Sorry for the duplication. As I'm not a KC fan, I don't visit 39.

(Eileen)"Indeed, focus groups wondered "why do we need to see Kevin Costner's penis?" Is not the usual answer to that one, "Because it is there!"

Is not the usual answer to that one, "Because it is there!" LOL!! But of course. Usually, at focus groups, a moderator has a list of questions. Can you picture this: "Ok, folks, question number 43, "how did you like seeing Kevin Costner's penis?" Please rate on a scale from 1 (definitely did not like) to 10 (best thing in movie) with 5 being neutral (seen one, seen them all)! ;-D

(KarenR)Can you picture this Yes I can and it has me ROTFL!

"why do we need to see Kevin Costner's penis?" "Because it is there!" Hm... We all know it's there, but why does it need to be viewed? The sight of bare female breasts was once the "forbidden" thing, and now that it's quite normal, acceptable and virtually expected, apparently it's time for men to seek parity with women, and the penis seems the only male item suitable for the challenge. I'm certain that the sight of male appendages will soon become just as normal, acceptable and expected as female breasts. Eventually we may grow indifferent to what is still sometimes descri ed as exhibitionism. I'm not wholly against it - but can't stop wondering what might be the next step in this somewhat pointless rivalry? A puritanic backlash? ...or a contest for the most outstanding assholes? ;-)

Oooh, I like the comment about the ar$eholes...too clever. But, my above statement only points out the dichotomy of taste. Men rule the world and what we get to see. Period. I am plain bored to death from having to see gratuitous breasts. Sorry, but I thought equal time would be appropriate.

I know that the talk here is of penises and KC, but I can't post on IE (damn yapp program!) Tineke is here in Boston, has been since last Friday. She's having a great time. Tonight was Flemish Stew and it was delicious! Anyway, you guys in Chicago are in for a treat. She's a doll!

Sorry, but I thought equal time would be appropriate. Ah, Marcia, I TOLD you you are a f.......and you are right!! :-)

.......But equality is shit if it means being equally exploited. Honestly I don�t care what KCostner does to give a boost to his career but I hope that Colin�s career will never (again?) sink so badly that he would have to expose his genitals for money.

What gets me is Kevin expects audiences to be "hurt" from being deprived of viewing 'willie the one-eyed worm' (which would be something to see if it were as big as his ego *snicker*). Awww--it's probably all a publicity stunt anyway!

(Elena)I hope that Colin�s career will never (again?) sink so badly that he would have to expose his genitals for money. I have nothing against seing Colin's genitals or anyone else's if it makes sense to the story, but have everything against it if is just part of the usual receipe (sp?)for making money.

I hope that Colin�s career will never (again?) sink so badly that he would have to expose his genitals for money. It has been hinted on several occasions that even when he is seen naked, he always refuses to expose himself wholly. E.g. in The Playmaker, where it would indeed make a perfect sense to the story, he was framed within several pubic hairs' breadth of his crown jewels. The swim in the pond scene in P&P was originally going to show Darcy in his birthday suit until Colin flatly refused.

Mmmm....but what about HOTPig? There is a full frontal view there albeit from about 2 miles away. Sadly my magnifying glass was not strong enough;-)

The US version (a) didn't contain that scene at all and (b) there was some very obnoxious plant life obscuring the view, except for one brief second.

This was in the NY Post today. Could someone check out the October issue of W? Maybe she mentions Colin. (she mentions everybody else) Kiss and tell WHILE Kristin Scott Thomas comes across as a bit of an ice princess in some of her movies, she'd like us to know that she often gets the hots for her male co-stars. She took a bit part in "Mission Impossible" because "I loved working with Tom Cruise. He's a dream. I have kissed SUCH exciting men." The 39-year-old, happily married mother of two is on the cover of the October issue of W magazine, looking incredibly sexy for someone who thought she was ugly and fat as a teenager. "I suppose all of this attention is what I've always wanted, for people to think I'm far more interesting than I actually am," she says. Oscar-nominated for "The English Patient," she recalls that some on the set of that film thought there was no chemistry between her and Ralph Fiennes. "Luckily, I didn't hear that unt l afterward," she says. "I knew Ralph and I were working well together - there's a buzz that happens, a kind of electrical thing. It doesn't happen very often. But it did happen with Ralph; it happened with Harrison [Ford], and it happened with Sean Penn, too." (Kristin stars with Ford in the upcoming "Random Hearts" and with Penn in the recently completed "Up At the Villa.")

Varvara Mikhailovna... A review from The Daily Mail last Sunday Sept. 12th A GRIPPING GORKY WITH REAL SPARK "......Jennifer Ehle has the hardest role as the young woman devastated when she discovers her idolised writer is no better than the rest. Looking very Slav very Meryl Streep , she is in what is very much the Streep part, the one with much hand-wringing, arm-folding and endless gazing at the sky on the brink of tears, or-as the doctor puts it-a 'cosmic question mark in her eyes'. A less magnetic actress would have left me unmoved" (My italics) ***** At last a role for a fair blonde. Full review will be posted next week on her website....

More Streep comparisons! I wonder how JE feels about that. I would imagine it's both flattering and rather irritating, especially for a young actress looking to establish her own identity.

Very nice pic, Evelyn. (Susan) I wonder how JE feels about that. I would imagine it's both flattering and rather irritating, especially for a young actress looking to establish her own identity. What an opportunity though! Somebody needs to step in and take over. Meryl's playing grandmas already. :-(

Great pix Evelyn. Good for Jennifer, this can only help her career. Maybe now her agent can push for BJD. ;-)

Forgot to mention that the pix is from the Royal National Theatre Press Kit. And the Daily Mail review is through the kindess of Aishling who sent it. Ironically...the Friday before, Michael Coveney reviewed Summerfolk and referred to "..the slightly irritating Jennifer Ehle.."( Ann wouldn't buy that paper! and you can be sure we wouldn't post it.) So two days later another critic (woman,same paper!) sees that it is Jennifer's character that is a discontent type...So take that Michael Coveney!! (But all is forgiven...he gave her a glowing review for TRT)

I know i've been compared to Meryl Streep - physically - by none other than my DH, and hate it. wonder does JE feel the same...

there was some very obnoxious plant life obscuring the view, except for one brief second. And what could be seen during that one second from all that distance was more to do with the viewer's feverish imagination than reality.

Ok, Elena, I am a f......! You are right, and the very thought of intruding on someone's personal self is repugnant to me. How did they manage to make those great old movies with no explicit sex and no nudity?! Not a prude, mind you...just not into gratuitous scenery on the screen. I have all I need at home, where it belongs! TA's (and HOTPig's) bath scenes are as close to "it" as I need to be.

I recently saw, and enjoyed, The Thomas Crown Affair. Pierce Brosnan is great looking - what am I saying, he is good enough to eat. But the main sex scene... It wasn't erotic at all. It was plain funny. But then again, maybe that's what it was meant to be.

Haven't seen ..Thomas Crown... yet but I thought that lovemaking on the marble stairs scene was supposed to be very sexually charged. But that was probably from a man. I doubt a woman who had to have cold hard marble stair edges poking her in the back and PB poking her in the front might not find it erotic either. (Sorry, cheap shot, Pierce is looking fine.) Is that Charlie Holroyd sitting to the far right in that stage picture?

(Gi) I recently saw, and enjoyed, The Thomas Crown Affair. Pierce Brosnan is great looking - what am I saying You're not saying anything wrong. He is, at least IMO and I'll bet Moon would never be the same after seeing that chest...just her type of chest. ;-D The movie was fun, stylish (lovely to look at) and could be appreciated by a mature audience. What a change of pace. yeah, the love scene was ridiculous, but who cares (Heide) Is that Charlie Holroyd sitting to the far right in that stagepicture? Do you mean two over from young Michael Caine?

(heide)I doubt a woman who had to have cold hard marble stair edges poking her in the back... My thoughts exactly! I hope the marble was at least heated ;-)

Evelyn has asked me to post my comments on Jennifer Ehle and Summerfolk. I went to see the play on Saturday and really enjoyed it. JE was excellent and played the role of Varya perfectly. She had the major role, her character being linked in some way to all the other characters (and I felt somewhat cameo parts). She was the centre of the curtain call. The response from the audience was wonderful. I thought there might have been a standing ovation, the applause was so rapturous, but no.

Thanks Aishling... Summerfolk has been extended to November 23.Originally slated, it was only til Oct. 6 then Nov.11....The Olivier Theatre at the National holds 1,250 people....if it's selling out....that's a big success:-))

Please join the fun here for Karen's Birthday Party on tuesday Sept. 28! I have been shopping all day! :-D

Alright a party! I got an email a little while ago from Karen and said folks couldn't post, upon investigation I found out that our server had completely run out of disk space. I've just about run out of files that I can delete. So I'm going to look on the newsgroups in Austin for a hard drive to add to www.spring.net. And I'm going to try and get it installed as soon as possible. So for now, store your graphics files on the firth server (access.spring.net) and reference them from there. We'll watch this machine and keep looking for things to delete to free up more disk space. I just freed up 136 megs, which is a lot. I moved this stuff over to firth till I can get another hard drive mounted. Don't worry, there's lots of room to post!

Thanks, Terry. My graphics files are on Spring, not access.spring.net. Do I need to change anything?

No, we have a lot of space for now. I found a couple of 9 gb hard drives on the local newsgroup for sale for $225 each and I'm going to go pick them up and isntall them on www and access. I'll post a notice in the pledge drive topic to try and get some contributions towards these drives. But we're at 92% full on this machine now, down from 102% full (yes Unix machines can be 102% full!). I freed up at least 150 megabytes in the last half hour.

Got the catalogue from the Chicago Intl FF and quickly checked it out. No SLOW!! boo hiss Mansfield Park is the opening night movie on 10/6 and it will be its US premiere, and Cider House Rules (Lasse Halstrom) closes the fest, another US premiere. Most of the Cannes stuff is here. Will definitely check out "Dreaming of Joseph Lees," which is directed by Eric Styles of Relative Values and was also filmed on the Isle of Man. Is described as "Cinderella meets D.H. Lawrence"!! Another interesting looking one is the "Wisdom of Crocodiles," with Jude Law. Now must figure out how many more I *have to* see. ;-D

HAUOLI NA HANAU, QUIMBY !

This one you can read what it says and it matches the script!

Happy Birthday Quimby!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY QUIMBY

Quimby, Quimby, Quimby!! You must have a Happy Birthday!! I would do anything to make it so. - Love Michael

HAPPY BIRTHDAY QUIMBY!!

Michael dropped these off for you, Quimby. They are from Ross. ;-D

QUIMBY!

(Well practice makes almost perfect. Try again.) Happy Birthday, Quimby! Dance the night away!

Am off on holiday, so just wanted to say an early Happy Birthday, Karen and thanks for all you do to make this such a fun place. Sorry, no dancing men but have had the busiest week of my life! No time to take up all your kind offers to turn me into a cyber expert...but when I get back, I must try and learn.

Thank you, Allison. Have a lovely holiday and we'll teach you some cybertricks that will amaze your friends and family when you return. :-D

A belated happy birthday, Quimby! Here is your very own copy: Wot?? You *didn't* like this one? Well, enjoy a good laugh at the ridiculous video cover. Hope you had a good day.

Quimby: Let me attempt to clarify what Heide was trying to say the first time back there, by way of * * * * * * * Happy Birthday! wishes... * * * * * Sorry to be so late with it.

. . . . And be aware that we are all eagerly awaiting the wonderful * * * * * * * BIRTHDAY BASH ! ! ! * * * * ... ...on the morrow:

*hee hee* I've got my party hat sitting next to the computer awaiting tomorrow too! ;-D down, boy, down

Happy Birthday, Karen. I sent one of my cats over early with a present.

But before you open it, I thought you might like some breakfast in bed -

Hope this works!! H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y, K A R E N What are you doing the rest of your life? The east and north and south and west of your life?   Song HERE   Have a brew on me, Luv, and thanks for being such a SLEUTH for yours truly...

Breakfast doesn't look appetizing? How about this for breakfast then?

Sorry - I'm trying again. Should have practiced! *********************** H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y, K A R E N What are you doing the rest of your life? The east and north and south and west of your life? Song HERE Have a brew on me, Luv, and thanks for being such a SLEUTH for yours truly...

Karen: The song (above) apparently won't work here, but the spirit is still the same. Thanks for your kindnesses, your Firth sleuthing, and your generosity. Murph

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAREN! Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Karen, Happy Birthday to you! Dear Karen, my gift to you is a trip to Bologna, to pick up your gift at one of the most fabulous Italian jewelry designers�shop. I hope you like it. Afterwards, my very dear Rupert insists on inviting you to his country home in England. "Hello Karen baby! Moon has told me so much about you, that I just have to meet you. Happy Birthday baby!" "Don�t be shy about tying me up, it�s one of my favourite games." Now Karen let�s go over to the Dome opened especially for you tonight where Arsenal will sing Happy Birthday to you. There�s Thierry Henry now� "Karen, I dedicate my Champions League winning goal to you!" Now put on your stiletto heels and dance the night away!

Heide: Lovely, dear. I'll opt for Breakfast No. 2 if they're the same price. On second thought, I'll pay extra. (even the cat's in a hat) Mary: Thank you for the question to ponder and the brew to hoist with everyone's favorite and most talented and gorgeous beer drinker. am humming the song anyway Did I mention he was gorgeous? ;-D The Revenge of the Ruperts!! Argh!! Moon!! How could you tempt me like that? I'm pretty good at knots from my girl scout days. Perhaps he has a neighbor... ;-D Bologna, huh? (hmm, she must think I'm full of it) Thank you for all the gifts. I shall put the necklace to good use.

I forgot to mention Karen, that I have ordered a full moon tonight to go with the Dome opening. Rupert of course will be there. ;-) Mary and Heide, such wonderful pictures of ODB, I admit, put Rupert to shame!

And while in Bologna, we will try all their local dishes, so do not wear tight clothes. :-)

Did you know you share a birthday with Lord Cockfield and Brigitte Bardot?

BB, yes. People mix us up all the time. But who is Lord Cockfield? Poor guy, can you imagine his nicknames!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAREN, I HOPE YOU ARE HAVING A REALLY LOVELY DAY, THANKS FOR THE SLEUTHING AND LONG MAY IT CONTINUE,LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN JANUARY Hope this works as my son as gone back to University today!!

yippee!!!perhaps it should have been a bit smaller!!?? was it a bit over the top!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAREN, I HOPE YOU ARE HAVING A REALLY LOVELY DAY, THANKS FOR THE SLEUTHING AND LONG MAY IT CONTINUE,LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU IN JANUARY Hope this works as my son as gone back to University today!!

Who said the English were understated? ;-) The bigger the better for Karen. BB, yes. People mix us up all the time. Is it the long blond hair or the sultry lips? But who is Lord Cockfield? Poor guy, can you imagine his nicknames!! Le us hope Colin will never star in the movie of his life.

yippee!!! perhaps it should have been a bit smaller!!?? was it a bit over the top!! Over the top? Puh-leez!! Thank you, Ann. Your message was lovely. See you in January. :-D Let us hope Colin will never star in the movie of his life. Amen

STOP THE PRESS CLEAR THE DECK Fed Ex has just delivered a message for Karen R. CLICK HERE

Evelyn, he looks so devishly good in that picture! Which film is it from???

To the Gal with Many Hats Top Drool Cop... The Super Sleuth..... The Relentless Recruiter.... Cyber- MentorFilm discussion Editor Media-Watcher Did I forget anything? WE LUV 'YA,....YOU'RE FIRTHRATE

Ooooo ... The partying's started already! So ... . . . . . . . .Let the Good Times Roll! . . . . .: . . . . . He's cute, but I hope he hasn't gotten into your gift and hogged all the ... : . . . . . . Tuck those away before anybody knows you got 'em ... otherwise I suspect they'll disappear pretty quickly! . . . . . * * * * * *Happy Birthday, Karen! * * * * * * * * *From the Other Karen! * * * * *

(Moon)Which film is it from??? Not a film ....US Harper's interview, I think.

Have a very Happy Birthday, Karen with my sincerest thanks for all you do for us Firth Fans. Enjoy your special day!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAREN! I have brought a special guest. He told me he's been looking for you! Mi bonita Karen, I will dedicate my next home run to you! No, that will not do. I must dedicate my record-breaking 71st home run to you. This is how I will look when I hit it while thinking of you, cara Karen!

Come on, Karen, Let's get it on!! Ain't no need to beg, sweet darlin' Yesssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!! Any time, any place. Whatta picture!! yowza!! That was incredible, Evelyn (and Mary, you outdid yourself!!) Other Karen: *yum yum* If I eat anymore of those truffles, I'll be round enough to roll too! ;-D Thank you, Lynda, for your kind wishes. "A Firth fan's gotta do what a Firth fan's gotta do" are words I try to live by. Eileen, if Sammy gives me his record-breaking homerun ball, I'll charter a plane to take everyone to London!! Twice!! That ball will be worth millions to somebody, but seeing Colin with all my friends here is worth more to me. :-D

Wot! You prefer stupid, poxy baseball to football? How could you do that to me? We must discuss this problem. Karen! Come here. I want to talk to you. I was thinking we might try something like...this, to change your mind. No? Well then, perhaps my man Jess can convince you with his tried and true methods. Aargh! You will not relent? I must now bring out my secret weapon--Viscount Valmont. Ha! I knew his whirly-twirliness would get to you! Oh, and have a very happy birthday

Sorry I'm not so talented with computer graphics and stuff, so I'll just have to send you my most sincere birthday wishes. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAREN, and thanks always for inviting me here!!! P.S.--If anyone wants to make me a spicy Colin Firth birthday card, my birthday's in May....hee, hee

* * * * Eileen: . . . . .Haven't laughed so much in an age....

Sorry about that (Hee hee)

Wow! Karen! What a night you will have! Of course, you must first beg forgiveness of your baseball sin, but it looks like Colin is more than willing to forgive. The guys with Arsenal might also be upset. You are a very lucky girl! And, do not forget Rupert is waiting for you too. ;-) Now pass the chocolates!

Karen, I bring good tidings for your birthday from our favorite bounder, Flashy: There's no better chap to play me than that Firth bloke. Ain't that the truth? Tall, broad shoulders...put a fine set of whiskers on him and viola! Perfection. Here I am with my kolossal cucumber--er, wicket. Care for a game of cricket, Karen? Never mind those other women in the picture. I only have eyes for you!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAREN, I too am not learned in the computer graphics art. But if I had learned, like Lady C., I would have been a true proficient.

Happy happy birthday, Karen! Thanks for everything you do for the sisterhood of Firth. Have a [insert alcoholic beverage of your choice] on me:-) Susan (the HTML-challenged)

Love the Sammy Sosa pics, Eileen.

The Queen of all this virtual art, The sharpest wit, the warmest heart: No other drooler can compare With Karen, sleuth extraordinaire.

Clap* Clap* Clap* you are too cute Mark! Glad you joined the party. :-)

Happy Birthday, Karen!

Happy Birthday, Karen!!!! 29 again, simply amazing;) Hope today is good!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KAREN! One from Colin and one from me: That should have you in the spirit for the next phase of your gift. The gentlemen are taking you to your birthday festivities: You change ships and head for your own private island where the holder of the other lei awaits your arrival:

While on your way to this Island, he has sent ahead a gift selection for you to choose your favorite colour pearls for his gift to you: Meanwhile he has sent along a token of his esteem for you to slip onto your left ring finger An elegant bauble to dangle in your cleavage for him to admire:

trying the last one againa;

And altogether they look like Arriving at your destination - you and his own private island... Later in the evening...after all the words have been said and you lock eyes... HAULOI NA HANAU, KAREN!

Karen dear - a Very, Very, Very Happy Birthday! Thank you SO MUCH for all the wonderful sluething you do for us! Life at Spring would be very dull indeed without your presence. xoxoxo EsBee

KAREN THERE IS ONLY ONE OTHER WHOSE IMAGINATION AND ARTISTRY SURPASSES YOUR OWN BUT HE COULDN'T BE HERE ... ...But he did advise you to take an occasional break fom all that research ... ... (Not to mention partying)... . . . . .But we'll clean up the mess later . . . . .

Karen, Happy, Happy Birthday! Hope you have a wonderful day. Thanks for the drool introduction. Its been fun! Nancy

Oh, Eileen, what a selection!! Way too funny. Must huddle with Simon and pick out something from his little book. Do you think there is a Kolossol cucumber position? Oooh, my little sniveling reprobate Flashy!! He's so bad. His Whirly-Twirliness could lead me astray any old time, but must stop eating those chocolates... Thank you, Amy. We are very happy to have you here and entertaining us with your oh-so stimulating prose. ;-D (What date in May? Our Marcianess will want to enter it in her little book.) Thanks Lucie, Elena, Laura and Susan. Will definitely have a little cocktail (or two) this evening in celebration. Moon, I've got Rupert in the apartment downstairs waiting for me. Maybe Jeff can entertain him? ;-D And MarkG, our newest resident poet, thank you for the lovely lines. And for you, a token of my appreciation: Marcia, what can I say! I'll take the lei from Colin!! Ya ha!! And your jewelry selection is fabulous. Maybe I'll wear them later. Don't want to be too ostentatious. Wonderful little sojourn. Thank you so much. *smooch*

Thanks, Esbee and Nancy. KJ, don't be silly!! Although "Rosie45 in Love" does have a certain ring to it... and one by any other name would smell as sweet ;-D I would look really bad in those pouffy pantaloons.

How much I ardently wish you a Happy Birthday... My dearest and lovliest Karen See ya' at the Donmar, Karen All of us wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY"

Moon, I've got Rupert in the apartment downstairs waiting for me. Maybe Jeff can entertain him? ;-D A menage a trois in a kolossol cucumber position...I see it all now! ;-) What a party girl!!!