes up with a better voice coach - although there will never be another one funnier than Seth. And Kevin Bacon?? What news that ODB is co-starring with another actor that �I hold in such high esteem�? Thank you, thank you, thank you for such great birthday wishes. I assure you I will savor them for far longer than I do my tails this evening. And thank you for making this such a wonderful, welcoming place to hang my hat!

Hey Mari-- Chest Hair, black leather 'thingie', faded jeans, and a signed birthday greeting?? GAH! Who needs a premiere for thrills when you have all that?

You....up there in the balcony... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LESLIE

Just began "Bergdorf Blondes" by Plum Sykes(where, oh where, is Peach?) A fun and light read-highly recommend for the summer!

Ahem . . to my dearest Metro Gal Must practice my crooning, you see for SLY . . . great detective work on figuring out my next project . .couldn't hide a thing from you;) Shall I sing to you my darling? Here�s a little Dean Martin diddy for you . . All I do is dream of you the whole night through Where the dawn I still go on dreaming of you You're every thought you're everything you're every song I ever sing Summer, winter, autumn and spring And where them all and 24 hours a day Let be spent in sweet content dreaming away When skies are gray when skies are blue Morning, noon and nighttime too All I do the whole day through is dream of you And where them all and 24 hours a day Let be spent in sweet content dreaming away When skies are gray when skies are blue Morning, noon and nighttime too All I do the whole day through is dream of you Happy B�day Leslie!!!