kate, i've been using the spring.net since late last week! but my browser seems to be a little screwy lately. very bizarre.

Thanks for the cake details. I just figured it was a basic orange cake from the Jaffa designation as that is a distinct type of orange propagated in Jaffa, Israel. Sorry, Laura, dear, but with all that cream and filling...yuck!! If I'm depressed, just give me chocolate in any semisolid form...ice cream to semisweet morsels to heavenly Nutella!! Evelyn, I believe there is a whole big discussion about the 1471 feature of their telephone system in the book. Not quite Caller ID. Can't give you page and verse as have just lent my book to my local librarian!! Re: Dead Boards And where have you been, Kate? And where are the pictures that you took of your tea party? Haven't seen them posted at Meetings!! Did Nan escape your camera's lens as well? ;-)

What's so screwy Laura?

And where have you been, Kate? And where are the pictures that you took of your tea party? Haven't seen them posted at Meetings!! Did Nan escape your camera's lens as well? ;-) I've been right here. And yes, Nan is not in any photograph. Although mine are still in my camera. So does that mean that nothing has been happening on the Firth boards for the last couple of days???

Ah, Terry:) well sometimes, not all the time, when I log in everything blurs together! I reload and it is fine until I try to drag the mouse to move down the page and it blurs again. very annoying! it also happens on the ramble page at Pemberley. I think its just my browser, but if you could check into it. Would be very very helpful!

Well, *some* of the lack of activity could be Nan's absence as well but you'll have to e-mail me for other possibilities.

I'm sure Laura would be too modest to say anything but she's been writing a modern-day Darcy and Elizabeth story at Pemberley and within the last few chapters, she's included references to the Bridget Jones story. Apparently, Caroline and Bridget are friends, so she has just heard about Bridge and Mark breaking up. Caroline of course knows the jellyfisher, but the best is in today's posting (Chapter 10) where we get a certain person parading around in a towel!! Do check it out.

I forgot to mention its title, "Second Chances."

*blush*

Okay, the deal is Bridget has to dump her friends!!!!! I've only glossed over while trying to use up my whole hour on the computer! Bridget, darling, we thirtysomethings must stick together!! Hee hee I'm finally 30!!! dump the fuckwittage friends and I'll steer you in the right direction!!!!

Oh yeah, and what advice would you have given her after that pathetic phone message he left for her??? Miss *now-that-she's-30-she-thinks-she-knows- everything*??? But I am dying to hear his explanation!!

Ah, I told you that he'd have an "explanation"! But I think Bridget should ignore Shaz and Jude's advice, for a day or so, anyway. I mean, he did ring TWICE and he was sounding "anguished". (I'm a sucker for "anguished!).BTW shades of Mr Darcy in "all right, you've said enough", although not as cutting as "you have said quite enough, madam"! :-)

I think BJ is pathetic. She is, after all over 30 years old and should have enough sense to make up her own mind. I think Mark Darcy could do MUCH better. He must surely see what an airhead she is now. BTW I rather hope Helen Fielding treads carefully. I would hate her to spoil the story before the film, particularly if CF is playing MD.

Listen to your heart, Bridget, not your friends. Everyone has a different agenda. Think long term. A classic case of Men are from Mars...Women are from Venus.

Bridget Jones is from .......... PLUTO

Poor Bridget, she's honest...artless. Hasn't learned how to be devious and calculating. Part of her charm. Sadly, she'll grow-up.

I see the dates have gone nuts again here at Drool. Ah to be the same age in 2036!! Well, after my quickie read this a.m., I reread and now am dying to find out what on earth could Mark have as an explanation. Like Bethan, those "miserables" and "anguished" descriptions now have me thinking along some new lines. But what! I won't buy that he was sooooo hurt by the Sinjun thing. That was laughable. It couldn't possibly have reminded him of the first wife incident. My advice: Slip into bedroom to call Mark without loyal, witty, caring girlfriends around. Say you want to talk and that he should come over. If he agrees, throw Jude and Sharon out and make lots of strong coffee. But then again, what do I know?????

WHAT DID HE DO????? Now, talking to Karen I think that when he says we have lost touch. I think it means communication wise, obviously. But then again, I don't think Mark treats Bridget all that well to begin with. He laughs at her. He doesn't think she says anything brilliant. He uses her like the dumb blonde to his gorgeous person. I think he needs to treat her better. Personally.

I think Helen Fielding has tapped into something really important with BJ's character. If you think about it, most of her problems stem from her very low self-image. She's been told by popular culture (i.e., Cosmo and Vogue) that she's not worth anything because she's not super skinny with big boobs and long legs. A lot of her problems with men (especially Mark) stem from the fact that she doesn't think she's worthy of him, so she always thinks the worse. If she had more confidence in herself, she wouldn't let her friends push her around and she'd give Mark a chance to explain himself. If you remember in the book, he says a few things that show that he really likes Bridget, but she just doesn't see it. Sorry to get on my soap box, but I think a lot of Western women (especially American women) are devastated by hatred of their bodies and their looks, and it really wreaks havoc on their relationships with men.

Yes, Trina, that is a major problem with Bridget. She has a very poor self image and doesn't believe that anyone could love her for herself. I suspect from a physical standpoint there is absolutely nothing deficient about Bridget. She may not be as tall as Rebecca and therefore her legs may not be as long, but I'm sure she is just fine. In the book, when she lost 7 pounds, everyone said she looked terrible. Even though Mark is "amused" by her, he does love her. She is not like the other women who throw themselves at him (shades of Fitzwilliam Darcy), Bridget is not from a long line of Caroline Bingleys. Is he "slumming" it by going out with her, no I don't think so. He really enjoys her unique outlook on things. But onto what should she do. Another assignment for Tom. Obviously, Mark's message was written in some secret code that only men can understand. Since Tom is a man who has really gotten in touch with his feminine side, he will be the only one who can translate the message for Bridget!!

but to be just amused by someone. I think bridget is probably the most realistic looking person. Rebecca is a fantasy nobody has legs that long and is that gorgeous naturally. plastic surgery helps:) he does belittle her observations as not realistic and maybe they're not, but at least she is trying to partake of whatever conversation is being had. Rebecca just flaunts her good looks and people automatically thinks she is witty.

okay question for all you across the pond or those over the pond here who can answer this question: Who is Delia Smith and is he like Jenny Craig????

Delia Smith is a popular cookery writer and presenter of cookery shows. She's not a he. Who's Jenny Craig????

i meant she thank you arami. Jenny Craig is a dietician sort of on the Weight Watchers or Overeaters Anonymous schpiel. Jenny Craig has her own line of diet meals that you pay an arm and a leg for and while doing her dieting you can ONLY eat her food.

Oh, no, Delia is not like that at all. Healthy and nutritious, but I don't think she's heavily into dieting.

Okay I just clicked into Electronic Telegraph and it said Page no longer there or something like that!! what happened????? NO BRIDGET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I CAN'T FIND BRIDGET! and for some reason, I haven't been getting this page for the last few days. The electronic gods are against me.

There's another way, ladies. From the etcetera index page, pick the story just before Bridget, then scroll down to the end and the link to "next story" will get you to Bridget. You've just got to be creative!! Kate, when you get there (to this week's installment), do the previous week thing to get last week's *killer* episode. This week's no biggie (i.e., Mark Darcy's not in it); just some vague references to more English baked goods!! ;-) If you are still having problems with these instructions, let me know. On Monday, I do a cut & paste for someone who can't get into the Telegraph site. I'd be more than happy to e-mail it.

Thanks Karen. I had even sent a desperate message to ET.... And not being able to get this page referred to THIS page, the BJ page of drool... it doesn't show up on my new list. There has obviously been some big feature on Diana-grief being fake, and how we all need to be more self-disciplined....

yah, kate i did too:-) pathetic isn't it. Karen, as always the lifesaver;)

Aw shucks, just a little septic tank ingenuity!

I'm happy to hear that you can still access the Diary. Very ingenious! But this week was all social commentary (some professor has published an article criticising Diana). My mother,a regular Daily Telegraph reader, has quite independently (without any prompting from me!) become addicted to BJ's Diary. She said the latest episode was "very boring...it's not the same without Mark Darcy". I agree!!

(Bethan) it's not the same without Mark Darcy". I agree!! No quibbling here either!! I've decided that Helen Fielding has painted herself into a corner. She cannot come up with a plausible excuse (i.e., one that we would buy) for Mark's having broken up with Bridget. Nothing makes any sense. What kind of second thoughts could be possibly be having...Bridget is getting too serious...what???? BTW, I had lent my book to the branch librarian and she returned it this weekend. When I told her the story was continuing online, the first thing she asked me was what was going on with Mark Darcy. Yes, he is an addicting character!!

i thought this installment was quite funny, actually!

Aw shucks, just a little septic tank ingenuity! Every board needs its seppoes. I actually got an email back from the ET. Dear Kathryn, Please accept our deepest apologies for the trauma you and thousands of others have suffered - this was due to a faulty link on our side. However, we have corrected this problem and Bridget is now waiting for you on the Etcetera home page. Happy reading. . . Yours, etcetera I thought that was very thoughtful of them, particularly as there were obviously quite a few emails to respond to!

Kate, I'm impressed! Full marks to the ET for good customer relations. There must be a lot of BJ addicts out there!

Especially in the States!!! I emailed them and got nothing in return:( Oh, well, Kate did you threaten them with legal action;)

Maybe it was because I sounded so desperate!

omigodomigodomigod it's a super installment... sisterhood is powerful - not only do they kidnap Rebecca, but they give BJ a superb ego boost as well and the CHEST.....and the gentle hand on back of neck... while he escapes to Bhutan (typical man!)

But why Bhutan???? And I ADORE that he left Rebecca there to "deal" with the problem. hee hee!!! But he does still have some 'splaining to do!!

Why Bhutan??? Because I suppose it's the most remote and inaccessible place he can think of!

Good one! Back on course again!! But why is he still hanging round with Rebecca? Bhutan - highly remote, rugged and detached from the world.

Shazzer jumped to her feet...grabbing Rebecca by the ear...twisting Rebecca's arms behind her back now...jerking on the armlock like something out of LA Confidential Now, who was advocating dumping the true and loyal friend depicted here? I couldn't have put it better than Jude though: Rebecca is a "rubbish girlfriend." hee hee There are moments in life...when women are best left to sort things out between themselves...and a man's place is somewhere remote in the Bhutanese highlands Sorry, Markee, that won't cut it!! Is he playing Mr. Innocent here? Men belong in the Bhutanese highlands when women are fighting over a 75% markdown on a Prada bag! Why does he *think* that R&B need to sort things out?? She's rubbish; chuck her out!! Now, Mark and Bridget are the ones who need to sort things out. He hasn't convinced me that he doesn't deserve that f***wittage speech...yet!! Next I felt him touch me on the back of my neck Ooooooohhhhhhh, can't you just feel the electricity! Helen must have just seen ATA and was inspired. ;-)

Sorry, Markee, that won't cut it!! Is he playing Mr. Innocent here? Or Mr Rather Enjoying the Situation! Two women fighting over him, and all he does is smile sweetly, say "talk to you soon" (when is "soon"? )and swan off. And did Rebecca see him touch Bridget on the back of the neck? Talk about fanning the flames....!!!

Now, who was advocating dumping the true and loyal friend depicted here? I couldn't have put it better than Jude though: Rebecca is a "rubbish girlfriend." hee hee It wasn't planned and the advice they normally give, I wouldn't give a dog! Yeah, they came thru in the end. But with girlfriends like that who needs enemies;) Sorry, Markee, that won't cut it!! Is he playing Mr. Innocent here? Men belong in the Bhutanese highlands when women are fighting over a 75% markdown on a Prada bag! HEE HEE!!! But I don't see Prada EVER marking down 75%;p

Question: Thought I'd just throw this one out and see what everyone had to say. Well, did Rebecca shag Mark (as true and loyal friends wanted to know)? Please remember that Mark doesn't seem to have a great deal of self-control in this area. I've seen lots of "mmmmmms" throughout and Mark and Bridget did on their first date in the book, when he whisks her off on Christmas Day.

As Karen knows my answer, here it is for the rest of you. I say no. Because, the way Rebecca says quoting from memory here, "We have a peculiar relationship." Meaning, I'm trying, haven't quite succeeded yet. I think Mark is totally nuts about Bridget, but hell, she can be trying at times. This time away from each other is a good thing. Although, its driving us nuts!!! He doesn't save Rebecca from the *women*, and he is enjoying this little scene. What guy wouldn't actually? He does tell Bridget he'll talk to her soon. How soon. who knows, but he's mad about her. He figured out Rebecca and realised that was NOT what he wants. Sorry for ranting;p

Well, did Rebecca shag Mark (as true and loyal friends wanted to know)? Well, they have been swimming together, and he was looking at her lustfully, and why was his shirt undone in the taxi? And his taste in women (pre-Bridget) has been rather suspect.....a wife who slept with someone else two weeks after the wedding, and the terribly elegant but not-so-nice Natasha!! Doesn't look good! BUT, BUT, BUT, I think he's remaining true to BJ, although perhaps tempted to do otherwise! :-)

(Bethan) why was his shirt undone in the taxi? We better find out what was going on in this scene!!! BTW, I do tend to agree with you that nothing has happened between Mark and Rebecca, even though she is giving it ALL she's got!! I was just interested in others' opinions.

"Garrrrr! You black-livered devils from hell, I'm gonna eat yer kidneys." I've had it with that woman (i.e., Helen Fielding). This roller-coaster ride is driving me nuts! Has everyone seen the May Vogue (U.S.) with the Bridget excerpt? Only a couple of paragraphs introing the BJ phenomenon. I did a quick scan of the article and as had been pointed out to me, the only changes were from stones to lbs. and the use of lottery tickets for 'instants.' Like, duh, we couldn't figure that one out, although multiplying by 14 is rather a pencil-and-paper-type thing!! ;-) Now, I think I've figured out this week's installment. Helen has been v. sly here. Using the name Rebecca must have some significance. First thought was Ken Follet's Key to Rebecca. Ah-ha!!! The columns have been written in code!! So I've consulted the original and (much better) Du Mauier Rebecca and have come to the conclusion that Mark=Maxim and Rebecca=you know.... So Mark/Maxim is taking Rebecca up to Scotland, where there are lots of lochs and he will put her in a boat, drive lots of holes thr ugh the planking and sink the Jellyfish!! Well...at least it stopped me from ranting about what a f***wit Mark still is!!

Hee Hee, Karen, very funny indeed!!! Now, why didn't I think of that!!! But you are right, HF and MD are playing head games here. And it's getting old AND to true to life!!!! Gaaaaaahhhh!!! Bridget needs to find NEW BULL and throw away OLD BULL. Maybe, and this would be wonderful, albeit, childish, "I'll get you back, you sod!" Bridget it's time to call Daniel and show up in Scotland looking all luvvy, duvvy. And totally pissing MD off!!!! Bridget has to stop feeling sorry for herself and DO something. Like dump him!!! He's not worth it, actually. He's got too many problems.

...but I like OLD BULL...lots! Major melting factors at work here. ;-)

...but I like OLD BULL...lots! Major melting factors at work here. ;-) OLD BULL has way too many problems and is not healthy to OLD COW and NEW COW is a jellyfisher!!! hee hee. Karen nobody has any clue what we are talking about!! hee hee.

From the Desk of Dr. Marie Goodall Cofounder and Director of the Institute for the Study of Pathological Narcissism Subject M is a physically superior male of the species, dominant in class structure and much sought after by highly overbred females. Tested monogamous relationship with female member of cruel species that did not last since such permanent-type pair bonding only successful in 3% of animal kingdom. Current relationship cycle falls into parameters for annual monogamy, in which a pair stays together for only one breeding season and then finds new partners. Additional Study Needed: 1. Is Subject M ddriven by insecurity and low self-esteem and acting out of the fog of his own confusion? (Myth of Male Shyness) Initial meetings between Old Cow and Subject Bull may support; empirical evidence that Subject admitted his insecurity and was convinced that Old Current (was then potential New Cow) was not interested in him. Would indicate latent narcissism, fear of rejection compelling him to seek attention from New Cow ad mauseum et infinitum. 2. Does Subject M's behavior show evidence of the Coolidge Effect? "A male, after engaging in a romantic and sexual relationship with a female for a period of time...grows increasingly bored with his previously New Cow...usually referred to as the 'itch'....At present writing there is no cure...." 3. Is Subject M's Current Cow relationship a manifestation of gynogenetic reproduction, wherein a male services females of another species in order to become more attractive to females of own species? Initial Conclusions: Subject M exhibiting classic signs of nonempathetic sociopathic behavior Prognosis: Ass-holicism Next stage: Imminent appearance of Old Cow bovine-icide. Moo

Nah, subject M is just an arsehole! hee hee.

Could anyone explain or describe what is meant by "terraced" houses. To me, a terrace is a balcony, but I know this is not how it is being used. Is it just a multilevel house? In case anyone is wondering what Laura and I are talking about, it comes from the book Animal Husbandry by Laura Zigman. It came out at the beginning of the year and is really funny and a natural for all of us Bridget fans. What you have in this book, is a young woman who gets taken in by this guy at work, he abruptly dumps her, she loses her apt in NYC because she had agreed to live with the guy in a new apt, and moves in with another guy from work who is a well-known womanizer. She begins to n tice certain behaviors and starts doing research into psychology, zoology, you name it to better understand the male animal. She comes up with the Old Cow-New Cow theory. She starts documenting the various phases in relationships and cites analogous behaviors from the animal world, eventually becoming in her own words a "crazy monkey scientist." Highly recommended reading. Should only take a couple of days. BTW, no other insights on Bridget? or Mark? Or is everyone just toooooo disgusted for words?

(Karen)Could anyone explain or describe what is meant by "terraced" houses. A terrace of houses is a row of houses, each joined to the next. In a very densely populated country like England, it is a very common form of housing. London is full of terraced houses built in the last century. Bridget assumes that Mark Darcy will live in a terraced house in Holland Park (a v expensive area of London). That would still be a very desirable home but in fact he lives in the Boltons or somewhere, a small area of Holland Park where the houses are HUGE and magnificent and cost lots and l ts of millions of pounds (even more dollars)! I hope that was the reference to terraced houses that was worrying you.

And he has a detached house to boot!! Karen, similar to row houses here!!

Thanks, Allison, I can understand row houses. We have them here too, but why they are called terraced houses shall remain a mystery. ;-)

Initial Reaction: Can anyone be THAT stupid? Does Helen Fielding really expect us to believe that Mark Darcy is as insecure as Bridget? He has asked her if she *cared* for him before (remember his job offer in Japan). As far as I can see, nothing occurred before the country home weekend that would lead him to believe Bridget didn't *care* for him. Which leaves us with the Weekend from Hell. What really set him off on this path of self/Bridget doubt? It can't be Sinjun--that would be an insult to our collective intelligence. What was it? Perhaps, that Bridget just left him in Rebecca's clutches. Maybe he thought that a sign of caring should be to be more possessive of him in the face of the enemy. He expected a woman in love to claw the eyes out of another female who tried to encroach on her territory. That might explain why he felt his place was in the Bhutanese Highlands--although from there, he would not have a good ringside seat at his desired catfight. Hmmmm, was Mark Darcy forcefed a diet of Dynasty in his childhood. Does he picture himself as Blake Carrington, with Bridget as the wonderful C(K)rystal and Rebecca as Alexis? Is there a swimming pool or a fountain nearby? But, this afternoon, whilst cleaning tree debris off my *rooftop terrace,* the thoughts of Daniel Cleaver kept haunting me. Yes, Mark Darcy is as insecure as Bridget but he has a polished facade--necessary for his profession--that rarely gives him away. He was incredibly hurt by what happened with his marriage and like good old Fitzwilliam William there will always be the nagging question of whether a woman loves him or his wealth/social position. He needs that constant reinforcement because he was hum liated and cuckholded just after the wedding. How would that affect you. Then he goes out with a stream of women who are as real as a three dollar bill and have the emotional depth of a kiddie wading pool. He's insecure and he's been insecure since the first time we've laid eyes on him. He admitted it in the book to Bridget. He didn't think she liked him because he looked dorky at the Turkey Curry Buffet at the beginning. Now, Laura keeps berating me, calling me a Darcy Apologist. Now who needs to apologize for someone who's *perfect.* It's the Lizzy character who's a huge dummy IMO. Kate: I've got a question for you. Mark is a human rights barrister. What would that be equivalent to in the U.S. Is he a defense attorney? Civil or criminal? Is it more in the vein of a Constitutional Lawyer who concentrates on Bill of Rights matters?

Kate: I've got a question for you. Mark is a human rights barrister. What would that be equivalent to in the U.S. Is he a defense attorney? Civil or criminal? Is it more in the vein of a Constitutional Lawyer who concentrates on Bill of Rights matters? Yes, well, I don't know that Helen Fielding really understands the English legal profession, but anyway. In England (among other places) the legal profession is divided into solicitors and barristers. Barristers basically do work in court - they are the ones who wear wigs and gowns and stand up questioning witnesses in episodes of Rumpole...They also do court-related paperwork. Solicitors do everything else - write wills, draft contracts, draft pleadings in cases, etc etc. Barristers are not able to deal directly with clients. If you have to go to court in england, you consult a solicitor, who then retains a barrister on your behalf. Solicitors work in partnerships - often very large, whereas barristers work solo - they share chambers, but their practices are quite separate, and they are entirely dependent on their own skills. Barristers tend to develop specialist skills, so they might specialise in criminal defence, or patent work, or negligence or whatever. But, strictly speaking, they are obliged to take whatever case is offered to them, providing they have time. This is called the "cab rank" principle, and it is meant to ensure that everyone, however unsavoury, gets legal representation (assuming he or she can pay!) So, what's a human rights barrister? Well, given that England doesn't have a bill of rights, this is a fairly rare breed. The example whom I think MD is modelled on is Geoffrey Robertson, who is a barrister who often takes on cases involving human rights issues. "Human Rights" is what you in the US would understand to be first amendment issues (freedom of expression, freedom of religion, association), as well as fourteenth amendment issues (equality, privacy). In some cases it would involve criminal l w issues, but mostly to do with punishment (eg anti death penalty - although there is no death penalty in the UK, the Privy Council, which is a British court, hears death penalty cases from Jamaica, and Geoffrey Robertson and others have been involved in these) and the treatment of prisoners. It might also involve wider human rights issues such as access to education and health, the protection of children, the disabled, homeless rights etc. So the rough US equivalent would be an attorney who does mostly court based work in Bill of Rights matters, but other human rights issues too. What I don't understand is when Helen Fielding spoke of MD being offered a job in Japan. First of all, it's virtually impossible for foreign lawyers to practice law in Japan - apart from the language issues, they are very resistant to giving foreigners licences to practice. And secondly, barristers don't really have "a job" - they work for themselves. As such, they are very dependent on maintaining good and continuous relationships with solicitors - and heading off overseas for long periods would not b a good way of doing this, unless one had a very well established reputation, which I think MD is a bit young to have established.

Karen, just a hurried posting to say I agree with your "insecure MD" analysis. A bad marriage must have left him prone to self-doubtand with a need for reassurance. And in the book, doesn't Bridget's mum say that Mark works all the time and is very lonely (ie not a womaniser) But what exactly is he DOING with Rebecca? Holding hands, discussing whether Bridget loves him? Is he rather enjoying the situation, instead of resolving it? BTW, what do you think HF will do with the screenplay for the movie? Do you suppose she will base it directly on the book, with the P&P parallels, or will she move the story-line forward into different territory? I would think they must be starting filming soon if it's to be this year. Most London based location movies have to be shot in the summer because of the climate and lighting. Unless you want grey days and pouring rain!

Hallooooooo!. Is this a girls only thang, or is there room for a blokey who's just got hooked on BJD? Ho hum, top notch book anyway - kept me up til 5am. Which paper is the diary printed in??

Charlie, you will find that much of our discussion relates to our mutual obsession with the OTHER Darcy, but feel free to join in. Helen Fielding has a weekly BJ's Diary column in the Telegraph, in the etcetera page every Saturday. If you check their archives on the web, you can read previous weeks' installments too, Here's the web address for etcetera http://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=000126890151976&rtmo=99999999&atmo=99999999&pg=/etc/etchome.html Scroll to the end, and you find a link to BJ

(Karen)Now, Laura keeps berating me, calling me a Darcy Apologist. Now who needs to apologize for someone who's *perfect.* It's the Lizzy character who's a huge dummy IMO. I'm sorry guys, but this man is an idiot!!! His line to Bridget is too ambiguous. What does he want her jumping up and down telling him she loves him? Okay, I will allow that she thinks things more than she actually comes out and says them. But, what I see here is a definite breakdown in communication. Had they just took the time to ask the relevant questions, this could have been avoided. (Kate)So the rough US equivalent would be an attorney who does mostly court based work in Bill of Rights matters, but other human rights issues too. This is something right up my alley. I studied Con Law when Pre-Law at Suffolk University which, btw, has a wonderful Law School. I remember watching a Dalziel and Pascoe show and one of the characters pleaded the 5th amendment,and I distincly remember yelling at my television that HE couldn't plea the 5th!

(Charlie) Is this a girls only thang, By no means, Charlie. Please do join in...and glad welcome :-) I'm behind on my BJ reading...gotta check out etcetera. Get back to you later.

Thanks Kate for the info. That Japan thing really threw me as well. What would he do in Japan...but then again he didn't get real specific...maybe he would be doing what you're doing!! ;-) Nan, get cracking!!

Who else thinks this Gary person is just the person to help Bridget overcome Mark? Well, maybe not overcome him, but shake Mark up a bit. I've been telling Karen that this Gary person has come around for a reason and why else would he show up unexpectantly? I think he likes Bridget.

Re This Supposed Ambiguity I really didn't think any other than Mark meant that he didn't know whether Bridget cared for him NOT that he didn't know whether Bridget cared whether he messed around with Rebecca. But shouldn't he have known after the restaurant incident and WHY didn't he call her as he said. Of course, Bridget should not have waited a week to finally call him. She could have nipped Scotland in the bud. Gary Helen is going to have to give a description of him because the picture I have in my mind is not conducive to being a *love* interest or *jealousy* interest!

But shouldn't he have known after the restaurant incident and WHY didn't he call her as he said. Of course, Bridget should not have waited a week to finally call him. She could have nipped Scotland in the bud. And that be where the trouble lies. She isn't overtly saying to him that she wants him. So he feels it may be better to be with someone who at least tells him what he wants to hear. Bridget internalises everything. She needs to open up more. I am over analysing this to death!!!! UGH!!! Get thee(me) a life!!!! I imagine Gary to be around mid-30. Short dark hair, tall about 6' body that looks like he goes to the gym everyday, but alas, the guy has no brains all brawn! Well, a girl can drool can't she? hee hee

Laura-- I remember watching a Dalziel and Pascoe show and one of the characters pleaded the 5th amendment,and I distincly remember yelling at my television that HE couldn't plea the 5th! } I noticed the same thing!! ----- Karen--Helen is going to have to give a description of him because the picture I have in my mind is not conducive to being a *love* interest or *jealousy* interest! } I'm seeing a refrigerator repair man with a butt-crack!

Toooooo painful! MD needs a good pummeling after this latest stunt! Jerk! (and Magda isn't far behind, b---h!)

I figured it out!!! Mark was a test subject for Viagara!!! And its finally catching up to him. Personally, I think these two people are sluts!!:) Sorry, Karen, I know you're a Darcy apologist, but this is completely out of hand!!!! Bridget, dump the guy and find someone nice. That is my advice.

(Ann) I'm seeing a refrigerator repair man with a butt-crack! Same here. :-)

Re: Saturday's Installment: This is a relationship?? The guy is looking for a cheap lay..fergawdsakes!! Doesn't even have the decency to Buy her flowers...has to steal 'em en route. Give that girl a "Rules" book.

Okay, I'm all caught up with my reading. Of course, I would catch up at a time when it's particularly juicy. Next Saturday seems like eons away :-(

I just read it this week for the first time. It was so nice to be able to read 67 pages straight, without waiting for the next installment. The waiting is going to drive me nuts!

This week's took me a little longer than most to figure out. OK, here goes...ARE YOU LISTENING, HELEN? Mark did tell Rebecca that he's back with Bridget, but she got all teary and lied that she had already made plans to have a dinner party. Being the *sweetie* that he is, he agreed to play along and then she wouldn't have to call off the party and be humiliated in front of her friends. BTW, the Washington Post article on Helen Fielding imminent arrival (officially) on our shores mentions that Kate Winslet is being considered to play Bridget, both having weight problems. Argh, but better than Gwennyth!!

I DO NOT THINK MARK AND BRIDGET ARE BACK TOGETHER!!! He came (pun intended) for one thing and one thing only!!!

Kate Winslet is being considered to play Bridget What a cop out. Bridget is a thirtysomething, Kate Winslett is a hardly twentysomething. What would she know of rejection, heartache and parents desperate to marry her off.

I agree with you, Allison. Bridget is absolutely 30 something. That's half the point. To have an ingenue play the role would be silly. Bridget's clock is ticking, and she's been scarred by years of dating failures. Having a sweet young thing play her would be ludicrous! Karen--Stop being a Darcy apologist!!!

Darcy POV I prefer to view it as *the other, more rational POV*!!! ;-) Are we supposed to really take Bridget's alcohol-pickled peabrain as capable of discerning anything. All we have to do is go back to the source. Elizabeth Bennet, a major peabrain. She didn't deserve Darcy. If she hadn't stumbled into him at Pemberley, she wouldn't have gotten together with him. On the other hand, he was perfect. She was just too proud (and stupid) to see it. American Edition I also noticed that the publishers have changed the use of her calling 1471 to voice mail. Winslet Agreed. No way.

I prefer to view it as *the other, more rational POV*!!! ;-) Are we supposed to really take Bridget's alcohol-pickled peabrain as capable of discerning anything. All we have to do is go back to the source. Elizabeth Bennet, a major peabrain. She didn't deserve Darcy. If she hadn't stumbled into him at Pemberley, she wouldn't have gotten together with him. On the other hand, he was perfect. She was just too proud (and stupid) to see it. I think Karen needs therapy to stop being a Darcy Apologist!!! hee hee. Karen, give it up. The guy is scum!!!! No lower than scum!!!

Karen: Elizabeth Bennet, a major peabrain. She didn't deserve Darcy. If she hadn't stumbled into him at Pemberley, she wouldn't have gotten together with him. On the other hand, he was perfect. She was just too proud (and stupid) to see it Hey , Karen...Marry a guy who doesn't respect your family (I didn't say like) And doesn't respect you and you're in for it ...Big Time. Lizzie put him in his place and he loved her more for it.

Nick Hornby, author of "Fever Pitch", was on line earlier today in the Barnes and Noble chat room. I asked him what British authors currently writing were worth the difficulty to procure from America. He only gave one title: "Bridget Jones' Diary". I had to laugh, because he named probably the only title that I was already familiar with.

On Mark Darcy...I think he's great in the book, and in most of the weekly installments, but I'm not sure what HF is doing to him at the moment. His shirt is always open, and he runs to Bridget's flat, and picks flowers from the garden????!! What's happened to the seriously sexy, dark-suited, rich and successful barrister? Kate Winslett...NO! NO! But, she's mega box office and that's what oftencounts in casting, even if the essence of the book is destroyed. I hope they do what HF wants and cast a relative unknown, who's right for the part, (and CF, of course!)

I knew after I wrote the comment about Elizabeth Bennet that you (Evelyn) might take umbrage. Of course, I'm only referring to the fictional character and not the brilliantly talent actress who played her. ;-) But her family was the pits! Yes, he got put down a bit and corrected the *minor* flaw he had, but she made *major* errors in judgment. She should have listened to big sister who could really peg them. I do have to agree with Bethan. HF's characterization of MD has thus far only been favorable. She has had him rush over on numerous occasions when he sensed Bridget was feeling badly, not only when he wanted a little roll in the hay. She adores him, just like she adores Darcy and Colin. The part that bugs me is that we don't hear what MD has had to say to Bridget. That mysterious explanation. What were those *moonie* things that were going on in their last phone call. Remember, we are only seeing things through Bridget's eyes. I thought we needed another possible POV. Casting Choices I kind of like that Helen Baxendale (???) the only who is playing Cordelia Gray in the Mystery series, "An Unsuitable Job for a Woman" and is the woman that Ross is to marry in "Friends." She is very average looking, but has the potential to be pretty. Also, she is not anorexic. The only thing is I wonder how she would do playing a major ditz. Saying that an "unknown" is being sought is often a ploy used to get major stars to take less $$$$$ for a part, BTW. Gwynneth Paltrow I think is suffering from the opposite of Colin. She is overexposed.

I've often thought that Mr Darcy (P&P model) must have been absolutely besotted with Lizzie, to take on Wickham and Lydia as in-laws (feckless, always in need of financial support), two unmarried sisters-in-law (in need of doweries), a dreadful mother-in-law, and, if Mr Bennet died, a family without a home. Although I guess that Pemberley was large enough to accommodate Mrs B. And he already had Georgiana to provide for. and he'd parted with �10,000 to save Lydia's honour. He got Lizzie, but he's paying h avily! BTW, confirmation that BJ's Diary is shooting this summer...see my message on #59. No mention of casting as yet. How about Jennifer Ehle as BJ? She must be 28 or 29 by now, so an early thirties role would be OK for her. Better than Kate Winslett!

(Bethan) I've often thought that Mr Darcy (P&P model) must have been absolutely besotted with Lizzie...... He got Lizzie, but he's paying heavily He got his $$$worth....or I should say UKP!!! (Karen) but she made *major* errors in judgment. She should have listened to big sister who could really peg them. True. Esp. on Wickam. .

(Bethan) How about Jennifer Ehle as BJ? She must be 28 or 29 by now, so an early thirties role would be OK JE is 28; but she starts filming "Sunshine" with Ralph Fiennes and her mum on July 15th and the shoot goes through December "98!! (IMDb) RF is a perfectionist!!! The woman must be worn-out...has shot two films this spring!!

Well, there you have it. No excuses for MD any more. He was cheating on Rebecca with Bridget, not the other way around, or so he would have her believe. Can someone explain the Mary Bell reference?

Disappointing, especially with the movie about to roll. Maybe MD isn't such a great part after all! Is HF killing off the goose that laid the golden egg?

Any reference HF makes she takes, I'm finding right out of the London Times newspaper. I believe Mary Bell was in Tuesday's paper. I think that Mark Darcy is totally screwed up right now and he's taking Bridget and Rebecca with him. He wants his cake and eat it too. Men love the idea of two women wanting them, and it is feeding his ego. Which has now become the size of Ireland! Fuckwittage isn't his problem its who he wants that is his problem.

Mary Bell is a convicted child killer. she was 19 or 20 when she did it in 1978. she sold her story and a couple of weeks ago there was a big uproar that she was getting money for her crime. Mary Bell has 14 year old daughter who had no clue that she was a convicted killer and recently found out. It destroyed her.

(MD) "I'm involved in this mess with Rebecca. I can't make another mess so soon". (Kate) He was cheating on Rebecca with Bridget, not the other way around, or so he would have her believe. What a rat. He deceived ALL OF US!! Am I glad he isn't on my list of Freebies!!

I will need sometime before I can respond intelligently, rationally, etc. (hee hee). On the way home, I nearly took out about a dozen rollerbladers who began to look like Helen Fielding as I got closer and closer to them with my car.... But NOW, she's going to start making a plan? Is her mouth sewn shut? What about LOVE???? Doesn't she SEE the openings?? Come on, guys, Rebecca is just plain smarter than Bridget. Mark is your basic insecure type. We've been through this before. He *thinks* he is doing the honorable thing staying with Rebecca because SHE is putting something into their relationship, not like Bridget who is tooo insecure to do anything herself. The blind leading the blind. I am betting that there's a big showdown a Jude's wedding. Can't you just see Bridget pushing Rebecca's head into a bowl of punch or something??

Another P&P Observation: Remember at the end which of Lizzy's relations visited them at Pemberley. I seem to recall only the Gardiners and Mr. Bennet. So, while he may have accepted her family, they didn't become frequent Derbyshire drop-ins. ;-) HELEN FIELDING, YOU RUINED MY WEEKEND!!

I think HF has (temporarily, I hope) lost the plot. But BJ does seem very wimpish...why doesn't she fight back instead of day dreaming about marrying Mark? Why didn't she throw the glass of wine in his face and show some character for once? He's a rich successful Cambridge-educated barrister....perhaps the equally rich Cambridge-educated Rebecca is more suitable for him... she's good at organising dinner parties and holidays, she moves in the same social crowd as he does, she's always there to give him su port and she must make it very obvious that she wants him!!! Who can blame him for feeling attracted and obligated.......and BJ just let it happen. What does BJ do for Mark (apart from the obvious)? Has that cheered you up, Karen? :-)

Good try, Bethan, but only Mark Darcy huffing and puffing at my door, shirt undone, dying to come in would brighten my day. On surface, it would appear that Rebecca is more suitable for him, but she is only interested in him because he is successful barrister and is in with all the right people. At some point, Mark is going to realize that Rebecca doesn't really love him and he certainly doesn't love her. But it better be soon!!