Paul's Corner

Confession: I have been sitting by my computer all day trying to think of anything to do other than worry about important stuff. This explains my rather long and repetitive postings.

Having said that, Paul....I now say "GEEZ." I cannot tell you how disappointed I am to hear of your treatment by Bazmark et al. One of the reasons I even bothered to give ole Baz the time of day (rent his movies or even see them in the theater) was that I thought he was the type to care most about the art of production rather than the dollar of such. I understand that Fox may be the force behind this snub but I also fault Baz. You were one of the biggest reasons he ever became a name to know. Strictly was his first film. His directorial decisions were shadowed by the performances which is not necessarily true of his later films. Those who fell in love with Strictly fell in love with you and the rest of the cast. I do not fault you at all for your decision to withhold likeness rights. I am guessing that your decision has quite a bit to do with respect that is owed to you. You were not just a fancy camera cut or flashy effect. You were dynamic in and of yourself.
Speaking as an attorney to-be (7 days and counting), likeness rights are RIGHTS and they aren't always about money. They are about what is due to you. That may be respect, recognition, or just fairness.

I am so sorry that you had to make that decision. I am hurting a little FOR you. I had heard that there was going to be a release of some sort for the Baz trio. I wasn't interested in it until I saw Strictly. I won't buy it now. It is not because you are gonna be blurred and I won't get the extra visuals....I refuse to support anything that, or anyone who, treats others as dispensible.

Remember, the more tattered and time tested that Faith's dress becomes, the more beautiful it is.

More cheesy inspiration that makes me smile:

"So...
be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray
or Mordecai Ali Van Allen O'Shea,
you're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So... GET ON YOUR WAY!"
(Dr. Suess, degree granting institution I know not)

Chin up,
Sarah

Paul,

I agree with how you feel 100%! All this means to me, as a fan (thankful that you shared this information) is that I WON'T buy the three pack, since I already own Strictly & Moulin. Frankly - it is reprehensible that after all the money that they have made already off your image etc, that you haven't seen one thin dime of it. I mean really face it, if it were not for the powerful strength and sensuality of your performance that movie would not have affected me (and many others)in the same way. It would be just another movie I watched whenever it came on TV, maybe something I would own on video - but wouldn't have bothered replacing the video with the DVD. (I never replaced all my vinyl records with cds - same reasoning, there has to be a special quality to something for it to resonate so deeply that I want to have it "forever.")

In fact I actually kinda know how you feel. One publisher I dealt with in my youth has gone from publishing only books - to expanding on the internet, and of course everything in teh books was transfered to be internet accessible. Problem, they deleted all outr by lines, AND never told us they were basically reprinting our work on-line, and we weren't even going to get credit for it.

In fact, this really P*SSES ME OFF!

Would you share with me who at Fox made this incredibly ridiculous decision? I have it in mind to write a letter. In the US the standard "they" go by is 1 letter = 10,000 opinions, so a letter can indeed be a powerful thing. I wonder how they would feel if their not paying you some small pittance in light of what they have *already* made WORLDWIDE AND the additional they will probably expect to make(and I have friends who do CGI etc so I know how much they will have to pay to "blur you out")vs what it will cost them in LOST SALES and extra work. Imagine if they did a similar thing to the movie A Beautiful Mind? Russell Crowe made that movie with his powerful performance, working in the Health Care industry right now I can honestly say according to some of the Medical industry "lifers" never has a movie made such an impact on the industry (mental health care)- interestingly enough after Strictly Ballroom, there was a sudden resurgence in interest in ballroom dance. As a writer I know how to write a good story and create memorable characters, but I also know that without the right actor, an amazing role may not be so memorable or leave such an idellible impression on so many. But if they made a special edition dvd of ABM with making of extras etc and blurred out Russell - they would not sell as many copies as they would anticipate.

I'm sorry if I sound ANGRY but I am and not at you. You did the right thing, sometimes you HAVE to put your foot down and just stop "going with the flow" or playing for "the team." Cause in the end, "the race is with yourself" and sometimes you have to do what is best for you. Even if in some ways it doesn't work out to be the best for everyone else. Sometimes you have to take a strong stand for yourself, and maybe things don't work out the way you hope they would - but everything happens for a reason in the grand scheme of things. Sometimes the "why" of it eludes us for a time, but in the end it becomes clear.

Well I should shut up now, since I'm already verbose as it is... But PLEASE, as a fan (and a fellow exploited artist) I hate that the "fat cats" profit off the 'back end' while the guy (YOU) that made the movie so powerful and the character so memorable get nothing but the memories... (Which are great and priceless, but unfortunately don't pay the bills.)

I think you've sacrificed your vestial virgin for the MONTH! Keep the faith, times like these are the hardest, but when you need her the most. You have a wonderful wife and three daughters and a relationship that has crossed more years than most, that within itself is a great gift (that not everyone gets to experience) and a fantastic feat (that most never accomplish). Faith is there.

Take care and take heart in knowing that there are probaly many out here that can empathise and who not only understand your decision, but support it.

Well OK, so maybe it's only me. But we all count in the greater scheme of the universe.

Best Regards,
Charlie

See, this is what I mean by my earlier comment of what a nasty and cut throat business the movie business is. Good for you for taking a stand. How incredibly greed-filled an action Bazmark has made. I read somewhere that you Paul once considered moving to California but decided not to for family sake. Good decision. Can you imagine your children living in an environment that promotes, on a daily basis, such vile behavior and actions? As soon as my cousin "in the business" could, he moved his family far away from Hollywood. Now they live in a community that is stereotypic small town America.

So they totally "screwed you" Paul (pardon my language but I am ticked off). But, you know you did the right thing even if you are the one who suffers for the decision. These people will still make their millions without a clue how to act in a fair and admirable manner. BUT....what goes around comes around....and someday these individuals will have to be accountable for their actions.

As parents we try to teach our children to be fair and kind to others. For me, I could care less if my children are rich (altho' it would be nice) as long as they feel good about themselves, are happy with their life, and treat others well. I have one son that would like to be a rock star (shudders), not a career I would choose for him. But there it is, so my husband and I have tried to instill in him values that will allow him to be a good person and if he by some miracle is successful at this career he will be able to survive it. That's all we can do. So you Paul have also done this with your children. They can see that life is very often not fair, but how an individual reacts to life's curves is an insight into the character of that individual. Your children can be proud of you for not losing character and for having the decency to not stoop to the level of so many of the individuals in the movie business. Hang in there and be strong. One of my dad's favorite sayings, and how he always ended our conversations or visits was "keep the faith". So I pass that on to you.
Best regards.....

I thought of another good word which I should have used in my previous comment....integrity. The powers that be in this special release of films seem to be lacking integrity in a big way.

just wanted to say that such exploitation shouldn't go unnoticed and that everyone who loved the work you did in that film as much as i did would probably feel the same way. I suppose i wasn't exactly surprised that a huge profit-driven organisation like Fox would act in such a way but i'll be glad to see them lose out when people start to complain about your abscence on the DVD extras.
I'm starting off in the movie business myself (art dept) and it's disheartening to hear yet another tale of unpaid work but I guess it's the same everywhere.
Anyways, it might be nice to hear that here in Ireland ,on the other side of the world, strictly ballroom was on t.v tonight and it was selected as movie of the day, with your name being the only one mentioned in the brief write up (not even Mr Luhrmann!)So that's how I found out your name and found my way here. That was the first time i saw the film again after seeing it in the cinema many moons ago and i loved it just as much and really wanted to find out what you'd done since-i'm sure it stirred many others to wonder the same.

Hi Paul

I just watched strictly ballroom over here in London on the telly for the first time. It is totally awesome. I was totally mesmerised by your performance!!! It was great!!!

I am sorry to hear that Baz et. al. has decided wat they had... It is such a shame to miss seeing u on the DVD and all but I guess u made a correct decision...

I would definitely want to see Strictly again... totally totally fabulous...

Cheers,
Darren

Another round or two, perhaps? Press again for your due. No is not always the final answer. God knows you have babies to feed. Keep the Faith. We believe in you! Best wishes always.

Hi peeps & Paul!

i stumbled across this site while searching for information on the actors involved in Strictly Ballroom. It was on last night in England and so i forged a path to my current destination.

I absolutely loved the film. that's prolly been said a million times before but i think it's worth saying again :) i loved the Scott character played so convincingly by Paul and the dancing is superb without being OTT or too flashy. How I wish i could be Fran dancing on the roof tops in front a massive coca cola sign!

I've read thru some previous posts by Paul and i never knew what a contemplative soul he is. I applaud your candid honesty and I really do admire all the things you've achieved. I can only hope to do even half the things you've seen and done. shame on Bazmark for fleecing you of what you deserve. at least by your refusal, you are kick starting a revolution!

It still really amuses me to see a company go to so much expense to avoid a lesser expense. Especially since they would have made even more by putting forth the initial expense.

Yes - keep the Faith going. Now that I think of Faith in the terms of my belated post below - know that what you are doing is exactly what you need to be doing - even when others aren't as encouraging. Your fans support your decision, and we hope you keep on producing art for us to enjoy :)

Shannon

Hey Paul

i watched strictly ballroom last nite on bbc1 for the 5th time at least.eventhough it was on from about 12.30 till 2. but it was definatly worth it!! it really does inspire me, and what everyone says in these comments should really give you an overwellming feeling that so many people love your work, me included. i think its amazin that u spend the time and effort talking to your fans on this web page. its amazin and i hope you continue to do so well in your career. sorry i dont have much time to write alot.

good luck and ill write again soon..
luvya loadz Jaynexx

Hey Paul

i watched strictly ballroom last nite on bbc1 for the 5th time at least.eventhough it was on from about 12.30 till 2. but it was definatly worth it!! it really does inspire me, and what everyone says in these comments should really give you an overwellming feeling that so many people love your work, me included. i think its amazin that u spend the time and effort talking to your fans on this web page. its amazin and i hope you continue to do so well in your career. sorry i dont have much time to write alot.

good luck and ill write again soon..
luvya loadz Jaynexx

Well, the fun never stops around you, I see. When you pick your battles, you really pick your battles. I wish I could agree with Nafisa and say you're starting a revolution, but, I'm afraid you might be spitting in the wind, my dear. As my quite jaded husband is constantly reminding me, "they don't do it because they love you". I applaud you for sticking by your principes, though. Unfortunately, a man with principles can never compete with the sea of hopefulls willing to sell their veritable soul for a chance at stardome. I've lived in the LA area most of my life and have spent enough time in Hollywood to have met many of these people first hand. Sometimes is seems like fame must be directly proportional to how much one is willing to sacrifice, however unjust that may be. Just think, you can now add your name to the long list of greats like Judy Garland who have been royally scr**ed by the big boys. I'm probably not making you feel any better, am I? I wish I had something more cheerful to say.

Just don't lose faith in humanity. My husband laughs at me every time I am shocked and perplexed and saddened by the inequity of life at the hands of another human being. I wish right and wrong were black and white. But, I think perception must be wholly different for each of us. That would be what makes us all individuals and capable of such a vast range of creativity and beauty, as well uglyness and evil. But,for as long as I can, I will choose to cling to the belief that mankind is inherintly good.

Our dear Mr. Mercurio,

You are a class act. And a phenomenal actor. Rest assured that you did the right thing.

In Illusions, Richard Bach also writes, "Every person, all the events of your life are there because you have drawn them there. What you choose to do with them is up to you."

Know this: you have chosen what to do admirably and wisely. It couldn't have been easy having to draw the line. Well done, and I'm sorry for how much that must have hurt you.

Know this, too: you have the support of millions of fans from around the world. They may not know about this website, nor about the abominable actions of Bazmark, but they're out there. And they would stand behind you whole-heartedly, I am sure.

How unethical are the actions of Bazmark. Never will I spend one penny on their products (Strictly Ballroom is the only film of theirs I have seen -- and will remain the only film of theirs I and my family will ever see. I don't wish to give profits to such an anti-art organization.)

Sending you warmest wishes and good luck thoughts,
Orlando, Florida, USA

Dearest Paul Mercurio,

You are not just a talented actor. You are deep, thoughtful, giving, kind. All of that comes across just from your musings on this website. There are not enough of you in this world. Heck, you make it a better place just by being a loving husband, father, son, and brother, let alone by sharing your acting and artistry with audiences the world over.

In short, you are worthy of every ounce of praise you read from audience members on this website.

Could you get your talent agent to put a call in to Variety magazine and take out a full page ad? It might read something like this:

NOTE TO BAZMARK - YOU HAVE MADE SOME POOR DECISIONS, AND WILL LOSE MILLIONS OF CONSUMER DOLLARS AS A RESULT.

WHY, YOU ASK?

SIMPLE. BECAUSE THE CONSUMERS WILL REALIZE YOUR LACK OF ETHICS AND LACK OF SOUL IN YOUR HANDLING OF Strictly Ballroom.

HOW SAD TO DISCOVER THAT YOU DO NOT STAND BEHIND THE ARTFUL ACTORS IN THE FILM THAT STARTED IT ALL FOR YOU.

SHAME ON YOU FOR NOT PAYING THOSE ARTISTS WHO MADE THAT FILM GLITTER LIKE GOLD.

WITHOUT SCOTT (PAUL), WHERE WOULD YOU BE? (NOWHERE.)

REPENT.

We are so sorry, Paul. My wife and I send you our positive vibes across the continents and cross our fingers for good things to come your way. You deserve them.

Love and peace,
New York Couple

Yes, another posting....hey I am a vertiable regular!

Bravo to ALL the postings...You see? No one here is disappointed about your decsion.

I said earlier that I would never buy the DVD set but I am thinking I might download it from Morpheus (if I can) when it becomes available (it has not been legally determined "stealing" yet). I would LOVE to see how they get around the MAIN CHARACTER in Strictly. It is worth the laugh at them (what is a few extra MB of memory on my computer compared to seeing them look like idiots?).

Remember way back when I mentioned that I believe in essentially what boils down to "what goes around comes around?" Its gonna come around for the big guy (Fox et al)in charge of this moronic decision. (of course I also believe that one should not delight in the misgivings of others....schadenfrued I think it is called, if it happens to a friend.....but understand that this little bit of negative energy coming toward you will eventually be replaced by positive energy...do not wait for it, do not rely on or expect it and it WILL come)

All my best,

P.S. The more parentheticals a person uses is indicative of how smart a person is (and not inversely proportional, either)... :)

Ciao, Paul! Come va? We are in ITALIA writing to you!

This message is from me and my brother. My whole family loves your acting. Bravo, bravo! We are very sorry for you losing your brother - we pray for you and your family for the pain to become lighter. Congratulations on your wife and 3 childs! Your wife - she is beautiful, like you. Nice photographs!

You know about two month ago, we had a dinner party at our home -- 37 friends and family. Our parents had the party to celebrate Mamma's birthday, and after dinner, the MAIN EVENT of the party was to watch your films in our house in Dolo (outside of Venezia). Mamma loves your acting! We have big screen on wall of our home and everybody watched until very late at night. We all love cinema in our town. We saw Strictly Ballroom of course and also Joseph. These are excellent films and you make them excellent. It's a good practice of English and we like you so much! Of course all the women went crazy because they adore you.

But we read your message ("mille grazie" for writing to your fans!) about situation with DVDs and see you have not been paid. This means you never got money for performance in Strictly Ballroom? I am confused. It is not right! Is Hollywood so cruel? Or maybe just Bazmark company? My brother say Bazmark is the reason. We are so angry! Sorry for this bad thing - one thousand times "sorry"! We will not buy this DVD collection if you are not on bonus DVD. Thank you for this website - we like to have chance to write notes to you.

Good luck! And no worry - the universe will take care of you and your family. Please write a book from your poetry because you write lovely things. We will buy it!

Love,
Fans in Veneto, Italia

Dear Paul,

I have just found this website and think it's wonderful. Four of my girlfriends and I rented one of your films last night (Exit to Eden - it was loads of fun, and you were the best thing in the film!). We had a great time because we're great fans of your acting. While I'm completely impressed that you actually write messages on this website, I'm mortified by the news of Baz Luhrmann's company. It ails me to hear of the horrible situation with the 3-DVD set. As the Italian fans expressed in their message - is Hollywood so cruel?

Know that your fans around the world are hoping for plentiful projects to come your way, so that we may enjoy more of your work! Oh, another good suggestion from our Italian friends - could you publish a poetry book? We'd buy it, too! (This looks like the third message with that suggestion on the website... hmmmm. Who knew you were so talented outside of acting as well?!)

Best of luck to you always and always and always.
Marty from Washington, DC

When I first read your post and the initial comments on it, I was ready to join Charlie in a letter-writing campaign. I wondered: Who else in the cast might be in the same position? Could Paul and his Strictly colleagues send out a press release that could politely embarrass Bazmark and Fox while alerting the public about the edited bonus DVD? As an activist, that kind of approach is right up my alley. And yet, I had to wonder if it would be worth the time and effort to challenge their decision.

Maybe it would, if the situation could be reversed and you could profit from it. But, as an exercise in shaming Goliath, I think it’s a waste of time. You said that the bonus disc would contain behind-the-scenes footage from all of Baz’s films. My guess is that it won’t include the best stuff from Strictly because the impetus for the package release is focused on Moulin Rouge. It’s a puff piece about Baz and Moulin, don’t you think? Probably wouldn’t have done your memories of it any justice. You still have those and you can share those memories with others — with or without Baz’s help. Most importantly, you stood up for yourself and stopped their exploitation of you. Bravo! (By the way, my husband and I think you would have made a more inspired choice for the character of the Duke in Moulin Rouge.)

Expanding on Charlie’s sentiment, I would say that it’s always best policy to stand up for yourself and ask for what you deserve. When you believe that you have worth and are entitled to your due, you act from a position of strength. You may not always get what you’ve asked for, but your strength grows and you radiate that strength. That is the difference between lightweight, shallow actors with a short shelf life and actors who expand their range and have staying power as a result. The latter own themselves.

I was struck by your suggestion that you might not have any right to income from the revenue from Strictly. I can understand your disappointment at their lack of generosity in response to your own; it is sad to see such a lack integrity. But you most certainly did and do deserve a bit from the profits you helped generate and I hope you have an aggressive agent who will make sure that you are protected on all future projects.

In reference to your Richard Bach quote: What do you think is the gift to you resulting from this problem?

As you ponder that, here are some other wonderful quotes I’ve run into in the course of reading Wayne Dyer’s excellent book You’ll See It When You Believe It:

“You are not a human being having a spiritual experience. You are a spiritual being having a human experience.”

Albert Einstein: “Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” and “I am grateful to all those people who said no. It is because of them I did it myself.”

Ram Dass: “The most exquisite paradox... as soon as you give it all up, you can have it all... . The minute you don’t want power, you’ll have more than you ever dreamed possible.” (Be Here Now)

I see from the latest comments that even more people are sending you their thanks and good wishes. That is a powerful energy. Let it soak in.

Best wishes,

Diane

Hi Paul, et al:

Dhiana here... STAND BY YOUR CONVICTIONS!
(Even if it means feeding the girls macaroni & cheese three nights a week! ;-)

Truly, the money would be wonderful, of course. However, your mettle is MORE wonderful. And you know that. (NOT to say that the whole situation doesn't suck royally, because, yah...it does.) BUT, a long drawn-out cut-throat agent/lawyer fight is only going to tarnish your splendid persona for future endeavors. My opinion.

Now, I know all this talk about "you've inspired me" and "you're wonderful" only goes so far...doesn't put shoes on the kids feet, I know. HOWEVER, you have a more important job--you're a Light Worker and you don't even know it. (No, don't add this to your resume for future, real-world employment...they'll just look at you sideways and say a polite, "Uh, thank you Mr. Mercurio for your, ah...time" and keep you at an arm's length while showing you hastilly to the door. You've grasped the concepts of the Universal Flow and you operate within those boundaries. Always. It can take something like this a**holish maneuver from some company to start grasping at the real-world you and start the seduction down the path of no-return...and I don't mean monetary return because yeah, you'd be getting the money, but you also had to play their game and make personal compromises that you'll never be able to take back. You are TOO far on your path of Light and Understanding...the temptations only get bigger (obviously...geesh! That's a load a dough they're making!)as you get closer to your soul goals.

Use history as your guide. Don't let them tempt you and get your dander up...that serves no one.

In Love and Light,
Dhiana

PS. Someday I'll tell you all about a crazy week off with no kids/husband, how I discovered the love of myself and dance (belly), and how someone I've never met on the other side of the world, cemented my convictions that everything happens for a reason, no matter how crazy it seems at the time. But these past 18 posts were so full, I think we'll let it pass for now. Oiche mhaith! ("Good night!" in Gaelic)

Hi Paul,

I support your decision 100%. It is a shame that your fans won't get to see the extra footage of you, but please do not feel guilty about that, you are not the one to be blamed.

I am glad you made a stand - hold your head up high my dear! Let them have to go through the hassle of removing you! :-)

It is truly a shame that the "fat cats" forget who helped them get to that status - I am sure they would rebut with the fact that they also helped you, but any business relationship has give and take (actually any relationship does!), but their take is quite more substantial - what ever happened to "Share the wealth?" I guess those words were removed from their vocabulary!!!

Thanks for sharing your talents with us Paul, I wish you and your family all the best in the world! And I look forward to seeing more from you in the future!

Hugs,

Carol Sullivan from Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Paul, youre the bomb.

Well, I knew 'showbiz' could be mean sometimes but that is truly disgusting. That film would be mediocre without you, you made it shine and now they won't pay you for a few clips of you for the DVD? That's just stupid. It's not like the company is hard up, and it's not like they can't afford it. I think they owe it to you.
Don't worry though, everything will turn out for the best.
Keep happy, stay healthy and never stop smiling.
Hope things get a bit better soon, you deserve it.
And I hope your family are happy and healthy too, they all look beautiful in the pictures! :)

See you on screen,

Alexandra

My own experiences in the world of theatre and dance have taught me that while the arts in general are full to bursting with many talented, intelligent and loving people, it is also sometimes overrun by those who would profit at artists' expense...gaining fame, money or critical success from others' blood, sweat & tears..... in a business where personal integrity is often just an "air-brushed" image, or worse, a commodity to be brokered and bartered for leverage at the box office (particularly so over here in the States) I'm sure that there are those who will view your decision in that light... as something selfish and greedy and purely profit driven. Don't fret yourself over them, in the long run they are not the people whose opinions matter anyway.... and I guarantee you that when your girls are grown and having to make these kinds of choices for themselves what they will remember & take to heart is NOT that they had to eat macaroni & cheese 3 nights a week (think of it this way, you're actually helping to prepare them for the impoverished/top-ramen eating world of college students the world over) but that their dad is a man of artistic vision AND personal integrity who puts his belief(s) in what's just, equitable, fair, and right above what is "easy"..... you did the right thing, and while it probably reeeaaallly SUCKS right now, the sting of it will fade with time, and opportunities...and there will be plenty of them, rest assured of that. I posted a comment earlier today/yesterday on the whole topic of faith, but I'm pretty sure that I posted it on that particular topic/train of thought after you had already read comments and responded with this train of thought....it's too long to retype here (well, no, actually, it's 5am in the morning and I'm just being lazy) so for now I'll just close with this: "Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue & loniness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be, and whatever your labors & aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery & broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy."-- (Desiderata) or as they say in my part of the world.... keep the faith.....

Dear Paul,
I have just re-watched "Strictly Ballroom" for the fifth time, and enjoyed it as much the fifth as the first.
After watching the film, I wondered what you might be up to, and if you might have an internet site, and WOW! Here is a site where you communicate personally with your fans. I wish I had known sooner, but I will enjoy from here on out.
I was horrified by the treatment you received from Bazmark and Fox and I am just one more person who will not buy the DVD package. I am not in the entertainment business, but I can sympathize with your mistreatment, as it happens in other careers as well. Small-minded, ego-driven, greedy (for money or power or both) "rulers" take pride in abusing their "underlings." It is unfortunate, but it is a fact of life. But from the few of your entries that I have had a chance to read today, it is clear that your spirit and your thinking are in the right place. Although it is usually difficult and sometimes self-punishing to take a stand against the "powers that be," one must take satisfaction in doing what is right for oneself. You have done just that, and can be justly proud of yourself, as I am proud of you.

Best wishes always,
An American fan, Susan

Hey Paul,

This is gonna be my last posting for a little while as I am about to enter into the professional life (as opposed to the student life). I have to share something with you all....today I became a doctor. No, not a medical doctor. Yes, a Juris Doctor...but a DOCTOR nonetheless. About a week ago I was terrified that I wouldn't get to walk accross my silly little stage and get my diploma but I DID! There is hope for us all and I, today, deposit a little into the faith account...there are big things and little things that add into the "faith account." This was big for me. I am so friggin excited that I had to share with y'all. As far as the little things that get deposited into the faith account there are things that everyone should recognize:

1. Always tell people that you love them when you do....THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING...you never know when you will get the chance again......and,

2. Love yourself....and never forget to say it every once in a while (whenever you look into the mirror).

Take care,
Sarah R. Williams B.A., J.D., Esq.

G'Day Paul

Good on you... Stick to your guns... :}

You gotta love the way they will spend $5 so they dont have to spend 5 cents.

Luv to all in Melbourne :}

Regards

Phill T from Perth :}

p.s. Slap Jo on the back of the head for me :}

The first thing is that everything happens for a reason. Whether you believe it or not all the time eventually the reason shows up and life moves forward. Sometimes we wait years even half a life time but the reason always shows itself. You don't need to be on that DVD to be who you are and there are so many people out there who will see that you are absent from the footage, if they actually watch the movie, they will know what's up. I bought the DVD of Ballroom just last week on Amazon so I didn't buy the three set. They aren't getting my money. So let me tell you a little stort about FAITH Paul. It seems to be the word floating to the top at the moment. I was born and adopted in 1969 and lived an unassuming life as a "regular" kid growing up in the suburbs of NYC. I never FELT regular, knowing of my questionable beginnings, but I lost myself in ballet and knew in my deepest self that someday I would know...I would find her and she would look into my eyes and say just the right thing and I would know. Well 28 years and one marriage and first child a few months away I met her, my birth mom, in NYC at my little half sister's Julliaard Ballet recital. I forgot to wear my glasses and was very pregnant and luckily my best friend was with me and she went about the audience looking for some woman who looked like me. She found her finally and I sat down next to her just as the lights went down and the music started and the dancers came out. We sat next to each other throughoutthe ntire tow hour performance watching my new half sister dance and holding hands. When it was over and the lights came up she turned to me and said, "I knew you would find me baby.". Paul, Always listen to that voice, the deepest part of yourself and it will all be ok. "Time after time".

Hi Paul
Just to reiterate what others have said over the past week after watching Strictly on British TV the other night. Its a while since I saw it last and I'd forgotten what a wonderfully 'feel good' movie it is. You all gave such a marvellous performance. Its hard to believe that most of the leading cast members were not trained dancers. After being reminded of this delightful movie I decided to buy the video to watch again at my leisure (I've not moved into the 21st century yet so I don't own a DVD player!).
As we don't hear a lot about you in England I decided to try and find you on the web to see what you've been up to over the past few years.... And here you are! The last time I saw you was in Joseph on cable TV. My son, Christopher (who has Aspergers), was 11 years old at the time and had just been given the part of Potiphar in his school play. As neither of us knew the whole story of Joseph we decided to watch it on TV. It certainly gave Chris a better understanding of the part he was to play and it did me the world of good watching that gorgeous guy who played Joseph so incredibly well!
I've really enjoyed reading Pauls Corner; sharing your thoughts. You write with such complete honesty and true feeling. Getting back to Strictly, I was appalled to hear how you've been treated and I agree wholeheartedly with your actions. On the video I purchased there is also a 15 minute behind the scenes documentary in which you feature along with Baz and other cast members. I'm not sure if this is the same feature to which you are referring thats coming out on DVD or whether this documentary was on the original video release. Knowing how this has upset you, and quite rightly so, I'm now feeling a little guilty over my purchase of the video. Paul, your performance was outstanding and you deserve more credit. It's a film I will never get bored of watching.
This is like a finale to my Aussie weekend! On Saturday night I went to see Kylie Minogue in Manchester. What a performance! How does this woman work so hard and look so fabulous! Great dancers in the show too. On Sunday there was lots of sunshine for once so we had a barbi! Now I'm writing to you!
Much love to you Paul and your family.

Jean
Warrington, Cheshire, England

I love it, you've loaded the gun that put the bullet in their foot! Idiots. If it had been my choice, I would have done the same thing--but I would've made them cough up the cash years ago. I respect you for standing up to a bunch of hardline entertainment attorneys. I know a couple of them and...well..'nuff said.

People are going to be interested in the anniversary edition because of what you brought to the film and to get a sneak peek of you goofing off backstage. When they see you're not there, they'll tell their friends not to buy it. I know I will.

Maria