Paul's Corner

Can't wait to see it. Have fun at the premiere!

Hi, Paul and all the PCer's!
That was a great article, and I told my son when we see the movie, I am staying and watching the credits til we see your name! I've seen good previews the last couple movies we've seen, and the robots move so wonderfully! Love the dog walking , nice "normal" scene.And the action looks incredible! Fantastic job, Paul!
We are hoping to see it Sunday, planned to Saturday, but had forgotten a family reunion where one member is 94, so, well, you understand ;).
I have to smile when you mention talking to the director; I listened to a clip where he was talking about the movie/story, and I wasn't expecting an Aussie accent,lol, and felt pretty dense.
I'm looking forward so much to this movie, and hope it brings you more of work you love.
hugs and smiles,
Sally aka deltalady

Congratulations! We will all keep our fingers crossed for you. I read about those robots by the way. I think I want one - to cook naked in the kitchen.

Jo,
I am lucky enough to have a hubby who sometimes cooks naked in the kitchen ... as a matter of fact, he valiantly fought a fire naked one time! He was cooking breakfast, making an omelet and a tiny bit of water hit the pan. When the smoke detector starting blaring I was in the shower, my son was in the living room ... and my mom just happened to ring our bell as we rushed to help. And there was hubby, too busy trying to put out the fire to care that his mother-in-law was seeing him in his birthday suit!

LOL It is funny now when we remember the incident, but it is really scary how quickly a cooking fire can get out of hand ... those flames were shooting up high in no time at all! We must have poured two or three boxes of salt on that oily pan and, thank God, it did the trick. So my advice to everyone is to always keep extra salt and/or baking soda in the kitchen, handy, just in case.

I'm a dedicated hand washer, too. I am appaled when I see chefs on TV cut the veggies with the same knife they used to cut the meat. They are setting a bad example. I would rather err on the side of washing too much than too little.

Paul, your peach bear sounds delightful. Wish you the best of luck in marketing it real soon. Too bad it will be sometime before we get it here in the States. I am not really a beer drinker, so having the peach flavor sounds very appealing to me. When it comes to wine I favor the fruity ones, too. As you can see, I am not a conoceur when it comes to brewed drinks ... except for ginger ale ... in that I know that the Jamaican ginger ale is THE one, and the British one is second. American ginger ale ... not worth mentioning, it's way tooooooo sweet! :-)

Nertha (ducking to avoid being hit by ginger snaps thrown by ginger ale lovers)

Oooops!
Sorry, I posted in the wrong blog! Is there a way to fix it?
And that was peach beer, not bear. Oh my goodness, I am sleepy, I better go and get some rest, my brain is turning to peach cobbler! LOL

Nertha (now craving some of Jo's peaches)

Paul
Congratulations on you venture with I Robot. Cat let the "Cat" out of the bag. LOL:} (chuffed:) Is that good or bad?

Anyone following the Tour de France? I am not a bicycle racing fan, but I am routing for Lance Armstrong on his quest for his 6th win. I like to watch it occasionally because of the beautiful scenery on the tour. Like tennis, I don't understand the scoring.

Weather here has been hot and very dry. Many forest fires burning out of control in several western states with some close calls. Many homes have already been lost.

Still looking to see if there is the women's equivalant to the Men's Darwin Awards.

Saw a commercial for Foster's beer that claims the bubbles are shaped like boomerangs. I guess if you drink enough beer, the bubbles may start to look like boomerangs.

Take care
Marge

Dear Paul,

Due to an electrical storm, we did not see "I, Robot" yesterday, but we'll catch those rockin' and dancin' robots on Sunday.

We saw the previews last week, and your input is all over them. I have a feeling your director WILL remember you for other projects, and who knows, maybe you'll end up in the states after all, by February, and FIF.....not an Impossible
Dream!

Peace and Love,

Mil

I too would like to congratulate you on the movie. I will go see it on my next payday. This one went to the rent. Hope all of your dreams come true Paul and remember you can have your "cooking :)" days again when you are post kids...:) Love and happy thoughts to all! Melinda

Ok Nertha--What's all this about a peach bear? Is that any relation to a purle rabbit?

OH WOW thats pretty cool paul i didnt know that...congrats and i want to see the movie it looks really good

Hello everyone,

I didn't know about Paul's involvement in the movie until I read it in one of the messages here. Then when I did see a commercial, I did notice some dance-like moves by the robots, very cool, I look forward to seeing the movie.

Congratulations Paul, I wish you more ventures like this in the future! But I have to confess, I rather see you ON the screen, than just your name in the credits! :-)

>>I read about those robots by the way. I think I want one - to cook naked in the kitchen.

Very strange, my post didn't post completely. Here it goes again...

Hello everyone,

I didn't know about Paul's involvement in the movie until I read it in one of the messages here. Then when I did see a commercial, I did notice some dance-like moves by the robots, very cool, I look forward to seeing the movie.

Congratulations Paul, I wish you more ventures like this in the future! But I have to confess, I rather see you ON the screen, than just your name in the credits! :-)

>>I read about those robots by the way. I think I want one - to cook naked in the kitchen.

LOL Jo... If they make them, I want one too!

Marge - I had to read Paul's post a few times to determine if chuffed was positive or negative. I am pretty sure it is a positive word!

I tried to look it up in my Aussie slang dictionary, but I didn't find it!

I will have to brush up on the "Aussie" language before I visit in October!

Carol xoxo

Well done, Paul! Can't wait to see the movie. Should this lead to more gigs in the States maybe you'll end up here in Chicago. We've had several movies shot here in the last few months. Anyway, give me a shout if you're heading this way and I'll be ready with pizza and beer!

Today is SUCH a special day. Forty-six years ago the Sun, Moon and Stars got together and decided that our world needed something. This new "something" should bring beauty, light, and love into the Universe. After many meetings and lots of ideas, they knew just what their creation would be. They called her Mary. And we get to know her! How lucky are we?

Happy Birthday, Mary!!! Much love to you, my friend, now and forever!

Michelle

Well done Paul, let's hope more work comes your way real soon.

Carol "chuffed" is a positive thing. If I am happy about something then I would say I'm chuffed to bits, it is another word for thrilled, delighted etc.

Yes Millie you did tell me! Thanks for that bit of magic again.

Michelle thanks for signing my book

Love to all
Kim

Carol,
I don't mean I want to cook the robot. I mean I want it to cook for ME and if it happened to look a little like Paul that would certainly be a plus!!!! My husband "walks" through the kitchen naked sometimes, but cook - NEVER.

Netha,
I love Jamaican ginger beer or is it ginger bear.

Carol,
We were posting at the same time I guess!!

Kim,
Thanks for the definition of Chuffed. I read it as cuffed and thought "wow, he's mad at Cat." Then reread it and thought "no, he's not mad at Cat." Then decided chuffed must be good, not bad.

What's happened to all of us?!
I was out with my friend last night at the bar and sure, I'd had a couple, but somthing happened to me when she started talking about her boyfriend trouble in the sex department. THREE TIMES while we were talking about this I said ORGANISM instead of ORGASM! And of course I had to laugh after it every time, and she said it wasn't a big deal, it wasn't funny and I was like, No, it's funny, really.

And here today I see the condition has worsened!

What's this about naked people watching naked robots frying naked chicken wings while drinking a six-pack??

Or is it naked robots watching naked people frying naked chicken wings while they danced naked and drank peach bear and set the kitchen on fire, tried to put out the fire with beer bubbles shaped like boomerangs while dodging purle rabbits???

Sign me up!

Sally C.

Just got back from seeing I, ROBOT. Gawd, it is awesome!! The robots have a very definite Mercurio stamp on them. They were fun to watch as there is a lot of action in the film and the robots give some graceful relief from that. Even in the action sequences they are quite graceful.

A dance feel - definitely!!!! I used the word graceful, but it is a dance feel.

Dearest Chickies,

I told the cast of "Follies" today that the list was growing of the wanna comes to FIF. They applauded, and said, "terrific, great!"

I extolled all your virtues, but didn't mention a thing about those naked robots dancing around naked men in the kitchen who were cooking naked chicken wings, while reading the dictionary trying to figure out the difference between organisms and orgasms...my peers just wouldn't understand!

Peace and Love,

Gran Mil

Read the front page article and learned about Paul's work in I, ROBOT. What a coinky dink . . . saw it an hour ago. Had no idea Paul was involved and now you mention it I marveled at the robot's movements. GREAT work, Paul. Congrats!!! May more work come your way--in front and behind the camera.

Like Jo, I just got back from seeing I, Robot and am I exhausted! The film is a great sci-fi flick filled with action, and the crowd I saw it with was very vocal and approving. When the film was done, we all stood up and clapped! Very entertaining and exciting, especially to see the great work Paul has done as the "Movement Consultant". I stayed to watch the credits and when I saw Paul's name scroll past, all I could think of was, good on ya, Paul!

Here's hoping lots more work comes your way, especially since the film seems to be a big hit here in America. I'm sure you'll enjoy the premiere next week. Can't wait to hear what you think about it.

if any of you enjoyed the story in "i, robot," you should check out "dark city," another film directed by alex proyas. it has same theme of man's struggle with progress and ultimate battle within. also recommended: "equilibrium" with christian bale, "gattaca" with uma, ethan and jude law, nd, of course, the terminator series.

good work, paul.

if any of you enjoyed the story in "i, robot," you should check out "dark city," another film directed by alex proyas. it has same theme of man's struggle with progress and ultimate battle within. also recommended: "equilibrium" with christian bale, "gattaca" with uma, ethan and jude law, nd, of course, the terminator series.

good work, paul.

Texas,
For me it wasn't so much the story as the journey. The robots were awesome!!! Totally awesome. Now I REALLY want one. (In my dreams.) My husband loved the story, but he is a BIG sci-fi fan. He also thought the computer generated effects were excellent (actually he said they were the best he had ever seen) and being a computer game junkie he would know about those things.

Paul,

I was definately right on about the "dance" feel of the robots. My family saw the film tonight and the fluid dance type movements are consistant throughout the film. Particularly when they jump or move through the air. WAY TO GO. I swear some of the poses the robots are doing are straight from your early photos of you in dance. my husband got a little impatient while I was waiting for your name to come up in the credits. But I was not leaving till I saw your name!

Robotic movement consultant - Paul Mercurio.

that was very cool. They have been showing trilors in the states the last few weeks, so we have to go opening weekend. I was very proud of you, Paul. Keep up the good work.

My son took his girlfriend with us tonight and when she asked who Paul was, my daughter proudly siad,
"that's mom's friends from "pauls Corner", on the computer. I guess I talk about all you guys too much!! My kids know you all by name!!

Well, congrats on the film, you desrve it! Gotta go pack for the World SEries trip, leaving in the morning.

Love to you all. xoxoxoxxoxo

Kelly

KIM

I tried to get on "kimscrossstich" to llok at your work again but i can't find it. I typed in under user name "kimscrossstich" but it tells me its invalid. I signed up and uploaded a bunch of photos of my family for you all to see, like me and Mohamad Ali, some of my kids and husband but I can't get them to view in my album. I just don't know what I am doing, oh well. Maybe you could email me the photo of it done, I would love to see it !!

Love to all,

Kelly

Paul, be chuffed, be very chuffed.
Be deservedly so.
I saw the shorts yesterday, and in my humble opinion....brilliant. Beautiful, fluid movement.
We all know how hard it is to make something look simple. Truly stunning. It all seems to fit.

Be proud, Paul.

Peter

Hi (from Germany), I noticed that I left the day I Robot opened in the US, it better still be in the movie theaters in four weeks when I get back or it could open here as well, but not sure about that. I want to see it!!! Congrats Paul and enjoy the premier and seeing what they did with your hard work and creative imput. It better be to your liking.

Off to making lunch for Mum and me :) Love to you all.

Kelly I have emailed you, twice. I had a MM and forgot to attach the picture.

Grandma Millie, you are very welcome, I meant every word.

Hi to everyone
Love
Kim

It was such a buzz to read all your reactions to Paul's work in I Robot. Delighted, but not surprised to hear that his 'touch' is so obvious. Sounds like it won't be just PCers waiting for the credits to see who was responsible for the robot movement. I can't wait for the film to come here! Paul, I feel proud, happy and hopeful for you tonight.

Thanks to all those who sent birthday greetings. I had a wonderful day and the concert was amazing!

Love to all,
Mary

Hi guys,
Hope you are all having a great weekend!

Lyn B wrote:
"Ok Nertha--What's all this about a peach bear? Is that any relation to a purle rabbit?"
============
Lyn the peach bear is a first cousin of the purle rabbit, and they both love to wear purle suits! :-)

Evelyn, so good to read you arrived safely in Germany. Enjoy your vacation and rest assured that "I Robot" will still be playing when you return to USA.

Paul, enjoy the "I Robot" premier ... I'm sure you will have fun watching your work come to life! The reviews I have seen on TV for the movie have included praise for the robots. :-)

Kelly, have a safe trip to the World Series and best of luck for your team!

Grandma Mil wrote:
"I extolled all your virtues, but didn't mention a thing about those naked robots dancing around naked men in the kitchen who were cooking naked chicken wings, while reading the dictionary trying to figure out the difference between organisms and orgasms...my peers just wouldn't understand!"
==================
Grandma Mil, better that you didn't mention all those deep and thought-provoking subjects we have been discussing ... after all, it takes a PCer to understand where we are coming from, and where we are going ... as well as be comfortable in the knowledge that we may not always know where we are ... but wherever that is . LOL

Sally C. wrote:
"What's this about naked people watching naked robots frying naked chicken wings while drinking a six-pack??

Or is it naked robots watching naked people frying naked chicken wings while they danced naked and drank peach bear and set the kitchen on fire, tried to put out the fire with beer bubbles shaped like boomerangs while dodging purle rabbits???
Sign me up!"
=================
Great to have you on board, Sally, you have been added to the list of cooking robot owners. Hope Paul can get us a discount, otherwise we are all going to be broke ... those robots are not cheap! LOL

Keep laughing, guys, it is the best medicine. ;-)

Nertha

Mary,
Belated Happy Birthday wishes. Hope it was a great one! :-)

Hugs,
Nertha

Yup, I stayed through the credits of I Robot and saw your name, Paul. Bravo!! Chuffed, I take it from other folks' e-mails is a good thing. The robot movement was pretty amazing and, all in all, it was a terrific flick. It certainly contained food for thought, especially as our technological know-how keeps increasing. Paul should certainly get more work as a result of this. I, for one, plan to write to the I Robot people, applauding the movie, and, in particular, mentioning the robot movement work! Best, Jennifer in California

Yes, Nertha dear, I shall show more decorum befitting my position on PC as Queen Grannie.

I shall stay on message, and steer away from all controversy, by not commenting any more on chicken wings and the dress code in the kitchen.

I will focus on the theme of this thread, those adorable robots, who seem to be doing their own steps from Stictly Ballroom, and are cleaning up at the boxoffice!

Peace and Love,

Gran Mil

....uh, that's STRICTLY as in Ballroom, sorry for the MM in spelling!

Mil

Hi to all!!

Just to add my 2 bits: Or we could do it this way - Naked, watching "I Robot" on dvd/video (when it comes out) munching on delivered chicken wings and drinking domestic beer while wishing a clone of Paul(or his robotic twin) would come and make us dinner (or dessert!!) with or without clothes!

Oh well, not too great, but had to say something, that thread was just too compelling!

Love to all!
Beth Ellen

"I ROBOT DESTROYS BOX-OFFICE FOES."

"Will Smith's sci-fi thriller, I, ROBOT was his latest #1 July debut, opening with $52.25 million dollars and bumping SPIDERMAN 2 from the top spot at the weekend box-office, according to studio estimates yesterday." - The Trentonian People News from our Wires.

Looking good, Paul....

Sally C.
That story was in the Houston Chronicle too.

I am going to see I robot tomorrow and I am looking forward to it after all of the great things I have heard from you all here. I am also tempted to make cobbler since i have read about it so often and I finally have a day off to do so. I think that it would be a cool thing for my children and I to do together. Hope you are all having a nice day. Best wishes to all...Melinda

Yeah, #1 at the American boxoffice, (move WAY over, Spiderman) and the producers and directors are already thinking of "I,Robot Part 2", to be filmed in Australia, instead of Canada!

Paul, you're gonna be red hot! (Of course, you always were, with us, but the rest of the world will catch on soon too!)

Let's hear it for the robots' best friend, our Paul!!! Hip, hip, hurrah!

Peace and Love,

Gran Mil

Just saw an ad on TV for I Robot! Previews here start on August 5th. The robots looked amazing - so fluid and lifelike. I agree Millie - this is going to put Paul right out there! Isn't it great?!?

Love to all,
Mary

Congrads Paul on your new success! As the expression goes in the U.S "You're the Man!"

I saw the pre-view over the week-end. It was neat in a way to know that you were a part of its making. I think when the movie is released it's going to open lots of doors.

Way to go!

Greetings to Grandma Millie!

take care all!

Greetings right back, Julie darlin'...don't you just hate this rain here in Florida?

We haven't had a chance to see those cute robots yet, but we're reveling in the glowing reports from all over!

We don't go outside when it's thundering and lightning is visible. The experts say a lightning bolt can travel 10 miles, and when a storm approaches our village, an alarm goes off on the golf course to tell the golfers to scram, fast!

Peace and Love,

Mil

Checking in again...

Yes it's drisling where I am. I think Grandma Millie will agree that this is the kind of weather to stay in and watch Strictly Ballroom on DVD while eating a take out.

I have to admit a few weeks ago when I was sick with my allergies I went to Blockbuster and both the VHS and DVD of SB was rented out! But I think this year I'll go ahead and buy the DVD or ask for it for my birthday in August. What better way to celebrate my 30th.

Ginger my greyhound just turned the big 3 a few weeks ago. My husband was out of town for her birthday so I let her pig out on some doggy ice cream and I pigged out on human ice cream. If we were able to rent SB it would have been even better. Ginger was dissapointed when I told her that someone else had rented SB so I decided to dress her up in a party hat and a bow tie to cheer her up. The things we do when we're stuck in the house, and I never thought dogs would find party hats to be an excellent chew toy.

I'm suppose to go to the gym tonight with the one who loves me but its so cozy inside the house right now I feel more like having a glass of wine and a good cheese to go with it.

I"ll call you this week Grandma Mil! I hope to see you so sometime soon!

take care all,

"Yes, Nertha dear, I shall show more decorum befitting my position on PC as Queen Grannie.

I shall stay on message, and steer away from all controversy, by not commenting any more on chicken wings and the dress code in the kitchen.

I will focus on the theme of this thread, those adorable robots, who seem to be doing their own steps from Stictly Ballroom, and are cleaning up at the boxoffice! "
======================
Grandma Mil,
You misunderstood me, my dear Queen! I didn't mean for you not to mention those things here ... I meant not to mention it to your friends because they could never understand how much fun we have here! LOL Please, keep flapping those chicken wings and sharing your witty comments with us. :-)

Speaking of wings, I heard on the news that the wildfires in California apparently were started by a crow that landed on a power line, got electrocuted, and when it fell to the ground it ignited the dry vegetation. Had heard of a smoking gun, but never of a smoking crow ... until now.

Nertha

I am chuffed too! HBO is showing a behind the scenes of I Robot and there is a little Q&A w/our Paul. I didn't get to see the whole thing, my son was watching TV in his room and he comes out yelling "Mommy,Mommy,your friend Paul is on TV!" I only caught a little but I found out they are replaying it so check your local listings! And congrats Paul, I can't wait to see it.
Peace

Hi, new to the site. I went to see 'I robot', ok it wasn't perfect when it came to the story but the robots and the animation was well put together. I am going to have to catch the behind the scenes on HBO.

Chase, So glad to see another newbie on the site. I'm new, too, and totally unsure as to the protocol but just jumped right in. It's kinda strange seeing an e-mail dated "tomorrow" as it is still July 19th here in California. Jennifer

I am not sure what the protocol is either but I guess we will find out soon enough. I just wanted to see what Mr. Mercurio has been up to, being a dancer myself I watch alot of performances and movies and Strictly gave me a good laugh but after reading other posts I was not aware the intensity of thought and logic coming from Mr. Mercurio so this site is very interesting.

Paul, I just read your post again and it raised a matter of perspective in my mind.
You wrote: "it's a big movie with a big star".

Well, that's very true, and this is another perspective: Paul Mercurio is undoubtedly the focal point in one of the two most successful Australian movies of all time (the other being Muriel's Wedding).

I reckon you're being rather humble.
You most assuredly deserve accolades for your work in "I, Robot". It's fantastic, but let's not forget your other works. Add this one to your list without too much surprise. It just goes to hi-light and supplement the esteem in which you are held.

Bravo, Peter, well said!

The powers that be are talking about a sequel to "I Robot" and it will probably be filmed in Sydney. (I got this information yesterday from a front page story in the Sydney Morning Herald, Online version. www.smh.com.au)

I hope that when "I, Robot" opens in Australia this week, notice will be made of Paul's important contribution to the film, and he gets the attention he so richly deserves!

Peace and Love,

Gran Mil

You're right, Nertha, no one outside of PC would ever understand our innuendoes, our jokes, the winks ;) the smiles :) the frowns :( the ups, the downs...(I feel a song coming on..)

Can't wait until FIF when we congregate..I can just imagine the squeals of joy, and "is that really YOU?" (Now that might be a problem, come to think of it!)

Peace and Love,

Gran Mil

Hi guys,

Hope you all enjoyed your weekend.

Welcome, Chase and Jennifer, great to have you join us! You followed the protocol to the letter ... just jump right in, that's all there is to it! :-)

Chase, you wrote:
"Hi, new to the site. I went to see 'I robot', ok it wasn't perfect when it came to the story but the robots and the animation was well put together."
==========
I haven't seen the movie, so I went looking at some reviews last night and there seems to be quite a few critics that were disappointed in the fact that they didn't stay more true to Asimov's book. Haven't read the book, so can't comment on that, but I have a feeling that it's a more thought-provoking script ... which probably would not make for a summer blockbuster. Sad but true. Seldom does the film stay true to the book. Maybe the movie will encourage people to read the book now. :-)

Jennifer, posting here really brings home the time differences between the different countries, doesn't it? Australia, depending on the spot, ranges from 18 to 20+ hours difference from the USA, so they are usually one day ahead of us. Paul, Peter, and other Aussies, please, correct me if I'm wrong. :-)

Grandma Mil, I am sure that there will be a lot of "Is that really you" going on at the Follies. :-) Good thing Evelyn will be doing the web site so all those who can't attend can do a bit of "Oh, there's so-and-so, and Grandma Mil, and her hubby!" LOL

Have a great day, everyone!

Nertha

Peter, well said.

Millie, when we first started talking about FIF it was a year away. Now there are less than seven months to go! Can't wait.

Welcome to Chase and Jennifer.

Hope everyone is having a good day so far.

Love to all,
Mary

Peter, you wrote:
"Well, that's very true, and this is another perspective: Paul Mercurio is undoubtedly the focal point in one of the two most successful Australian movies of all time (the other being Muriel's Wedding)."
============
I totally agree with you! :-) As a matter of fact, we have several of Will Smith's movies on video and they are fun to watch ... but ... it has been ages since we have viewed Armaggedon, Independence Day, or Wild West. By contrast, I keep my SB DVD near my computer so I can watch it often. My son watches it on video a lot, too. We all enjoy it ... OFTEN. No comparison whatsover! :-)

How are things in Oz? Hope you guys are having a good day ... well, night by now.

Nertha

Mil, thanks for putting up the address for the I, Robot update from SMH. Did you have to pay to view the article? The browser on my computer at work is outdated and I was directed to somewhere that charges to view the article.

Inn, thanks for the info on the HBO special. Only problem is we don't get HBO! Can anyone who does tape it for me and of course, I will reimburse you for the tape and postage.

Or, if it's not too much trouble and not too complicated, maybe Cat could put it up so we could see it???

All this good news is certainly intoxicating, isn't it? Can't wait to hear from Paul....

Sorry for the MM, but forgot to ask: is anyone following Outback Jack on TBS?

Dearest Chickies,

I have saved the article about "I, Robot" from the Sydney Morning Herald.

If anyone wants me to forward it to you, my pleasure, just let me know!

Momma Mil

Dear Grandma,

I would love to have that article. Are you able to get my address from my post?

So do the robots appear to carry your mark, Paul?

Welcome, Chase and Jennifer, it's nice to "see" new faces. Hope you stay around!

Love to you all,
Maile

Done, Maile, I just sent the article from the Sydney Morning Herald to you.

Welcome to the Corner!

Peace and Love,

Gran Mil

Hey guys.
Sitting here with my daughter asleep in my arms. Trying to catch up. She's so beautiful. That's one of the best parts of life isn't it? For those that have know me for some time now...you'll be happy to know that my depression and other issues have taken a huge 180..I'm doing so much better and accomplishing things and staying focused on life's issues that matter. Very much like our friend Paul here.

Paul..Good on ya. What an incredible movie. CONGRATULATIONS! You know your accreditation with that movie and the fact that it is such a HUGE draw, should make your name more than a whisper to the powers to be in Hollywood. Not only do they see your behind the scenes excellence but will also draw attention to what you can do in front of the camera as well. I think this is a well deserved and timely declaration to everyone that you are out there and have an incredible talent that has yet to be tapped to its fullest potential.
School has kept me deluged with work. My face is either in a book, in a plate, applying kisses where needed or on a pillow. But don't forget I'm here.
It's nice to see all the new ones. I'm really feeling like an oldster when I remember the postings of you hoping to get the job on I Robot, when you left and were there for so long. You enjoying the time away doing your work but missing your family. Now that it's out my kids are saying wasn't that made a long time ago?
The awe of the internet allowing us to be acquantances and friends and be involved in others lives even if just to wish them well or build them up share a laugh or congratulate them on there accomplishments.
Here's to you Paul! I don't drink so..I'm slugging a Diet Coke..maybe I'll chaseit with a cookie : )

Special Hi to Aunt Mil...(have you heard from Whit?)

peace and love

Tim

PS
Do you guys remember posting right after 9/11 and how patriotic the U.S. was? Wonder what happened to all that concern? Isn't it ironic how everyone has just slipped back into the humdrum of life. Just a nonpartisan reflection.

Nertha, as I said, it's all a matter of perspective personal taste.
What I was thinking, but didn't say, was that from an Aussie perspective, SB, with all its' passion and quirkiness was very much an Aussie film for the world, but it holds something special and valuable for other Aussies. They may recognise things in a way that makes it a little more special.
It's all in how you call it.

I haven't seen Armagedon (sp?)
I saw Independence Day and thought it was rediculous. It didn't seem to fit properly or credibly into any genre. Still, it was very popular, so I guess that illustrates my point.
Do you think Hollywood will ever make a movie showing George W Bush single handedly defeating a race of aliens? Gosh, I hope not. The boundaries of ego and credibility have already been pushed to the limit!

Nertha, things are good in Australia.

There's a Federal election looming later in the year, so all the politicians are busy politicing!
Consequently, there's a lot of hot air to thaw out the winter winds.

Cheers.
Peter

Hey Paul,

Just saw the documentary on I, Robot, and saw you talking about the movement. You are still a stud!! It was nice to see you on american television again!! For anyone interested, it was on HBO so stay tuned!! We are here in the hotel in Canton, MIchigan at the world series. WEare 1 and 1. won one lost one. we will see how it goes!! Got to hang with Mohamed Ali today. He remembered me as "the Cyclones mom" and noticed my folks were with me and wanted to meet them. He is very gracious. Thier whole team is gracious. Nice people. Well, back to the field.

Love to all

Kelly

Timmer
Great to hear from you. We are all happy to learn that you have your depression under control. I too take antidepressants, so I know how it feels. I wasn't feeling good lately and forgot to take all my meds, I figured out that some of them were making me dopey and nausious (sp). I have a Dr's appt soon, and will discuss this with her.

Gran Mil
Would you please send me the Sidney Morning Herald article. Thanks

Welcome all newbies. It brings fresh thoughts and new friends to add to Paul's Corner family.

I went again to see Cirque Du Soleil - Cavalia for the second time. I did the VIP route this time. We were escorted into the VIP tent where they were serving Caviar, Champaign and other fancy delicacies . My seat was in the front row right in the center. I could almost reach out and touch the horses. After the show we were able to go back and see the horses and their performers. What a treat!

If this show eventually goes to the Wash. D.C. area, Alana is going to apply for a groom position, as the show hires a lot of local people in the area they are performing.

The last horse show of the season this week end. Weather is cooperating, should be a bit show as it is the last before State finals in August.

Take care Love to All
Marge

Tim so wonderful to hear from you and to know that you are doing well. May it continue!

I wish I could see that documentary on I, Robot but I don't get HBO. Maybe another cable chanel will show it. But will I watch it to listen to Paul talk about his important contribution to the film or to see how studdly he's looking these days. Probably both.

Congrads again Paul!

Just sitting here chilling out listening to some blues on the satalite after my test today. Can't wait to graduate and start making some $$$. School's great and all but my savings is dwindling.....

Last night after comming back from the gym the truck of the "greyhound cult" was in my neighbor's driveway (the people who I adopted Ginger from). So I knocked on my neighbors door to see what was up. Maybe her greyhound Wally decided to eat one of her cats or something who knew. Goes to find out my neighbor decided to get another greyhound, a bride for her male greyhound the famous Wally the Wonder Dog (who never won a race but they call him the wonder dog anyway). Her choice, a five year champion named is FIFI. She's all black with a white tummy and pretty solid (she has more meat on her than your average greyhound and looking at her I could tell she was a powerful runner). Ginger's She's now aquianted with four other Greyhounds. Her social life is more exciting than mine now.

The couple who runs the organization asked me if I would consider adopting a male greyhound as as a companion for Ginger. I told them that if Ginger were a human being she would be like one of the characters from "Sex in the City" prefering to have an assortment of male companions rather than committing herself to one (explaining that she likes to go back and forth between Wally the Wonder Dog and Captain Jack Tuesdays Captain Jack and Fridays its Wally). I also told them that she's been typing on her laptop every morning writing about her sexual experiences of being a single female greyhound in the city of Fort Lauderdale. And of course she enjoys shopping at Gucci and wears these lovely pink pumps with a purple top and pink feather hat to match that she got on sale a few weeks ago at Galleria. They didn't laugh. Some people are too serious in this world.

If only the whole world would get together for a beer and kidding around it would be a better place.

take care all!

Tim, so good to hear from you and to see that things are going so well. Wishing you the best.

Hi to everyone visiting the Corner tonight!

Special warm summer breeze sent to Peter & Paul DU where the winter winds are blowing.

Love to all,
Mary

So, my Sunday movie day was a bust and it felt like such a long wait to finally get a free evening to see I, Robot! But I did and Paul, it was so fascinating and beautiful to see something that felt, to me, like such a direct creation and effect of yours! It's also such a unique thrill be able to tell you this just the next morning after seeing it. It makes the world feel so small!
Congratulations and I hope this experience brings more your way.

Welcome to the newbies, Chase and Jenifer.

Tim-
It's good to hear you are well, though you and I have not given a nod to each other much. What has made a difference for you?
I see no one else has posted in response to your reflection on the time since 9/11. Well, I think it's a heavy observation to talk about in the usual context of this site, but I'm brave! Actually, there are a lot of reminders of that day which I come across and it always gets me thinking about the same thing. I think a lot of those intensely patriotic reactions were bound to fade a bit with time-that reaction was so emotional, and as with anything, life moves on and you either go with it or stay behind. I think what was unique about that time was that it generated a solidarity required in the aftermath that was necessary for recovery. In the time since then, I think much has happened, especially politically and economically, to divide us and disillusion us. However, I don't think we've at all gone back to the same place we were pre 9/11,
though it is very easy, especially where I live, to still choose what will effect you. So in short, I never saw that patriotism as a genuine and lasting element for the nation as a whole. Though I do think the event had a real and lasting effect on how Americans individually value their lives.

Anyway, I hope this does not get me in to hot water! I completely respect anyone elses opinion on the same subject and you can feel free to tell me I ought to keep my trap shut!

Love to all-
Astrid

Just wanted to say hello to everybody - Mary, Marge, Millie, Astrid, Timmer, Peter, Kelly, Sally C., Kim, Erika, Lynn B. and anyone I missed. Welcome to the newcomers too.

Peter,
We have an election this year too. At the risk of offending anyone I will add that I think Bush's movie has already been done. It was called the Terminator, except they weren't aliens.

If there are any die hard Republicans out there please forgive me. I have a cousin that is one and sends me Republican propaganda all the time. I retaliate with Democratic propaganda. He is 83 years old. I am probably going to kill him with Democratic propaganda!

Least anyone think that I am not patriot - my three old cat, that I absolutely adore, came to us in September of 2001 and is named George W! I already had a cat named Bill.

Will we all survive another election? The last one left me physically ill.

To all of you living outside the U.S., I wonder if you realize how divided this country is? I'm afraid for us. I know lots of people who can't speak their mind for fear of being ostracized or even losing their jobs. I'm liberal as are most of my family, but there are two relatives who are VERY conservative. We can't talk about anything of substance anymore. It goes so much deeper than politics, encompassing nearly every aspect of our lives.

Here's hoping things get better soon!

Peace,
Michelle

Michelle,
Hopefully the next one won't be such a circus. Things have to get better. I put out one yard banner and the neighbor puts out another. It's no big deal. We just figure we are canceling each others vote. My ancestors fought in the Revolutionary War. It is a privilege to be able to vote as a woman. But wasn't it Lincoln that said "a house divided will not stand."

Hello everyone,

It's been a while since I've posted for the last time, so I think there are some people here who probably don't know who I am (yet)or maybe don't remember me who I am?
Well, I am Grandma Mil's "chicky" from Holland!!
I posted here pretty regular a few months ago, but because I was extremely busy at work and many other things and because my English is (wasn't) that well and it all was pretty hard for me to keep up, I decided to take a little distance from the corner.
But these last two weeks I've been reading the posts again and really want to be a part of PC again !! If that's okay ??

For the people who do remember me:
I am doing very well right now.
The last few months were very strange for me: my grandmother, who I loved very much, passed away almost two weeks ago, my boss told us that he is going to retire (and he is only 55 years old !!) it's been one year since I had a stroke, it was a complete chaos at work (busy), my fear...
But I am doing much better now.
Thanks to Evelyn, Mary, Grandma Mil and Kim for supporting me!!!

This morning I woke up at 4:45 a.m because of the birds, they were singing so loudly. That must be a good sign and that the weather is going to get better (?). Let's hope so, because it supposed to be summer instead of fall !! Only Saturday morning and afternoon it was very hot, but the last few weeks we only had thunder and rain.

I am also feeling very happy because there are a few things that I really can look forward to:
Just a few more days and than I have three weeks off from work (holiday), Evelyn is going to visit me (!!!) and my boyfriend and I decided to go to on a holiday to Florida in February (!!!)
That means we are going to the FIF !!! I am really looking forward to all of this...

Well, I just wanted to let you know how I am doing, hope everyone else is doing okay too !
I am going back to bed now, because it's only 6 in the morning and I have two and a half hours sleep left, before I have to go to work.

Until later...

Love,
Monika

Well, you folks have made me feel welcome. Thank you, Nertha, especially, and, Chase, good to have another newbie discovering this site. I agree, there is SO much more here than I would ever have imagined. I love the fact that we are in different time zones -- duh, makes sense considering this is the world wide web. It's just so nice to bring the "world" together in this space. I cracked up at Jo's post re "killing" the octagenarian with Democratic materials. I am lucky in one way, living in Northern California, where it's majority Democratic; unlucky in another, in that, it's easy to get lost in the feeling that everyone thinks as I do. Since I've voted as an Independent in some elections here in the U.S., I end up getting BOTH Republican and Democratic material. I'm sure my mail carrier thinks I have a split personality. Back to I Robot for a moment, the movement of the robots really made a difference in that movie to me. It also made a lot of sense in that technology has changed so much that should robots like those depicted in the movie be created, I think they would have fine movement qualities as opposed to clunking around like Robbie the Robot. Alas, I do not have HBO and so cannot see the behind the scenes special but I do want to share that I recently discovered "Netflix" (can be found on the net) through which you can rent multiple movies cheap and have them delivered to your door. You can find all of Paul's movies on Netflix and you can build a queue of movies you want to see. There are no late charges and you return movies by simply dropping back in the mail in their own pre-stamped return envelope. That's it for now. Time to walk my dog! Jennifer

Hi All! Welcome to the other newbies and the oldbies! I'm finally back in Florida...I already miss the fresh air of the mountains..
The hardest part and the best part of vacationing is going home, isn't it?

I've set my TiVo to record the HBO thingy..(comes on at 2 am tonight/tomorrow...don't think I'll be up that late)

It's so nice to hear everyone is doing well...good times and bad, eh?

Mil-couldn't find the article on the sydney website you mentioned, will you forward me a copy?

I will be going to see I Robot this week--can't wait!! 'Course when I start cheering at the credits everyone's gonna think I'm nuts, but that's okay...

About the 9/11 thing, it's so strange how different the atmosphere of life is now..having just gotten off several plane rides today...I notice that everyone looks at other people so warily, nervously-And there is so much dividing people politically that you can't possibly know who to trust--the more I hear from both sides, the more pathetic they all sound, and the libertarian I become! How's that for getting cancelled out?
Oh well.. It's midnite in my time zone..gotta get up early and go pick up my dogs!
Continued blessings to Tim and Monika and all the PC'ers and to Paul for bringing us all here.

evelyn, good to hear from you from germany.

I saw the movie a few days ago, and kept meaning to stop by and say: "Wow!" My husband and I both really enjoyed "I, Robot", and Paul's touch was obvious throughout. I was almost sure they'd rotoscoped him for some movements, and am surprised to find they didn't.

Just fantastic. I see great things ahead.

So, Paul, now that Proyas has the world in his hands, any chance of getting you in FRONT of the cameras on the next one? ;)

Timmer, so happy to read your post, and again, you sound so upbeat, keep it up!

I always thought that two topics should be carefully mentioned on The Corner...religion and politics!

However since you mentioned patriotism, Tim, or the lack of it lately, I decided to put in my two cents.

How patriotic can we be when mothers and fathers are bitterly weeping at the loss of their sons and daughters in a war that was started on the basis of deceit and false intelligence?

A mother from Florida was interviewed after the funeral of her 22 year old son, killed in Iraq. He was an immigrant from Nicaragua, and his American dream was to go to college to secure a good job someday.

Finding no work, he decided to join the Marines, do his tour of duty, and after discharge, could go college with government help. He and his family never figured that a second Bush war (the first being the Gulf War) was to erupt. The mother was so bitter in her sorrow.

I remember that Jessica Lynch, the young lady who was rescued from the clutches of the Iraqis early in the war, also joined the Army because she couldn't find a job, and wanted to become a teacher after her discharge.

The patriotic signs I made after 9/11 still are pasted on my kitchen window, but they're fading, just like the feeling of "we're safer from terrorism" that our "so-called" president proclaims.

I call him "so called" for we Floridians have not forgotten how the election of 2000 was stolen through the manipulation of the voting rights of thousands of black voters here in Florida. The Supreme Court had to make the final decision, unheard of in our nation's history.

Whoops, I think I might fall from my soapbox, so I'm off! The rest will be determined in the voting booth! The following months are going to be very interesting!

Peace and Love,

Mil

Millie,
I read a while back that after the votes were all counted Al Gore "actually" won the election, but he had conceded already. I have always wondered if 9/11 would have even happened if Gore had been president.

I don't know if anyone else here works for a government facility, but I can tell you 9/11 changed NASA forever. We have a sticker on our car and when I went to pick my husband up I used to just drive in. For over a year after 9/11 only federal employees and contractors could enter the site. My husband works in the building next to mission control and no cars were allowed near mission control, which meant he and everyone else had to walk about 1/2 mile from the nearest parking lot (furture if you didn't get there early). They built bullet looking things around the strategic building that will rise out of the ground if someone tries to crash a building. Finally they allowed spouses to get badges to drive on site. Everyone must stop at three check points while a guard looks you in the eye (no sunglasses) and touches your badge to compare it with you. They always ask me my business there. It gets very irritating sometimes, but I guess it is necessary.

We were a very innocent country before 9/11, very naive, thinking things don't happen here. Even my niece, who was living in London, moved here because of the violence. Then her husband had an office in the first tower (fortunately he wasn't there at the time).

Welcome back Monika. I have thought a lot about you and wondered how you were doing. I was so sorry to hear about your grandmother.

Welcome back Monika. Sorry to hear about your Gran. I never enjoyed having a grandmother per se, but I did enjoy my mom's oldest sister who pretty much was a fill in since she was the oldest of 12 children. She died after my mom and it was very hard.
I didn't want to stir up controversy with my 9/11 speech, it just occured to me when I was speaking of how much things have changed for Paul. The environment here in the US has changed a lot, and the aftermath of 9/11 has had such varied impact. It is interesting how people signed up for duty because they couldn't find a job. That % would be an interesting one to discover. I know one of my clients has a son that was to enter the naval academy after h.s., but 9/11 changed his whole outlook. He is not at the academy. Hmmm.
Well as much as I hate to admit it, it is a beautiful day in Atlanta. We've had some incredibly hot blue skies. I could definitely go without the humidity but hey I'm here.
I have a test Friday night. Wish me luck. Haven't had one of those in years.
Mil..can't wait to meet you in person. I have your number I want to call, but I never get a free moment to spend some time on the phone.
Hey Paul...congrats again. I'm going to sign up for HBO just so I can see that. We had HBO but we recently changed to Direct TV and didn't add it. If anyone can tape it for me I'll pay for postage and the film etc. . .

Thanks

peace and love

Tim

No controversy Tim. I just should not have mentioned politics in any way. It's just like when the shuttle blew up. It tends to weigh heavy on your mind whether you want it to or not.

Hi Everyone,

Don't write much, but I do check in every so often. I hope they paid you a bundle for consulting in I Robot or whatever they call it. Maybe, this is a sign of things to come.

Good Luch,

Joan

Hi Everyone,

Don't write much, but I do check in every so often. I hope they paid you a bundle for consulting in I Robot or whatever they call it. Maybe, this is a sign of things to come.

Good Luch,

Joan

Sallie C.,
Has anyone offered to tape the interview for you? If not then send me your address and I will tape it in the morning and post it to you tomorrow.

Welcome back Monika! It's great to hear from you. You have been missed.

Hi Joan, good to see your name again.

Tim, good luck in your test!

Re:the election..I'd like to think that one good thing to emerge out of recent times is a sense of solidarity in the strong opinions many people have all over the world about the outcome. People here will certainly be watching the results with more than a passing interest.

On a lighter note...

Peter, walked into a music shop tonight just as they played the opening notes of Stairway to Heaven. Forgot about everything and got carried away for the duration. Timeless. Heard another song yesterday that I've added to the list - More Than Words by Xtreme.

Jo, you made me laugh with your potentially lethal propaganda! Thanks.

Evelyn, hope you are happily busy with fun holiday things!

Love to all,
Mary

It's great to see you back Monika. It's always very hard and painful losing a loved one and no one will ever be able to replace her but remember you have a lot of friends here so don't ever feel you are on your own. Thanks for the letter I will be in touch in the next couple of days.

Tim I don't know what has happened in the past but I'm really happy for you that life is treating you better now, I hope it stays that way for you.

I have seen HBO mentioned a few times, is that a TV channel?

Hello and welcome to all the new PC'ers and big warm hello to all the oldies

Well I'm of to stitch a rather gorgeous face!
Love
Kim

Timmer, good luck on your exam on Friday!

Knowing you as we do, you will pass with flying colors! Ellie and I are looking forward to meeting you at the FIF, and we have yet to work out the details of your tap routine during "Follies".

Ellie and I met yesterday with the manager of the Marriot. We told her about the "Strictly Ballroom Convention", and the things that we want for our visitors in order to make their stay comfortable and enjoyable!

We went over the details of making reservations:

The cutoff date for reserving rooms is January 15th, 2005. Everyone will have to call the hotel and give their credit card number to hold individual rooms. Rooms can be cancelled without penalty up to the evening of the sign in date.

As part of a group, "The Strictly Ballroom Convention", the room rate will be $109 plus $11 tax, for a double room with 2 large double beds that can sleep 2 or 4. Everyone will have to state that he or she is part of that group to get that rate.

The hotel serves breakfast and dinner, which is extra.

I intend to have everyone on the move for lunch, either visiting the beaches or our village.

Transportation to and fro, here and there, has to be worked out and I am looking into reasonable rates. The hotel has a beautiful heated swimming pool, and a large gazebo, where we can congregate. There is room service too.

The hotel is only 13 minutes from our village, and 25 minutes from the Ft. Lauderdale Airport.

I will be emailing exact information to each of my chickies later on. So far, 18 people have mentioned that they wish to attend. 4 others live already in Florida.

Cat and her husband, Bill, may come, and as far as the Mercurios....well, who knows???

Peace and Love,

Gran Mil

Hi everyone,

Lyn B,
Thanks for the blessings.

Jo,
Thanks for your welcome back to me. It was nice to know that you were still thinking about me and wondering how I was doing.

Tim,
Thank you too for your welcome back to me. I am glad that you are doing much better too. Sorry to hear about your auntgran, yes, it is very hard to loose someone you love, but eventually time does ease the pain. Ofcourse there are still certain moments when I miss my grandmother very much and it really hurts, but life goes on, and I am sure that it's what my grandmother wants me to do.

Mary,
Thanks to you for welcoming me back.
Also thanks for your email you've send me just on half hour ago.

Kim,
Thanks to you too for welcoming me back and for your words, they mean a lot to me.

Evelyn,
I Can't wait to welcome you here in Holland!! I really am looking forward to it. Have fun during your holidays and don't work to hard !! How's your thumb?
Take your time and relax :0)

Grandma Mil,
Thank you for all the information and the answers to my questions about FIF.
I am a little calmed down now. I was completely crazy and very exited these few days because we decided to go to Florida in February. But I am doing a little better now :)

Paul,
I am so glad that things are going better for you too!!! You must be very busy right now. Congratulations!!
I haven't seen I Robot yet, it's in our cinemas at August 5.

Peter,
How are you doing.
Are you still dancing the chicken dance in your purle speedo??? :)
I am glad that you've decided to come back after....you know....

Marge, Inn, Michelle, Kelly, Abeth, and everyone I've forgotten to mention (sorry): How are you all doing??

Hello to all the newbies. I can't wait to get to know all of you...

It's great to be back and to feel "at home" again!!

Love,
Monika

whoa i just saw irobot and will smith is sooooooooooo fiiiine in that movie hes been working out his body OMG he looks good sittin on that bed...also the movie was sooo great its definately my new favorite i loved it

Hi Monika, and welcome back.
Sorry to hear about your Gran, but I'm glad to hear that you're feeling better now. Good things happen in time.
Sorry, no chicken dances, I'm way to busy to stop and indulge myself.

Tim, very nice to hear that you're doing so well.
Good luck with the studies. You sound as though you are doing great!

Jo, re that movie with GWB. I actually saw that, but thought that it was too rediculous to be credible.

Mary, "More than words" is a real softy. Definite mood music, very mellow, a real pacifier.

Cheers to all,
Peter

Welcome back Monika, good to hear from you again.

Welcome to Chase and Jennifer, too.

Jo, I e-mailed you my address. Hugs to you for being so kind.

Tim, good to hear you are doing well. Keep up the good work.

Marge, we are seeing Cirque du Soleil Alegria in August. I'm hoping Cavalia will come our way one day. I'd love to see the horses. We always go to see the Lippinzon Stalions in October, and this year is no different - I LOVE those animals.

Julie, I belong to a group called CAGR - Citizens Against Greyhound Racing and volunteer in the Greyhound rescue and adoption program here in our area. In fact, slot machines were just approved at racetracks in Pennsylvania, and we were able to have a bill tacked on the the legislation that would prevent greyhound racing. I don't get involved in politics as a rule, but I have found that sometimes you CAN make a difference, as we did in this case. Also, my family and I were active last year in saving my grandchildren's school from closing, so I try to champion issues I believe in and sometimes it works!

Mil, thanks for the update on FIF.

Hello to Mary, Evelyn, Kim, Texas, Lyn B., Peter, Erika, Delta Sally, Cat and Kat, Joan, Inn, Nertha, Astrid, Paul and every other special person here whose names have slipped my mind. You're all in my thoughts.

Be well.

Hello to Monika! I am kind of new here and look forward to getting to know you. I send you my kindest thoughts for the future after the difficult times you've had. My own grandmother, who had a major role in my upbringing, recently had a bit of a scare and it was really troubling for me to really contemplate that she will not always be there. So, my heart goes out to you.

Speaking of similar things, I have had a very weird day. When I posted the first time I talked about my father and you all may remember that he and I have a strong bond. Anyway, he was out of town for business the last few days, and last night I woke up from a terrible dream about my father dying. I never saw him in the dream. As clearly as I can remember it, there was just this sense that he had died and I was dreaming about it afterward. So I came to find out this morning that he dozed off at the wheel and spun his car off the road. He is an experienced driver(he raced when I was a kid), and not a hair on his head was harmed, but the car is no good now. I just keep thinking of how close it must have been, and maybe if it was a different driver, adifferent car, a different road. . . And this dream I had. Well, I 've just had so many weird thoughts today. I don't know what to think. Has anyone else had this experience? There are a lot of stories of this kind, and I know about Paul's experience- though that is different than this in many ways. I just feel so unsettled by it.

I don't have cable TV and I would be sooo appreciative if someone could arrange with me to send a copy of the doccumentary. Like others have said, I will take care of the costs. I will leave my e-mail with my name at the end for anyone who's willing!

Love to all-
Astrid

Peter wrote:

"Nertha, as I said, it's all a matter of perspective personal taste.
What I was thinking, but didn't say, was that from an Aussie perspective, SB, with all its' passion and quirkiness was very much an Aussie film for the world, but it holds something special and valuable for other Aussies. They may recognise things in a way that makes it a little more special.
It's all in how you call it."
==========================
Peter,
The beauty of SB is that, even though it is an Aussie movie, the message, emotions, and situations portrayed in the movie are universal and we can all relate to that ... except for that dance teacher. ;-) I don't get tired of watching it.

"I haven't seen Armagedon (sp?)"
====================
Peter, Armaggedon is not with Will Smith, I mentioned it because it's the sci-fi type of movie where one person or a group of people save the world. Armaggedon stars Bruce Willis, Ben Afleck, Liv Tyler, Billy Bob Thorton and a nice supporting cast. The plot is a little more feasible than Independence Day, but not by a whole lot. LOL

Nertha

Peter wrote:

"Nertha, things are good in Australia.
There's a Federal election looming later in the year, so all the politicians are busy politicing!
Consequently, there's a lot of hot air to thaw out the winter winds."
=====================
LOL We are going through something similar here in the USA. The air is so hot this summer is really uncomfortable! LOL

Nertha

Kelly, good to hear that the score is tied. Good luck to Clay and you in the upcoming games!

How nice to meet Mohamad Ali and have him remember you and ask to meet the rest of your family. As you said, it's very gracious, indeed. :-)

Tell Clay we're rooting for him and the Cyclones!!! :-)

Nertha

Tim, good to hear from you, and wonderful to see that you are very aware of the important things in life. Your description of your contentment while your daughter was sitting on your lap was so touching... I could feel the tenderness in your post! :-)

Julie, your description of Ginger's sexual adventures is hilarious, if those stuffy people didn't laugh there is definitely something wrong with them! LOL

Nertha

Astrid,
I sent you an e-mail. I will make you a copy of the document.

What was Paul's experience? I am not familiar with it.

The night before my husband had his heart attack I dreamed that he had died. It was a weird dream because it was sort of set in colonial times from the clothes we were wearing, but none the less I was a little upset about the dream all day. Then that evening about 6:30 he had a heart attack.

Another time, right after my mother-in-law died, I dreamed that she called me on the telephone (twice I dreamed that) and kept asking me to come and get her because she didn't know where she was. A couple of weeks later I mentioned the dream to my sister-in-law and she just turned pale and said she had had the same dream. My husband said "It figures she would call you two and not me."

Michelle wrote:
"To all of you living outside the U.S., I wonder if you realize how divided this country is? I'm afraid for us. I know lots of people who can't speak their mind for fear of being ostracized or even losing their jobs."
=========================
Michelle,
I find it so ironic, and so sad, that the present administration toppled Sadam Hussein in order to "bring democracy to the Iraqui people" and to "give them rights" ... and yet here in the USA if one does not agree with their policies one is considered unpatriotic and can be obstracised.

Nertha

Nertha,
I agree with you. What a lot of people don't know about Bush is that he almost bankrupted the state of Texas when he was governor and left it in a totally mess before his term was over just so he could be president and do the same thing to the country (very long sentence here). He was such a bad governor that I could not believe that he even had the nerve to run for president.

Monika, welcome back and I am very sorry to hear of your loss. My grandma died almost 19 years ago and I still miss her. I find a great deal of comfort in remembering the special times we shared ... some of them are silly, but they all make me feel close to her. :-)

Astrid, so glad that your dad's accident only harmed the car. Close calls are sure scary.

Speaking of close calls ... we certainly have had some, according to the reports from intelligence agencies. NYC, in particular, has not been the same since 9/11. We now have police/national guard at all bridge crossings. Before seeing a soldier or policeman with a rifle was a rarity, now it's almost part of the landscape. Every time my son rides the train I worry about possible bombings or chemical attack. The fear/worry is always in the back of our minds, but I think most people are trying hard to go on with life as normal as possible.

I feel that our patriotism has waned a bit because of the Iraqui war. Like Michelle and others mentioned, our country is very divided and about the only thing we agree on is that we support our troops, even if we may not support the war ... but it is hard to be gung ho about something you don't agree with. I just pray that the elections don't turn out to be another circus like back in 2000, and that the will of the people prevails. We have lots of healing and mending ahead of us.

Nertha

Jo, you are not the first Texan to say that as a governor he left a lot to be desired. It's amazing how relevant information that voters should be aware of before going to the polls is supressed, while political fiction is actively promoted! The media failed the American people, that's for sure. :-)

Your funny remark about causing the death of your conservative relative brings to mind some lively discussions I have had with a friend of mine who is a Republican. :-)

Nertha

Jo(In Texas)-
I wanted to comment on your dreams, even though I may get flamed for it, but most people, who believe that spiritual connection continues after physical death, will tell you that the easiest way for spirits to communicate with the living is through dreams. The fact that your sister had the same dream-in a way-corroborates that...And the dream about your father..(gulp, here goes) may have been a past-life memory.
(ok, burn me at the stake)

And now for the real world comment--You are absolutely right about Bush's history in Texas, and look out because I know for a fact that "the powers that be" are grooming Jebby here in FL to take over the dynasty.

The biggest problem we have is that we have such pig-headed idiots running for president. I can't stomach voting for either one of the main candidates. But am I throwing the vote to the 'wrong' person if I vote my conscience on a third or fourth party? Even though I know he'll lose? Are these the BEST we have to choose from? Or are they the easiest to control?
I really don't even want to think about it...but maybe that is exactly what they want...We're all "Sheeple" to them anyway, staying sedated by the "plug-in drug" (TV)
(end rant)

Well the problem we have here in this country is that only the wealthy can run, so that eliminates alot of people who dont have the millions to campaign.Another problem is the hypocritical society we live in where if a person has done one dumb thing we throw a million stones. I feel the media is mostly responsible for fanning the flames. The media such a powerful tool but its misused for monetary purposes. I am now leaving the soap box.

Chase

Lyn B,
You know the American Indians and I think the Aborigines too believe in Dream Time where you can communicate with your dead relatives and they give you advice. I told my husband that I thought his mother was warning me about his heart attack, but he didn't think so. I truly do believe that my mother-in-law was stuck between two worlds. (Now that probably does sound weird, but she didn't know she was going to die, wasn't prepared to die and probably couldn't believe she had died.)

Jo-That doesn't sound weird at all..in fact, it makes perfect sense. I always thought the reason why people "see" their departed relatives just before they die was to help guide them to the next 'world'. I know all indigenous cultures have some form of belief in transition to the afterlife.

Jo and Lyn B:

ITA. They say the person you loved most in life who has passed on before you will come to guide you when it is your time. Just before my father died, he said he saw my mother, who had passed on, sitting at the foot of his bed. My mother also swore she saw her mother standing at the foot of her bed one night and the next morning we got the call that Grandma had passed away.

I can't explain it, either, but every once in a while I will have a dream or a feeling that something would happen, and frighteningly enough, it did!

As I said, can't explain it, and wouldn't even want to try...

Paul, It was pretty amazing to see it all come together. I went to see I, Robot opening night here in Toronto. I finally made it here Paul. I didn't have to spin around back to Vancouver like I did the first time around. Toronto is going to offer me some great things that Vancouver just couldn't. Theatre is huge here so perhaps I can sink my teeth into that aswell as film. You seem to be busy busy, glad to here Paul. I'll write again soon.

Sally C.
I had forgotten about it until you mentioned your story, but my dad told me that he woke up one night and saw my grandmother standing at the foot of his bed. She had died about five years before. About a week later he had a heart attack and died.