Sorry to be late for my own birthdayparty. I was away in the country - not as beautiful as in Yorkshire, but it was great anyway. Karen - you would know to give me that special rose. Thank you so much :-) Lizza, Odile and Eithne - thank you for your birthday wishes! Bee - thank you for posting my all time favorite picture. I can just imagine myself sitting opposite him, drinking some of your lovely champagne :-) Evelyn - I've been spending some time with Peter lately, as RV is being shown here on a regular basis. I'm very flattered he chose me over the fleet :-) Tress - bringing Paul (and his Arsenal-shorts) is such a great gift. Actually heard Alanis Morisette on the radio on my birthday. Must be droolvibes crossing the Atlantic :-) Kimberley - ODB in b&w and a lovely cake. Thank you :-) Barb - I love both the pun and the roses :-) Leslie - I'm sure I could fit right in with him in that comfy chair. Nice place to rest after a long day. Shoshana - I'm impressed!! Greetings in Danish. Very nice as are the gifts :-) Our weather was very good, despite of the weatherforecast. Nice with a little sunshine for a change :-) Linda - I just knew, you would bring HD to the party. No one has quite been able to take his place, have they ? :-) Thank you very much :-) Moon - Yes, Jon and Peter are back home, as am I :-). At least this way, you and I didn't have to be rivals at the finals :-))) Ada - would like nothing more than to play in the paddling pool. I'll start the water first thing in the morning :-) Thank you droolers, for this lovely party. I know I should have been here at the day of my birthday, but unfortunately I was without any internet-access during my vacation. It was great to come "home" and get all the greetings. Thank you!!!

Happy 4th to everyone who celebrates!!

Have a happy day however you celebrate

From the review in the NY Times for De-Lovely: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "...And two of Porter's closest friends, Gerald and Sara Murphy, the ur-Jazz Age couple, hang around in the background. They're so vapid that when one of their children dies, you have to strain your memory to figure out the reason for Porter's grief." -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is unfortunate, since the real life Murphys (no relation) were vivid and the real muses behind many of Fitzgerald's books - They were characters in "Tender Is The Night," and Porter depended on their friendship. For a wonderful book on the Murphys and their ultimately tragic life, borrow or buy "Everybody Was So Young," by Amanda Vaill

They're so vapid that when one of their children dies, you have to strain your memory to figure out the reason for Porter's grief." I suspect the reviewer has an attention deficit disorder. Don't believe everything you read. The child's illness (polio, see I remembered!) and death are not glossed over. In fact, they're the reason Cole attempts to have a child with Linda. the ur-Jazz Age couple Huh? They're very much the Jazz Age couple, as you brought up the Scotty and Zelda connection. They are in the movie all through it, beginning to end. I don't know what the reviewer wants. Giving them more time would take away from the central story of Cole and Linda and Cole and the others.

From Clive Owen topic: (MaryMurph)Mads Mikkelsen is a big star in Denmark (Karen)Have you checked with Annette Finally something to contribute to this forum :-) Yes - Mads Mikkelse is a big star here and has been for the last couple of years. He is very popular and is a household name, perhaps mostly for his part in "Rejseholdet" (Unit?), the show that won an Emmy a few years back.

Over the past two weeks we were apprised of a few changes in ODB�s upcoming projects. First, Universal announced that along with the elimination of Miramax, it would be releasing TEOR on a worldwide basis on November 19th. Then we learned that the American lead in SLY, Vince, will be played by ODB, a British actor. Furthermore, the character�s name has been changed to Rex who seemingly now originates from Britain. I never thought much of these two facts, nor did I think them connected until I read an article in yesterday�s NYTimes business section. A long, but interesting read about the film industry�s efforts to globalize the appeal as well as release schedules of films in order to assure box office success. I now wonder if this shift in marketing strategies factored into the changes we�ve seen in ODB�s current projects. Any thoughts?? http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/05/business/media/05world.html International Actors a Passport to Profitability By LAURA M. HOLSON Published: July 5, 2004 OS ANGELES, July 3 - When "King Arthur," Hollywood's big-budget retelling of the legend opens on Wednesday, its main stars will not be American. Keira Knightley and Clive Owen, famous in their native Britain, play Guinevere and Arthur and share the Round Table with Til Schweiger, a popular German celebrity and television star who plays the knight Cynric. Walt Disney Studios, which produced the film, plans to open the movie in 53 territories, mostly in the weeks soon after its American debut. Given the price tag for "King Arthur" of nearly $120 million, Richard W. Cook, the chairman of the studio, said having stars who are popular abroad was more important than ever. "If we thought it would only reach a domestic audience, we wouldn't have made it," Mr. Cook said. As Hollywood stakes more of its success on selling films abroad, filling starring roles with international celebrities is becoming more common. "Around the World in 80 Days," which opened recently in a limited number of countries, is a United Nations of actors, including stars like Jackie Chan from Hong Kong and Steve Coogan from England, as well as cameos by the German film director Wim Wenders and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who plays a Turkish prince. The movie has failed to ignite with moviegoers here, making it even more critical for the movie's investors to recoup their investment abroad. "Hiring international talent is a movie-making law," said Stephen Moore, president of international film and home entertainment for Twentieth Century Fox. "It makes a great difference to us and certainly helps our ability to promote a movie." As recently as two years ago, international ticket sales were around 40 percent of the worldwide box office, studio executives say. Today, international sales more often account for 60 percent or more of box-office receipts. And as production budgets soar - some as high as $200 million - and the number of big-budget movies rises, the pressure on worldwide sales is growing. In "Troy," Brad Pitt, whose movies have rarely earned more than $100 million at the domestic box office, was cast as Achilles largely because of his international appeal, studio executives at Warner Brothers Pictures said. He starred alongside Eric Bana, who plays the sympathetic Hector and is well known in his native Australia; the British actor Orlando Bloom, one of the latest heartthrobs for teenagers, played Paris. Consider, too, last December's "The Last Samurai." That movie brought in $111 million at the domestic box office, which was disappointing given its $140 million production budget. Then, many in Hollywood predicted the movie would lose money. Instead the movie exceeded expectations in Japan, bringing in $127 million. That raised the worldwide total to $455 million, which the studio says, after adding in pay-television rights and DVD rentals and sales, made the movie profitable. Jeff Robinov, president of production at Warner Brothers, which is owned by Time Warner Inc., said the Japanese actor Ken Watanabe was hired for the film because he was widely recognized in Japan and would attract moviegoers there. "Clearly, the market responded," Mr. Robinov said. But the changes in casting seem also to reflect an underlying shift in global attitudes toward American popular culture. In the 1980's and early 1990's, movies that sold well abroad starred distinctly American heroes, like Sylvester Stallone of the "Rambo" series and Bruce Willis in the "Die Hard" movies. Foreign stars were relegated to small parts, most often the villain who dies at the end. And American action films were popular because of little dialogue, lots of special effects and easy-to-follow plots. Many in Hollywood think that tastes shifted after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and the subsequent invasion of Iraq. "Anything with a U.S. bent won't get made," said Bill Mechanic, who worked at both Disney and Fox. Added the producer Graham King, who bought the overseas rights to "Gangs of New York" for $65 million: "Since 9/11 there has been a definite change and the genres have opened up." Two of those genres are the family film and the old-style epic, both blissfully free of modern politics. China, for instance, where the government imposes strict standards on foreign imports, is interested in movies which are apolitical, family driven and not particularly violent, Mr. King said. This summer's imports don't disappoint, including the latest "Harry Potter" movie and the sequels to "Spider-Man" and "Shrek." Studio executives say that movies are also being released far more quickly overseas, chiefly out of fear that pirated copies of movies will be selling on street corners before the movies hit theaters and because of the increasingly saturated market for entertainment news fueled by the Internet. "Information is traveling faster and the international audience is now more aware of event films in the United States," said Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, president of international distribution for Warner Brothers. Some industry analysts suggest that Warner Brothers released the second and third installment of "The Matrix" worldwide in part to circumvent bad publicity about the films and earn as much money as possible in the film's opening weekends. (Warner executives deny this.) But studios have taken such an approach before. In 1997, Sony Pictures Entertainment released "Devil's Own" starring Brad Pitt and Harrison Ford, but the studio feared it would tank after it received poor reviews. Sony, a division of the Sony Corporation, decided on a worldwide release, according to Jeff Blake, a vice chairman at Sony, who said the studio was betting on foreign audiences' interest in the two stars, not the plot. The strategy worked; the movie earned $43 million in the United States and $100 million internationally. "We went quickly out of necessity," Mr. Blake said. "It outperformed internationally and helped dig us out of a hole." Studios, too, are expanding overseas to take advantage of the worldwide audience. In fact, Twentieth Century Fox plans to open a distribution office in Russia in six months, according to Peter Chernin, the president of the News Corporation, which owns the studio. The box office for movies in Russia, for example, is expected to hit $400 million by 2007, double what it was in 2003, according to Dodona Research, a film research company based in London. Last year, Warner Brothers International Cinemas opened a nine-screen multiplex theater in Shanghai. And in January, it entered into an agreement with the Dalian Wanda Group, one of China's largest commercial real-estate developers, for cinemas to be built in China over the next few years. But not everyone agrees that global releases are a path to quick profits. "It's gotten ridiculous," said Rolf Mittweg, an executive at New Line Cinema, which released the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. Mr. Mittweg prefers a more staggered approach, which means picking the best dates, as each territory has its own peculiarities. In particular, he pointed to the opening of the global-warming disaster film "The Day After Tomorrow" in 110 territories. "Most people open in 58 markets. They are boasting. It's not healthy for the business. These movies are killing each other off. Unless you have a film that can stand on its own, a real event, it is better to pick the best dates." Mr. Moore of Fox said the studio chose to open in as many territories as possible (excluding Japan and Korea) because the studio did not perceive it as a New York movie even though that was where much of the action took place. "We see it as a global movie," he said. "We added a number of iconic shots around the world like the Eiffel Tower, Tokyo." Still, he added, "It is a challenge." So many studios are taking advantage of a quick release that the oh-so-important blockbuster first weekend has become as vital abroad as it is here. And, as in the United States, some movies in international markets are experiencing a drop in attendance after that first weekend, a disquieting trend in the view of some executives. "Every week there is another blockbuster and movies are getting pushed off the screen quickly," said Rick Sands, chief operating officer of Miramax Films. Andrew Cripps, president of United International Pictures, which distributes movies internationally for Paramount Pictures, Universal Pictures and DreamWorks SKG, said the May debut of "Van Helsing," released by Universal Pictures, brought in $62 million in 40 territories outside the United States its first weekend. By its second weekend, box-office sales dropped to $30 million. "It's far more common, certainly now, as movies abroad seem to be mirroring the United States," Mr. Cripps said.

(Leslie) Furthermore, the character�s name has been changed to Rex who seemingly now originates from Britain. Strictly my own supposition. Nothing factual to base this on. A long, but interesting read about the film industry�s efforts to globalize the appeal as well as release schedules of films in order to assure box office success. I now wonder if this shift in marketing strategies factored into the changes we�ve seen in ODB�s current projects. Any thoughts?? No, I don't think they're connected nor did I think this trend was anything terribly new. It actually started way back when with the big "disaster" films, where the casts were usually an international hodgepodge. Personally, I think the international actors, who can do American accents, get the parts because they're more versatile and believable. There are very few American actors who have been able to keep their celebrity image from taking over. No offense to anyone, but I don't think the numbers for The Last Samurai in Japan had anything to do with Ken Wantanabe's draw. The people went to see Tom Cruise first and a movie about their country. Any Japanese actor would've done, even if he were Japanese-American IMO.

Well, at least we don't have to worry about the US distribution of TEOR getting messed up in this shuffle. NY Post Page Six..... July 6, 2004 -- MIRAMAX chief Harvey Weinstein is likely to bolt from the highly successful movie studio he founded as early as this week, PAGE SIX has learned. Weinstein has been negotiating an exit from the Disney-owned studio for months as relations with Disney chief Michael Eisner steadily deteriorated, sources told The Post's Tim Arango. The matter could be resolved as early as tomorrow. Weinstein's departure would mark another serious blow to Disney, and he would join a long list of talented execs alienated by Eisner over the years. Under the plan being considered, Weinstein would leave to start his own movie company and Miramax would distribute his films, sources say. Harvey's brother and Miramax co-founder Bob Weinstein is expected to stay at the company, where he runs Dimension Films, a Miramax division that focuses on medium-budget action and horror films. Another possible outcome is for the Weinsteins to buy the entire Miramax studio back, although Eisner has been telling associates he doubts the brothers would be able to raise the money. However, Hollywood and Wall Street have been salivating for months over the prospect of Harvey Weinstein walking away from Miramax, and he'll have no shortage of deep-pocketed moguls lining up to support him, say sources. As PAGE SIX previously reported, one scenario being discussed is for Weinstein and Pixar Animation Studios chief Steve Jobs to team up and make a run for MGM, the studio that is on the block for about $5 billion. Weinstein is also close to investment banker Steve Rattner, and many in the media industry have speculated that he may take a role in backing Weinstein. A Weinstein departure from Miramax is likely to put further pressure on Eisner, who has come under scalding criticism from shareholders this year � in part for alienating creative partners such as Miramax and Pixar. Earlier this year, Jobs walked away from a lucrative movie deal with Disney, and it is understood that he is unwilling to do business again with Disney until Eisner is gone. In his negotiations with Disney, Weinstein has been represented by famed Hollywood attorney Bert Fields and powerhouse lawyer David Boies.

(Dorine) Well, at least we don't have to worry about the US distribution of TEOR getting messed up in this shuffle. Huh? Universal took over worldwide distribution months ago. Weinstein's departure would mark another serious blow to Disney, and he would join a long list of talented execs alienated by Eisner over the years. Oh, like Harvey had nothing to do with it. ;-) But I always thought he'd take over as head of a major studio. Guess no other corporation wants to deal with him either. ;-)

I misremembered. Thought it was domestic that just changed. Nevermind.

True, it was domestic that changed because that was all Miramax had. Didn't I post another article about how Universal was happy to get back several projects that they'd split distribution on because Miramax had controlled the talent they wanted for several projects? Not a biggie.

Nip/Tuck recent episode on reconstucting femal circumcision: Christian argues with Sean as to who will do the micro-surgery. Christian's clincher? "If I build it, she will come."

"If I build it, she will come." Ewwwwwwwwww! You're not kidding? They really said that on TV? I'm shocked (and feeling more like my mother every day).

Yes, it was a great line. (Dorine and Mari have not gotten me watching the show, though I do tend to leave the room when they operate.)

Controversial Vermeer sold at auction for 16 million pounds LONDON (AFP) - A painting by Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer only authenticated at the end of last year went under the hammer at auction for over 16 million pounds (24 million euros, 30 million dollars), Sotheby's auction house said. The painting entitled "Young Woman Seated at the Virginals" which dates back to about five years before Vermeer's death in 1675 measures only 25 centimetres (10 inches) by 20 (eight). The sale figure far exceeded the reserve price of three million pounds when it went under the hammer at Sotheby's in central London. It is the first painting by Vermeer to be put up for auction in more than 80 years and is the only accepted work by the Dutch artist currently in private hands. A spokeswoman for Sotheby's said it was sold to an anonymous buyer for 16,245,600 pounds, including buyer's premium. There are just 35 other paintings around the world attributed to Vermeer, making auctions of his work an extremely rare event. The painting depicts a young woman playing music, with her face turned towards the viewer. Until last year, experts were divided about the significance of the work -- which had lost its Vermeer attribution after a forgery scandal in the 1940s. After more than 10 years of extensive research by a team of leading scholars, it has finally taken its place alongside Vermeer's other paintings. The old master has proved immensely popular with the public in recent years. A major exhibition in London sold out almost as soon as it opened and the film based on a Vermeer painting, "Girl with a Pearl Earring", starring Colin Firth and Scarlett Johansson, was a world-wide hit.

(Deb)They really said that on TV? I'm shocked You're shocked? Do not, I say do not, under any circumstances tune in to basic cable.

LOL, Louise! For a moment there I thought you said: Do not, I say do not, under any circumcisions tune in to basic cable.

(Moon)For a moment there I thought you said: Do not, I say do not, under any circumcisions tune in to basic cable. LOL! How about: Under no circumstances tune your TV to cable circumcisions!

Has anyone across the pond seen this one? Breathing life into Pompeii July 8, 2004 Pompeii is a hard-to-classify blend of period drama, science lesson and special-effects showcase. Name actors such as Tim PigottSmith (Remains of the Day), Jonathan Firth (Victoria and Albert, and brother of Colin), Jim Carter (The Madness of King George III) and Rebecca Clark (Silent Witness) portray witnesses to the Pompeii catastrophe, based on written records and skeletons found at the partially excavated site. The rest is here: http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/07/07/1089000210989.html?oneclick=true I visited Pompeii a few years ago and, for me, it was truly an amazing experience. I'm happy to see that it will air in the US, too.

OMG, it would take and armyful of Knights Who Say Ni! to keep me away from this.... http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=801&e=1&u=/nm/20040708/stage_nm/leisure_montypython_dc

OMG, it would take and armyful of Knights Who Say Ni! to keep me away from this.... Sounds like a lot of fun. Pompeii is a hard-to-classify blend of period drama, science lesson and special-effects showcase I think I've seen it. Though at the time, it didn't seem like a period drama, more like a 'Discovery kind of thing'. But well... I suppose that is what they mean with science lesson. I just found it very funny, with all the English accents ;)

(Dorine)OMG, it would take and armyful of Knights Who Say Ni! to keep me away from this.... Wow, what a cast. Almost doesn't matter if the play's a flop. Would love to see these three actors playing off one another.

(Dorine)OMG, it would take and armyful of Knights Who Say Ni! to keep me away from this.... Did I tell you I went to the auditions for that . .came so close didn't get in . .but to see what some people were coming up with . .especially the men . .one guy, came to audition in drag . .v. v. bad wig and dress . .so Monty Python apppropriate and hilarious!! Rumor had it they want to put Spamalot in the theater opposite Camelot when it finally opens;)

Had fingers crossed we'd get the preview... The show is scheduled to have a world premiere engagement in Chicago from Dec. 21, 2004, to Jan. 16, 2005, before beginning Broadway previews on Feb. 7. OK, I'll be there!

Thought you might. (Kimberley), Rumor had it they want to put Spamalot in the theater opposite Camelot when it finally opens;) That would make it all the more worthwhile. ;-)

� Oh Jeez!! I forgot Lisa�s birthday�..� �I�ll get there first you SOB!!� �Now that the wanker�s out of the picture, what do you say we settle down to a nice birthday toast?� �Can you ever forgive me, Lisa dear?� (Thanks, firthissimo)

The Hollywood Reporter reports that "Fever Pitch" is heating up as Drew Barrymore is set and Jimmy Fallon is in negotiations to topline the Fox 2000 project based on Nick Hornby's book. The Farrelly brothers are in talks to direct, and if a deal can be made for the comedy duo, they will helm "Fever" first and then immediately segue to "The Three Stooges" for Warner Bros. Pictures. Hornby's book -- described by some as an autobiography and a soccer bible rolled into one -- centers on the British author's obsession with soccer, specifically the team Arsenal.

Here is the full article: Barrymore, Fallon hot with 'Fever' By Chris Gardner and Liza Foreman "Fever Pitch" is heating up as Drew Barrymore is set and Jimmy Fallon is in negotiations to topline the Fox 2000 project based on Nick Hornby's book. The Farrelly brothers are in talks to direct, and if a deal can be made for the comedy duo, they will helm "Fever" first and then immediately segue to "The Three Stooges" for Warner Bros. Pictures. Hornby's book--described by some as an autobiography and a soccer bible rolled into one--centers on the British author's obsession with soccer, specifically the team Arsenal. The comedy writing team of Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel adapted "Fever" and Americanized it, with the project now focused on baseball. The story line will see Fallon ("Saturday Night Live") star as a man obsessed with the Boston Red Sox and the woman (Barrymore) caught in the middle. Gil Netter and Flower Films toppers Barrymore and Nancy Juvonen are producing "Fever Pitch." Also producing alongside them are Alan Greenspan, Amanda Posey and Bradley Thomas. At the studio, the project is being overseen by Maria Faillace for Fox 2000 topper Elizabeth Gabler. Barrymore is repped by Endeavor and attorney Steve Warren. She most recently starred opposite another "Saturday Night Live" alum, Adam Sandler, in "50 First Dates" for Columbia Pictures. Fallon is repped by CAA and Management 360. "Fever Pitch" would mark the second straight project for Fox following its recent teaming with Queen Latifah on "Taxi" for helmer Tim Story. The Farrellys are repped by CAA.

I didn't forget Lisa's birthday;-)...I've just been stuck in this rowboat and couldn't get out... I hope someone took lots of pics.... Lisa, I went to get your name tattooed... But the idiot slipped and I've been recovering from the pain;-D! Hope you had a happy day!

From watching all the off-camera mugging at SNL it seemed that Jimmy Fallon and ODB actually had a pretty good rapport. I wonder if the two will confer on JF's reprise of Colin's role in the American FP?

I can't really imagine that.

MD: What was that??? MD: It was Lisa�s birthday, you say? And I missed it!!!! MD: Crikey . .can�t believe I did that. . . MD: Where is the b�day girl??? MD: There she is! Come on Bridge . .time to pop open the Chardonnay, break out the salmon pinwheels and crank up the karaoke machine! Let's get the party started! B: Karaoke, right . . Happy Belated B�day Lisa!!!!

Lisa couldn't be here for her birthday because she was with me. Isn't that right, Lisa? We sure had a great time.

From AICN: Columbia Pictures, Ecosse Films and Mission Pictures are developing BECOMING JANE, a biographical feature about Jane Austen. Penned by Kevin Hood, the film is described as a biographical portrait of the British writer at around age 20, before she became famous, and involves a love theme with Austen falling for a young Irish lawyer. HAPPY Birthday to anyone I missed...

Wot? I missed Lisa's birthday? Sorry, Lisa. I was stuck at this really boring dinner party where this woman just wanted to hold my hand. I've made my escape I'm on my way. Better late than never!

(sorry, it isn't new, but it does bear reposting.)

Karen, you did remember in time (was still my birthday). :-) Am delighted to continue the celebration today, as long as it doesn�t add yet another candle to the cake. (Which has reached the fire-hazard level, I�m sorry to say!) Leslie, am so glad that Mark can outrun that wanker Daniel Cleaver! Those scrummy long legs seem to come in handy. ;-)(I'll get to that in a minute.) Mmmm, a glass of Chardonnay with Mark makes me forget my own name! All is forgiven. ;-) Ada, fair Mistress of the Keeps, I�d forgotten I had the camera obscura! (From Ikea no less. ;-)) And as for the tattoo, would very much like to kiss it and make it better. Kimberly, am so glad Mark and Bridget could make it. And wot a lovely cake! Mmmmm. Thanks! Moon, the truth�s out-�I finally got to match my long legs (36� inseam) to his. :-) But tell me, how did you find out what we were up to? I thought Mark was more discreet than that! :-) Linda, don�t tell Mark Darcy, but I actually spent the evening after dinner with Edward. Woof! Woofwoofwoofwoofwoof! All that moss�. Mary, on behalf of one of the birthday gals, I thank you. Thanks ladies!

Wow...turn your back for two seconds...and Lisa goes and has a birthday! Guess I spent too much time getting ready...making those important decisions that can make or break a good party But I finally made it here (Mark was thoughtful enough to bring flowers for the Birthday Girl)...and I think those granny pants may be working their magic!

Hi all! Lisa here and I'm having a wonderful time at my birthday party. Here I am last night at my pre-birthday gathering. Just a few close friends, you know. But I am still waiting for, at least, one person to drop in... I believe someone is whisking up a cake for me. v.g.

(Lisa), Moon, the truth�s out-�I finally got to match my long legs (36� inseam) to his. :-) But tell me, how did you find out what we were up to? I thought Mark was more discreet than that! :-) LOL! Well... he likes you Lisa but he also likes me. ;-) Good picture of HF, Karen. She looks very thin there.

That's Lisa, silly girl. ;-)

Dearest Lisa Better late than never, right (just an old phrase to make me feel better, sorry). From one bird-lover to another, here�s a little something from Denmark: And no birthday without roses: and a kiss: ps - just read your new story. V.v. good :-))))) Happy Birthday!!

Ah, Karen, I never tire of hearing ODB say my name. (And I have the sound files to prove it.) And just think�Vince will be saying your name soon. ;-) Terry, so glad Mark and Bridge were able to pop in again. And how lovely that Mark brought flowers. Scary pants aren�t necessary�we like to be comfy here. ;-) Karen, how did you obtain those pics of me?:-) Ah, the magic of cyberspace where I can be as thin as I want and hang out with my Brit-lit buds. ;-) Dear Annette, how lovely: birds, flowers, and a lovely MD/BJ kiss. Thank you. (Moon) LOL! Well... he likes you Lisa but he also likes me. ;-) Okay, we�ll have to share him, but not at the same time�.and definitely not at Disneyland! ;-) Thanks for the continuation of the celebration�what fun!

Lisa, ever have one of those weeks where you just want to strangle some kitchen tools? I hope not. It can both ruin birthdays and cause frizzy hair. (Not to mention totally screwing up a person's sense of humor into a disconnected mishmash of captures with bizarre captions.) But the thing is, um, what I'm trying to say, very inarticulately, is that, um, in fact, perhaps despite appearances, and belatedness, I want to wish you Happy Birthday. I'm so sorry I'm so late. Gah. Sorry. Would another AFG picture make up for my total lack of logic? ;-)

First things first! I baked this cake yesterday and must deliver it while it's fresh! And look who I ran in to looking very irate at my tardy appearance! Lisa.... Can you hear me? Are you there Lisa? You are the dearest and loveliest and I hope that you had a lovely birthday! You make me look sooooo good

Oh pooh bear! DH stayed up wayyyy tooo late tonight;-)

?

if this doesn't work what will I do?

Wot's happening in here?!! LOL, Bee!! _______________________________________________ Oh crikey!! I missed Lisa's birthday?! Well, I tried to write a birthday story for you, but I've had a hard time collecting my thoughts. So I'll just say ..... Hope you had fun, Lisa!!

Hope you had the most wonderful day Lisa. We certainly did, lots of lovely pics and goodies ;-) But can't help wondering if that cake suffered from an attack of Vermeer's dandruff.... linseed smelling of course:-))

It seems the world went a little crazy in here late last night.

Shoshana, oh, I love it when Vermeer gets all worked up! And that last pic with his hands on the camera obscura. *sigh* And cake, too! Merci! Darling Bee, another cake (just call me Countess Chocula. ;-)) and FD to boot. And his descendant, Mark Darcy! Can�t have enough of those haughty Darcy gents looking aloof and snooty at a party. Mmmmm. Why it�s enough to make one forget to close all of those HTML tags, LOL! (I�m sure I�ll do it next.;-)) Jamie really needs to get a laptop, Dorine. ;-) I�ll volunteer! (Sorry, couldn�t resist.) And I get all tingly whenever Mark Darcy says �crikey.� Mmmmm. Lizza, thanks for your birthday wishes. It was a wonderful day. Thanks again all. Drool birthdays are the best!

*with clenched teeth* Sorry, I'm late.... H

(cont'd) Happy Birthday, Lisa....

Aw, thanks, Ev. I love that darling Joe. (And am not even a succubus.;-))

Going back to the old news posted on Friday about the announced cast for Fever Pitch. Doesn't Drew Barrymore remind you of Ruth Gemmell? She does for me.

I am shocked, incredibly shocked. De-Lovely is only playing on 24 screens? Can you imagine this kind of treatment for a Moulin Rouge? No wonder none of you guys has seen it. :-( From Variety: Arthouse biz 'De-Lovely' Sun Jul 11, 4:21 PM ET Even with numerous films crowding the megaplexes, there were several bright spots in the specialty market over the weekend, especially among the holdovers. "Fahrenheit 9/11" has a firm grip on numerous arthouse screens and "Spider-Man 2" is luring a broad aud into megaplexes, leaving some specialty distribs to worry that the summer's crop of niche pics could get lost in the shuffle. But even in the summer crunch, specialty pics seem to be finding their auds. The Cole Porter biopic "De-Lovely" from MGM grossed $355,000 from 24 screens in its second week, a very strong average of $14,808 per screen. Cume on the musical now stands at $864,000, with expansions planned in coming weeks. Warner Independent Pictures' Richard Linklater-helmed "Before Sunset" grossed $510,000 from 63 screens, an average of $8,100, after expanding by 43 screens for the frame. "Our holdovers were down only 18% from the holiday weekend," said Warner Independent's distrib chief Steven Friedlander. "We're expanding another 50 or 75 runs the next week." Fox Searchlight's more aggressive expansion of Robert Redford thriller "The Clearing" to 261 screens brought in $1.2 million for the weekend, an average of $4,559 per screen, pushing cume to $2 million. Distrib has also seen "Napoleon Dynamite" perform well in its five weeks of release. The quirky comedy played on 141 screens this past weekend and is prepping for its widest point of release on July 23. For the frame, it grossed $530,000, a $3,759 average. The weekend also saw two documentaries open well. IFC debuted "Metallica. Some Kind of Monster," which grossed $49,453 from three screens in Gotham and San Francisco, posting some kind of screen average of $16,484. Sony Pictures Classics introduced surf doc "Riding Giants" on 26 screens and took in $142,468, or an average of $5,480.

(Karen) I am shocked, incredibly shocked. De-Lovely is only playing on 24 screens? Shocked? TIME called it:"It's De-Pressing", another ,"De-Lousy". Yours was the only good review I read. Still, I'll see it...I guess, now, on DVD.

(Evelyn) Yours was the only good review I read. That's right, you don't stay up for Ebert & Doper. They both loved it. The movie is playing in three theaters in my area. The reason you haven't read much is because local reviewers don't publish reviews until it comes to their towns. Apparently, it is only in a few of the major cities, like NY, Chicago, Boston, Washington, Philly, Seattle, and LA. You can tell by looking at the Tomato site, in the cream of the crop column, where there are only newspaper reviews from those place. The rest are national press or media outlets, plus the couple internet reviews that are deemed serious (Harvey and JamesB). I ignore all the other bozos.

(Evelyn), TIME called it:"It's De-Pressing", another ,"De-Lousy". They'll probably give Metallica a rave. ;-)

Hmmm, I was hoping to see De-Lovely this week, and then saw this weekend in the paper that it hadn't opened. Now I know why. :-(

Philly Inquirer liked De-lovely, too. Am hoping to see it this wek. I bolded a quote I loved: Cole Porter still haunts, delights in life and song Carrie Rickey Philadelphia Inquirer Published: Friday, July 2, 2004 When Night and Day, the 1946 movie biography of Cole Porter, was released, William Bowers, one of the troika responsible for its hackneyed screenplay, apologized profusely to Porter for pasting movie platitudes onto the composer's complex songs. Night and Day is so howlingly bad that it enjoys the dubious distinction of being the worst biopic ever made. For most of the film, Cary Grant, who plays Porter, looks off-camera with such desperation that you'd think he was hunting for an emergency exit. Though Kevin Kline also does not resemble the squat, boyish Porter one whit, the lean, world-weary actor cuts a swellegant (as Porter might have said) figure in De-Lovely. This intelligent, postmodern biography from director Irwin Winkler and screenwriter Jay Cocks uses Porter's songs, by turns haunting and hilarious, to decode and reconstruct a life hinted at in the familiar words and music. "Raising an heir / could never compare / with raising a bit of hell," runs the introduction to "Where Is the Life That Late I Led?" from Porter's musical masterpiece, Kiss Me Kate. These lyrics might have been his personal motto. Although married for 35 years to the lovely Linda Lee, Porter led a bifurcated life: He professed love for Linda (played by the incomparably lovely Ashley Judd) and acted upon his lust for whichever duke or chorus boy caught his fancy - and legions of them did. De-Lovely is matter-of-fact about Porter's liaisons, which is the most groundbreaking thing about it. Stylistically, the film never bursts over the top in the way Moulin Rouge does. Winkler goes more for the down-in-the-dumps-on-the-41st-floor Depression Modern irony, both in decor and mood, that Porter so carefully cultivated in his public life. Cocks structures the story as a musical revue that an impresario named Gabe (Jonathan Pryce) stages so the dying Porter can relive key moments of his life. To attract that sector of the movie audience born after Porter died (in 1964), Winkler has pop artists such as Elvis Costello and Natalie Cole sing such Porter songs as "Let's Misbehave" and "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye." Cinematically, this has mixed results, for it's the rare singer who is, like Cole, as mesmerizing before a movie camera as she is before a microphone. Musically, though, the film is a banquet for such diverse talents as jazz thrush Diana Krall and Brit popster Robbie Williams. With his reedy voice and genial generalissimo personality, Kline is magnificent as Porter, the Midwestern nobody who became a glittering cosmopolitan somebody with homes in Paris, New York and Hollywood. Porter's life was the stuff of fiction; indeed, had he not existed, F. Scott Fitzgerald would have created him. As the film shows, the composer lived large long before he made a living at his art. Kline is an extravagantly resourceful actor who has done three-dimensional work in any number of one-dimensional scenarios. Here he exults in variously playing Porter the socialite, the artist, the doting husband, and the queen bee of the Hollywood hive. Kline is better served by the screenplay than is Judd's Linda. She floats into Porter's life on wings of chiffon, but even though the helpmate accepts that her gentleman prefers gentlemen, after a while she looks as if she wants to strangle him with her rope of pearls. The film glosses over the give-and-take of their marriage, one in which Linda was the rock and Porter the butterfly. It is more interested in showing how Porter, who couldn't be open about his homosexuality because of the mores of the time, sublimated this conflict into some of the wittiest lyrics and most enchanting music of his day. Winkler is fascinated with mortality, as well as work as a metaphor of life. His last film was Life as a House, starring Kline as a dying architect who reconnects with estranged family members by building a domicile. With De-Lovely, Winkler gives us an artist at his iridescent twilight, one who inspired the world through song but was not always able to connect to the one who loved him most. Like a Porter song, De-Lovely has melancholy, wit and style to burn.

For most of the film, Cary Grant, who plays Porter, looks off-camera with such desperation that you'd think he was hunting for an emergency exit. LOL! But I couldn't take my eyes off the screen because of Cary. Don't see anything the matter with it. ;-)

A Special Hello to One of My Biggest Fans!!

ROTF....*gag*, *gag*...you are cruel;-)))) Ari will never be replaced;-)

LOL! Don't tell me he went to UCLA?

Have I gotten rid of the little font?

Don't worry Evelyn. I'm here to rescue you on your birthday from the likes of MM. To take your cares away and make you think of nothing but me. So put on your sari, because we are going to Bollywood Baby! Nice choice! I'm ready! Happy Birthday, Evelyn!

Evelyn, I thought today was your birthday and so I cannot be stopped from making my way to you so I can wish you the happiest of birthdays. One way to have a happy birthday is feel light on your feet... ...or simply have a lie down with me! Evelyn, may all your wishes come true!

Don't blame me! I didn't mention anything in my posting about it being your birthday. ;-)))))))))))))))

Evelyn! I did not know it was your birthday today . . . . I couldn�t post this pic. .but go to this link . . http://colinfirth.casa-feliz.net/images/details.php?image_id=48 You know Armand was wishing it was you in his arms instead . . . And just another trinket for you . . . May you have a wonderful birthday!

Happy Birthday Evelyn!!! hope it's a great one! :-)

�Aaaah�sweet dreams of Evelyn on her birthday��.� Good �ol Joe Prince - you know he�ll always be there for you! Happy Birthday, Evelyn! (thanks, firthissimo)

Hey HAPPY BIRTHDAY Know it will be special ;-))

closing, darn it!

Ooops. Even Mike Binder can make Colin bolder than that! Hope Rafe will be dropping by later!

What's with all these leftover little fonts? Fixing now.

Not quite fixed apparently

Got it!

Notice, I'm not saying what this is or who it is for... Please, I don't want to get involved. ;-)

Evelyn, darlin', if that blowhard Moore can come to your party, then so can I. Now, what's Ari wavin' his arms around for? A man can't even have 7 minutes peace to think about what birthday present to buy? Evelyn, I hope you'll have heart-healthy snacks at your party . . . Evelyn, when I said to invite the Bushmen to your party, this is *not* what I meant.

Hey Good Buddy! I just put down my briefing materials to wish you Moore of the same

Dearest, loveliest Evelyn, in the interest of equal time, I've invited a few others to your party. Evelyn, I want you to know that I voted *for* your birthday party, before I voted against it. Better let me handle this: Happy Birthday, Evelyn! And don't you be flushin' no Johns come November, ya heah?

Crikey, it's Evelyn's Birthday! Two dozen roses, please, and this card.... I hope I'm not too late.... To wish you a very Happy Birthday! (from one Cancerian to another!)

Please, I don't want to get involved. ;-) Yeah, sure...what a difference a year makes...last year I had Ari...this year, whatshisface!!LOL. And what's with that delapidated sponge cake left over from Passover!! (Thank you all. I took myself off the B'day list, hoping that if it wasn't celebrated on Drool, it wouldn't happen:-) Moon, Colin and I both like a good curry meal;next time, I'll wow him in that sari. Kimberly, the Lalique camelia is gorgeous..so like my darling Armand. And your cake beautiful. Not like....(Oh, never mind;-) Thank you Esbee and Lizza, my ole buddies, for your kind wishes. Of course, Joe Prince , with or w/o the baseball cap, is my hero. Thanks Leslie.

Keeping it simple after my last overly exuberant effort� This one�s from me Evelyn! And now from The Man Himself! I want to wish you a very happy birthday and to tell you that I am proud that you have been such a wonderful and steadfast fan and that you are proud of me! Hey, me too!

Hey...what a party... Mari, Karen,...at least you invited my friends...er, I mean some of them. "Bushmen", LOL And don't you be flushin' no Johns come November, ya heah? ROTF: Ya' learning the Republican line well, LOL. Lisa, as you said:"We Cancerians are sentimental and irreverent"! Thatsa' me! And my favorite barrister toasting me makes my day.

Come quick! We're already late for Evelyn's Birthday party! Do you think we should get her the Bollocks Brothers or something equally obscure? Look! Up there! Isn't that Evelyn hanging from the chandelier?? Surely not!Looks like she got started without us....oh well, we'll just have to catch up! special thanks to amandabynesnow.com

Evelyn, for your birthday how about a little quiz? What do these three things have in common?

I had to use force to get Ari here

With this year full of precipitous projects for ODB, I figured you must've run out of candles by now. So here's a new supply.... And knowing that candles are burned here to ward off projects, as well as encourage certain ones, I got you these should you blow through the first set waiting for Toyer and you need something in a pinch should Nanny McPhee 2 come down the pike. Happy Birthday, Evelyn! I am hoping to bring a guest later, though he may arrive before me. ;-)

Wrong!!...my Ari would always come to my rescue. (where did you get that ghastly get-up!);-) Thank you Bee Dee with your signature cake..and good wishes. Tress....Lord Dashwood in his blue shirt is always a welcomed guest. Linda..... Ah yes...the ole night table;-) Drats.Somehow McPhooey sneaked in ! ROTF. Mr. Brown looks almost as bad as MM;) Thank you all.

(Dorine)Happy Birthday, Evelyn! I am hoping to bring a guest later, though he may arrive before me. ;-) I know, I know....it's my friends from FOX;-) I knew *you* wouldn't forget!!;-))))) Candles will be stored for Toyer . Which currently lives in the garage. "Just in cases...";-) Thank you.

Evelyn, I guess candles are a hit as gift this year too. So � here�s one, that has your name. Must be a good omen: And � no birthday without a rose: delivered to you by: Armand has already arrived at your party, so I asked Earnest Happy Birthday, Evelyn