Maybe Jeff can entertain him? ;-D ] that is so funny! (um, I met Jeff;))

www.spring.net is alive!

Yeah, so like, what happened, Terry??? :)

I don't know yet, Mel and John went downtown and rebooted the servers this morning, both barton and www went down. It was some kind of server crash, I'll look at the logs.

Hey, I noticed I'm the last one to have posted...before the crash!!!sorry :-(( ~~~~~~~~ Anyway...I forgot to give everyone a favor at the end of the party for their "goodie" bag.... Here it is...hope this works

Now...don't ever say I didn't give everyone a "pressie".... Always thinking of you,:-))) evelyn

Aaaaccccckkkk, Evelyn! Here, you can have mine! [LOL] BTW, I think Karen's party was too wild for the Spring server ;-P

ROTFLOL! Evelyn what a wonderful idea for party favors! Karen, can i trade it for one of your chocolates? :)

At last, I managed to fix my computer (it's only a temporary solution though. I'm afraid I won't have my computer next week). So sorry I missed the birthday party. Karen, you got so much jewelry for your birthday, you could use this. (and you can paint it in any colour you want) And how about this? I've seen nicer ones, but this was the only I could find on the net As a Dutch girl would say: Gelukkige Verjaardag, Karen! Ann, congrats!! Your big red font looked very big and red :-)

Having just returned from Tunisia, I tried to join the party and could not... So frustrating! Although there isn't that much to choose from in the desert, I managed to bring a present for Karen, and was hoping to give it to her here. Instead, I had to e-mail it to her, and from her answer, it scared the s*** out of it! but since it was Quimby's birthday a few days ago, I also brought one for her:

..smaller, but multiple... should eat the same amount :-)

thanks for the Spam, Evelyn. LOL, haven't seen animated spam since last time...what a fun picture that is...may have to borrow it.

Naturally Spam had to rear its ugly head for my party. Evelyn, you are too funny!! Tineke!! Thanks for the furniture (she knows I could use it! Surprised you didn't wrap up some bookshelves for me) (Gi) and from her answer, it scared the s*** out of it! Actually, what I said was "I wasn't going to clean up after it" but if it's not going to leave me any unwanted presents, then it can stay. ;-D For everyone: The ice cream melted during our outage, but I have to thank each and every one of you. It's been a grand grand party!! And for leaving this wonderful present outside my house:

Dearest Karen, So sorry to have missed your big day. I logged on last night to send you a birthday wish, but alas poor Spring was ailing. From the looks of it, you had a great day :-). I am still laughing at all the creative gifts you received (and MarkG - excellent poem!) Since learning HTML is still on my ever-lenghthening to-do list, I will just have to extend my best wishes that you had a wonderful birthday. I so appreciate everything you do to help make Drool such a fun place to visit. Happy Birthday!!

Just thought I would like to share this, especially for Evelyn and Ben - I watched the video of Bedrooms & Hallways last night and although I didn't think I would like it I actually thought it was very funny especially Tom Hollander and Jennifer was excellent as Sal, she looked great, lumionous was how a couple of critics described her, definitely worth a look Ben and any other JE fans. Here is a very good review and especially for JE. http://www.splicedonline.com/99reviews/bedrooms.html Tineke thanks for the lessons, perhaps it is a bit big but what the heck it was a Birthday celebration.

... Terry. . . Thank you so much for your efforts to get rid of the bugs in Spring ... I'm sure she will feel so much better now after a little rest: * * * * And the bug says it's sorry * * * * *

And now the party's over. But wait!! I hear a knock on the door!

Oh, it's just that damn FTD. But that delivery boy is something else. What kind of tip are you going to leave him, Karen?

I know we said we'd party hearty for Karen until the cows came home. Well, I think I just saw one winging her way back to the barn. Happy Birthday, Karen, our Spa Girl Extraordinaire

I'll take flowers any day of the week...especially when the delivery boy looks like that! (knees just buckled) Should we start airlifting our cows to needy cities? Funny thing, I was going to post that pic on the main Drool page for our next film discussion...doesn't get much better than that. Thanks, Jana, your email made it through. See how easy it is to send it to bill_g@msn.net. He will always forward it to me. ;-D (Ann) perhaps it is a bit big but what the heck it was a Birthday celebration. Quite right. Always have to put these things in the proper perspective. :-D BTW, am looking forward to seeing B&H. Evelyn tells me it will be here next month, I think??

(Karen)Surprised you didn't wrap up some bookshelves for me What did you think that last pic was?

Happy Belated Birthday dear Karen! I'm sorry I'm late, but the Spring crash and a calculus exam kept me from coming to your wonderful party. I've had so much fun with all the goodies everyone posted! Why, even Sammy Sosa joined in!! I bring some gifts with me...I hope you like! and something sweet for a sweet lady...

I am desperately trying to hang on to the sweets, but since it's your birthday, I shall have to relinquish them...

Surprise!

Lovely flowers and sweets, Lidya. Thank you and hope you did well on your calculus exam. (pssst...now we know what to get Lidya for her birthday!) OK, I give up, Moon. What's the significance of the Genoa website? BTW, I forgot to mention how taken Tineke was with a certain British schoolboy and field hockey player... ;-D And she could translate the Dutch dialogue for me when she wasn't laughing too hard!!

OK, I give up, Moon. What's the significance of the Genoa website? Does Columbus Day ring a bell? He was from Genova. ;-) I know, getting sillier by the minute Would love to know what some of that dutch dialog meant Tineke, when you get a chance. :-)

(Karen)OK, I give up, Moon. What's the significance of the Genoa website? (Moon)Does Columbus Day ring a bell? He was from Genova. ;-) I know, getting sillier by the minute And you guys complain about my Spam favors???

Well, Ben started that firth of Firth puzzle, so I thought I would startan odd one here. We just happen to be a bit more surreal. :-) Your Spam favors were great Evelyn, my cat really enjoyed it. ;-)

Hey...did you notice that they now make a Spam lite ......As if being on a diet isn't bad enough!!!

The problem with Tineke doing the translations is that she watched the tape at my house. She had never seen Dutch Girls before. Maybe she remembers some of it. Most of it was by Anna, the little sister, talking about how Lyndon was a pig. Then there was a bit by the DJ announcing the slow dance... argh... don't remember much more. Interestingly, Tineke had never seen the actress who played Romelia before, so she went nowhere; however, she immediately recognized the slutty one and said she was a very good actress on Dutch TV. Tineke, feel free to jump in whenever your computer is working again. :-D

and about that Spam lite...what is it lite of? Real, edible food? ;-D

salt, supposedly! Edible food? Are you kidding...it does not exist in the same can with Spam!

This is a really terrific thing. The Hunger Site at the U.N. This is a really cool website. All you do is click a button and somewhere in the world some hungry person gets a meal to eat at no cost to you. The food is paid for by corporate sponsors. All you do is go to the site and click. But, you're only allowed one click per day so spread the word to others. Visit the site and pass the word. http://www.thehungersite.com

(Moon) Does Columbus Day ring a bell? He was from Genova. ;-) Isn't it interesting how perspectives change across cultures? In Latin America Colombus Day is the day of our race (Dia de la Raza)...

Oh, and dear Marcia, thanks for the link to the Hunger site. I just went over and did my bit...

Have just got back from seeing Summerfolk, it was wonderful, terrific cast and JE was excellent in a very difficult part, being miserable nearly all the time (31/2) hours is difficult to sustain. Surprisingly though the time went very quickly unlike the night before when we went to see Eyes Wide Shut, as my hubby said Summerfolk was 31/2 hours long and didn't feel like it but EWS wasn't and did feel like it, what a boring pointless and overlong film. sorry I might be a bit biased I am not a TC fan, no I' not being biased it was boring!! Sorry Karen, I know you liked it but what was the point of it. Anyway back to Sum merfolk, I highly recommend this play, the audience loved it and clapped loudly at the end, JE took centre stage at the end with Roger Allam and got any extra lound clap, honestly. The Olivier Theatre at The National holds over 1000 seats and was nearly full except for a few seats in the Circle, the scenery changes were amazing and I just have to go again it was a fantastic experience. In identally for those who don't know and I didn't, The National Film Theatre is right next door to the National Theatre.

That's OK, Ann. Everyone's entitled to an opinion. What exciting news about Summerfolk! Evelyn, have you started packing? ;-D Little tidbit about Stephen Dillane (TRT). Article in The Times about Kerry Fox mentions that she completed work on: "four major films - The Wisdom of Crocodiles, a vampire story set in London, with Jude Law and Jack Davenport [which I will be seeing I think next week], To Walk With Lions about the life of George Adamson, with Richard Harris and Honor Blackman, The Darkest Light, about a child with cancer, with Stephen Dillane, as well as Fanny and Elvis. "The Darkest Light" is being shown at the Leeds Intl Film Fest, which runs from October 7-23, and features cult movies and exclusive previews of this autumn's blockbusters. The highlight is a nine-part extravaganza of the newest and most exciting British films, which include the British premiere of Fanny and Elvis; Phil Davis's Hold Back the Night; newcomer Christopher Nolan's Following; East is East with Om Puri; The Darkest Light, also starring Kerry Fox; Michael Winterbottom's Wonderland; Weak at Denis , starring Craig Fairbrass; The Tichborne Claimant with Sir John Gielgud and a new programme of shorts. * metro is offering readers two tickets for the price of one (usual price �4.50) to any of the nine films. Simply produce this copy of metro at either the Virgin Megastore in Leeds or the Civic Theatre Box Office (0113-245 5505) to qualify. Information line: 0113-247 8398.

Wow! It appears JE is being celebrated as a stage actress now just as her mother has been. I hope to see her one day in NYC. BTW, almost bought tickets for the Lauren Bacall/Rosemary Harris play opening on Broadway in December. (Of course I forget the name. Jeez.) I still may go but Bacall is not a draw for me and the prices!!

(Heide)..almost bought tickets for the Lauren Bacall/Rosemary Harris play opening on Broadway in December. (Of course I forget the name. Jeez.) "Waiting in the Wings"by Noel Coward starring RH and Lauren Bacall.Opens on B'way on dec. 16th which coincides with NC's 100th Birthday (Should we have a party for him??:-) The play will have a previous run in Boston Nov. 13-28th at the Colonial Theatre ~~~~~~~ Thank you Ann for the review...I have tickets for Nov.11th. Two performances... Seven hours...that's loyalty. But it plays in repertoire and will not play after that day for another week. ~~~~~ Karen...told you...Stephen Dillane is "purdy cool"...but who is Kerry Fox?

Evelyn, you are the gal!!! It is time you and JE became pals. Will you attend the Donmar Benefit Party after 3DOR on Nov. 9th too? SD, IMO looks better in person than on film.

(Moon) Will you attend the Donmar Benefit Party after 3DOR on Nov. 9th too? Haven't gotten **my invitation**...but sadly, I plan to get there on the10th:-( ...SD, IMO looks better in person than on film. Agree...though he was pretty dishy in Firelight with Sophie Marceau. IMO a part made for Colin:-) ( Sorry, Jana C) OK, while I'm at it....I also think Colin could have played the role of Robert in The Winslow Boy (Sorry, Winter).And any of the two male roles in AIH (Sorry, Moon) I said it and I'm GLAD :-)

(Evelyn) OK, while I'm at it...I also think Colin could have played the role of Robert in The Winslow Boy (Sorry, Winter). And any of the two male roles in AIH Of course, he *could* have played any of the roles, that's never been a point of disagreement. ;-D

Ditto! :-)

Might I interject my little facts and figures from Terry as to the needs for the The rest of the year as regards Spring and Drool (including cf.com and austen.com)according to Terry: Figures: $1288 quarterly colocation fee charged by ddc.net $602 quarterly SW Bell bandwidth fee $125 purchase of 9 gb hard drive to ease disk space shortage $??? upgrading of machines for y2k (1800-2000 approx) $300 Yapp licensing fee for the quarter So that's about $4,000 to get us through till the end of the year. Please help if you can...much appreciated by me and all the rest of those who who really NEED this place! Thanks!

(Marcia)So that's about $4,000 to get us through till the end of the year. How many hits does Spring get a week....I'm curious. There must be a counter some place.

Kerry Fox is a young Brit Actress she was in the first of the Danny Boyle trilogies:) Shallow Grave, (awesome movie btw), the next one was Moon's favorite, Trainspotting;)

The counter, which anyone can see, is at: http://www.spring.net/stats/stats.cgi We get 400,000 to 600,000 individual page impressions (hits?) a month.

(Terry)We get 400,000 to 600,000 individual page impressions (hits?) a month. Those are v. impressive figures...plus austen.com and cf.com... I would think any advertiser would be willing to have a banner touting his wares. I know it's lovely to be exclusive....but it would help pay for the real estate. If anyone has a better idea, let's hear it. Individual fundraising is the ideal...always, of course....but in reality it doesn't often cover the cost.Of course, there are other boards beside Drool in Spring.

Well, we're already getting at least $100 a month in visto clickthroughs, and that figure is exclusive of the other Spring websites, Spring now owns 175 domain names. Austen.com, firth.com, repeater.org, and others generate a lot of traffic. We do need sponsorship! Can we set up a sponsorship committee? Any volunteers?

For those losing sleep because they don't understand cricket, I found this website that looks incredibly comprehensive. There is actually a diagram of a googley, among other strange things. Can't wait to study this one. http://www.ozsports.com.au/cricket/cricket_exp.html

and for those (thanks Karen!) who want the facts and figures about Spring see Terry's link! Our stats, for anyone interested, are at http://www.spring.net/stats/stats.cgi Visto is supposed to pay quarterly, but we haven't seen our first check yet. We may be stepping up our shopping areas and going after more clickthrough revenue.

and,if there is any other cricket sharing, could you please check into Sports Conference http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/sports/47/all

Miramax Films is starting the Big Push for "Happy Texas"...starring Jeremy Northam....Sweepstakes..the works. Including "Own a Piece of Movie History" promo.. they're giving away props of the film...including Harry's (JN) pants and shirt!! Disgusting.... (get over there Winter...http://www.happytexas.com)

including Harry's (JN) pants and shirt!! Is it with or without JN in them? Makes a difference... ;-D

Tee-Hee..... I found the Miramax site and put my entry in to "win" the mobile home that JN and his co-star escape in....(did not see the offer of the clothing!) - supposedly, you win the Winnebago and some traveling cash.....I forgot to ask if JN is my travelling companion..!! I hope that Happy Texas is shown in the "mainstream" theaters. The managers of the local "art" theaters are sick of me asking when "Fever Pitch" is coming...although I did just find out that the Jennifer Ehle fim "Bedrooms and Hallways" will be here (art house) in December...yippppeeee!!! It's been in NYC for awhile, so that's something to look forward to.. A friend of mine owns a video store here in Cleveland, Ohio that specializes in in not only the "hot new releases", but in many other, more OBSCURE titles... He was looking for some counter help, and I told him that if I ever worked for him, every film made by: Colin Firth Jennifer Ehle Jeremy Northam Jonathan Firth Would constantly be out on rental because I would be recruiting new members of the club!!! Hmmmm.....perhaps I should just buy him out...!

LOL!! I've got the manager of the local Blockbusters really interested in seeing FP. You go, girl!! Win that Winnebago. but where would you park it?

*venting* Another film title that makes me want to scream. First there was "Coyote Ugly," which is terribly demeaning to women if you know what it refers to and now there is "Buying the Cow" based on the old question. *screaming wildly*

Heard the buzz...it's ESBEE's birthday today! Happy Birthday, Es!

Just poking my head out, to wish Esbee, the Happiest of Birthdays!!

CELEBRATE!!!

Thank you Karen :)

HAPPY BIETHDAY ESBEE

Thought this little item might go with something in your wardrobe...if not, I shall be delighted to wear it for you...*smile* (Actually it is my birthstone, but could not find one I liked in opal.)

I'm always thinking of you...

Brought him along to play your song for you since I cannot sing all that well: Note the fine Sporran he is wearing...standing in front of your getaway place where you will be entertained by toe-sucking Darcy... This is the view out of your bay window: ENJOY!!!

*virtual party commences* Inspired by her creative works posted in FanFic, SB is in fast pursuit of Darcy, her ideal man. First she will make a spectacle of herself... Now she embarks on an exciting carriage ride... Better put the top up, if you know what I mean--people will stare! Ohh, SB! When will you find me? We meet at last! Wot? It's the wet shirt, you say? Er--um, come with me, and we'll celebrate your birthday!

LOL, Karen! Here is the pic (I hope) that didn't come out in my last post. Hurry, SB! He's in agony!

Oh, well. Anyway, you get my drift! Have a great one.

LOL! You guys are a hoot! :) LOVE the pics!!! Karen- nearly choked on my gum when i saw that Foot Worship pic Eileen- The carriage top will go up directly! (afterall, cant have everyone watching while i have Darcy trying on all those specticals you've provided!) ;) Marcia- SCOTSMEN!!!!! Yipee! Get me near red headed man in a kilt and i put Kitty and Lydia's retcoat chasing to shame :)

Why don't we just go over to the mine, Esbee

HAPPY BIRTHDAY,FROM ALL THE GANG

Hey Esbee, you do remember what Darcy said in that picture I posted, don't you? ;-D

Has 72 gone on the fritz again? All the print is large and bold. These birthday parties are sure rough on this conference!!

Whew! That's better. (For me anyway!) Happy Birthday esbee!!! Have a ball!

Happy Birthday Esbee! Have some bubbly while you're getting your tootsies ready for all that toe hanky panky.

* * * * * Oh, and Esbee: Thank You for Sharing Your Wit and Vivacity With All the Firthettes! Happy, Happy Natal Day!

Love the bees!! I can handle them on the monitor. :-D

Thank You One and All- I had a lovely, lovely day and your gifts were divine :) XOXOXOXOXOX

Happy belated Birthday SB! I hope you can use these. :-D

If she can't, send them my way. ;-D

Thanks Moon! :) Emerald cut diamonds are my favorite- and that top one is a beaut! Maybe i'll hock the others and finance a trip to 3DOR in Jan :)

Wot? I missed the party again? 'Tis too much to be borne! Happy Birthday SB!!!!

I'm very sorry I'm late for your birthday, Esbee. My camels had to contend with the first autumn rains for which they were not prepared...

But they did not lose their cargo. I thought you might like these... food for the Bees ;-)

...and, for really hungry bees: Happy (belated) Birthday, Esbee!

LOL! Love the flowers Gi! :) Sun Flowers are one of my favorites I had a Wonderful Birthday you guys - thanks So Much for making it special *virtual hugs all around* (and your so clever with the bee thing -hee hee) ;)

Since Valmont et al. were just mentioned, funny that this should turn up. BTW, you can't get much "odder" than the last sentence! ;-D Class Dismissed At Fox's 'Manchester Prep' HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - School's out for Fox Broadcasting's troubled teen drama series "Manchester Prep." The network pulled the plug on the series Wednesday, apparently deciding the show simply had no long-term prospect for survival. "Manchester Prep" was a small-screen version of last spring's modestly successful feature picture "Cruel Intentions," which revolved around a handful of devious, privileged teens. Both the series and picture were designed as younger takes on the classic French novel "Les Liaisons Dangereuses." Fox had ordered 13 episodes of "Prep," but shot only two full episodes, including the pilot. Production had been halted several weeks ago amid reports of creative conflict between Fox and producer Columbia TriStar. Fox executives were worried about the show's edgy content, which included explorations of incest and teen sexuality. Rupert Murdoch, chairman of Fox parent News Corp., was said to have been outraged after seeing a syndicated newsmagazine story that previewed a "Prep" scene in which one of the young female characters is sexually aroused by a horse.

From Empire: Has the world gone Noel Coward crazy? Following last night's Film 99 on-set report from Relative Values, starring Julie Andrews, Jeanne Tripplehorn and William Baldwin yet another Coward play begins the inexorable climb to the big screen. But what makes Quadrille more than just another Coward comedy of manners is that the canny production company Alibi Films International has managed to nab Madge [Madonna] in one of the leading roles. Screen International reports that she will play the wife of an aristocrat who leaves her for the younger wife of an American industrialist. Quadrille will be the biggest budget film to be backed by the National Lottery to date. Alongside Madonna, the production company hopes to bring in three more A-list stars. It's already secured the services of Forrest Gump's Steve Tisch as executive producer.

Happy Belated Birthday Esbee!! Karen, that foot pic, ROTFLOL!! Moon: Would love to know what some of that dutch dialog meant Tineke, when you get a chance. :-) Like Karen said, I don'r remember much. There's Anna saying "Mam, hij is vies, hij eet als een varken" (Mum, he's dirty, he eats like a pig) The boy's name 'Kees' is one of the most common, most typical Dutch (not Flemish) names. Whenever we imitate the Dutch, we always use the name 'Kees' because it's so very Dutch (we say 'Hollands'). Ann, thanks for the Summerfolk review. I'm considering making a birthday trip to London to see Summerfolk and 3DOR of course. I've come to realise that I probably won't make it to London in Januari:-(

Karen, I just saw that Madonna blurb as well (posted it on 119 -- sorry for the duplication). All I can say is, gag me. I can see her buddy Rupert doing Coward quite well, though. The Boston papers have started running ads for "Waiting in the Wings." Rosemary Harris looks lovely in her photo. JE looks so like her.

(Susan) All I can say is, gag me Aargh, me too. I was channel surfing last night and watched part of Madonna's interview on Bravo Profiles. There she was in all her glory, legs wide open, answering most questions by merely repeating the question back to the interviewer. She's 100% hype, IMO. Casting her in a period piece should be interesting.

(Susan) All I can say is, gag me Not over the posting, surely! Re the casting, we are all gagging. ;-D

She DID do a period piece. It was called EVITA, and she got really good reviews. Don't dismiss her. She may pleasantly surprise us all.

I am aware she did EVITA. *IMO* this new project will be very different from EVITA.

I saw EVITA....actually the reviews were v. mediocre.Antonio Banderas got all the raves. IMO Madonna can sing and dance....Period.

I can't win. You will dismiss every female actress that isn't so and so and who and who. I personally think this will be a challenge for Madonna (and who isn't up for a challenge?) She's evolved so much in recent years, that you're dismissal of her is totally biased because of what she represents or represented. She has much talent and I'd like to see her succeed. She was very good in Evita. I was pleasantly surprised by her. I've liked Antonio Banderas since I saw him in The Mambo Kings, so I knew he'd do a good job. Jimmy Nail is another actor who was really good (albeit brief role. I believe he's a very well-known singer/stage actor in London.) I say, just give her a chance and don't knock her down for trying something that people would not necessarily associate Madonna with. What would you guys say if Colin Firth ended up on say, Buffy the Vampire Slayer as her new watcher? "Brilliant casting." "he'll certainly get noticed now." "ewwwwww, that Sarah Michelle Geller, sh 's too young to be his love interest." You get the idea. (I know BtVS is way off, but it was just a analogy.)

UGH!

(is it ok if we don't underline everything from here on out?!)

Hey, I didn't say anything bad about Madonna. I loved the movie Evita; thought it was fabulous. She did a very good job, as did Banderas and Alan Parker. (Think I'll play the music) ;-D Beside, Madonna did fine in A League of Their Own and going way back to Desperately Seeking Susan.

Re: Jimmy Nail.... Yeah, he's quite a dab hand at most everything over 'ome. Writing, producing, acting, directing, composing, singing, playing.... But he's not quite the 'popular' lad personality-wise. He's a bit full of himself... and after the above resume is taken into account, who wouldn't be?? I agree. He's quite the talented man. And I like him immensely. Bought another of his cd's while I was over there, too. :) Laura.. that Buffy idea.. hee hee.. I might tune into the show if CF appeared as a watcher. (or did you perhaps mean 'voyeur' ;) )