(Evelyn)What kind of a guy is this who's afraid of a delusional postman;-))) But, unless one is in full possession of the facts, then whom are 'oui' to truly judge, either way.

Evelyn, the sister of one of my bridesmaids was killed by an amourous stalker on the steps of her home. The postie was delusional, who knows what else she could do? The birthday celebration is to roast and toast him in good fun as in the past.

John Lennon should've been afraid of a fan who just wanted his autograph, who hung outside his bldg. (Evelyn) Is it a crime to ask for a route to be changed? is it a crime to post lies on a message board. In and of themselves, of course not, but it can lead to or enable crimes. There may be more to what we know also. What kind of a guy is this who's afraid of a delusional postman;-))) I'm sure there are quite a few alive and dead people who were stalked by others...all in the name of "love", including those with restraining orders. Now of course, I'm not saying she wanted to harm him, but I know nothing about her psyche deep down. To put oneself in a position where you might observe or run into him once or occasionally is one thing and I see no problem with that (such as waiting on park benches from a distance simply to get a picture ;-)). To post fake incidents and go so far as to alter your job to get regular access to his home/family/self is another matter entirely. But that's just me. I have to admit, while it's "out there" now in the media, I'm not sure that using it as a theme is still a good idea. I not sure he'd think so highly of having what seems to be a potentially frightening incident (and I'd think frightening if he's had to deal with it on more than once occasion) being taken lightly and made fun of.

There are a couple of things that bother me about it. First, she probably is a mental case, and I would hate to be accused of mocking the mentally ill. I would also be uncomfortable mocking Colin for putting a stop to it, because I would hate for someone to interpret that as meaning that Drool supports stalkers.

Seems Moon and I were on the same wavelength, even though I didn't see her post while I was writing mine.

(Dorine) I not sure he'd think so highly of having what seems to be a potentially frightening incident (and I'd think frightening if he's had to deal with it on more than once occasion) being taken lightly and made fun of. (Peg) First, she probably is a mental case, and I would hate to be accused of mocking the mentally ill. I would also be uncomfortable mocking Colin for putting a stop to it, because I would hate for someone to interpret that as meaning that Drool supports stalkers. Agree. Stalkers are dangerous people. They live in a fantasy world and one never knows when they might turn dangerous to one's self or one's family. *big sigh* Then we're back to 'SOS' as a theme. I really never understood Moon's St Teasing thing

(Moon)The postie was delusional, who knows what else she could do? Hey!! I'm not defending stalkers...listen, I'm the conservative one around here. "Lock- em -up- and- throw- away -the -key,- evelyn" But I don't think one can be arrested for a crime that one might commit in the future. There has to be more to this than the facts in the news blurb.

Would anyone else besides me feel more at ease if Drool didn't go public this birthday in the light of recent unfortunate events. Just keep it 'in the Drool family' Just a suggestion.

Yes, sounds a good idea to me, Evelyn :-) (Evelyn)There has to be more to this than the facts in the news blurb. That's my way of thinking too. Perhaps for legal reasons, there have been some restrictions enforced as to the reporting of this case.

Oh..I was just going to say...but couldn't get it out quick enough. Any Colin Firth site is going to be under so much scrutiny. And people don't differentiate....Fastidious Temple anyone? But..it seems like such a cop out. But anything we put out will be taken the wrong way. SOS...Save our Stalker. Can't win.

It would be a cop-out. If this board didn't do its thing on Colin's birthday, IMO it would look like were ashamed. Obviously the joy has gone out of the event, but let's not be too quick to make a decision. That's not the procrastinator in me, but one who prefers to make decisions after careful assessment and not with emotion.

A few quick thoughts: To go private for this year's birthday might be interpreted by outsiders as an indication of guilt or embarrassment that firth.com was the site mentioned in the articles. I'd prefer not to hide away, but I'd definitely prefer to stay away from anything relating to the stalker. I don't believe posts made in good fun would be taken the wrong way..as long as they were in good fun. If the use of SOS were explained in each person's post (mine is "Sermonizing on Sexy"), there's no possibility for misinterpretation.

We must have been typing at the same time, Karen.

And we're of the same opinion. How unusual. Guess I won't be doing my Stalker's Blog parody, eh? Just keeding! ;-)

(Karen), It would be a cop-out. If this board didn't do its thing on Colin's birthday, IMO it would look like were ashamed. (Kathryn), To go private for this year's birthday might be interpreted by outsiders as an indication of guilt or embarrassment that firth.com was the site mentioned in the articles. I agree. We should go ahead and roast and toast him in good fun. (Karen), I really never understood Moon's St Teasing thing Really? Message 1758: What about something with Saint T? As in "Saint Titilating Tease!" To stress the fact that he: 1. Never does sex scenes or gets naked 2. Is happy just to work with friends 3. Is happy with third banana roles 4. Says he can do an American accent, but he really can't 5. Produces a shit documentary, instead of buying the rights to something meaty, beaty, big and bouncy (Who fans may appreciate) ;-) 6. Doesn't recognize a crappy script when he gets one etc, etc I see Rupi as the MC, and all the wicked fun included. SOS is very similar to turming the boat around, I think someone else pointed it out. And since it is the classic distress signal, it touches too closely on the stalker news and his "relieved" comment.

IMO it would look like were ashamed I am. And it does take the joy out of the event....for me, anyway. Think I'll just go generic.

I'm of a double mind on this one. I've been "stalked" in the past and it is scary however, I don't want to back down and hide either. IMO this incident needs to be "out there" one way or another so history doesn't repeat itself... From experience I can tell you it is dangerous to cover it up. My birthday "gift" will fit with both themes and either way I still plan on making a small (hopefully) humorous reference to the crazy lady. LOL, I have no problem making minor tasteless references, but I don't plan on making it the focus of my post either.

Officially, there won't be any theme. Do what you want. This site's birthday party has always been irreverent and, to many out there, tasteless. So why should this year be any different. ;-)

Irreverent...okay. Tasteless (to some)....okay. But, lord love a duck, *themeless*? Egad! [Not that I'm going to redo my work to suit a new theme, anyway. ;-)]

(Kathryn) But, lord love a duck, *themeless*? Egad! I know! I can't even throw a BBQ without a theme. ;-)

(Karen) This site's birthday party has always been irreverent and, to many out there, tasteless. So why should this year be any different. ;-) True-that is what makes it so much fun each year. One of my personal mottos is: "If you can't laugh at the absurd, then the crazy people win" ... or something to that effect. ;-) (Karen) I know! I can't even throw a BBQ without a theme. ;-) Officially you could name the theme "Themeless" and then you'd have a theme. ;-)

I have to say that I've been thinking about this all weekend. I suddenly found myself very uncomfortable with the postie theme, last night. I haven't been to drool till now and I see that you've been discussing this issue. I feel that, yes, his birthday is irreverent and a roast and that's the point, but, now, I don't have the heart to celebrate Colin's day by bringing the postie into it. If she's caused him and his family to be uncomfortable enough to get the police involved--then the last thing she needs is more attention paid to her. MHO, of course and I have no problem with anyone doing what they please. I plan to be as tasteless and irreverent as usual;-) I was also thinking about suggesting the going private, this year, but the Boss is right. Why should oui? If any site has been super respectful of Colin's privacy-it's drool. (Karen) Stay away from those x-rated male bags. ;-) LOL, I've got something better. But do I have the guts to post it? Maybe, maybe, not!;-)

(Joy) If you can't laugh at the absurd, then the crazy people win" I agree, though this issue with Colin goes beyond absurd. While giving my opinion hasn't been an issue before, I tend to want to refrain (but can't help myself! ;-)) from giving an opinion on the theme as I'm not sure I'll even be available to join in. I'll be on vacation and have no idea if I'll be free to post anything anyway. Getting it ready early isn't really an option at this point.

Does anyone really care what Drool does for his b'day except us?

(Evelyn) Does anyone really care what Drool does for his b'day except us? Maybe not, but it is a day that this topic on Drool becomes public, so I'm glad that members here do care. :-)

(Evelyn) Does anyone really care what Drool does for his b'day except us? I couldn't say but that and $3.75 will get you a cup of coffee (am updating a comment my father used to say all the time to me). ;-)

What? No theme? :-( Surely there's still time. I have already engaged Rupi as MC, and I know he would love a theme. ;-)

No theme. Go ahead and post about St Titillating or whatever. I still don't get it no matter how many examples you give. But feel free to use it yourself and to utilize Roo (I think I prefer this nickname from that woman's blog to Rupi).

Am thinking that perhaps you should put up a disclaimer at the beginning of the celebration: "Alleged stalker was not part of this group";-)))))

Or perhaps Katie Couric could interview the alleged stalker. ;-)

Or maybe Joan Rivers could interview her.;-) My feeling is: why is the "party" made public to begin with? What does that get us? It's not like scads of non-members join in to wish him well or anything. The party, really, is for us. Why should I have to reign in my tastelessness to avoid offending some random reader? All rhetorical questions, boss.;-)

(Mari) Why should I have to reign in my tastelessness to avoid offending some random reader? Who said you did? I've come up with my opening post idea. Haven't written it yet, but I'm visualizing it. Some will get it; others will be as clueless as the Ted Koppel thing I did. *huge winkie* But trust me, it will be highly relevant.

You don't see me putting up any Hallmark greeting card sentiments now, do you?

Since I was working in that folder, I had started a doc called 2007 birthday topic ideas, when someone said they should be written down. These were the only two: COLIN FIRTH COULD BE YOUR BABY DADDY Firth cries, �Mamma�!

to avoid offending some random reader? Would Colin be a random reader? (A rhetorical question. ;-)) I have always wondered if not he, but someone associated with him checks the party.

I agree with Dorine. That's why there was always a theme to hit him over the head with. It's a yearly Colin roast and toast. As such, he is open to our criticism and suggestions. Might he laugh at Joan Rivers interviewing his stalker? I don't know.

(Dorine)Would Colin be a random reader? Ya never know. That's the thing with going public. Either way, I'm laying off the postie jokes. For now.;-)

I am all for having a public party. But content may need to be considered a bit more this time. I'm all for irreverence as you know, but there are lines that can be crossed, at least at the moment, IMO.

Talking about tastelessness and irreverence...... Will the "Katie Couric" interview with the stalker take questions from the audience??;-))) (good for a Drool party)

testing

I've set up a new topic (#220) for this year's birthday party, but have not activated it yet. I will do so at the appropriate time, meaning when the party starts. http://www.spring.net/yapp-bin/restricted/read/drool/220/new This topic might run out during the party and it would be a bloody mess to get everything set up properly with the public topic. All that has been done now, so there shouldn't be any snafus (at least those caused by a topic filling up) during the party.

Good thinking, Karen. I like things planned ahead. :-)

LOL! Atypical for me. ;-) But there were technical and support personnel consideratins, I thought I'd just do it now.

Everybody hard at work? ;-)

I am, let me know when the party's starting!