Paul's Corner

Unfortunately we didnt sell enough tickets to the beer and chilli dinner so they have been cancelled.

Thanks for all of the links Liz and Cat!

Selby is beautiful! and I know what you mean about Lady to you, Freyja to me, not being replaceable, but us having made room for a new member, Selby for you, Chloé for me. I still miss Freyja lots and am totally in love with Chloé and she's helped me so much in the last few weeks, esp. last week, to get through some tough stuff, either by being silly and making me laugh in the middle of tears, giving me a hug when I needed one, and seriously speeding up the healing of my foot injury. The other day at night I was just so tired of the almost stagnant place my foot was in its healing process and it's been nearly 2 months. I asked "god, can you please give me healing in my foot? I'm quite tired of the remaining pain.." Up jumps Chloé, snuggles up to the foot and purred away for most of the night, the soothing sound, the vibration and the extra warmth were wonderful and since then I've been nearly pain free. Amazing! Now I've asked for speedier emotional healing, but it hasn't been that immediate, but getting towards where I want to be. Grateful for that!

I like his clear bluish wolf eyes and dark rims of the eyes and his coat looks so beautiful. Selby is a good name and so is Chloe and Freyja. We have a full August moon and the neighbor's dogs will be howling tonight.

Maybe the beer and chili festival should be rescheduled as there was no date given so it may be hard to sign up if no date given.

What a handsome dog! Looks very playful, too.

No pet ever "replaces" another pet--they are just as individual as we are, and give from their heart in their personal way.

Sorry to hear about the beer and chili fest--bet that would have been great fun. Just about three days to vacation--and a 10 hour plane ride . . . will be a lot of shifting and shaking going on! Can never sleep on long flights. (sigh!)

Thanks Cat and Paul for the MM episode. Jumping with joy here--that is a great show--Paul is his usual charming self, even the snails look good to eat now.

PCs we have a windfall--see the YouTube videos that Cat set up. Do not miss this one.

I just saw a note on Facebook that the episodes are available! Awesome! Thanks Paul and Cat.

Happy Labor Day to US PCs--good weekend all!

Melody have a great trip! Where are you headed? why 10 hours?

I too got the MM link on my facebook fan update. Yes, I am a fan. ;)

I LOVED the videos! Talk about cheeky! Paul, if I were one of those ladies, I would have either jumped your bones or slapped your face. LOL. It was so cute.

The new doggie could not be more beautiful. I too dislike the word "replacement". We we lose something it does leave a void and we fill the void with NEW love. Not replacement love. That would be sick. People should not think in those terms. I'm not ready to love a new kitty yet. I still have my Boogie since Aspen has been gone and he is getting a ton of attention. He's spoiled now. He knows he is so loved.

I won't be eating snails anytime soon, but Paul, you are such a free spirited and talented chef!!! I'd try just about anything you'd make and I would totally trust your choice in a beverage to have with the meal!! Fantastic!

Hope everyone is well. I'm ready to begin my weekend. Today is my Friday and I worked until 2 am last night, and was back at work at noon. I'm sleeeeeepy. :)

Have a great rest of your weekend everyone.

Paul and MM news:

http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,25974324-5005382,00.html

Paul. Selby has to be almost full grown by now but a few inches. Now he will just need to get stocky and fill out. I cant wait to see his new photo, I bet his face is really full at this point. His paws probobly dont look quite so big now that his body is catching up.

Hes so lucky to have your loving family to care for him, oops I forgot..... HE owns you.

:) Love to all,

Kelly

RECIPE UPDATE: To all US and UK PCs; for the Mercurio's Menu recipes, they have been kind enough to give the conversion from metric to English measurements; for example 400 g of lamb is equal to 14 ounces, so we do not have to do the math. They use tsp and tbsp but somtime use ml (again changed to cup, tsp etc), which is helpful. Thank you. Not that I am cooking a meal soon but love to read recipes that I imagine I will cook.

Don't forget Boomerang Books and The Nile, as Cat said these booksellers can get the book order for you in advance of publication. See links on main page as laid out by Cat.

Ah come on Liz, the metric system is oh so much more logical! I am glad to be bi-cultural in that way and can work more or less comfortably in both systems.
In our first semester German class they are just now working on converting (peoples') weight from pounds to kilograms and heights from feet and inches to cm and temperatures from C to F etc. They always complain but they get used to it, more by force than choice, but who cares. it shall not be me. :)

Agree with you Evelyn, the metric system is so much better. Only the US and the UK are still using cups and pounds. The rest of the world has left us behind. I like the metric system too as easier to convert and make calculations. With cooking at home, I never really measure, I just eyeball stuff, a dash or this or that or some more or all of it goes into the pot or it just looks like it is enough. I said I was reading the recipes, I was not cooking yet.

Thanks Cat for placing the INSIDE LOOK on the front, now you can browse the book.

What a great job you have Paul! Travelling, cooking the best produce, meeting people from all over the continent and sampling the best beers from Aus and NZ...doing all the necessary research. I think that is the best job in the world. You are a natural on camera!

The drawback, it takes you a whole day or more to cook a dish because you have to catch the fish or get the goat or wait for the snail to be ready. Still it is not a bad job to have.

For those of you wanting to try to brew your own beer, here is Paul's handbook; the videos are also available on YouTube and in prior posts

http://www.makebeer.net/pdf/microbrew_booklet.pdf

We in the NW are proud as one of the winners in the NZ beerfest was a Pacific NW stout called Black Butte Porter (that is butte meaning hill not butt) we would love to share it with you but need to figure out a way to bring it to whomever is interested.

Paul mentioned in an article about immigration to Australia:

http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/our-door-should-always-be-open-20090915-fplk.html

Interesting that he is mentioned as an iconic Australian-Italian; he was born in Victoria and his dad is American with Italian roots from Wisconsin USA (source Cat's Archives); but when used in the article above, he represents Austalia's rich blended heritage. Way to go Paul!

Hey all,

I just want to give a quick shout to everyone on the corner and tell you all that I love you very much and I am glad and proud to be part of this wonderful group of human beings.

Yes ok I am feeling very good and proud as I am kicking algebra's butt! WOOT WOOT.

Im doing homework and very well I believe...

Never thought I could do it but now I am sure I can. well see how good I am when I grade my homework tonight in class.

Love to all here at the corner.

Kelly :) love you all love you all love you all

Hi Paul, I just love animals. Their so cute. Selby looks Like a great companion for you and your familiy. It is an exciting time when a new pet becomes part of the family.

I am sorry that you lost Lady. She must have been a very special part of your family.

Sudden deaths aren't very nice. I lost my Grandma sudenly in November of 2006. She had a blood clot in her brian that burst due to stress. I still miss her now and I feel sad for my mum because my Grandma was her mum. My Grandma had only just turned 74 and died three days later. Its a sad time when you loose someone close to you, but I guess it's just part of life.

Try and keep smiling and I give you my best wishes.
Becky.

Hi Paul and PCs--

Finally back--was in Poland, southern area known as Malopolska where my grandparents hail from. We had the chance to go into the Tatra mountains and really enjoyed the beautiful landscape. Will mount some pictures soon.

Paul, I checked out your book and those pot stickers look really yummy--love mushrooms (of course, what Polska doesn't??? And it's mushroom season out there, so lots of harvesting going on!).

After all that mushroom soup, mushroom stuffing, mushroom gravy, mushrooms and sourkraut . . . quite honestly, I'm surprised I'm not sprouting myself!

Hope everyone affected by the dust storms Down Under are safe. Amazing pictures are circulating over the web. Unbelievable...

Eerie duststorm photos; hope you guys are safe.

Welcome back to the US Melody; Stolat!

Paul News:

http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2009/09/24/106811_news.html

Of course dance scenes we shall never forget:

http://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/film/dance-scenes-we-shall-not-forget/2009/09/17/1252780397350.html

Fantastic DWTS opening tonight with guest judge Baz Luhrmann!! OF COURSE they HAD to reference only the best dance movie ever with OUR very own Paul in the spotlight!! They showed the scene with Paul sliding across the floor. I screamed with excitement!!!! Baz is an awesome judge. I only wish Paul would give us a guest appearance of ANY kind!

Baz may be a good director but he was less than kind to Paul when the anniversary edition of SB came out, the 3 movie set, He would not compensate Paul for the behind the scene footage he wanted to include in the box set, so without authorization, he had to blur Paul out of the picture, I recall. This is precisly why I never bought that box set.

Love to all,

Kelly, head hurts so bad have to go to bed. I still have 36 questions for algebra tommorrow, I will worry about it tommorrow.

I didn't see the program, but read in news the next day that Baz was on the US DWTS. My first thought was, "well if Baz can be a guest, why not Paul?????"

I'm glad the excerpt of Paul's awesome SB entrance was shown. That is and remains truly fabulous.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO CAT!!! OCT 1!!!

Thank you for this great site of Paul and the PCs!!!

Best Wishes, Cat!

Hi, Dear PCers,

I had to come out of hibernation to say "Happy Birthday" to Cat; thanks for everything! Also, what we would do without Liz's information and links..(How does she do that???)

One of my daughters said that Baz Luhrmann would be a guest judge on DWTS, but I turned it on the second night, and all I heard was Moulin Rouge, Moulin Rouge...ugh! I missed the slide Paul, and what about a paso doble scene???? No matter what,
"Strictly Ballroom" will always remain on the lists of the best dance movies of all time, and on Valentine's Day it has been on the list of the great romances.

Sorry, everyone on Facebook, and here, I have had
some health challenges that threw me for a loop, as they say. Because my hands tremble once in awhile, and my walking is like an old duck, I went to neurologist #1 and in 60 seconds, his diagnosis was "Parkinson's disease..go to the gym and do upper arm exercises..."

Well, I found neurologist #2 on the Internet, and he said "early Parkinson's, I'll give you a prescription"..well, when I filled the prescription I saw the medicine would kill me, there were so many containdications! Then, thank goodness, this guy referred me to the head of neurology at the Clevland Clinic of Florida.

This doctor examined me for an hour, tapping, pulling, having me write, having me walk, looking into my face, taking my family history, and at the end, he said, "Mrs. Levine you DO NOT have Parkinson's!!" Ellie and I were so grateful, we felt like going out and getting drunk, but we don't drink..it seems the complete diagnosis is
"essential tremor" or "familial tremor" for my dad
had it, so did some cousins, etc...it does run in families for generations.

Well, with this reprieve I am planning all my programs for the year, and the beat goes on. I use a cane for balance, so what, I am a senior citizen...(that's the polite name for "old lady"..

In a week I open my movie season with a double feature..."Strictly Ballroom" and "My Biggest Fan." Paul, MBF is going to be shown in New Zealand; other countries have shown interest, fingers crossed! It will be shown again on SBS in
Australia.

Shalom and love,

Grandma Mil

Happy Birthday, Cat! Thanks for all you do in making this website and forum available!

I'm very happy for you Grandma Mil that your diagnosis was overturned--let the Follies (well, your preparations) begin!

Happy Birthday Cat!!!!!

Grandma Millie, again: I"m so happy for you that you don't have Parkinsons!!!

I myself just got cleared of my third cancer threat in 2 months (3 very different areas!), 2 mini-tumors yes (didn't like the sound of that), but they are the benign kind and at the moment no health risk or concern (that part I liked). But overall, I'm a little dumbfounded by how the relationships stress, breakdowns and break ups have manifested themselves in my body, not just emotionally and spiritually. Doing some serious emotional de-toxing right now, freeing myself of the poisonous messages and cleaning myself out so to speak. Finding this a difficult and painful process, the withdrawal symptoms plain suck! but I know it's necessary for me to heal and become whole and healthy and ultimately finding and becoming myself again. Looking forward to the end result, the investment in myself will be worth it, I AM WORTH IT!!! as we all are! Be well everyone and take care of yourselves!

HELLO EVERYONE!!!!!! Sorry I've been gone since May, but life got *@*#&!*#&@#&* busy!!! I spent many weeks in Oregon helping my mom after an injury to her knee and came back to everything that fell behind at home. Here we are in October and I still feel like I can't catch up!

I've thought about you all and missed reading your posts. I'll have to pace myself reading everything that has been posted since May, but look forward to doing so.

Grandma Mil and Evelyn, I'm so glad your health issues have been found to be other than was feared! If I messed any others, I'm sorry, just haven't read them yet.

Paul, I LOVE the pic! Puppies are the BEST!! (when they aren't messing in the house, chewing everything up, messing in the house, whining all night, messing in the house, dragging out everyone's shoes and toys, did I say messing in the house?)

I look forward to catching up with you all

Evelyn--great news! I know what you mean about detoxing--not the most pleasant, especially when you're trying to clean out your system from your regular diet and you just HAVE TO HAVE something--sugar, caffeine, so on!

Welcome back Marian. I hope things continue to be better with your mother.

Hard to believe it's October already!

Happy birthday Cat. Thanks for making this site and Paul's corner. It's been great to chat with Paul Mercurio fans from across the golbe who love and adore him like I do.

Keep smiling
Becky.

P.S I am just wondering, do any of you guys who come from the USA see any American movie stars by any chance.

Happy birthday Cat. Thanks for making this site and Paul's corner. It's been great to chat with Paul Mercurio fans from across the golbe who love and adore him like I do.

Keep smiling
Becky.

P.S I am just wondering, do any of you guys who come from the USA see any American movie stars by any chance.

BEcky, I came close to seeing Christian Bale while he was in Chicago filming with Johnny Depp last year. I was walking down Wabash and saw all the movie vans and the guard told me that Christian Bale was in the Pittsfield Building filming--I couldn't wait, unfortunately, to see him come out.

When they film locally, it's one way of sneaking a peek at them, but not much otherwise. :)

Paul will be in Alice Springs...camels in the picture

http://www.3aw.com.au/donnas-gossip-latest-edition/20091005-gihq.html

hey guys - I have moved house and want to post about it and other things but my internet isnt working correctly so I cannot post any new stuff as yet!!! I am using a prepaid wireless service which is very slow and at times doesnt want to co-operate..... when I get a proper service I will post.

Hope all are well!

Hi Melody,
Man, don't you hate it when you caome so close to seeing a movie star and then they don't come out of the place where their filming. But it's great that you can get to see all the movie star vans all parked along the side walk. That must be an exciting experience.

Have you ever layed eyes on Richard Gere or Hugh Grant? Did you get to see Paul Mercurio when he was filming Strictly Ballroom?

I would love to meet Paul one day. I'm sure all of you guys would too.

Keep smiling Becky.

Paul, congrats on your new home. Hope Andrea and the girls (Selby, too), enjoyed the move. Can't wait for your update and any pictures!

Oh--and how IS camel? So exotic!

Becky, I think we all agree with you that it would be quite grand to meet up with Paul!

I've enjoyed reading when Paul is able to post, and I also enjoy everyone's comments, concerns and sharing. Great place to be.

Hi guys,
It's great being able to chat with you. It's nice to know that there are other people who share the same likeness for Paul as I do and it's nice to be able to share our joys and disapointments that we face in life.

Congrats Paul with moving to your new home. I hope you and your familiy spend many happy years living there.

Speeking of joys, I'm doing really well with the Art course I'm doing at Tafe. I'm doing a Bachelour of Visual Arts and Design. I hope to become a sculptor when I leave Tafe.

Sculpture is such a great subject and I'm really passionate about it. Do any of you guys have a passion for something?

Keep smiling
Becky

I ran my first official race this morning, 10 KM (6.2 miles) and feel very proud of myself!!! 63 minutes on a hillier race course than I'm used to, and only taking 3 minutes longer than my so far best time on a much flatter course, I placed 856 out of 2500 runners--I did better than I expected! But boy, it was chilly this morning at 3 C (or 38 F) that 40 minutes standing around in the cold was my least favorite part. And I'm even more proud b/c of all the set backs due to foot injuries in April, June and July. I had to start training from scratch in mid August. Next goal: half marathon in April 2010! :) I feel empowered, b/c 2 years ago, I could not imagine myself doing this.

Wow, Evelyn--that's really great. Can imagine trying to run after standing in chilled air that long and not risk injury. (But I've done it dancing for outdoor festivals--brrh!)

It's finally warming up in Chicago and much closer to our usual climate for October. Took a little walk during lunch--felt good after last week's misty rain. I imagine that "down under" is getting ready for summer. How is spring in Australia?

Hi guys,
Spring in Australia at the moment is pretty warm. I live in South Australia and today it got to 30.5 degrees celsius. It's starting to get alittle warm and it's unusual for October but I guess with climet change the weather is getting warmer.

But I guess you guys in America arte getting ready for Winter. I've never seen snow before and I'd love to one day. I am thinking of going to Las Vagas sometime in the future. Do you Americans have any advice as to what I could do in Vagas?

Keep smiling and great effort Evelyn on coping with the cold.

Becky.

BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS BREAKING NEWS

Book is out!!!

The audio is lost but check You Tube as it was ok a short while back.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tv_F0Theek

US PCs check Cat's link to Nile Books and other Aussie booksellers main page

Thanks Liz, I got the audio just fine! fruit soup? actually that sounds good!

CONGRATS ON THE BOOK COMING OUT, Paul!

Thank you Cat and Paul for the downloads of Mercurio's Menu!!!! My family just upgraded to a much much faster internet connection and I was able (for the VERY first time) to watch an episode. Oh, it was so funny!!! I laughed so many times!! I want to watch more episodes! I'll go back and skim all of Liz's posts to find the little gems!

All right, Paul! Wishing you good sales!

I'm also happy that videos are on this site as well as YouTube. It's really fun to be able to watch as well as read about the programs.

Congrats on the book release Paul! Best of luck to you on your book release and also the people who will venture to try to cook your recipies and enjoy it.

The show is among the top rated shows on Sunday night, competing with sports shows. PCs see the stats, looks like it captures a good chunk of the key demographics each night.

http://www.ebroadcast.com.au/enews/ten/TEN-Sundays-Ratings-Idols-commercial-share-lifts-week-on-week-280909.html

Hello!

So happy to hear that all are in good health! As good as we can be in this day and age. There are so many emotional, physical and spiritual toxins attacking us each and every day! That's why, when I can, I retreat from it all. Today was a jammies, blanket, cat on my lap...oh yeah, and computer on my lap too...day! It snowed so pretty for all of about 10 minutes, which I greatly enjoyed. I made a nice plate of pasta..not the most healthy dinner, but that's how bad I did NOT want to get dressed and get out of the house! Tonight I will get into a bed of freshly laundered sheets and that will be the entire content of this day! Hey! It's ok. I call it a healing day. Healing from all of the emotional, physical and spiritual toxins of the week. There were also many wonderful moments this week too!

Hope you all have a good one this week!
Paul, congrats on accomplishing the move!
Happy late Birthday Cat!

Hey all, Sorry I havent been on lately.

My dad had another stroke and refused a feeding tube so we brought him home from the hospital on hospice. He probobly only has a few days. Please everyone pray for a painless and peaceful passing for my Dad. I quit my job so I can be here for him. I will worry about money later.

Please pray everyone, thanks I apreciate it.

Love to all,'

Kelly

Paul, hope the move went well and you are enjoying your new home. I hope you got your internet up and running. That is really important in todays world.

Love to all,

Kelly

Paul, hope the move went well and you are enjoying your new home.I hope you got your internet up and running.That is really important in todays world.

Love to all,

Kelly

Happy belated birthday Cat!

Paul, Selby is just so adorable! Hope you and your family are well.

Happy belated birthday Cat!

Paul, Selby is just so adorable! Hope you and your family are well.

Kelly--my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Hugs from Chicago! :)

Kelly, keeping you and your Dad and the rest of the family in my prayers. This is a tough time, I remember it from my Dad's passing too. Rely on your friends for strength and comfort! Hugs!!!

Hello Kelly, thinking of you during this hard time as you take care of your dad.

Hi all,

I feel horrible for neglecting my PC family. I manage to keep in touch with some of you on Facebook, but even then it feels like things are left out.

Paul, I am sorry for your family's loss and agree that you can't replace a beloved pet. They are more than a pet, they are family. Your new little one is very cute. Congrats on the book and the new move. Fingers crossed that your internet connection behaves soon.

I've been busy traveling (big surprise, huh?), and also working on making a rather large decision that will change my lifestyle quite a bit. During the past month while I've been making this decision I've found my depression becoming worse and my stress level somewhat increased. However I have made my decision and must believe that everything will be for the best. As for my decision, I've decided to have gastric bypass surgery. I am currently waiting for my insurance company to say whether or not they will pay for the procedure. I've already undergone a number of exams that are required prior to approval so now it's a matter of "wait and see." I've battled obesity most of my life and now at 37 I realize that each day I remain in this state I cut my life that much shorter, plus I risk other severe health issues. Ten years ago my dad and I discussed the possibility of surgery and at that time he was not 100% behind the idea but would have supported my decision. Now I know the decision has to be for me and my well-being. I have a close friend who is also having the surgery and even has her date set. We will work on re-learning to eat together.

I hope everyone is well. I'll try not to be such a stranger. ;)

Hi Kelly,
I'm sorry that your dad's not well and it's so sad that he will pass away. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Keep smiling and may God be with you.

Becky.

Kelly's Dad passed away Saturday evening. Can you keep her and her family in your thoughts right now? This is a tough time, but she is strong. Talked to her yesterday.

His service was today, I believe. This is a very rough time for Kelly. I agree with Evelyn, please keep her and her family in your thoughts (and or prayers).

Evelyn, thanks for letting us know about Kelly. Please let her know I'm thinking of her and her family.

Sarah, congratulations on your decision. I wish you all the best as you pursue this. Prayers, too! (Enjoyed Mina's pictures.)

Had a bit of Halloween trickery on Saturday afternoon after class. I went to the store to pick up some tea that my regular grocer doesn't carry, and found myself literally face down on the sidewalk when I exited the store. (Sidewalk construction, City of Chicao syle . . . )

I don't even know how I went down--I took two steps out of the door and before I knew it, I was falling forward and landed face down.

Anyway, I did hit my left hand and later found out it has a fracture on the 5th metacarpal near the wrist. The ER led me to believe that I'd be in a cast for 6 weeks, but on Tuesday, I saw an orthopedic, and he said it's not as bad as all that. My wrist is well supported (thirty years of flamenco hand movements I guess helped here). He has me banding my 4th and 5th fingers together with narrow cotton padding, and fist exercises twice daily. He said I should be better after 10 days.

I stared back at him in disbelief--I never broke anything before--and he reconfirmed that's all I needed, but to let him know if anything changes. Otherwise, I'll be on my way.

We have a performance in December, so it will be nice to have this settled. Teaching class last night was fun--no hand clapping, which is SO necessary for what we do. I went from "ole" to @#&*%#@!! ;)

Melody, you still type just fine, can't be that bad! :-)))))))) I hope you heal quickly and completely! and I will pass your wishes on to Kelly.

Hey all,

Thanks for your well wishes. Its nice to know so many care. I loved my Dad and I know he is in a better place. I thought i was strong, so strong, I was strong till he died. My Mom and all us kids were there by his side. I told him to go and it was ok and he was ready and we were redy and i would take care of Mom. After I told him he went very peacefully within minutes. We were all there and I believe it was peaceful. I kept him pretty doped up that day so I know he wasnt feeling any pain. I was ok till Hospice got there to pronounce him then it hit me they would take his body. They would take my Dad from me, I took his hand and could not let go. My sister tired to pry it off but I would not let go. I have been a wreck and not strong at all. Maybe a little strong. My hubby has been more than awesome to me. Im not worrying about looking for work till next week and he hasnt said a word about it. My family was very happy with the plot I chose and the flowers for the casket and everything else I did. Dad had hundreds come to the service. He was an important and loved man. My profile pic on Facebook is when he was healthy. I know people think thats when he was sick but that was when he was healthy. I would never post the sick photos.

I loved my Dad and he made me who I am. Thank God for him and thank God for all he taught me.

I was lucky to have him for 41 years.

Love to all,

Kelly

Kelly, you may not feel strong, but you ARE strong! there is a difference. Believe in yourself and rely on those around you to get you through and draw strength from! Hugs!!!

Kelly, our condolences to you from Ellie and me.

Even though my own parents have been gone 18 years, I still look at the old pictures of when they were young and strong, busy raising three girls and trying to make it during the great Depression.

Their love defined me, and so it will be with you and your dear father. How lucky we were to have them! (Don't tell anyone, but I still kiss their
picture each morning..)

Much love,

Grandma Mil

Kelly, my condolences for your loss. You are a very strong person.

Sarah best wishes for your plans and the impt decisions you are planning to carry out.

G. Mil hope the weather is better and that you are safe from the winter storms

Melody best healing to your wrist so yo can dance. Evelyn so nice to hear that you are doing well and that the race was good.

Paul's latest: sorry we missed it but you can still look at the announcement:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1T4ADFA_enUS348US349&q=paul+mercurio+bellarine&start=10&sa=N

The above link is a whole Google search so just narrow it down to the PDF for the Bellarine estate (don't know how to attach a PDF to the comments, sorry Cat)

Paul in Alice Springs:

http://www.tourismnt.com.au/nt/nttc/news/eNews/2009/enews_Oct2009.html

PCs, get Paul's book and have it signed in person!!!

http://twitpic.com/ou5rp

Sorry for the blank posts; trying to put the picture of the book signing but not able to. So here again is the link to the picture:

ACcording to the publisher the book is already on its second printing run so get yours asap.

http://twitpic.com/ou5rp

Follow Paul on his globetrotting tour while promoting his newly released book, Mercurio's Menu. New Zealand PCs you are in luck!!!

NOVEMBER 11-13 Popular Dancing with the Stars judge and Strictly Ballroom star, Paul Mercurio, will be in Auckland and Wellington to promote his new cookbook, Mercurio's Menu.
For more information please contact Abba Renshaw at Allen & Unwin abbar@allenandunwin.com

Follow Paul on his globetrotting tour while promoting his newly released book, Mercurio's Menu. New Zealand PCs you are in luck!!!

NOVEMBER 11-13 Popular Dancing with the Stars judge and Strictly Ballroom star, Paul Mercurio, will be in Auckland and Wellington to promote his new cookbook, Mercurio's Menu.
For more information please contact Abba Renshaw at Allen & Unwin abbar@allenandunwin.com

Great review; but had to look up antipodean in the dictionary (antipodean--belonging to different regions of the world, ie the recipes are a contrasting mix

http://beattiesbookblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/mercurios-menu-paul-mercurio-murdoch.html

Latest on Paul; watch him on TV New Zealand--do check the time zone difference as it is for Thursday which it is in NZ

http://tvnz.co.nz/good-morning

Melody, I'm glad the fracture wasn't too severe. The only time I've ever gone down without any warning (or realizing it) was on black ice in New York. Thankfully I didn't break anything.

Thanks for the well-wishes everyone. I'm still waiting to hear the "verdict" from the insurance company. Hopefully they won't keep me waiting too much longer. I'm not sure my nerves can take it.

Great to find out Paul's book is doing so well. :)

Paul, how awesome for you--your book's "dancing" up a storm!

Liz, thanks for posting the link for the TV show. I noticed that they have the segment mounted, so PCs let's watch!! :)

Sarah, I hope you get good news soon from the insurance company real soon.

Thoughts and hugs to Kelly and other PCs!

Sarah, best wishes on the next course of action. It looks like you have gathered all the info to make a wise choice.

PCs watch the long version the actual show and scroll to the part where Paul actually dances and leaps while cooking, as in a ballet--Astra the lady host asks Paul in Fran-like fashion to be his partner and dance with her--watch for his response...so well done.

Liz, I cannot believe how quick you are in getting pics, info and video clips onto the site - YOU ARE AMAZING!

I only did the morning show yesterday!!!!

I am stuffed! I moved house 25th of Sept - unpacked over 5 days and have been away ever since only going home for a night or so each week. I am sorry I havent posted but firstly I had no internet at the new house for several weeks and secondly I have been on the road. I am currently at the qantas club in Auckland waiting for my plane to take me home and using their computers.

I am home two days and then back in Sydney for a charity function then home for almost a week before I head out on the road for another couple of weeks doing PR for my book and shooting some more episodes of Mercurios Menu.

Crazy either I have no work - mid May to October I had two and a half weeks work total (very bloody tough) and now I have more work than I can poke a stick at!!!! Not complaing making the most of it as I never know what is around the corner.

Dancing with the Stars NZ was supposed to be shooting July - August next year but I have now been told it is not going ahead so looks like I will be looking for work for those months....

The book seems to be selling well in Australia and in New Zealand in fact in Australia we are already a best seller!! I look forward to seeing how many books we sell over christmas. The feed back from all the instore appearances I have been doing is great.

I will give a better update when I have had a few days off.

cheers

It is great for us all to see your latest appearances; I really enjoy your approach to cooking (?and to life) -- fearless and playful and full of joy. Glad that you will be home even for a short time to be with your family; for sure with months that you are free more good work will be there for you as always.

Get this book!
"Dancing with food"
Read the review and order your copy or better yet go to a booksigning and cook with Paul:

http://beattiesbookblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/paul-mercurio-dancerentertainerchefauth.html

Paul in the news:

http://express-advocate-wyong.whereilive.com.au/news/story/paul-mercurio-cooks-up-a-storm-on-the-coast/

Father of two? someone has not done his/her research properly ... but nice picture!

Great pickup Evelyn he and Andrea have 3 daughters!!!

Any US PCs who would like to order the book with me as a group so we can bundle the shipping costs? I would have to find a way to contact you with your personal email. Let me know.

Also the word antipodean, antipodes is a term that specifically refers to Australia and New Zealand as both are antipodal to the British Isles, so I gave a different meaning earlier but I think the author Mr. Beattie used it to mean New Zealand, Australia, the lands down under, opposite the British Isles. Love to learn a new word. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antipodean

Liz, I'd be interested. You can email me at: katsmig(at)mindspring.com.

I'd go in on this too, Liz. Are you on Facebook?

Great Evelyn and Sarah! I am trying to contact Dymocks or The Nile to see if we can set up a bundled order and if you can just email your info directly to them so your info is secure; will update you soon as I get a reply. I am not in Facebook as I am in hiding.

Sorry I haven't been around for a while. I have a lot of catching to do.

I really sorry to hear about Shelby. When I lost my two dogs in 2004 within two weeks of each other it was very grievous. I don't remember who it was from one of the Midwest states, but her son 12 year old son named Joshua Bernard Hubbell, sent me a Poem, he wrote when he was 12. I have it typed below.

Weep Not
Weep not for me when I am gone,
for I have heard life's short sweet.
I felt the poison sting of time,
and at long last heard death's sweet chime.
Hold no sorry at my death,
for on the wind rides my last breath.
Keep happy memories of me alive,
in hearts of loved ones that survive.
And this, my only last request,
as I slumber in earth's sweet breast.
When time brings you in bitter end,
remember,
I love you, and we will be together again.

Most of my pets have lived to be in the double digits 15 or 17 or so. When I took my Cat Sam to the emergency vet, and I told him how long my animals had lived, he quoted "if I every come back, I want to be a dog and live at your. House.

I recently found a book called "Food Pets Die For", by Ann M Martin. She lives in Eastern Canada and wrote a very interesting book, that she spent 7 years researching. She had purchased some bulk dog food from her feed store. It made her New Foundland and St Bernard very sick I strongly recommend this book for everyone who has a dog or cat. For me this book was a page turner. I couldn't put it down.

Take care, and love to all
Marge McGee
Maple Valley, WA

HELLO PC FRIENDS,
I have been away for forever! Life is going well. Had some bumps in the road over the past few months or so some pertaining to my job.

My girls are growing quite well and I'm just about finished Christmas shopping-just need to pick up a couple of gift cards.

PAUL-I've read that you moved. Hope all is well in the new house.

TO MY "OLD" FRIENDS-Hope everybody is doing well.

TO MY NEW FRIENDS-A big hello!

HUGS,
Abeth

Paul is a pioneer in the creative use of beer in cooking:

go to page 3 of this article: Froth and Substance

http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/epicure/froth-and-substance/2009/11/16/1258219794678.html?page=3

Working on getting a copy of the book.

Welcome back Marge and Abeth!!!Let us know what you have been up to.

The little girl named Olivia on the picture already has her copy and she can't even read yet...so PCs get your book in time for Christmas--great gift for those friends and family who may be ready to venture into the kitchen or who can't cook or who love to cook:

http://express-advocate-wyong.whereilive.com.au/news/story/paul-mercurio-cooks-up-a-storm-on-the-coast/

Heads up for those PCs who will be in Joondalup or nearby. Get your book and enjoy a booksigning party with Paul!

http://www.joondalup.wa.gov.au/Explore/Events/EventItem.aspx?id=0be6978f-da11-4ff3-bac4-caf006aab383