And one more... this is Muddy Holly and Peggy Moo:

How long have you been collecting these bossy specimens? No Bossy Tweed??? *lol* they are so funny!!!

Marcia, they are on display all over Chicago. There are more than 200 of them and they've become a huge tourist attraction. Go see the one I put at 98.

How big are they??? I think they are very clever for a town whose existance is due to the stockyards.

About as large as a real one would be. I'll find a pic of one with people standing around for a little perspective. I think they're just here until the end of September or October and then they'll be auctioned off for charity. Companies and organizations sponsored them.

This Sunday, there was a picture of Hugh Grant in a brightly colored shirt standing next to one of the cows on the front of the paper's arts section. He was in town a couple of weeks ago doing promotion for Mickey Blue Eyes. Evidently, he thought the pattern on the cow and his shirt matched and he wanted a pic for Elizabeth Hurley, who he said bought the shirt for him. They did go rather nicely together. ;-D

Trib posted the pic and the interview of Hugh and the cow entitled "Dottie Moo" Here's a link to the article: http://www.metromix.com/h_article/0,1156,303,00.html

Thanks Karen..... Can't wait to see them. Hey gang... FYI...Tineke and I are meeting up with Karen in Chicago end of Sept. Tineke will be on a US trip and will visit Laura in Boston previously.

Evelyn, Karen and Tineke... have fun! :-) Karen, these cow pics are great, I've been loving them. The cow and bull... sorry, cow and boy are a hoot! ;-)

I forgot to post one last night. Will go looking for another later. Saw one you might like, Gi. Not Portuguese, but close. ;-D

Cows with an Iberian inspiration: First, Guernsica And Toreador's Song

Since Murph has unveiled her new English Patient pages, I thought Moo-Glyph would be appropriate tonight. Maybe Mary will want to use this?? I doubt it ;-D

LOL, Karen...the one I like is "Rhinestone Cowgirl". It's me...I keep telling ya':-)

You'd nevah dress like that! ;-D

(evelyn)the one I like is "Rhinestone Cowgirl". It's me...I keep telling ya':-) (Karen)You'd nevah dress like that! ;-D No, but I wish I had the nerve!!

That's a real purty one. Would like to see if there are rhinestones set into the gold part in the front as it kind of looks in the picture. Need to go back and look up her address.

Karen, perhaps we could round up all these cows and offer them in exchange for Colin...like in African tribes. If Livia won't sell, perhaps she at least will lend him for his party! :-)

Karen, how about the Cubs today. Sammt Sosa 8 homeruns in his last 7 games.

You'll have to give Sammy his own drool topic?

Thought this was pretty funny. From the NY Daily News (Saturday, August 21, 1999) Blah Witch Project Good morning, ladies and gentleman. Our special guest today is the title character in a movie that has become the phenom of the summer. Yes! It's the actual Blair Witch of "The Blair Witch Project," a film that was made on a total budget of $221.53 and that grossed $177 billion last weekend alone! Welcome, Ms. Witch. Witch: BOO! Did I scare you? KZ: No. Witch: Then I just saved you $8.75 or whatever they're charging for tickets now. BOO! is a lot scarier than anything in the movie. KZ: You mean you didn't like it? Witch: I haven't seen anything this bad since "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians," and at least that was in focus. KZ: Have you heard about Blair Witch Sickness? Apparently, some moviegoers are throwing up because the jumpy camera technique nauseates them. Witch: I suspect it's more than just the camera technique. KZ: Then why is "The Blair Witch Project" so popular? Witch: Hype. The lemming mentality. The inability of American youth to make rational judgments independent of their peers. The fact that a lot of American youths are as obnoxious as Heather, so they relate. Plus, the eternal truth of P.T. Barnum: "There's a sucker born every minute." KZ: But "The Blair Witch Project" has been described as a watershed moment in film history. It is unique in that, unlike other examples of the genre, its horror depends not on gory special effects, but on the audience's imagination. Witch: It depends on the audience's high gullibility and low IQs. KZ: You do realize the movie was a hit at this year's Sundance Film Festival? Witch: Oh, well, then, what do we mere mortals � so to speak � know? KZ: Let me quote you a review from there: "This is bone-chilling, soul-stirring, cardiac-arrest-styled terror, made all the scarier by its exacting authenticity." That authenticity is what has some moviegoers actually believing the story is true. Witch: Exacting authenticity? (Witch collapses in helpless laughter and is shocked back to sensibility when someone shines a flashlight in her eyes.) Look, you got these three kids wandering around in the woods, shooting film � which they continue to do no matter what the circumstances. It's like, "I've just awakened screaming in the middle of the night, and must flee from some demonic terror, but being a third-year film student and totally dedicated to my craft, I will first get the camera and lights and sound ready so I can record our possible deaths." Gimme a break. KZ: Anything else? Witch: What's the first thing you learn about hiking in the woods? If you ever get lost, find a stream and follow it. These three have a perfectly nice stream right there, but do they follow it? No. They just keep walking around in circles. Gives new meaning to "survival of the fittest." KZ: What about the way you yourself were depicted? Witch: That's the worst part. The filmmakers would have you believe that I've got nothing better to do with my time than mope around the forest and hang stick figures from trees. I have a nice little business going. I sell those figures on eBay. You think I'm going to give them away for free? KZ: But you must admit the film has made you famous. Witch: How would you like your name attached to something that makes "Bride of Chucky" look like Oscar material? I was the laughingstock at the last coven. Besides, I'm not getting any royalties. KZ: Anything else you would like to say to our audience? Witch: Yeah. This way to the egress.

Blah Witch Project, huh? Too funny. I admit I'm intrigued by the movie (my DH is put off by reports of nausea but young sis says it's a "must see"). I might just wait 'til it comes to cable. Funny cows, Karen! I esp. like the pic of Hugh and Devine (oops, Dotty). So this is what they do to pass the time in Chicago these days? Heck, in NYC we had a magician buried alive in plexiglass! Heehee

Witch: Hype. The lemming mentality. The inability of American youth to make rational judgments independent of their peers. The fact that a lot of American youths are as obnoxious as Heather, so they relate. Plus, the eternal truth of P.T. Barnum: "There's a sucker born every minute." The sad reality to an otherwise v. funny piece. As for the camera work, been to film school, it is the been there/done that film, only no one thought it would sell before because the youth was a notch above in intelligence and much more indepedent.

Adi went to a baseball game in Chicago, paid a lot of money for the tickets...but when it started to rain, they cancelled the game....she wants to know..."what are baseball players made out of...sugar???" LOL. Now's there's a thought.....they play football in rain, snow, sleet etc...How about football in UK? Do they cancel for rain??

Might have something to do with the ball. A baseball can give someone a concussion or worse. Don't think the same happens with a football (US or other). Also, would you like to be holding a wooden bat during a thunderstorm? ;-D

.How about football in UK? Do they cancel for rain?? No. But cricket...that is another story......they cancel for rain, bad light and they stop for tea.

they play football in rain, snow, sleet etc... Having sat through many of these weather conditions, I often wonder at the logic (I've such fond memories of sitting in a torrential downpour on my 40th birthday watching the Jets beat the Ravens--it was as though someone turned on a garden hose over the stadium). Games have been stopped for thunderstorms, though. and they stop for tea. Hee hee!

....they cancel for rain, bad light and they stop for tea Now, that's being civilized.

....they cancel for rain, bad light and they stop for tea Now, that's being civilized I love it too!

It is just like Cricket...they break for tea, lunch and drinks (whatever they are). BTW, this is the first time I have telnetted a post in Drool...so I am guessing that you are discussing filming. Sorry if my comment was untoward.

I think we need a topic for "Sex in the City"...I want to scream "nooooooooo" :(

sorry....May I join you? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm lost :-(

Gi, it's a cable television show in the US and I think it's now being shown in Britain. The main character, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, just broke up with her boyfriend, played by Chris Noth. And he was making such progress... :(

I love Sex in the City. I have a friend tape it for me since I dont' get HBO anymore but I haven't seen last week's episode yet. They broke up again? Mr. Big is way too good for Carrie. The woman works much better as a single.

Back to my cows... walked by this one the other day. She's a beaut. Looks just like Marilyn. Maybe this belongs on Geo, Marcia. ;-D

And for the arty crowd, one more tonight... Odalisque (Reclining Nude)

Love them, Karen! Did you take those pictures in Moo York?

Oh no, the city and a newspaper have sites devoted to them here in Chi-cow-go. If you go back a couple of weeks I started to post a number of them. There's one in honor of your contribution to 3DOR on 98. ;-D

And don't forget my fave:" Rhinestone Cowgirl". Hope I get to meet her in person when I'm there next month.

I think I *shall* go back and collect them :-)

Moon, when you get caught up pl. give us a report of The Real Thing aft. with Tineke and your sighting of Colin's look-a-like at the Luna Nuova.( A relation perhaps?

It�s great to hear that you will be meeting Tineke soon. She is very sweet and also quite shy. She loves to talk about Fan Fic and we had such a riot with a CF look-a-like at the Luna Nuova. �Could it be?� �Nah� �Well maybe�look at the profile�nah�he�s heavier� �But, maybe, let�s ask the waiter to find out.� Waiter was much to busy but in the end he said he did not think so and he knows who CF is. (Colin has probably eaten there many times while rehearsing for 3DOR). I was expecting Tineke to look like the picture she posted of herself hanging of a canyon in Lisbon, longish brown hair�but she now has short light hair. She said I looked very Italian with my long dark hair, just as she thought I would. We found a cyber cafe, it was actually a gambling place with slot machines, video games and pool tables�we were the only girls there!!! And, we sent our greetings. I enjoyed TRT very much. The actors were all wonderful and I was very impressed with Stephen Dillain (sp?), which I had seen in the film Firelight(I recommend renting it). It will be interesting to see what happens at the Oliviers this year. Let�s not forget that Peter O�Toole is getting rave reviews in his play too. I�m not sure if TRT is a better play than 3DOR. I do get tired of people whining for no real reason and I felt that JE character did quite a bit of it. She looks great and I still think she would make a great Bridget.

I loved the line when JE greeted Charlotte in the play, it brought back P&P memories. :-D

Thanks Moon....I though SD was terrific too. (Moon) Let�s not forget that Peter O�Toole is getting rave reviews in his play too. Giving Peter O'Toole another Olivier is like cheering for Microsoft. The guy's an icon in the British Theatre:-) *** Funny story about the Luna- Nuova -Colin.I guess all the Donmar actors eat there.Beats KFC....but not by much.

Try the vegetarian pizza next time you go. They have a wood burning oven. :-)

I've enjoyed your cows, Karen. Did you see the spread in People Magazine, August 30, 1999? The one with Julia Roberts and Richard Gere on the cover.

(Karen) Sex and the City is a cable television show in the US and I think it's now being shown in Britain. The main character, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, just broke up with her boyfriend, played by Chris Noth. And he was making such progress... :( Sorry to be a day late and a dollar short, but I couldn't let this go buy without adding my own NOOOOO!!! I was really enjoying the gradual unbending of Mr. Big (Chris Noth) and he was my favorite character. An example, SJP: "What do you want from this relationship?" Mr. Big "Why don't we just save an hour and you can tell me what I want." Too funny. I should have known you guys would like this show. It's a bit on the raunchy side, but the writing is so witty it kills me. It's becoming the new "water cooler" show since everyone at work is gradually admitting they watch it and discussions abound on Monday mornings.

I only watched one show in its first season, but I've sort of been watching its new season. The SJP-CN relationship is what I've really enjoyed so far. Going off to Paris! HA! Another Mark Darcy. But then again, I don't know anything about their relationship before other than she was dumped. Oh well, rumor has it that there will be a string of new loves played by celebrities like Jon Bon Jovi. :-( A bit on the raunchy side?! hee hee

FYI, could be why many of the big adaptations are being done by ITV and not BBC these days: BBC1 seeks �100m for top drama Janine Gibson, Media Correspondent Monday August 30, 1999 The Guardian BBC1 needs a cash injection of �100m if it is to combat its falling ratings and fulfil its aim of reaching the hearts and minds of viewers, controller Peter Salmon said yesterday. In an effort to counteract criticism that the channel has been lowering its standards, Mr Salmon revealed at the Guardian Edinburgh International Television Festival that he would ask BBC new director-general Greg Dyke for a large increase in the channel's �585m budget to fund ambitious plans to broadcast quality drama every Sunday night. He said that BBC1, which is currently under a review led by BBC director of television Alan Yentob, needed to produce more "resonant" comedy and quality drama, adding: "We've got to fight for a bit more cash. BBC1 is stretched at the moment." Emphasising the BBC's aim to take the high ground and make the flagship channel distinctive from its commercial rivals, he said: "I want BBC1 to remain popular but I wouldn't sacrifice its essential values to make it more popular. BBC1 is still about educating." The channel was criticised earlier this year by the corporation's board of governors in an annual review which said too many programmes on the channel, including its dramas, resembled ITV formats. Governors also bemoaned the lack of sitcom hits of the stature of Only Fools and Horses or One Foot in the Grave. Mr Salmon emphasised the importance of both genres to the success of the channel. His plan is to make sure that every Sunday night, at 9pm, he can air a "top class" drama. "There have been parts of the [last] year where I've felt the drama has been pretty thin. And comedy is always expensive and dangerous," he said. BBC1, attracts a 28% share of the viewing audience. It fell beneath what is perceived as the crucial 30% barrier for the first time last year. But Mr Salmon, who has been controller for 17 months, issued a plea not to be judged by BBC1's ratings. He said: "I think the most important thing for BBC1 is to touch the hearts and minds of as many viewers as possible. Audience share is just one of the factors. The most important thing is that BBC1 offers range. "Viewers must feel their views and interests are reflected fully in the schedule." Interviewed by the Radio 4 Today programme host John Humphrys, Mr Salmon said that the key measure for BBC1 is that 90% of the British viewing public watch BBC1 at some stage every week. Mr Humphrys responded: "Aren't you redefining the measures by which we assess BBC1?" But Mr Salmon argued that ratings are "only one flavour in the stew of how you judge a channel". "The cynical pursuit of ratings on BBC1 is dangerous," he continued. "It's important that licence fee payers feel they're getting value for money." He would not, he added, broadcast ITV's hit gameshow Who Wants To Be A Millionaire on BBC1, saying the series would be inappropriate for the channel. "It's not a price worth paying for ratings," he said. Other BBC programme-making departments such as news and sport operate using their own budgets, but drama and comedy have to be funded by commissions from the channel controllers. Mr Salmon admitted that drama had suffered from too many factual programmes in the heyday of the docu-soap, saying "the mix of fiction to factual on BBC1 could be better". But he pointed out that drama costs considerably more than a documentary series. A flagship documentary would have a budget of around �150,000 per hour, while a costume drama such as last year's Vanity Fair costs about �1m an hour. Mr Salmon said: "A �585m budget seems like a lot of money but it's not a lot in drama terms. And drama and comedy are the things that distinguish BBC1."

Thanks Karen, interesting article... ...BBC1, attracts a 28% share of the viewing audience. I'm impressed with the British viewing public....if this channel aired in the US, I bet they wouldn't get 5%. Masterpiece Theatre gets a paltry percentage of PBS viewers. Sadly, however, according to the article the British viewer's taste is also changing.They even have Jerry Springer now ! A sign of the times...everyone is dumbing down.

From Variety: Miramax Films is negotiating with Rachael Leigh Cook to play the lead role in �Northanger Abbey,� an Andrew Davies-penned adaptation of the Jane Austen novel. Austen�s first novel is about the sexual awakening of a young woman with a passion for Gothic fiction. The film�s a coproduction between Miramax, Granada Films and London Weekend Television, and it will become the second film in a two-pic deal Miramax signed with the actress after she toplined �She�s All That� with Freddie Prinze Jr. Cook is currently starring for the studio in �Never Better,� a black comedy about the tress biz also starring Alan Rickman and Josh Hartnett; and she�s recently finished the teen western �Texas Rangers� for Dimension. Austen adaptations �Sense and Sensibility� helped launch Kate Winslet, and �Emma� was a starmaking vehicle for Gwyneth Paltrow.

Well, i'm off to Washington State for a week, and shall be laptopless this trip. :( I look forward to all the exciting plans for ODB's party that should be in place when i return :) BTW- if were going to play 'pin the tail on Colin' i call 1st in line ;) EsBee

(EsBee) BTW- if we're going to play 'pin the tail on Colin' i call 1st in line ;) Am thinking that the game would be far more pleasurable if the roles were reversed! ;-o Have a nice weekend, EsBee. Maybe AnnW will have more news when you return. Dry spell, Ann? Did you burn out your search engines? Or are they in for their 2 million mile tuneup? ;-D Moon, I have prepared all the best food from Chicago for the party and have picked up one itsy bitsy present. When does the Marcia global express take off?

Karen, I miss Marcia too. I hope she hurries back to us here. :-D And do not forget to book the best Chicago Blues Band in town. Maybe we can Collin to sing a few tunes. ;-) Have fun EsBee. BTW, the pool temp. is 90 degrees. Perfect for nighttime dipping.

Oh dear!! Now I need to book entertainment. OK, will work on that.

I thought we were going to do all this on #110. Or is it preparations on #72 and the actual party on #110?

Exactly! Party on #110 and prep here. Our party coordinator has thus decreed. ;-D

Adi says" hello " to everybody....will join in the Firthday Festivities. I have been keeping her up on plans(?).Has her tickets for 3 DOR in January. Still visiting the US.

Good for Adi! Say hallo to her :-)

I've put up a page with some of Moon's pictures from Umbria. Check it out! ;-D Moon's Italy

*Sigh* Very nice, Moon. Thanks for sharing. Thanks to Karen for posting. Where, indeed, are Flick and Flock? ;-)

Believe me, I looked all over for Flick & Flock. ;-) Nicely arranged Karen, you're getting to be such a wizard. :-D

My god how skinny and girlish she looks in that pic. (AAARRGhhhh)

But *very* interesting to see the church, it�s not exactly what I expected. I suppose you didn�t have a chance to peek inside, Moon?

It was a miracle my DH agreed to take me there again!!! I could not believe my luck! I'm afraid he would not have agreed to search out the parish priest in Moiano at pasta time. I can safely say that the interiors must be very plain indeed, nothing worth stealing inside.

nothing worth stealing inside LOL!! That sounds like something our Flashy would say. ;-D

fixing the italics *bad me* ;-p And thank you for the compliment Moon. I was going to add a big steaming bowl of pasta, but thought it might look a tad undignified.

Well she really should eat more. No wonder you thought of a big bowl of food, looking at that wedding pic Karen.....Colin obviously likes very very slim women.

Thanks for posting the photos. What a romantic atmosphere. Picturesque countryside and inaccessibility. Can't get over that wild hair on his wedding day. You don't only see it on his head, you see it's shadow on his suit too. Ack! Patron Saint of the Throat? I'm not ridiculing the faith...this is just the first time I've heard of this one.

The story goes that San Biagio saved the life of a little boy who had a fishbone stuck in his throat. He performed the miracle, and the boy lived. I have a book on Saints, and, would you believe me if I told you there is one for diarreah. Changing the subject, did anyone notice the little blond boy standing behind Livia and in front of (I think), Colin's father? It might be Will, the eyes look a bit like Meg's.

Thank you Moon for the great pics and Karen for the lay-out... I too think the little blond boy must be Will...looking up at his dad adoringly. Eyes and mouth look like Meg's. Heide I think the shadow on his coat is from her veil. I bet that church roof leaks when it rains! (Moon)I have a book on Saints, and, would you believe me if I told you there is one for diarreah. Pl. share name of said saint....always like to be prepared when I don't have Immodium around on a trip :-))

Where is the picture of the little blond boy? All I get is the pics of the church and one of Colin and Liva's wedding.

I never noticed the little boy before!! It could be Will. (doesn't seem like he's from Livia's side of the family) I don't think the man would be Colin's father. Doesn't look old enough (sheesh, how can anyone tell from the rear? hair) The white-haired man looks like he may be the priest though. We need some digital enhancement. Lucie, look at the bottom left-hand corner. saved the life of a little boy who had a fishbone stuck in his throat Are there different saints for other items that could be lodged in other places? If they named the church St. Heimlich, we'd all understand.

Party Planning HQ: When will the festivities begin on 110? Renate will put up a link going to that topic for the party, starting with whatever message we want. What say you all?

Great news Karen! Let's hope we all pass the 9-9-99 scare. ;-) Renate should write a birthday message for Colin on the 10th her time as early as possible and link it then. We will all be posting throughout the day. Thank Renate for us. Changing the subject, I thought the white haired man was Colin's father. I don't think he's the priest. We all agree on Will I think he's got his nose. Evelyn, FYI, it's Saint Guido.

....I thought the white haired man was Colin's father. I don't think he's the priest. We all agree on Will I think he's got his nose. Someone sat in front of the Firth Folks at 3 DOR...Sabine? Emma? They could tell us if any of the men are relatives.The child must be Will. His almond shaped eyes just like Meg's.And wasn't Colin a blond when he was a child?

.......are you all talking about that wedding pic or is there some other pic I haven�t seen? I certainly don�t see anywhere a pic with "Will looking up at his dad adoringly". (Evelyn)Someone sat in front of the Firth Folks at 3 DOR I sat in front of an old couple who talked about Colin behind me in 3DoR. It was only my guess that they could be the Firths because they talked about him and looked like the description of his parents that somebody posted here in March. That white haired guy in the wedding pic is the same type but I don�t think he�s the same person, as far as I can tell.

Great pics, Moon and Karen! But where did you get the wedding photograph from? It is different from any of the others I have seen. BTW IMHO that child does not look like Will. He (or she) is very fair. Even as a child, I do not think Colin would have neen that kind of blond and Meg is dark.

Look at the wedding pic again (I never noticed it before) - the lower left-hand corner you will see a little boy. I thought Colin's aunt and uncle were at the Donmar that weekend. Were his parents there too? Have I forgotten something?

The wedding picture was in People magazine (July 7, 1997). Someone with Colin's hair color could IMO be that light as a child. My mother had white blonde hair until she was about 10, then it went darker. While Meg's dark hair genes would be dominant, it is certainly possible for Will to have that coloration. :-)

It's fun to speculate on who the little boy is. It certainly could be Will. Then again, it could be one of any number of children running around who like to hog in on a picture whenever a camera is present. (Evelyn) Pl. share name of said saint....always like to be prepared when I don't have Immodium around on a trip :-)) LOL, Evelyn! Thanks for the prompt answer, Moon. Is there a patron saint for nervous conditions in case I ever see DB again?

From The Hollywood Reporter about this weekend's holiday box office expectations: [Re Miramax and the movie it chose to back vs. MLSF: Ha ha!! Serves you right!] "Providence" is a coming-of-age comedy about a working-class teenager (Shawn Hatosy) whose extracurricular shenanigans get him packed off to prep school, where he must use his considerable wits to survive among the privileged. Alec Baldwin and George Wendt co-star in the film directed and co-written (with Peter and Bobby Farrelly) by Michael Corrente. Young males are the intended audience for "Providence," but even these hot-for-toilet-humor teens are essentially exhibiting indifference at this juncture. n fact, young women are the most intrigued market segment, but their mild interest will not be sufficient to fill the breach. Making matters more difficult for "Providence" is its R rating. If the age restriction is strictly en-forced, a good share of potential patronage will be excluded. *********** Playing New York only is First Run's gay romantic drama "Bedrooms and Hallways" starring Kevin McKidd, Hugo Weaving and Jennifer Ehle. *********** Phaedra's "States of Control" plays Los Angeles today. The psychological drama about a woman made paranoid by a series of random events stars Ellen Greene and Stephen Bogardus. Zack Winestein wrote and directed. Phaedra's "Floating" opens in Boston. Writer-director William Roth's drama details the life of a young former swimming champion whose lifestyle of burglarizing homes of summer residents in a coastal town is called into question by a chance meeting with a homosexual fellow swimmer. [Where is Fever Pitch?]

Where is Fever Pitch? I believe it's with the rest of our tapes, by the TV. ;-) ( Heide), Moon. Is there a patron saint for nervous conditions in case I ever see DB again? I'll have to look that one up, but I know the condition is called "Colinitis." I agree with Karen and say the boy is Will. The haircolor will change, but the eyes have it.

[Where is Fever Pitch?] Perhaps straight to video? At this point, I'll take it. My PAL-converted copy is getting quite washed out. I know we like to bash Miramax but I wonder...would MLSF have even been made without them? Their distribution strategy for this film angers and puzzles me but I hope Colin continues to make films with them. After they fire their current marketing team. I'd hate to see Miramax in trouble.

I'd hate to see Miramax in trouble. No need to start scheduling a telethon for Miramax. MLSF has been left to make it on it's own. I see more advertising for Illuminata, which the critics thought was OK and doomed to failure at the boxoffice, and which is playing at about the same limited number of theaters. The difference is in the distribution. In the case of Illuminata, you have people who WANT it to succeed badly. In the case of Miramax, it could care less. I read this in the Guardian the other day: There's something about marketing Peter Farrelly is reported to object to a misleading marketing campaign behind his and his brother's new film, Outside Providence. Miramax Films are advertising the coming-of-age story as "the new outrageous comedy from the guys who did There's Something About Mary". Peter is afraid that audiences will be disappointed when they discover "it's more in the vein of Good Will Hunting". Miramax are unrepentant. LA President, Mark Gill argues, "The first job is to get an audience in and the second thing is for them to feel that they got something good out of it". Gill certainly has no qualms about deceiving his audiences. "Is it a little bit different from what we told them? Sure, but that's common." ******** I have never read anything so irresponsible as Gill's comments. Also indicates to me that they haven't learned anything from EWS. The marketing campaign emphasized the sex angle and everyone went expecting to see some big old sex orgy. That backfired big time. Raise people's expectations like that and don't deliver spells huge failure and negative buzz. What a bunch of idiots!!

What a bunch of idiots!! You're not really surprised are you Karen? What do you think the Oscars are about now? There is no more merit, it's all marketing. BTW, EWS which got mixed reviews at the opening of the Venice Film Festival is being shown without the video fuzz orgy scene in Europe. They expect it to bring in lots of millions and save it from the 60 million it made in the States (so far), it's all greed. This year's Venice Film Festival is all about sex. That's the theme. A sad state of affairs.

You're not really surprised are you Karen? No...but I like expressing outrage. ;-D What does tick me off is that Miramax has planted the seeds (in a variety of gossip columns) for a best supporting nom for Alex Baldwin. I know, that's par for the course (as was done for AIH) and may amount to nothing.

.... (as was done for AIH) BTW did anybody see the TV interview with Rupert Everett last night on "ET"? Wasn't that embarassing? See Rupert jogging... See Rupert in church talking about mortality... (the best one)...See Rupert dancing at some Senior Citizens gathering with old ladies. God...I'll take Colin..."the non-TV-interviewer" any day.

Under Theatre news....Big Fire on Earlham St.Covent Garden last night.... Took 100 firefighters five hours to get fire under control. The fire started in some offices on Earlham St. Theatres and surrounding restaurants and bars were evacuated. "At the 250 seat Donmar Warehouse, located in Earlham Street itself, soul diva Sam Brown was due to start her concert just as the alarm was raised - but in true 'the show must go on' style, the concert went ahead after a short delay."

That Rupert thing on ET is for a Ruby Wax show on Lifetime (aka victim television). Will be checking my TV Guide to see when it's on. ;-D

Is Rupert tempting you again Karen? ;-)

Big Fire on Earlham St.... You startled me, Evelyn. Oh god, I mean thank God Donmar didn�t burn, tis a sacred place.

Is Rupert tempting you again Karen? ;-) Good thing you reminded me. I forgot he's yours! ;-D

(Karen) In the case of Illuminata, you have people who WANT it to succeed badly. How does one "succeed badly"??

From Evening Standard Friday September 3, 2:32 PM, "Actors flee West End fire" http://www.yahoo.co.uk/headlines/19990903/london/newsstory169089.html

Thanks, Renate. So Belgo's is no more. Didn't realize the fire was that close to the Donmar.

Topic 119 of 121 [drool]: Colin Firth (Part 5) Response 1196 of 1202: Karen (KarenR) * Sat, Sep 4, 1999 (18:58) * 3 lines Oh yes - baseball is incredibly easy: one, two, three strikes you're out. four balls and you take a walk to first base. A home run is when a ball is hit way out (usually into the stands in fair territory or outside the stadium) and the runner can run around all the bases to home. Football - a team gets four chances to advance 10 yards. If it keeps going, it will eventually get into the end zone. If not, the other team gets to try the same going in the other direction. Simple, is it not? Topic 119 of 121 [drool]: Colin Firth (Part 5) Response 1199 of 1202: anne hale (ommin) * Sun, Sep 5, 1999 (00:43) * 2 lines I used to play cricket years ago. My favourite game, I spend hours in the summer watching it. The pitch is between two wickets - 22yds long. The aim to bowl out the batsmen any way possible by hitting the wicket, by lege before wicket or by a catch. The batsman's aim is to score as many runs as possible. A ball running to the boundary is a four, a ball going high over the boundary is a six. All the other runs are scored by two batsman running between the wickets and score as many runs as possible without eing run out by the ball being thrown at the wicket. In a test match they play for five days, two innings each. The other is a one day match with 50 overs bowled - they hopefully the bowlers that is try to bowl maidens!!!!! I will carry on if any one is interested. Average scores can go from 400 to 100 or until all batsmen are out or at least 10 of them. Topic 119 of 121 [drool]: Colin Firth (Part 5) Response 1200 of 1202: Gi (patas) * Sun, Sep 5, 1999 (05:57) * 2 lines This would be more informative if you would translate wickets, overs, innings, ecc...:-)Thank you, AnneH, Karen :-) I don't want to bore everyone else with my questions, especially because I don't see any of those games often and will probably have forgotten the details when I do...But, Karen, what happens if they run 20 yards? Do they *all* have to move or can just one grab the ball and run? Can they not pass the ball and keep going, like in european football? Topic 119 of 121 [drool]: Colin Firth (Part 5) Response 1201 of 1202: Arami (Arami) * Sun, Sep 5, 1999 (06:56) * 6 lines Thanks, Anne! That's the best intro to cricket I've heard for 25 years! My hubby once tried to explain it to me, and all I can remember is that "when they're in the're out, and when they're out they're in..." Topic 119 of 121 [drool]: Colin Firth (Part 5) Response 1202 of 1202: Allison M (Allison2) * Sun, Sep 5, 1999 (07:21) * 6 lines Botham is but he was one of our greatest all-rounders, could bat bowl and field brilliantly, could probably score a 100 runs on his own!! And like Flashman he could bowl a maiden over (cricket joke for UK and Aussie droolers):-) Best thing about cricket are the names given to places on the field: silly mid on, short square leg, fine leg, etc, etc. It's a life time study!

I was looking for a sports-related topic (there was one where Nan used to drool over her hockey player Mark Messier??), but it's nowhere to be found. Football: (Gi) what happens if they run 20 yards? That is better! 10 yds is the minimum required. If it is not met, then the ball goes over to the other team or the team on its last try (4th) will attempt a field goal (kicking the ball over the goalposts) if it is within a reasonable distance of say 30-40 yds. A football field is 100 yds. long. Do they *all* have to move or can just one grab the ball and run? Once the ball is snapped (picked up by the Center--big hulking linesman protecting the pretty quarterback to whom he is giving the ball through his legs) everyone on both teams is in motion, i.e, running and tackling other players depending on position. The offensive players are running to get into position to receive the ball or to block defensive players who might get in the ballcarrier's way. Defensive players are defending their endzone. They are trying to get the ball away from the team on offense or merely to ensure the plays are not completed. Can they not pass the ball and keep going, like in european football? Passing is one method of advancing the ball and, yes, if a ball is passed and caught, the receiver can run as far as he is able...all the way into the endzone, where it is customary to do a little dance. ;-D Other methods of advancing the ball would be (1) handing it off to a running back (a player who specializes in running fast) or (2) the quarterback can run it himself. There are two kinds of passes: forward and lateral. Forward means the QB throws it forward and lateral means to the side, in which case that player has the option to run it himself or to pass it to another. Cricket: So the scores have to do with where the ball lands. A variation on a three-point shot. However, if it is caught, the batsman is out. Correct? Why are not more balls caught? In American baseball, a very respectable batting average is in the low 300s, which means the batter hits successfully one of every three balls. Only superplayers get into the high 300s.

Thanks Renate: Too bad about Belgo's....didn't wish a fire on them...but I hope they don't re-build...they have lousy food, IMO. Like Elena said...glad the Temple of Donmar was not affected. ***** At the risk of sounding subversive... I HATE BASEBALL....S L O W. (Pl.don't send the FBI after me :-)