Paul's Corner

Paul, here's hoping that viewers in Queensland mention the show to others and those that aren't home to see it will record it for later, or voice to the station that they'd like to watch it like in the evening, or on weekends. You are right, bad choice on their part.

Thanks to Liz, we've been keeping track of you in the States where, unfortunately, we're unable to tune in. It's been good press and alot of fun for us to read and follow your success.

You may appreciate a little down time after this but here's hoping it leads to more good programs (or is it spelt "programmes" down under?)!

Go Paul!

Good for you, Paul! I wish you could be on here in the States; that would be so great! I enjoy watching dancing. My newly-married daughter and her husband love to watch cooking shows (The Food Channel), and I have begun to, as well. That would also be very interesting if Mercurio's Menu could be on that channel. Food for thought...

Your show's really interesting, especially the one describing the farmer's market and where the residents eat locally--where you can get eggs from the hen farmer and gather the seafood from the ocean. It is rare to be able to do that nowadays where most of us do not know where our food comes from. Hope you get sleep and glad that you allow yourself time to be a zombie. Michele from Queensland said she was waiting for your show but another cooking show was in the Sat pm time slot, but she strongly prefers that it be your show (see her entry). We will wait for the series to be syndicated in the US-- pls have enough episodes made so you can do that. (You said the Food Trail was well received but not enough shows shot to syndicate.) DWTSNZ is a hit with strong ratings. So much interest in you in the news media--see the hits in Throng website. Hope your publicist is tracking all these. So happy for you!

Hello paul, was crazy to see your stuff! Congratulations by the program, we are here in Brazil anciosos to see your program. I wish much success.

Question for Liz: What is the name of Channel 7, which passes the program for Paul?

Kisses, Maria.

Hello paul, was crazy to see your stuff! Congratulations by the program, we are here in Brazil anciosos to see your program. I wish much success.

Question for Liz: What is the name of Channel 7, which passes the program for Paul?

Kisses, Maria.

Hi all

Hope everyone is having a good week and looking forward to a lovely Easter

Liz, thanks for all your interesting information about Mercurio's Menu. It is ridiculous that we in Qld miss out on the show in a good timeslot - especially as at least one of the episodes has been filmed locally in Cairns.

Paul, I have a friend who watches in NSW and says that the show is wonderful and you are such a congenial host.

Crocodile sounds different - it's nice to live exotically now and again

Love Michele

Michelle we are shooting four shows in QLD Cairns, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Townsville so it is somewhat crazy that the network in QLD is seemingly throwing it away at that time slot. I have since heard that they intend on showing all thirteen episode Monday to Friday ie get it on and done as soon as possible and I fear at a bad time slot. Doesnt make sense to me?

Hello Paul. Maybe they are aiming at a different demographic in QLD, persons who have diff sched and would consistently watch a daily show--it is a kind of prime time; here in the US for ex, Oprah and Ellen show at 3 pm--nurses, swing shifters, students, professors, full time moms, retirees all have the luxury to view at this time and tend to be devoted viewers. I think they are on to something.
For Maria Horos, Maria, the channel I think is ABC Austr Broad Co(the Aussies may know this more than me.) Bonita manha, Maria!

Thanks for the feedback from your viewer friend in the NSW Michelle! Keep us updated.

Best Wishes to Paul and the PCs!!!

Paul, it certainly is hard to understand the logic of programming at times, but Liz made a good point. Another prime time (at least here in Chi-town) is Saturday afternoons. Our PBS schedule is mostly food/cooking shows, to which I think you'd be a great addition.

Imagine sitting back on a Saturday afternoon in wind-blown Chicago and watching Paul cook yabbies and crocs down under! :)

I can imagine seeing the show here on PBS. Melody, I agree it will be a hit here. The show is taking on a life of its own...there is so much interest in Paul's work that even people who can not see it are following: Maria in Brazil, us here, those who visit the site and never blog back, etc. The Mercurio's Menu website does not have a feedback blog so Australian viewers can respond. It would be interesting to hear from the viewers themselves. I hope they put the website address on the show so the viewers can be heard.
Wondering what Grandma Mil and Tara are up to? How soon is the premiere?

Liz (and Paul), you would think they would put up a blog--there are blogs everywhere for so many things. It would be a good guage on Paul's success and popularity and maybe prove they're onto a good thing, create another season, so on. (And wouldn't it help show a market for syndication?)

I hope Grandma Mil and Tara are able to work things out. I did mention to Millie that I just received an invitation to my cousin's wedding, the first weekend of May. It's in Virginia, near the Wash DC area. If MBF is in late April, I thought I could go to Florida and then Virginia, make it one trip. But I couldn't do two separate ones, unfortunately. If it's meant to be, it will be. :)

Dear Liz and Melody,

Thanks for asking about Tara's documentary, "My Biggest Fan".

I spoke to her last night and she was very excited about the progress. SBS, the TV Network, is planning to send it to the Cannes TV Film Festival for showing and sale in the coming week or so.

Because Tara is still waiting for rights clearance
from various owners of music used in MBF, like
Queen Latifa (Disney) and Barbra Streisand's publishing company, MBF cannot be shown until everything is cleared, which she said should be soon.

It seems there was lots of music rights to get...music from "Follies 2007" were used, and I did a lip synch of Queen Latifah's "When You're Good to Momma" in 2005 (remember, Evelyn?) Tara said that seconds of some songs ran thousands of dollars.

Melody, the April premiere in Florida will be moved to later in the year, perhaps late summer or even in the fall. I was disappointed also, but she is definitely coming with her beautiful daughter, Ondine, and she will be honored by the ultimate venue for MBF...the showing in our big Theatre, which seats almost 1,000 people at one showing.

The Theatre, (where we do "Follies"), has a
gigantic screen, which can be sized to fit DVD, and Ellie and I saw a DVD on it last night, and I was so excited and impressed, and so was Tara when I spoke to her this a.m.

The time difference between Australia and the U.S.
is topsy turvey; when it is daytime here, it is nightime there and then it becomes a day ahead in Australia.

Paul, it is amazing how your career with the Food
Show and Tara's experience with MBF are so alike.

Both of you are "wai-ting, wai-ting" for schedules
and people to get off their duffs and get things going!

I showed "Strictly Ballroom" again the other night, for the 7th time since 2001, and believe it or not, our smaller auditorium was almost filled with people that wanted to see it again, or had never seen it all the years I screened it.

I sat near the edge of the screen, watching you and Tara, and I had to contain myself from jumping up and kissing you both, which would have brought the huges screen down on my head!

The audience sat in the dark, motionless, engrossed, entranced, enchanted, and no one went to the john!

When the lights came on after the credits, many stayed to ask questions. I told them all to stay well, "Fran" is coming!

Shalom and love,

Grandma

Thanks Liz, I find the name of this channel to see if you have any in the cable tv!
I wish you all a Easter full of peace, harmony and unity. Paul every success in this new journey. A kiss to everyone.

Thanks Liz, I find the name of this channel to see if you have any in the cable tv!
I wish you all a Easter full of peace, harmony and unity. Paul every success in this new journey. A kiss to everyone.

These guys (I think they're guys) have not seen the show either but are already blogging about the show. Much interest in Paul's show.

http://www.aussiehomebrewer.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=21038&st=0

Wow, Liz, this is great! Someone also noted Paul's website, too.

Have to admit, the web's a great thing!

Thanks for the Easter tidings, Maria. A ti y todos PCs tambien!

Melody, we must talk! You're going to be down near me!

Paul, so glad all is going well for the new show. I wish you continued success. :o)

Hi Paul,

Love the show - but its not on TV in Melbourne in the regular timeslot? Its now been moved to 7HD on Sundays at 4:30! There are plenty of people still without HDTV.

Keep up the good work.

Regards,

James

Hi guys!

Glad to hear that Paul is keeping himself out of trouble (not sure about that "croc" thing)!

Sarah, I was sorry to read about the house and hope that repairs are going well. We got quite a blow that day, but nothing along those lines.

Melody, if you have free time when you are in the DC area, Sarah and I could cetainly plan a little "gathering". ;o)

Hello Paul. Viewers in Australia wanting to see your show but have questions about sched and the HDTV (see above): I wish the WTNF people are fixing this fast! Happy Easter to you and your family!

Grandma Mil, will wait patiently for the MBF premiere. Late summer or fall is still good. SB lives on!!! Would like to go to FL for your premiere but need time off--let us know of the date. Never been to FL.

Melody that will be awesome if you will be with Sarah and Rosie. Sarah hope your arm is healed.

Maria, I think the production company is WTFN--they make the show, so inquiries can be directed to this group(see contact info on Mercurio's Menu). Thanks for the Easter greetings!

Maria, the contact person listed in the website is:

Steve Oemke
WTFN Executive Producer
http://www.wtfn.com.au/contact.html

Liz, my arm is fine now. Thank you for asking.

Rosie, the repairs haven't begun yet (other than the necessary tarping to keep out rain/pest/debris). The initial check I received this past week from the insurance company has my mortgage company's name grossly misspelled, so I'm waiting for the replacement. Then I have to wait for the mortgage company to release checks to me to give the contractors (due to the amount of the check from the insurance company). It is all a lot of bother, and not helping any of my other current circumstances.

I won't go into detail, but life isn't the best right now and come here and to two of my other favorite online spots just to cheer up a bit.

Melody, I agree with Rosie that a little get together for the three of us would be nice. I hope we can plan something.

Hope your episodes keep coming. Have missed only one, that due to work. Love them. Love the food. Regards, Therese

Hi Paul,
What on earth are they doing in Queensland? Why are they putting your show on at 2.45pm for? That's a ridiculous time of the day to be putting something like Mercurios menu on. Here in SA we get to see Mercurios menu on Saturday's at 5.30pm and it's great. It's great show Paul and I reackon that there should be more eps filmed. I'm just wondering if your wife comes in here and says something to us fans about you cause I have a few girly questions that I'd like to ask her and there nothing bad it's just that I'm deveoping a strong conection with a guy at tafe and I'm just needing a female to make sure I'm on the right track.
I hope that Andrea can help me out cause it would be good to talk to her. I feel sure that she is a very nice person and that she'll be able to answer my questions and give me some groovy advice.
I'll talk to you later.
Keep smiling and dancing.
Becky.

In terms of giving and taking advice, here's Paul answering an interview which sounds from the interviewer like a list being read to Paul, but Paul manages to be candid. Great pic.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/money/strictly-paulroom/2008/02/26/1203788319365.html

Liz, that was a great post. Paul certainly is straightforward. Wise man! I especially appreciate his family focus overall and I'm sure they do as well.

Rose and Sarah, I'll shop for fares and such and let you know what happens. My cousin reserved rooms for the family and other guests at local hotels which will help. Usually fares do better with weekend stays, so let's hope. It will be fun to connect with you and talk "Paul" face to face. :)

My brother and sister-in-law are hoping things work out. My nephew graduates HS this June and then onward to college. They are planning a graduation get together which is a consideration on the wedding trip and their budget. (Both events are weeks apart.)

We ended up with some snow for Easter, but certainly not as bad as the flooding rain in Arkansas and Mississippi. (We have more problems with politicians than weather in Chicago!)

Hello, Cat! Just wondering how you're doing. I am sure you come across our blogs. I hope you are enjoying the spring.

I wanted to ask you if we can have the new links and many pics and articles bundled up in a place in the site. All the PCs have been gathering lots of info on Paul and we have a link clutter problem. I'll be glad to help if you let me know how to do that.

Thanks. Liz.

Hello, Cat. I actually brought in most of the clutter; that's why I think I should help clean it up. Or at least organize the new info.

Hello, Cat. I actually brought in most of the clutter; that's why I think I should help clean it up. Or at least organize the new info.

Hi everyone. It's been a while since I have posted. Would you believe it has been SNOWING here in Maple Valley, Washington> We got 2 inches. March 20th here is the first day of SPRING. I can't remember when we ever had snow this late in the spring.

PAUL, we understand that you have been so busy, but knew you would be back eventually. It's wonderful that your show is doing so well.

DWTS 5th season is in it's third week. It's very exciting to see all new stars. Prisilla (sp) Presley who at 62 is one of the stars. She is really good.

Take care and Love to all, Marge

Hi everyone!

My mac died a slow death recently and ended up having to replace the hard drive and upgrade the OS at the same time. It doesn't quite feel the same (not in a good way) but it's going to have to do for a while. Good to hear from Paul and so glad you're shows are doing well. I'm really enjoying DWTS again this season. Every season, I don't think I'm going to like the new people but then I always end up loving the show anyway. I'm sure I would be watching your food show, no matter the time. Anyone in QLD own a tivo? I couldn't live without my dvr! ;)

Hope you are all well and preparing for the rebirth that spring brings!

have just found this site,just wanted to say i really enjoyed watching The Food Trail,i did,nt no paul was such a great cook,and now its called Mercurio,s Menu,love it,im in Adelaide and it screens on Saturday afternoons here,hopefully its a continuing series,good luck.

Hello! We also got snow here, Pacific NW, late March. Glad I still have my snow tires. Melody, I hope your trip to the MBF and your family visit all comes together, although it may turn out to be later in the fall? according to G. Mil. Would like to meet Tara Morice with G. Mil! Glad to welcome new PCs and all the returning PCs who come from all over the globe.

So jealous of viewers in Australia for ex Carol, Becky, Therese who all have said they have seen and love Mercurio's Menu and that they are tuning in every week.

Thanks to the Aussies for your updates! So happy for Paul and his audience in Australia.

Welcome to PC, Carol! Keep us posted on Merc's Menu.

MaryS, I had to get a new Mac about two years ago, only because the never-ending electronic updates and my old Mac Power PC couldn't be updated to OSX . . . maddening, huh?

I just did my taxes and I'm hoping to swing the trip to my cousin's wedding in Virginia. I'll let you know how it turns out. I looked at the invite and it's in/near Alexandria.

I also hope the fall works out for Tara and Grandma Mil and any of us PCs that could witness the grand premiere!

Again, I'm very happy Merc's Menu is a hit for Paul. I certainly join all PCs here in thanking everyone for their links and updates.

Its a beautiful day in Fort Lauderdale and of course when it comes to bookings at the resort spa where I work guests prefer to sit by the pool and hang out at the bar rather than go inside the spa and get services. Its unusual for Friday not to be called into work but at least I have an excuse for being home.

I'm not complaining for today I was able to make changes and put together all the research I've been doing in the past several weeks on this TV series proposal that I've been working on.
Hopefully the original draft that I send last year had made its way where it was suppose to go even though I haven't recieved a response and also I will be sending it to another contact that I have made over the past year to see if there is any interest on that end. But regardless I find myself enjoying this task the more I work on it and its been a great adventure nontheless as the characters and the story continue to develope.

Paul, I hope that Queensland will figure itself out and congratulations on the continuing success of the Food Trail as always. Hopefully one day we'll be able to see it in the states.

All my best to all PCers,

Julie

Liz, Melody, the MBF status is this:

Tara informed me the other day that she is almost through, but is being held up by a couple of royalty requests, one to Queen Latifah.

It seems that in "Follies 2005" (attended by some of our PCers)I did a lipsync to Latifah's big hit from "Chicago" called "When Your're Good To Momma" wearing an outrageous gold sparkling costume and carrying a huge feathered fan.

Tara included part of that scene in MBF and has to pay royalties, even if the scene is seconds long, which is very costly.

First though, she has to find Latifah through Latifah's office, and that is what is holding things up...very frustrating, to say the least!

In the meantime, I'll be getting updates, and will let PC know. I believe the premiere will be held in our huge Theatre (1000 seats) and on the huge screen with Dolby sound. Plenty of room for
all of PC...come on down!

Shalom and love,

Grandma Mil

To Paul

Happy Birthday

Not just a year older, but a year better

Love Michele L

Happy birthday, Paul! :o)

Grandma Mil, its interesting that Tara has to get the royalties from Queen Latifah and not from her record company. (Usually an artist appears on a soundtrack courtesy of the label they are signed with if that soundtrack is on a different label.) Just a little aside, I was not a huge fan of hers when she still rapped, but ever since she's gone "legit" I adore her. She has a fabulous voice.

Melody, I hope things work out. Alexandria isn't that long a drive for me. :o)

Things are ok for me. I'm hanging in there and just taking things one day at a time.

Glad things are happening for you, Paul, well deserved! and may this continue so that you don't have 'dry spells' in between. I know they are part of life, but they are no fun to have to go through and you've had plenty of them in your life.

And a very happy Birthday to you on Monday. I hope you get to be with your family and celebrate lots!

Happy Birthday Paul!

It's not quite the 30th here in DC, but I'll lift a glass anyhow. ;o)

Happy Birthday, Paul!!!

Wishing you continued happiness and joy! And that you continue to astonish the world with your creativity and talent! Wishing you a happy birthday and I hope you get to spend time with your family.

Happy Birthday to Paul! March 31st!

I see in prior posts that it is March 31st not 30th and that your mom had to try really hard to make sure you got born on the 31st so you won't be an April Fools baby.

Hard to synchronize the dates as Australia always ahead of us.

LOL at Liz - my son was due April 1st, I sat very quietly that day! Turns out I had nothing to worry about, he took his good old time and didn't arrive until the 13th! ;o)

Happy Birthday, Paul! Sto Lat! (may you have 100 years)

Ah! So much new stuff!

I wasn't ignoring you, Liz! Honestly, I just make sure the post comes from a trusted source, and I don't read beyond that lately. I found your posts as I was cleaning out some spam. That'll teach me to not pay attention!

Life has been veryvery busy, so if someone wants to gather those links together in an organized fashion and send them my way, I'll see what I can do with them.

PS: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PAUL!

Dear Paul, Happy Birthday! ¡Feliz cumpleaños!

Dear Paul, Happy Birthday! ¡Feliz cumpleaños!

oi paul happy birthday

There's Cat!

Cheers! and hats off to you for maintaining PC for us! :)

Hello Paul, Congratulations on from today and success in his career. It is what their fans want Brazil. Happy birthday!
Kisses.

Thanks for the birthday wishes guys!

Sorry I am not writing much here at the moment but working seven days a week over the last month and a half has left me feeling a little tired!

45 leaves me feeling a little shocked.

I will gather my thoughts and let you in on them

cheers

Hello Cat!!! What a great birthday present for you to come back to the site!!! We adore you, Cat, O Great Webmaster...

Thank you for making this site happen and the way you arranged the links is just one great Paul feature after another.

Also, Michele L from Queensland gathered the Australia-based articles herself and the video of DWTS Australia. No I did not gather them by myself alone, although I added much of the clutter.

THANKS TO CAT. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PAUL!

(Can't post to the April Blog as error message shows

It was so good to surf in and see Cat's new homepage with all the links--shows Paul to great advantage!

So Paul, 45. After that entrance (the famous slide across the stage) on DWTS, you certainly could fool me!

Just remember it's only a number!

I hope you get some down time to celebrate with Andrea and the girls.

Thanks again, Cat, and also all PCs posting and sharing the links.

I third my thanks to Cat also!!

It's 3.30am I am about to get a plane to Melbourne from New Zealand via Sydney, will arrive there at 12 midday then pick up a hire car and drive 2.5 hours to the location of the first shoot for this weeks episode where I am running with chickens for 3 hours! Who said making TV was glamorous!

My plane is boarding and my eyes are asking me to let them close. Funny thing is when you get on the plane they seem to spring open in anticipation of the journey! Come on eyes work with me here.

Running with chickens?

LOL

I know what you mean about the eyes (both from travelling) but also right now. My eyes want to close so badly, yet I'm not done prepping for tomorrows classes and so I must force them to stay awake and then when I eventually get to hit my oh so cozy bed, they'll probably stay open for way too long :-(
Safe travels, Paul!

Wanted to wish Paul a happy belated birthday!

Hopefully we'll get a look at Paul running with the chickens.

all my best to everyone,

Julie

ps: On Friday, like years previous, I'll make a toast to Paul at Waxy's in honor of his birthday. David will be coming back from a trans Atlantic Yacht delivery so can't wait to hear about his adventures in the south of France.

If you are not curious, then do not open this Cat Link:

http://paulmercurio.net/

Hey Liz, am I missing something?

Tried the link (yes, curiosity killed the cat, but afterall, we do have "9" lives!). ;)

No, Melody I meant to share the Cat Site for the PCs to see the latest on Paul. I was looking for the compilation of all the links as it was in the April blog, but found it hidden under the Cat!

So for the PCs: Here's the Cat Surprise:

Cat

Click on the Cat link above. So far what I've been doing is not working.

It's weird to hear it called "the Cat site". :)

It is actually the front page of this site. All one, big, happy family. I just made the design on the blog distinct so it would have a separate feel for Paul.

So, what Liz and I are trying to say is, go to paulmercurio.net and check out the latest news on the front page.

Hi all, I'm still alive and well. Or at least as well as possible. ;o)

Cat, thanks for updating the home page with the links. It looks fab. :o)

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying life. I'm taking things one day at a time and doing my best to remain positive. I know I cannot change things outside of my power, so I change the things I can. Hopefully within the next several days the first check will arrive so the contractors can begin work on my house. :o) That will make me very happy!

Happy belated Birthday Paul!!! Man up old man and go run with those chickens! lol. Love you and am so proud of you for hanging in there and chasing that dream! You are "making it" again and the ebbs and tides of your career march on! Rock on sweetie pie! :)

I hate my computer. I need about 2,000 people to give me a dollar or so, so I can go out and buy a new one. Ever since the hard drive died and I had it replaced, along with updating the OS, which I think he upgraded beyond what this Mac is supposed to be able to handle, nothing works right anymore. Thus, my absence as of late. I miss all of you!

I hope everyone is doing as well as is humanly possible with all of our adversities. My life has been a challenge for so long and sometimes I wonder what the heck it's all about. I'm not supposed to know though, obviously, because I sure as heck don't know. I'm trying my best to get to a better place. Please send positive energy to the universe gods who are messing with me so. I love life and just want to see what it's like to be happy again. Of course, I realize my happiness has nothing to do with my damn computer. It's just always something with me. Drama. Some silly boys shot a hole through my sliding glass door and shattered it but there's nothing I can do but to get it fixed, because I don't have enough proof. 250.00 on the computer, 250.00 deductible for the door, and then my t.v. died. LOL. Very funny, ha, ha, ha. Seriously, as I type this, it is sort of funny, but not in a money way. Oh well. Enough of my goofy life history.

Thanks everyone and god bless.

MaryS and Sarah--sending good energy your way. When it rains, it certainly pours.

Mary, when my older Mac was updated (to OS 9.1), the tech told me that that was the most it will handle. It would not handle OS X. I ended up getting a new Mac (a Mac Mini) as my monitor died and I could get a monitor that would work with the old machine without a converter. I did find one, so I can go back into the older machine when I need to. Some things I've kept on the Power PC Mac, and those that I use more often I e-mailed to myself to the new machine. (LOL)

Sarah, I hope your home is back together soon. I should know by the end of next week if I'll fly out for the wedding. I plan to come in on Friday and leave Sunday (two night stay). Will advise soonest! I haven't heard from my brother yet. (They're bogged down with my nephew's financial forms for college now, which may decide in the end whether they go to the wedding.)

Is affording college that hard down under? It is sooooo expensive here in the States and if you attend a school outside of your State, the tuition is even worse.

Anyway, blessings and more blessings to everyone at PC!

I love the new links on the cover page! Thanks Cat! You rock so much!

Melody thank you for your kind words. All my best to anyone who feels life is ridiculous sometimes.

I must say that today I am very content and hoping for the best.

I just love Jakob Dylan's new song, "Something Good This Way Comes". It makes me ponder on good times and appreciate the wonderful small blessings that surround me each day.

Have a great rest of the weekend everyone. Today is my Friday, and since I just got off work about 2 hours ago, my weekend is just beginning.

Looks like we are all under seige with all that is happening both good and bad. I am glad to hear that the bullet struck a window only and that you are safe, MaryS. Same with Sarah who missed a tree falling on her. Still seems like a very trying time for you. I am sending you well wishes both. Have a fun and safe trip, Melody.

For Paul or your WTFN publicist, it appears that they have the Throng info out of sequence as they are introducing next next week's show. The show becomes larger in boldface as there are more hits. Just FYI. I must be a total nut to follow a show that I have never seen, except in pictures. http://www.throng.com.au/mercurio-s-menu

To Cat, I found the links nested within each other but I probably would not be much help to you as I do not know basic HTML. Tried to read Movable Type but too advanced. I would need more training to help with the blog upkeep. Will be keeping in touch.

"Paul is impressed to see that his dancing skills lend themselves to the ‘Turkey Dance’, led by Matthew"

Paul, I bet this was great fun--let's hope a video makes YouTube or other website. :)

(I also hope Paul got some shut-eye!)