Paul's Corner

Merry Christmas to you all.

My husband purchased Joseph (starring our favorite host) for my present this year. I guess you could say I'll be spending Christmas with Paul. ;)

God Bless,

Marian

Dear Paul,

hats off to you all for pulling off the selling, buying of houses, packing & unpacking in such a short time! May your new house become a home to you all!

Moving forward is good, letting the past be just that and letting go of bad experiences without fogetting how they formed me in positive ways nonetheless, that's my goal to ponder and reflect on for this calmer time between academic terms. I chose not to go home for the holidays or visit some friends in MN. I need that calm time with myself to reflect, cleanse my soul and connect with me and positivity. My choice of spending time alone over the break raised some concern esp. in my boss, colleague and friend and his family, it's nice to know that I have already made friends here who really care. And it's not that I'm going to be totally alone ...

Paul, I hope the network comes to its senses and funds Food Trail. I've only seen the short promo video online, but it looked very interesting.

Happy Holidays to you all! May joy and peace touch you and fill you and overflow from you to others!
Evelyn

Happy Holidays, Paul and all the PCers!
What wonderful news about your new house,Paul! And how great to sell your old house so quickly and at a good price!
All that painting, etc, unpacking does tend to absorb any free time a person has, but it's fantastic when things are done and the family is all settled in.
Good to see you peek in, Peter!
To everyone else, I'll join Paul in raising my glass to each of you and wishing everyone a HAPPY 2007!
hugs and smiles,
deltalady aka Sally
PS. If I had a hat,lol, I'd tip it,too! ;)

Paul, wonderful news from you. I know how taxing it is to move into a new house. I purchased my first home this year, moved in the very last weekend of May - and sadly am still getting settled. LOL Many kudos to you and your family for selling, buying, painting, carpeting, etc in such a short period!

I have confidence you will find the proper path for your career. I'm hoping its a nice big super-highway that brings some of it over the ocean to us in the the US. :o)

I realize as I sit here typing it is already Christmas in Australia, although it is still Christmas Eve here in the US. This year marks 2 firsts for me - I'm spending the holiday in my own home, and I'm spending it without my family. I'd been upset about that until earlier when I received an email from a friend in Budapest. Her kind words reminded me that I'm never alone. So my wish to everyone reading this: all the PC family here at Paul's Corner, Paul (and his family), Cat... everyone... may you all have a peaceful holiday season and a joyous New Year's.

Hey All!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

Happy anniversery Paul and Andrea.

Tom and I celebrated our 17 year wedding and 21 being together anniversaries. jWhew time goes fast.

We just built a brand new home and we financed the build while we were trying to sell the home we were living in. We were moving into the new house 8-7-06, and terrified we would be paying a double mortgage! Luckily we sold our old home on 7-24-06, closed 4 days later. WE PACKED AND MOVED OUT IN 4 DAYS!!!!! Paige and I lived with my parents for 2 weeks and Tom and Clay lived with his parents for 2 weeks. neither house could accomodate us all. We closed on the nw home 8-7-06, and moved in. Clay turned 16 on
8-8-06 and spent hos birthday moving us!!
Paul, I know EXCATELY WHAT IT FEELS LIKE!! ECXITED AND WORRIED AND SCARED AND THEN RELIEVED THEN WONDERING IF YOU MADE THE RIGHT DECISION. Then not having a chance to say goodbye to the old house. Everything happened so fast. My son and his best friend, Corey started thier 2 a days on Monday and helped us move on Tuesday. 2 a days are 3 hour fooball practise with 1/2 lunch and 3 more hours of practice! Those 2 sis most everthing. Unfortunately, I was not well enough to help in anything other than packing and unpacking. Bless thier heart they did it all. And so quickley!! Then of course, my anal husband insisted EVERYTHING bein its place within 2 weeks of moving. AAAAHHHHH. But it is doen now. Thakfully. I am well again and finally on 7 different meds that work very well together so I actually feel normal again!! WAHOO!!! Anyway, I felt so blessed to have sold the old huse, built the new house. been aproved for dual mortgage that enabled us to do so. I started being very generous and giving to charities and whatnot as I felt more blessed than I was entitled, so I had to pay it forward.

Anyway to make a long story short(er), I am just getting comfortable and relaxed and enjoying life again. I am going to stress management and they are the ones that got my meds squared away and I finally got on arthritis meds. Who knew what a difference 1 pill could make!!

anyway, sorry to bore you!!

Happy holidays and God bless , love to you all!!

Kelly

Can't believe Christmas has come and gone already. Hope everyone who celebrates had a good one. Mine was quiet but meaningful, spending time with family and friends.

Paul, we raised our glasses to you and wondered what it would be like to have Christmas in the hottest month of the year. We live in the Northeastern part of America, so snow and cold is the norm for us at Christmas. We have a big, hot sit-down dinner on both Christmas and New Year's, so wondered what you do. Christmas bar-b-que, maybe?

Son-in-law is doing so much better now and we're hoping he will be discharged from the doctor's care on Jan. 8th so he can get back to work. It's been tough with no money coming in whilst Worker's Compensation decides if they will pay or not. Just want to thank everyone who sent good wishes and prayers our way. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Since New Year's is just around the corner (gosh, where did 2006 go?), I'd like to wish all a happy and healthy 2007. May all your hopes and dreams come true.

Care deeply, give freely, think kindly, act gently and be at peace with the world.

Be well.
Sally C.

Hello! Happy Holidays to all!

I'm writting here because a need somebody to help me. I looooove "Strictly Ballroom" for years! I bought everything that come out here in Brasil about the movie (tape, dvd, posters, etc). But, unfortunely, I never was able to see the famous "deleted scene" on the dvd. After a while trying to find it on my dvd, I discover that the dvd that was release here in Brasil doesn't have the "easter egg" with the scene. That is soooo unfair!

Anyway, I had already gived up when I found this site. Then I thought to myself: maybe that is a kind soul here that could help me. All I ask for is some pictures of this particular scene. (The video of it would be amazing! But I don't know if it's possible to put that to download...)

Well, that's it. I really hope that someone here could read this and send me an answer!

Thanks already!

A tender embrace from Brasil,

Jordania.

Sally C., great news that your son-in-law is on the mend! That will be a wonderful way to ring in 2007!

Ok, pardon my ignorance... there is an "easter egg" on the SB DVD???

Thank you, Sarah. Hopefully 2007 will be better for everyone. It will be such a relief when Sonny gets back on his feet.

I knew there was an "easter egg" on SB, but I don't know the code so never looked for it.

An easter egg is usually a scene that wasn't included in the theatrical release of the movie. It's hidden in a dvd that you can't view unless you know what buttons to push on your remote control while watching the film. Sort of like getting the secret instructions for a video game so you can get extra lives, treasures, etc.

Hope that right? I'm not very computer literate, so don't know all the two dollar words.

Sally C.

Sally C, strangely Xmas day here in Melbourne was the coldest recorded day in Summer ever! It also rained and hailed!!! Normally I would BBq a turkey on the webber and have a ham and maybe some seafood - prawns or cray fish - this year I went to my brother in laws for lunch which was great. As I didnt cook xmas day I will be cooking my xmas lunch on New Years day with my Mum - who is coming over for a couple of weeks - and my girls! I am looking forward to it. Good to hear about John.

Jordania, never heard of a deleted scene from SB nor of an easter egg scene???! Maybe someone is pulling your leg or mine!?

Paul, some time ago I found the deleted scenes from SB by clicking on an "Easter Egg" shiny thing that I cannot find now.

The deleted scenes were with Wayne, Fran, and Scott, where Wayne goes into the "milk bar", looking for Scott, and finds Fran behind the counter.Wayne is angry to find Scott there, Fran is very pensive, and even Grandma gets into the act. After some words, Wayne leaves.

I photgraphed these scenes with my digital camera for my own use, and even put captions on them identifying them, but lost everything when my old computer crashed.

Jordania is right...wish I could help you out!

It will be 2 years since we had the SB Convention in Florida during "Follies 2005", and now, on Tuesday, Jan. 2, "Follies 2007" is having last rehearsals on our big Theatre until showtime on Febr.13th and 14th. The "Chickies" still write to me and each other..lasting friendships were forged on that weekend, and are still strong!

50 seniors are in my cast, and it should be the Mother of All Follies! YOu'd be amazed how they sing and dance and emote still!

Ellie and I wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!

Shalom and love,

Grandma Mil

Despite severe head congestion I went on a quest tonight to find the "egg" - and I was successful. Jordania, I hope this will help you:

1.)From the main menu select Sneak Peeks.
2.)Move to the top right corner of the scroll surrounding the menu a sparkle will appear.
3.)Pressing enter on the sparkle will bring up a deleted scene with Wayne, Fran, and Scott.

Now, I did this on my computer's DVD player and not on my home DVD player. I can rarely get "eggs" to work on my home player for some reason.

Oh, and if you click on my name there is a link to some screen caps I did of the deleted scene. :o) (Paul, perhaps this will refresh your memory... although I know its been a long time since you filmed SB.)

Now, dear PC friends, I am going to take more cold meds and go to bed. :o)

Well the world is certainly a strange place these days. I think people are coming around though. Here's to a wonderful, happy healthy new year with many enjoyable moments.

I love nesting and coming into my own in a new home, Paul may you and your family love the new digs.

I hear you about standing still. I feel like I have realized that I love people and a sense of community, and trying to always better myself and our human condition. It is a struggle, but I feel well worth it. May we all find something to strive for, and achieve!

Peace,
Marisa
Colorado, USA

Boy it is a long time since we filmed SB. Thank you for putting the link there Sarah - gosh I was trim!!!! Looking at those pictures at this time of the year..... I may go have another xmas chocolate!!

The actor that plays Wayne is now quite bald!! He directs and produces for various programs.

Marisa there is a time for standing still and a time for forward action, I reckong it is time for me to move forward. The struggle you mention is just that- the struggle of life. Sometimes I joyfully struggle and other times I angrily struggle...it's all pert of the journey.

You're welcome for the link, Paul. After watching the deleted scene, I'm glad they deleted it. It was entirely the wrong mood for the film. (It would have made Wayne out to be a very mean person.) As for that Xmas chocolate - enjoy! That's why we make resolutions for the new year! LOL

Paul, I once tried to fry a turkey in one of those big cookers that you fill with oil and needless to say, the fire department had to come out to hose down the trees that caught on fire!

A friend of ours who goes camping with us cooks a large turkey on his grill and it does come out wonderfully. I haven't attempted it myself because no one trusts me around an open flame anymore...

Thank you, Sarah, for the link to your SB screencaps and instructions for the egg. I'm going to attempt it over the weekend using my laptop, so wish me luck!

Grandma Mil, two years already? Where does the time go. And Peter, nice to see you pop in again. Hello out to Mary across the pond. It's been a while, hasn't it?

Another New Year is just around the corner and if I don't get back before then, here is my wish for you all...

May peace break into your house and may thieves come to steal your debts. May the pockets of your jeans become a magnet for $100 bills. May love stick to your face like Vaseline and may laughter assault your lips! May your clothes smell of success like smoking tires and may happiness slap you across the face and may your tears be that of joy. May the problems you had forget your home address! In simple words¦

May 2007 be the best year of your life!!!

Last but not least, thank you, Paul for giving so freely of yourself to us and thank you, Cat for your hard work behind the scenes that keep us going.

Be well.

Sally C.

HELLO PC FRIENDS,

I see alot of the "oldies" on here and a few newbies. A big hello to the oldies and welcome to the newbies.

PAUL-Geez-You have been busy. Gotta say it-my older two girls are introducing the baby (soon to be 2) to Strictly Ballroom. They put a tutu on her so that she could dance-precious! You've posted some really wonderful news. I find myself pondering over my life this time of year, too.

I'm keeping my post short...Happy New Year to all!!

HUGS,
abeth

Sarah, thanks for the instructions and everyone for explaining what the "egg" is. Never knew such things existed. It did explain something a bit more clearly that has stayed in the film for me, though.

Hope you are recovering from your cold Sarah!

Hi Paul

Glad you liked the Christmassy piece!

Sally C. & Evelyn, you're both welcome for the instructions. :o)

Sally, I work in the insurance business and during the holidays there are a lot of claims for people setting their houses on fire while trying to deep fry and/or bbq turkeys. So don't feel bad - at least you only got the trees! :o)

Evelyn, I wish I was getting better! Tomorrow morning will find me at the urgent care clinic to make sure I don't have bronchitis or pneumonia. But thank you for thinking of me. :o)

I hope everyone else is doing well and counting the days/hours to the new year!

I once nearly burnt my house down while BBQing a whole suckling pig! I had put it on the spit and made sure all was well with it and as it was to cook for several hours I went off to the office to play a game on my computer. Some time later my front door bell rang and upon answering the (it was a builder who had been doing some work on my house) asked what I was burning out the back!!!! OMG the pig!! I ran out to the porch where the BBQ was and saw flames shooting about three foot into the air. The cover was down and there was a fair bit of smoke. I immediately turned the gas off and openned the lid to find the pig still burning. I couldnt put it out no matter how hard I blew on it as the fat and the heat from the BBQ plate kept igniting it. I cautiously using gloves lifted the spit off the hinges and took the flaming pig out of the BBQ and put it on my webber (which wasnt on) and finally extinguished the pig!! I scraped off the really burnt bits and tried to put it back on the BBQ but it wouldnt fit as it had curled up from it's initial cooking so I fired up the webber and cooked it on that - this time keeping a closer eye on the process!! Sure tasted fine! Got a pictue of it somewhere but I am not so sure you need to see it!

Cooking a Turkey on the Webber for New Year lunch, it would be pretty bad luck to burn the new house down doing that!:) - but hey there is no chance of that!

Dear Paul,

I wish you a happy new year. May it be healthy and well with you. Did you see the execution of Saddam Hussien? Well, I didn't cause I was asleep. Killing people has a price to pay. I don't know if I agree with the hangning part. It must feel very emotional terrifying.

Sara W

A belated wish for a Merry Christmas to Paul and the Mercurio family, Cat and everyone above.

Paul, congratulations on the new home. What a wonderful way to start the new year--full of promise and a new space to explore it in!

Sarah, I'm glad you posted some of the deleted scene--is this on the anniversary DVD?

Speaking of Strictly Ballroom, I watched it after I returned from bringing in the New Year with friends. Just felt it was a new year kind of thing to do! :)

(Paul, that paso doble you do with Tara/Fran at her father's fiesta is soooooooo off the top!!!! I applaud your interpretation of the Spanish idiom in the finale--the music is not really paso doble--it's rhythms and melodic themes from Andalucia--almost Sevillanas like).

With reference to a turkey on a Weber, my brother did that this year. In Chicago, we were fortunate to have warmer and dryer weather over the holidays, so it afforded him the luxury of cooking on the grill--it was really good. My nephew won it at his school turkey trot--17 pounder.

I'm getting ready to restart my classes tomorrow. Had some queries, so some new students will be coming in, ¡Olé, Olé!

Again, PC friends (does it matter that I have a MAC??), I raise my glass as well to a good new year in 2007, filled with love, happiness, and wonderful new endeavors.

And Paul, continued success with the Food Trail, new recipes to share, lots of love for all in your family, and especially my thanks for sharing with us here.

Melody
Chicago IL

The comments on the "Easter Egg" certainly got my interest--just did as Sarah suggested--couldn't do it on my regular DVD player, but did manage it on the computer (looks like you need a mouse to move over the sparkling star--

Wayne certainly comes off like a mean one, but estimating where this scene could have been in the editing, it was probably after Wayne's encounter with Prez Fife at the earlier competition event, getting the free video, so "one bad egg . . . " is feeding his mind.

Thanks Grandma Mil and Sarah for bringing this up--

Also referring to Stephen (I think his comment is on the New Year's eve notes), agreeing that Strictly Ballroom certainly led us to Paul, but even to something more deeper. I came to this site when Paul had his birthday last year, and had no idea the lovely door I entered to all of you.

Well, class at noon--better get some sleep so I can get some chores done before leaving for the studio. ;)

Melody

Hi ya Paul, How's ya goin? When dose Razzel Dazzel come out on DvD? I'm itching to see it and as I can't quite get to the movie's and I'm egerly waiting to see it come out on DvD so I can buy it and watch it. I hope to see you on DWTS cause your a great judge and I reckon that you and Mark Wilson should become brothers.

I'll let you ponder that alright.
See ya! Love you heaps.
Hugs and kisses
Becky.
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