Rachael Stirling Online

Finally,an intelligent critic with intact auditory capability has come to the realization that
Rachael does indeed posess a MAGNIFICANT voice!!!!

Shouldn't have listened to my officemate re:
spelling;the word is MAGNIFICENT!

I went to see it last night and she was fantastic!

Hi Sarah….would you be so kind as to post
your impression of the production and
Rachael's performance?Love to hear this from a fan's perspective!

Okay, I'll give it a shot
What I found most interesting about her charactor and the way Rachael portrayed her is that she made it easy to believe that Zenocrate was caught in the cross fire of wether to support or neglect Tamburlaine. After the decision of supporting, the role of queen was perfect for her. All of the cast worked so well together that it all worked really well.
I really can't think of what else to put here. Just as I happened to leave the theatre I bumped into her, and she's as great in person as she is on stage.

Wow,Sarah- what a thrill… not only to see Rachael's performance, but then to bump into her too?? Lucky you! : D…..Oh, how I wish I lived in London!!! Thanks for sharing that, Sarah.

Yet another very positive review in the Curtain Up London Review ! "Rachael Stirling is
wonderful as Tamburlaine's wife….her voice deepening to a sonorous pitch and sounding like her mother,Diana Rigg".Three cheers for
critics with discriminating ears!!!

WOW!! Just finished Freeze Frame. RS was fantastic. I wasn't bored by the movie at all, I quite liked it. OMG lol, I assumed when people were talking about the part where "Katie extracts Sean's DNA" that there would be needle or a swab involved. Apparently not! Hm…why must she be so hot? :o) OK, off to bed, just thought I'd share my thoughts on the flick.

Sorry for the non-Tamburlaine post folks. But it is a review ;o)

Sounds like you really enjoyed Freeze Frame,
Ashley!Rachael's versatility is evident here,as she is skillfully able to portray the dark and
mysterious side of a character.Can you imagine the filming process of the DNA scene?May have been difficult for Lee(note I
resisted the pun and didn't say hard).That scene is indeed very sexy;with Rachael's
facial expressions and whispering voice! Lee
Evans did a great job as Sean,especially considering he's a comedian by trade.Back to
Tamburlaine…RS's character is killed off in Act
one;just read that she appears in Act 2 in another role…that of a boy.Yet another trouser,
or should I say,toga role for Rachael!

Strange…in the barbican she died in act two, but very soon in.

LOVED Freeze Frame Thel :o) It is definitely my kind of movie. Lee Evans surprised me, all I could think of was the pizza guy from There's Something About Mary! And I couldn't believe that the english accent he was doing was actually his REAL accent (in TSAM). Crazy! LOL @ your pun Thel… yes, I should think that was a VERY difficult scene. But I have NO pity whatsoever. lol. ;o)
Anyhoo, so glad to hear that people are liking Tamburlaine! Chances are I will never get to see RS perform live, so count your lucky stars folks. :o)

Sarah - did you exchange any words with RS when you bumped into her??? Just curious.

It wasn't much, just something along the lines of "excuse me can I get a photo please", and she was super nice about it. Then abit of faffing on about how the bloody flash wouldn't work, and how peoples heads kept getting the way.

Hi Ashley- so glad you finally got FF and enjoyed it! Yes, Rachael played her dark character very well (and was very hot to boot) and Lee Evans was excellent also. FF gets style points too- love the differing video formats and I thought the score was wonderfully creepy. Gosh, now I'll have to watch it tonight!
Thel, finally got Assassination Bureau yesterday…LOVED Diana in it, yes like you said, she is very cute, charismatic , hot, etc., etc. I didn't realize it was more of a comedy… sometimes it's tough for me to get into '60s comedies, but Diana's presence makes it all worth it. There was a scene in which she's wearing a black lace gown… absolutely stunning! Well, she was stunning and charming throughout….played off of Oliver Reed very well, too! (smiles)
Sorry about rambling….I'm so glad that Rachael is getting recognition for her stage performances….Ashley and whoever else, we just will have to make a point to get to London someday to see her!

E.B. - I loved FF's style. It was very comic book-esque. I found it really compelling, especially the camera angles! I loved Rachael's first scene at the conference-thing, the angles were so interesting. Sometimes I think I should have been a student of film. *shaking my head* :o) lol EB, I have some family in London…hmmm, who knows?

Hi All…Was just thinking about watching Freeze Frame again also!Knew you'd appreciate The Assassination Bureau,E.B!
When it was filmed,Diana was only a few years older than Rachael is now and equally
as gorgeous,especially in the towel.Her range of facial expressions in that scene was worth the price of admission!Yes,the film is a dated
romp saved by the Rigg/Reed pairing.Yes…
let us all meet in London to see Rachael live
on stage…and then we could collectively pass
out if we were to"bump"into her afterwards!
We could tell Rachael we are the the writers of the posts she's been reading on this site;she'd laugh,utter a profanity,light a cig ,jump into her H-reg golf(what ever that is) and drive off into the night……

Thel, you're bordering dangerously on FanFic! LOL! Please, let's not go there. ;o) Just kidding. Although, if I did run into her, I'd probably die. Just like that. Cause of death? Explosion of basically everything that pumps or whirrs in a body. But, boy, what a way to go! :o)

Very funny Ashley!Did Freeze frame put you
over the dramatic edge?Your explosion
sounds like a rather messy demise and might remind Rachael of the plastic bags of blood
from TOB.Deja vu all over again!From our
discussions here,feels like many of us are
essentially students of film,in a non-
matriculating sort of way.It's really fun
discussing films and after all,it is the medium that introduced us to Rachael!!

Hopefully not too messy Thel. A messy demise probably doesn't make the best first impression.
I'm not only excited that film introduced me to RS's acting, but also the world of UK films. They're so refreshing! American/Canadian films have some original stuff every now and then (ie, Kill Bill… yeah!!), but even that usually feels like a tired cliche. Maybe I'm just speaking as an outsider and those of you living there might think differently, but that's just my two cents. :o) Also… the accents are delicious. I know I have a Canadian accent but I have no idea how that sounds! :o)

You guys crack me up! Thel, that's EXACTLY what Rachael would do if we all bumped into her after a perf and she knew we were the posters! Too funny! : ) I'm with you Ashley, I think UK films are more refreshing for me also, I think mostly because the actors can actually act and aren't plastic representatives of the cult of celebrity as in Hollywood films. And also, UK films aren't perpetually youth oriented- most seem aimed for adult audiences, rather than adolescent boys (Harry Potter not included). Also the actors still look like real people…. I'm hoping the over -the -top plastic surgery and botox craze never makes it overseas!

Oh, EB: I hear you on that. I'm so sick of looking at people who all look the same. Paris Hilton makes me physically ill. lol. I hope it doesn't infect you folks overseas either… you're my last ditch refuge!
Funny story: My friend and I had a dialogue over MSN (my online message service) last night that you guys would probably think was funny. This is how it went down:
(He sees the display pic that I have of RS in the message window)
Him: Is that you?
Me: You're my new favourite person. Yes, that was me when I was incredibly thin and beautiful.
Him: It looks like you without glasses.
Me: Marry me?
Him: ….OK…
LOL! I'll give him some credit, it is a very tiny picture ;o) Heehee.
Hey, does anyone know the name of that actress who looks like RS? I think it's so funny that RS gets mistaken for someone else… we would probably see this other actress and freak out thinking it was RS. :o) Oh how the tables have turned. :o)

Ashley - the actress Rachael often gets mistaken for is Martine McCutcheon. Pic here: http://www.geocities.co.jp/Hollywood-Miyuki/6456/CD/MartineMccutcheon2.jpg - and there are also more photos of her at http://www.martinemccutcheon.org.uk/ I do think she looks a lot like Rachael; not always in photos, but definitely on-screen.

Thanks Bonnie! I do see the resemblance! Oh, she was on Love Actually! That's what I know her from. She's very cute. :o)

Hi All…Ashley,you have me doubled over with laughter!Love a good one-liner!!Guess we seem to have similar tastes re:film/literature.
I now realize I'm an anglophile and agree
with you both;generally prefer UK productions.
Also love Asian films like The House of Flying
Daggers(beautiful film),Crouching Tiger etc.
Did enjoy Kill Bill 2.Musicals also a fav.BBC
productions generally excellent but what is
curious is BBCAmerica;programming is
abysmal…mostly sitcoms that rival the
American ones for banality!In retrospect,it's
difficult to believe now that BBCA would ever
have broadcast a quality series likeTTV(even though they edited all the "naughty bits").
Quality American flics are rare,but I have a habit of reading film reviews,so I'll hardly ever
see a bomb.Absolutely hate the American penchant for making films with a diagnosis;ie
the protagonist comes down with a terminal
disease,or the two main characters are cojoined twins.My rule:if the main character
(usually Susan Sarandon)begins coughing
early on,time to STOP the dvd and start reading!

Oh god Thel, I know exactly what you mean! I always feel so guilty watching those types of movies. Egad, I don't understand why people have such a desire to watch things that are just depressing and mimic real life tragedy. And you're right, they usually do star Susan Sarandon (although I give a thumbs up to Thelma and Louise!). I won't even start in on reality TV. It's such a part of TV now that we don't even notice it.
Oh, I have a couple good Asian films to recommend! Never mind…just one because I can't remember the name of the other one. Check out The Pillow Book (yet another where Ewan McGregor bears his bits LOL!), it's very good. I obviously can't say I hate all American films…because I would be lying. But some are just exhaustingly bad. Mostly those geared at (I'm embarassed to say it) my generation and the generation behind me. I was so furious when I found out they edited the best bits out of TTV on BBCA (I rented it so I saw the whole thing, yay!). That's like watching Sex & The City during primetime. All the good stuff is taken out. Heehee. :oP Argh, back to the essay!

Hi Ashley….Did see The Pillow Book years ago.If you'd like to see an excellent Asian film,
try Raise the Red Lantern,starring the great Gong Li.For sheer beauty of cinematography,
color and well choreographed martial arts you
have to see The House of Flying Daggers;it's
truly a cinematic experience!!So what's the topic of your essay?Awaiting your review of Bait!

Hi E.B…..Are you familiar with this site?:
http://www.avengers.ca/helen/index.htm
If not,you're in for a treat!Essentialy the site is loaded with video/sound clips of Diana,as well as Patrick.There are audio clips,including her perf in A Woman of No Importance and her
recitation of a sonnet by Shakespeare.Just watched a rehearsal of a vintage cars episode of The Avengers with Diana's poodle
running around.This site is a treasure trove
but the sounds are loud and you might be asked to leave the library.Have fun!!Glad you liked my fan fiction concept of a stage door
Rachael meeting!I had rather an upsetting fan experience here at the Metropolitan Opera.My
favorite singer was receiving a long line of her
adoring fans.My turn came and despite my
rehearsals,I was reduced to blithering
moronhood;a stuttering mass of protoplasm!
It's so exciting just to be in the same physical
space as a person one has admired from afar!Can you imagine what you'd say if you were to meet Diana or Rachael?

I checked out that website Thel :o) Looks like I could be a Diana fan as well! What a wonderful pair of women. I loved the music from the sound clips. Then I had to go download all of RS's soundclips again. What a great voice.
Re: What would we say if we ever met RS?
Oh my. Apart from exploding, I'd probably come out with some terribly awkward compliment, which she would interpret as a terribly awkward pickup line. Then I'd ask her for a smoke and she'd probably tell me where I could stick it. LOL.

Hi guys- Thel, thanks for the new site info- I will definitely have to check it out (no time right now : ( ). What singer was it? Renee Fleming? She's so hot….I met Annie Liebovitz and she was very cool…I'm sure I'd do alright with Rachael, because by all accounts she seems to be very kind. I think it's THEIR reaction to you that determines how you function in their presence…I met Sandra Bernhard and she was quite a b****, so I didn't react well to her. Diana would be a different story maybe….she's such a goddess to me….I know people who have met her have said that she's very kind as well…I just put myself in their shoes, they probably get tired of the hero worship thing, so I usually just tell them how much I enjoy their work and give them a nice smile. But I confess, Diana makes me weak in the knees, even now, so….?

Been reading all of this - god you guys are funny. I have to agree with every sentiment about UK and Canadian film. Another great film (which Hollywood butchered) was the Japanese film "Shall We Dance." The original of that is great! I love Sarandon - and I just don't get why she has ended up in remakes like that film and some others … she is an amazing actress (Dead Men Walking/Thelma and Louise, Bull Durham) - but yes I definitely favour foreign film.

So Sarah - did you get a photo of Rachael? I thought - from someone else's post (a ways back - whose name I can't remember) that she didn't do photos? I swear if I ran into her I'd do everything I could to have a conversation with her. I've met celebrities before - and I just chat them up about their work, mention where I'm from - try to find something that would interest them i.e. with Rachel I might ask her something like - I'm curious to know if your degree in the history of art has had any influence in your work as an actor, or how you research your roles or your sensibility towards understanding characters throughout history? I know it sounds a bit intellectual - but that's who I am, and that is the sort of thing they usually find interesting - because it's not just about how fabulous they are, but about what's important to them. And those are the sorts of things I'm interested in anyway. I think I'd have a mini-explosion on the inside (Ashley your words are way too funny) - but I'd seize the moment - as usually that's all you get. My brother ran into Vanessa Redgrave after we saw Lynn in a play when I was in London in '96 - and he told her how this particular film really spoke to him etc. - and Vanessa offered him tickets to a play she was in that was opening. Unfortunately - we weren't going to be in town. But you know - some actors are extrememly gracious and generous. I'm not surprised about Sandra B. - she is just prickly period.

Anyway, enough blabbering ….

Hey Lucy. Yeah she agreed to have a photo taken, but I must admit I had a sleepless night wondering if it had came out properly heh. Luckily it did :).

This library business sucks- right now the sun is blinding me out, which I suppose is a thrill for the rest of my fellow Seattleites (we don't get much this time of year)..BUT…difficult to see the screen!!
Thel- that website is wonderful- been playing on it a bit- thanks for that! : )
Lucy, I'd like to ask Rachael what her favorite art history topics are; I went to an arts college, similar to the "Fame" school…my major was graphic design and my minor was fine art, so I took a lot of art history myself. I'd like to ask her if she could see herself as a curator, if she wasn't acting….well, I suppose I should go out and enjoy the sun!

Hi E.B. …Glad you enjoyed the site!Were you able to see any video or listen to the sonnet?My singer was New Zealand lyric soprano,Kiri Te Kanawa.Was ga ga over her for about 10 years,until the voice started to go.
In her prime,she could easily outsing Fleming!
I was a science major @Boston U,but did love
taking art and music electives.Do dabble in various art media in my free time.As for meeting Rachael,Lucy's strategy sounds like it would be effective IF a person had the gift of spontaneous gab!I might be able to maintain consciousness when meeting Rachael or Diana(both together?shoot me now!)I'd try
desperately not to say any insipid chat up lines(you smell like a mermaid would not be an ice-breaker).What about,so Rachey,have you ever employed the infamous Shanghai
technique and what the bloody hell is it??Or…
Rachael,have you ever read any weird posts about you on the internet?All kidding aside,I'd
love to know if Rachael realizes just how
brilliantly witty she is and consequently that we
appreciate that gift as well as her acting talent.
I'd want her to understand that we know "she's
not just a thick actress"!

Thel, you crack me up! You're obsessed with the Shanghai technique and I love it. lol. I should think that I would want to hear what people think about my work if I were a performer. I don't know if I would get tired of hearing about how much people liked me. :o) Although, I think Angelina Jolie said it best when she said, "If people tell you you're amazing all the time, you start to believe it. Then someone tells you you're crap, and you believe that too." So I guess it's a two way street. Or something. ;o) I think Rachael would probably figure that we fans do know a bit about her, and that we probably don't like her 'just for her acting' :o)
*shudder at Sandra B.* She's just scary. I think you need to have a personality to go with your looks and voice to look good in the (dare I say it) Public Eye.

Hey E.B. - I'm just north of you in Vancouver - so I can relate to the "catching the rays while you can" thing! Thel - yeah I hate to admit it - but I am good with spontaneous gab - so I probably could pull of that question. I always remember - they're just people - and have all the insecurities and all of that like me. I would think if I were in the limelight I might find it weird to have people know so much about me - giving up one's privacy is difficult - and to have my love affairs and my heart ache all over the tabloids would be brutal - it's bad enough dealing with it on one's own. I'd be grateful for fans - and be polite and all that - like Rachael but I'd keep a distance - as some people can be obsessive - look at Hinckley - it's now wonder Jodie Foster became intensely private after that. The press just leave her alone - because of what she went through.

Oh - and I would love to ask Rachael more about art too E.B. cause I almost did a minor in Art History - did a whole European Field school for 3 months - in Art History and English Lit. Was AMAZING. Your school sounds totally cool. I would have loved to have gone to something like that - but I am happy about UBC - I loved it there too.

I love your line "you smell like a mermaid" as an intro Thel - that cracked me up!

And yeah Ashley - I'm sure Rachael knows we like her for more than just her wit, brilliance and talent as an actress. Her voice and looks are easy on the eyes and I know - well that if I were in her shoes - I'd be flattered … but again - I think many people need and want their privacy - as much as they can have it being in the public eye.

And what is this Shanghai technique thing? I know the term - but I can't remember where I heard it. I have some article reading to catch up on here. Anyone want to enlighten me?? Thanks all.

Hi Thel- yes the sonnet was very lovely, and I watched one of the vintage car rehearsals….very cute! Am anxious to hear the interviews, started to listen to the "Suddenly Last Summer" one but had to abort. It looks as though A Woman of No Importance might be in audio in it's entirety, I'll try to give that a listen as well. Wouldn't it be great if someday the London Theatre Museum or any theatre archives could download all of their filmed performances? I know it's not the same as a live perf, but then we could get a glimpse of Rachael's work….I'm getting the feeling that she'll end up focusing on theatre work much more than film and television, like her Mama (I hope I'm wrong though!)
I too admire Kiri Te Kanawa….she was the featured performer for the inaugural first night for our new symphony hall a few years back- tickets went in a blink so couldn't go, but it was simulcast on the radio- she still sounded magnif to me! I saw Kathleen Battle 2 years ago….oh my, it was heartbreaking; she put on her best Diva Face, but her voice sounded long gone…it was actually painful. Someone should kindly tell these people, their agent , someone!
How's your essay going, Ashley? If you were required to write an essay on Rachael, what would you include? : )
Lucy , yes my school was amazing (not quite like the Fame school which was performing arts only- mine was perf arts and visual arts). It was very stimulating to be around so many differently talented people…and we were encouraged to take interdisciplinary courses, which I did…..an artist's dream! Have heard lots of good things about UBC….my friend's mom worked in an office there w/ kd lang's sister Kelty…just a little factiod! Oops better get back to work.

*whew* I finished my essay EB, thanks for asking :o) Now to finish my TS Eliot, Radclyffe Hall, and Shakespeare papers (gah…I already wrote two others: one on a Canadian writer Barbara Gowdy, one on Mrs. Dalloway/Virginia Woolf). Hmm…not sure what I would write an essay about pertaining to Rachael… I would probably end up writing a critique of TTV - screen vs book version, and how it was geared toward a male audience blah blah blah… how Nan was supposed to be more masculine looking, blah blah blah (hey, I'M not complaining!!) or I would write about RS/DDR's mother-daughter relationship, b/c I think it's pretty unique.
Your schools sound amazing guys! I go to a fairly artsy school, though we do more theory of theater than actual theater. We're pretty well-known for our English Lit. and Psych departments, and we have a few profs who are pretty well know (one of them is my prof for "The Bloomsbury Group", our classes take place at his house where we drink wine and chat. It's WONDERFUL :o). I have to say, I adore my major and wouldn't change it for the world (I did two years as a Psych major… stupid, stupid me…lol).
Lucy, I definitely see what you mean about celebrities and privacy. I don't think they should have to give up privacy, and I understand why some ppl don't talk to the press etc., I hope you didn't think I was criticizing those who don't (for eg) hug their fans or tell us all their dirty details. lol. I probably wouldn't either. :o)
Uh oh, time to get ready for class.

Hi All……yes,E.B.,many singers,like Battle and now Fleming ,burn out early because they try to sing material that is not appropriate for them.Kiri wisely preserved her instrument.By the way,like Rachael,she has a terrific sense of humor!On an early tv show.she actually
slapped Tom Jones in the ass during a duet!
I hadn't known that Diana was in A Woman
Of No Importance,did you?They had different roles,but it's another vehicle Diana and Rachael have in common.A video archive of their perfs would be heaven!!Didn't Diana look
quite alluring in all those vintage cars?
Lucy,among many fascinating topics,Rachael mentions the Shanghai Technique in her
10/16 Independent Interview;Bonnie has it here.Celebrity privacy has to be a conflict for them;most have that exhibitionist need for
attention/approval and they generally would
need publicity for career survival.So,as Rachey
does,they grant interviews and give up some
tidbits of personal information.Do they really
want us to know them better or are they
publicizing their current project?Or both?The
world marketplace of the internet does its
share of publicity;sadly some of which is
pure exploitation.If one googles a beautiful woman,such as Rachael,a good percentage
of the entries are peddling nude pics/videos and Rachael is also included on smoking sites!Are there actually people who are turned on by seeing a celebrity smoking??I recall reading a Rachael fan question re: an upcoming film release,"……does she smoke
in this one too?"I am babbling.Night all!

I wonder what RS would say about this new nickname ("Rachey"?)?? LOL. :o)

Rachael and I have a mutual agreement:she
can call me Thelly and consequently I'm
able to call her Rachey!Seriously,I remember reading this RS nickname several times.Just
came upon a quote from Diana re:the new James Bond casting of Daniel Craig>"They've gone against the grain with Daniel and I imagine all these sourpuss critics will be proved wrong.He's a fantastic choice.He can do dangerous and rugged."E.B.,just listened to the Patrick/Diana duet."Two Many Christmas Trees".Why am I not surprised that
Diana has such a lovely alto voice and she
can harmonize as well!Also enjoyed the
Suddenly Last Summer interviews.The woman simply oozes charm,intelligence and
humor.Rachael is truly a chip off this block!!
Did you know that DDR is a fisherwoman?she
loves trout and salmon fishing and gives a
rather passionate descrption of her love of nature.Wow,I am continually fascinated by these two amazing women!!:)

Lots of interesting stuff to read everyone! Thanks Thel for the info on where to read about the Shanghai technique. I've been so busy I've had no time - I'll have to catch up on that soon.

Ashley - did not misunderstand you whatsoever re: celebs and privacy. As Thel mentioned it goes with the territory. I think your description around that Thel is very appropo. It's a fine line they walk - and they know it. But I do think they only reveal so much - to give the illusion of knowing them, and they hold the rest very close - except around their close circle. They know it's part of the sacrifice - and yet as you said - and it's sickening - there are those that just exploit this stuff. I saw the nude links and smoking stuff for Rachael. Makes me sick. I mean it's nice to have access to info - and yet I wish they didn't write some of the crap they do - about any celeb - like what one reads in the tabloids. I think it's truly dispicable.

Ashley - your wining and lit class sounds FAB. Keep us posted on how the other papers are going. I remember the crunch - man it so sucks. So much work and they want it all at once. I never did understand that.

Your opera chat is also interesting. My father teaches voice - he's a concert pianist and prof as well, so I grew up around a lot of that - and always find it interesting hearing other people's ideas about what they hear and who. Yes I went to a performance of Verdi's Nabucco years ago - and the woman on the stage had a cold or something - and you could hear the audience cringe when she hit certain notes - it was awful. I do wish people would say something to these singers - just to help them keep their dignity.

Your Dad's musical credentials are quite impressive,Lucy!Wonderful that you were
exposed to music while growing up!So were you encouraged to study music and an
instrument?As a kid,it was piano lessons for
me and in high school,I was the worst cellist
in the orchestra!A favorite genre has always
been the broadway /film musical;guess the precursor was the music hall and that may be why I was so hooked by TTV!
E.B. are you discouraged from going on line@
work?We are not really allowed to net surf,but I must confess to sneaking a few peeks during
working hours.My cover was surely blown the day Rachael's hilarious TOB diary first appeared!Absolutely could not keep from loudly cracking up and my officemate thought
the job had finally driven me off the deep end!
No,not the job……t'was Rachael,the clever wordsmith!

Hey Thel, yes like you I took piano lessons - and I also took music theory and violin. In high school I was in the choir and when I was younger I did summer music camps - in high school summers I did theatre camps. So I'm pretty artsy I guess. The piano and violin stopped when my mom died - in grade 8. So … I haven't played those in many many years - although I can barely still play the odd tune on the piano. But I must confess all of that, and listening to my dad play and practice all the time growing up had a profound effect. Was very lucky indeed and was exposed to many many amazing things. My dad knew and knows some very interesting and famous people, some of whom I met. Others - well I heard fascinating stories about them. I believe I got my love of education and history from my dad. I have his musical talent - but it's just not a passion for me. But the sort of song and dance in TTV was very much my cup of tea - LOVED it. I'm the sort that I find music even more fulfilling if I know the history behind who composed it, what they were doing in their lives at that time - or even the context of the era it was performed in and how it was received. I find the human journey fascinating - and the arts are our history of that journey, generation to generation. Helps me to understand my own life I suppose - in the context of what has come before me and how through literature, art, music etc. - not much has really changed - except technology, education (knowledge), clothing, linguistics - we're basically still the same as human beings. I find it all very fascinating. Well I'm babbling … time to stop.

I remember when I was working at a job that had the internet at my desk - and man it sucked having to sneak around to check things out.

Hi all- Yes, doing stuff on the net is very discouraged at my work; just one more tool they can use to fire one if they wished. Fortunately my bosses like me, but I've had a warning from them in the past so I try to be cool about it. Going to the library is such a pain, just one more thing to insert into a busy day! Not enough computers, having to wait, etc…. Argh! So I don't always get a chance to post in a timely manner!
It was trombone and piano for me, band, orchestra, choir, art …. it just breaks my heart that nowadays school systems are cutting the arts right and left. A world without art would be a tragedy- thank god for Europe and the preservaton of so many treasures….so muchof the art and culture of southeast Asia and the Middle East have been destroyed, and North America seems to not give a crap… I often wonder if orchestras and theatres will be viable here in the next generation or so. I feel very fortunate to be enjoying them now, while I can! Lets hope that there will always be a significant number of stewards for the arts–count me in until I drop!

Hi All…among us we have strings,brass&
piano.Ashley what,if any,instrument do you play?we could start a band;go on tour and eventually we're in London!Rachael is at the
stage door waiting for US!!We don't usually pose for photos,but since it's RS,we allow the
photo op.Oh E.B.,just read that not only is DDR a fisherwoman,she actually wrote the forward for a book about fishing.A quote:"..flies
do you want to talk flies?"Today,the Biography
channel showed the BBC P&P all day.It is now
evident that I am as hopelessly addicted to this series as I am to TTV.I own the dvd,yet was compelled to watch the broadcast!This
series is a masterpiece and Colin Firth is the
absolute best Darcy!Some related trivia:Anna
Chancellor(of P&P?TTV) is actually related to Jane Austen.Colin Firth's brother,Jonathan
costars in Bait with Rachael(Vincent).Had read a post on Yahoo,by a fellow American who had researched Rachael's geneology and claims that Rachael is a blue blood on her father's side;she is descended from
Scottish kings!Don't know about you guys,but
we only have monkeys and bananas in my family tree!Cheers:)

LOL Thel, if you Google me you get my whole family tree because some genius (my brother's fiance's grandfather) decided to research it and post it online. I absolutely ADORE Anna Chancellor, I think she's incredibly sexy and PERFECT as Diana Lethaby. I didn't know she was on Pride & Prejudice, but I thought she was adorable on Four Weddings and a Funeral. As was Kristen Scott Thomas. And Helena Bonham Carter. I could go on. lol.
I proved early on that my skills lied in areas other than music - I played the trumpet until grade 8 and then gave up completely on music. I attempted guitar for about a day. I was much more into acting and writing. I haven't kept up with the acting, but I've realized that writing is my passion: both creatively and academically. :o) Thel, you never answered my question re: who would you cast in Affinity?? :o)

OH OH… I also have a question for all of you: I know RS is a talented horseback rider, is there anyone here who shares this talent? I have two horses, and I've been riding since I was about 11. I adore my horses. I ride Western though… no jumping for me. :o) I also realized just now how bad my grammar was in my last post…lol sorry.
Sidenote: I went to see Barenaked Ladies in concert last night and they rocked!! Just thought I'd share. :o)

I can't ride - unless it was to save my life. I tried it as a kid, but didn't do very well - mostly terrified of how big the horse was, and how much my butt hurt - and terrified when it went into a gallop. If I'd had proper riding lessons I think that might have helped.

Yes I more of a writer and into theatre too Ashley - I can relate. I stopped the music stuff around the same time. Funny I have an old acquaintance who I used to play violin with - she quit too around the same age and now writes and owns a bookstore.

I'm going to think about your Affinity question too - that's a good one. I'll get back to you on that. Barenaked Ladies are cool - that must have been a blast. Good that you're getting out and letting off some steam and having some fun in the midst of all the stress of papers - that's really important - in terms of keeping your sanity!

Me, I'm off to the chiropractor! That's my excitement for this weekend - but it is my birthday on Monday -so that'll be fun - going out for dinner with a bunch of friends. Some of whom are big RS fans!

I'm jealous Lucy: I have it taken out of me at least twice a day for being such a big RS fan, lol! I actually got more into crew than actual on-stage theatre stuff. I had a drama teacher who was very old and angry and a seriously closeted lesbian. Gah, aren't they the worst kind? Heh. ;o) As for horse riding, I pretty much taught myself and generally only ride for pleasure; however I used to compete in Team Penning, a cattle sport. It was fun and I even won Rookie of the Year my first year. :o)
I am interested to hear peoples' take on Affinity - I SO wish they would do a movie of it. OK, off to check out the Hold Back the Night Download!! Thanks Bonnie & Claire! *mwa* :o)

BTW I have a confession: I stopped at a perfume booth in the mall for the sole purpose of smelling Clinique: Happy b/c RS said that that was Nan King's smell. lol. Then I ended up spending $50 on my girlfriend for Christmas. LOL!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUCY!!…..and a great year ahead!I am not a horse person…lived in Colorado after college and a gang of us would
rent horses and a cowboy for weekend pack trips ino the Rockies.T'was fun but our butts were beyond sore.Has a slapstick moment as
I pushed too much in mounting my steed and
proceeded to fall off the other side.Ashley,
casting for Affinity;Selina was described as fair-haired so I thought of Nicle Kidman or
Naomi Watts or Gywneth Paltrow or even Keeley.Margaret's look not really discussed
but how about Keira Knightley or Jennifer Ehle
from P&P?By the way,did you know Anna Chancellor is over 6 feet tall?In P&P,she plays
a rich snobbby,patronizing bit**.Could it be possible?Saw 2 very good USA films in the past weeks,North Country and The Interpreter.
Sean Penn gets better with every role!!Saw the
new Potter today(Harry,not Sally).Know you're
a fan Bonnie,but this one left me cold and
nodding off.But the trailer for Peter Jackson's
King Kong looked awesome!!And yes,E.B.,
Blockbuster now has Yes and I intend to see it.Unfortunately,they no longer carry Orlando.
Bon soir:)

I think it would be crazy to take on Affinity for a tv production. Theirs so little that goes on…that sounds wrong, but I know what I mean. Mind you I thought the same thing about Fingersmith, how wrong was I? heh.
As for horse riding, well the closest I've ever came to a horse was a donkey, when I was about 5, and I cried untill my Dad dragged me off. So I very much doubt I'll be experiencing anything like it again *scarred for life* lol.
Happy Birthday Lucy

I see what you mean Sarah, when you say "so little goes on", but the characters are what makes that book, which is why I think it would be so interesting. It would probably be a b&%$# to film because it mostly takes place in a prison, but I think it would be very cool with all of the seances and stuff that goes on… I think it's a very rich book and the right director could make it very interesting :o)

I loved the book so much, and think it would be abit of a bugger to take on. The ending being so strange too, I just dunno wether it would work :|, my opinion obviously :). If the creator of the other Sarah Waters books made it, I could well be proven wrong(again lol).

Hi everyone- haven't read Affinity yet, but now you're all making me curious!
Thel, that's a shame about Blockbuster not having Orlando anymore; it seems kind of weird to me, actually. Even though Seattle drives me crazy sometimes, it's very artsy and we have access to so many cool things…is there another video store you could try? Yes, I too listened to the Diana interview in which she mentioned her love of fishing….who knows, maybe she'll be right about Daniel Craig, but I'm still not convinced. That was very kind of her to say though….she's one classy woman!
Happy birthday tomorrow, Lucy! I'm with you on the horse thing…I think they're beautiful animals but after getting tossed off multiple times as a child, I think I'll leave the riding to Rachael and Ashley! I love watching equestrian events, though…wish I could ride but would probably end up like Madonna.
Hey Thel, about Rachael's geneology- she isn't really a blueblood,but she is an aristocrat. The Stirlings are a very prominent family in Scotland and you can find out about Rachael's line at ClanStirlingOnline (I think it's clanstirling.org). She's from the Stirlings of Keir and Kippendavie…. her relatives once owned 500,000 acres of land. I've read that her dad Archie is still fighting the government in courts about retaining some land. Rachael has said that she doesn't like to discuss that part of her background. BTW, she's registered in Burke's Peerage. Her title is probably Lady Baronette Stirling, or something like that. Anyway there are a lot of photos of Keir House, Rachael's ancestral home which Archie sold in the late '70s. And I read that Christy's auctoned off the last of the heirlooms from Keir House in 1995. I wonder if that bugs Rachael. A lot of family papers are located at Glasgow University and the University of Edinburgh, both of which I'd like to visit when I go to Scotland sometime in the next couple of years. I'd like to see Keir House too, if I can. Archie sold it to a representative of an Arab sheik, not sure if the public is allowed on the grounds. Anyway, enough for now! : )

Wow,E.B.,I am totally impressed by you store of Stirling info!!Would guess your sources are
more valid than the post I read,written by an American (Avengers fan).This person read a book by a David Hoe about war hero,David
Stirling.Also stated that Rachael is related to
Lord Lovat,another war hero and model,Honor
Fraser.Since you've been drinking scotch with the Stirling lads,I believe you have the inside track re:Rachael's geneology!Now have Yes
and will start to watch it tonight.I'd be interested to learn your take on Affinity,as it is
quite different from TTV &Fingersmith;but with the signature Sarah plt twists.It's essentialy
a Victorian,erotic,psychological thriller!You might enjoy it and if you read it,please let us know your casting choices.Did you know that
Diana appears as the grandmother in the
latest production of Heidi?The dvd was
released in the UK,but not stateside the last time I checked.Cheers!:)

Hi everyone! Thanks for the lovely birthday wishes - you're all so sweet! Fascinating info on RS E.B. I did not know any of that about her father's side and how far all the aristocratic stuff went back.

Sarah, I have to agree with Ashley - Affinity would kick ass as a mini-series. The ending is such a kick in the pants - and so shocking that it would make it totally worth it. So E.B. and whoever else is reading this - yes the book is worth the read. It's not as exciting as TTV or as gripping as Fingersmith - but it is supsenseful and full of interesting characters nonetheless - again a fascinating take on the women's prisons in the Victorian era - as well as the role of women in society and the hardships they faced at the time. Plus it was also a very interesting time regarding spiritualism. I think the plot could be a good script . I mean in P & P not a whole hell of a lot happens either really - it's very character - oriented. And the same could happen - around the main character's attraction to this woman in prison and the emotional journey it takes her on as well. Part one could be about that. Part two could be about the life of the woman in prison - and then part three could be what leads to the climax … which does knock one's socks off. I remember reading it and saying out loud "holy shit!" Kinda like when in Fingersmith you realize the twist …man that through me for a loop too. Sarah Waters is such an amazing writer.

Can't wait to dowload the new RS radio clip. So who would I pick for a lead in Affinity. Well frankly I think Keeley would make be great in the role - of the psychic woman in prison. She can do dark stuff very well and yet appeal to the weakness in people … like this character. The main lead … I always imagined her as more plain looking (but attractive) and dark haired - conservatish. I would say … maybe Nicola Walker (from Touchin Evil) - she has an edge to her - someone who could be seen as vulnerable - yet having a wall - due to a breakdown. Or … yes I could see Thel's idea of Nicole Kidman … she could pull it off - but I'd rather see not so well known actors - as it makes the film seem more real. I think Immelda Stuanton would be great as the prison guard or the head of the women's prison, and someone like Joan Plowright would be great as the main character's stingy mom. Putting Helen Mirren in there somewhere would be awesome - she is so great! Anyway, there's my thoughts - off the cuff.

Oh, and I saw Harry Potter too - I'm a big fan and I have to say I left the theatre quite disapointed. Continuity problems, not enough dialogue and too much important stuff missing from the book - even with it being a watered down version. The special effects are cool - but I'm so glad I have read the books - so much richer. I would say #3 is my fave of the films so far.

Oh, and Ashley - ironically (you and I have more in common than I realized) most of the work I did in theatre was crew. I stage-managed, was a property master, did a lot of crew work in general and even assistant directed. I LOVED it. I did do a bit of acting - but I loved being behind the scenes more. There's a magic in the darkness of the theatre when the lights go down and the play starts and all that lives in that moment is what is on the stage. Well I must stop before this becomes another novel! It's so great to read interesting, articulate and intelligent commentary from all of you … how refreshing.!

LOL Lucy: I agree, we do have quite a bit in common. There was just something about being behind the scenes in a theatre, wearing a headset and a black t-shirt… sigh. I am also enjoying the intelligent chat on here… I'm so happy to have ppl who are just as Rachael-crazy as I am (*yay*)…even if it does make Bonnie's comments section messy *grin* Sorry Bonnie *looks forlorn & fiddles toe on the floor*
Re: Affinity cast… gah, I don't want Keeley in it. lol! And I want UK people. Nicole Kidman makes me ill. lol. Her Virginia Woolf in The Hours ruined her for me. :o( I LOVE the implied history between Helen and Margaret - even though we don't know what happened, we end up pissed off that Helen married the brother. lol. A clever director could do a lot with their relationship. I love the last passage with Margaret in the book… I forget it exactly but it's something to do with a string or a thread… very beautifully written. And yes Lucy, Margaret is supposed to be unremarkable-looking, but look what they did with Nan King (no offense to RS, it's not her fault she's so easy on the eyes…).
I realized that when reading all of you UK folks' posts I have started to 'think' with a british accent. Thanks. lol ;o)
All right, I'm sure I wanted to say more, but I have to go to bed. … zzzz … :o)

Hmm…I just re-read my comment that I wrote last night. I don't want ppl to get the wrong idea about my feelings on RS as Nan Astley: I think like she really felt the character out well and is really believable - I was talking only about the 'look' of the character, since in the book Nan has long blonde hair, and Kitty has short curly brown hair & lots of freckles. I wouldn't have wanted anyone else to play Nan (or Kitty for that matter). Anyhoo, just wanted to clarify (I was also really pleased to know that Rachael read the book first - good for her!! I think this is why she played the character so true to the book).

Hey Ashley, yeah I know what you mean about Nicole Kidman … (although I did like her in The Hours). I was just thinking out loud - same with Keeley - I'd rather see a cast that is less known - but brilliant nonetheless. Yes and I thought about Nan (RS) being too good looking (although I wouldn't change that for a minute either) - as I agree she was brilliant in the part) because of how it was in the book. So I totally get where you're coming from. But I do think the book would be wonderful as a tv miniseries.

The last passage - are you referring to: "Your twisting is done-you have the last thread of my heard. I wonder: when the thread grows slack, will you feel it?"

Yes it's brilliant.

Anyway, got to get on with my day, have downloaded the audio show of RS but have yet to listen to it!

Cheers everyone!

That's the one, Lucy :o) I had to go read the last 6 or 7 pages of Affinity after I read your comment, lol. I'm watching Tipping the Velvet while trying to write yet another paper. I was going through the book today, and saw the quote: "You won't tell a soul, Nan - will you?" and it gave me shivers. It's such a telling line. OH, I just had an idea: Do you think we could slip Keeley into Affinity as Helen? lol. The only reason I am kind of critical about the ppl who have been mentioned so far is because Margaret and Selena seem so young, I'm not sure if they're even over 20. Meh, anyway…

Had an idea over the weekend when I saw the cast of Rent on Breakfast With the Arts;most
were also in the original broadway show.It seems their fans,"The Rentheads"had a blog
during the run of the show in which fans and cast members would exchange thoughtsAlso,
I belong to a site for my fav singer,Linda Eder
and she is not only the moderator,but to our
delight,she frequently posts.So I was wondering,once we have our message board,
might we invite Rachael to exchange ideas with us??If she has indeed read some of these posts,she may have observed that we are essentially intelligent people,and like herself,perpetual students of the arts.It would be quite wonderful to actually have a dialogue
with this person we all so admire!!Even if it never happens,it's exciting to think about the concept!!What do you guys think???

Do you think Rachael would do that Thel? Of course that would be wonderful. I can't even imagine. :o) I used to be a member of the Melissa Etheridge website and she had bi-monthly chat room sessions with us. :o) How do we know RS has read the posts here? I can't wait until we get a message board. :o) No pressure Bonnie, lol. I think it's a good idea Thel, it would be helpful and informative for Rachael, and SUPER EXCITING for us!! *sigh* Well, if wishes were horses, this beggar would ride… ;o)

*pin drop* CLANG!!! :o)

i'm just going to assume we're all quietly waiting for a message board. :o)

Hi Ashley- I think it's just getting to that busy time of year…..me, I really need to get my butt back in the gym because I've been bad since Thanksgiving ( do you guys do Thanksgiving in Canada?) plus my bad achilles tendon is almost better so I need to get back on the ball. I got a big laugh out of your Clinique: Happy story because I too checked it out after I read that! And, I didn't like it! I'm just not a perfumey kind of gal, I like natural scents better unless they're fowl. But that was sweet of you to get it for your sweetie- I hope she likes it!
I'm surprised that only three people commented on Hold Back the Night, aren't you? Hmmm… maybe everyone's just busy… I liked it though.

Hey, I have nothing against chickens… I meant "foul"…..LONG day!

Hi All….can't seem to get Hold Back the Night
to play.HELP Lucy!!Glad you liked my idea,
Ashley!Rachael just might be spunky enough
to accept our offer.Hey,maybe she's a tad
curious about us as well.This would be safer
than the in-person meeting;if you explode or implode,it would be on your turf and the cat(s)
would need to clean the mess!What do you others think?Bonnie?Lucy?E.B.?Oh and E.B.,
loved Yes!Potter is a creative genius and Joan Allen is an exceptional actor!I found the garage scene rehearsals very moving,
especially the rapport between Sally and Joan.
Good news,A&E is re-releasing the Emma Peel Mega Set,but now with a bonus disc of extras!The latter may be purchased separately
and will be released on 2/28/06.Can't wait to see that!!DId you know Diana's poodle was called "Poopie"and her Jack Russell is Mabel?Why is your achilles tendon bad?Re:
perfumes,Jessica Lange uses fragrances to
evoke the mood of the character she's playing.
Don't recall her method of selection,but she'll
use a scented hankie as a prop.Not like Rachael's numerous "prop hankies" in her
mutiple trouser roles!

LOL Thel @ Rachael's numerous hankies. EB: Yes, we do have Thanksgiving in Canada, but it's in the beginning of October :o) I also have been skipping out on the gym…I've just been far too busy, so I put my membership on "vacation". lol! Who knows for how long…
Oh Thel, I'm not sure an online meeting with Rachael would be intense enough to have explosive effects… but it would be lovely. ;o) I'm sure she's curious about us. Who wouldn't be? I think we're a good bunch of fans. :o) E.B, I actually ended up getting the holiday scent "Happy Heart" instead of the Happy, b/c I don't think my gf likes Happy. lol. BTW guys…I revamped my website…you can see it by clicking my name. Anyone else have websites??
Attn DDR fans: My gf is reading the book "Stone Butch Blues", and she told me there's a joke about Diana Rigg… something about the main character of the book fantasizing about her in a black leather jumpsuit? lol…

Have any of you read "Hood" by Emma Donoghue?

I"ve read Hood - Dina. What did you think? I just finished it off over the summer. Liked it, and didn't. I'll comment more if you want me to.

Just got the DVD Fingersmith in the mail - have watched part one - and onto part two soon.

Oh, Ashley - I haven't had time to think about your question re: Helen. I'll get back to you on that one.

Ok, gotta give my back a rest. Hope everyone is well.

P.S. Is everyone here skipping out of the gym - cause I'm on that list too …. *grin*.

Been meaning to write more but twisted my hip and my back has been sore since last Thursday - so I haven't been reading online or writing much as sitting gets painful after too long.

Nope Ashley I do not have my own web site - but wish I did - it would be way too much fun. Of all the computer skills I have - making a web site is not one of them dammit.

Yes I think it would be cool to invite Rachael. I don't think I'd implode. And you know - I don't know if she'd be curious about us - because she probably gets so much bloody fan mail that whatever spare time she has she probably want s to chill rather than see who else are her fans. I could be wrong, but that's my psychic feeling on it (and I do have a knack for that.) I think if she came on - it would be more to build publicity, or she might have a moment, where her publicist or manager, asked her to do a message board with us - or live chat - and have it posted, something for her fans … and they decided to choose this site. She's so damn busy.

Re: comments on Take Back the Night. I finallly listened to it last night. God Rachael has a beautiful voice. Sigh. Did I happen to mention how soft her voice is on the ears? (that's like easy on the eyes . .. but audio version) *grin*

Thel, you can call me if you want - and I can help you with the issue with downloading the file. My guess is that because it is a .zip file - maybe it hasn't translated - and you need either "zipit" or "stuffit expander." If it has unstuffed - then it should be an mp3 - and you would need an mp3 player on your computer (which I would presume you'd have ) like Quick time or iTunes. If this still doesn't work - call me. You can email me at: teabag@vancouverbc.net - given we've been chatting on here forever I have no qualms about posting my email. Just don't give it out guys (let's hope there aren't any hackers reading this)

That is so weird, my last post - starts halff-way through. Oh well I'm sure you guys will figure it out - even if it's a little disorganized.

Oh and re: take back the night - I forgot to say that yes the story is cheesy, but it's still great to hear Rachael - and always she is a true professional and brings real feeling to the role.

Oh, and btw, I've met the author of Stone Butch Blues … my brother is an FTM, and used to go out with an MTF (Kate Bornstein) - famous for her book ""Gender Outlaw" (taught in 80 universities in the US) - and I was at a theatre conference with them all. Long story - if you want to hear more - let me know.

Holy cow, Lucy, that's intense about your brother. I've met many trans people in Seattle, it seems to be a hotbed for the procedure and support services too….Vancouver as well? I saw a documentary on Kate Bornstein many years ago…you seem to have quite the family! Hope your back gets better soon. : )

Oh Thel, the Emma Peel Megaset extras sound great! I will definitely get it- I already have Megaset- worth every penny ! Thanks for letting us know…. re: my achilles tendon; we athletic types over 40 still think that we're 22 and go to these crazy classes and do crazy things and then the body says "NO"! So we learn to listen…last year I dropped a barbell on my naked foot at home and lacerated some tendons; oh, how fun… it's always something! : ) I couldn't get Hold Back the Night from R-S.com, I had to go to the BBC site and that worked. Maybe you could try that.

Thanks Ashley- yes, DDR in ANY of her "Emma Peelers" is indeed a lovely vision!

Hey E.B. - yeah the trans thing is really intense. My sister Catherine became David about 10 years ago now. She was a lesbian (which was cool) and then with the gender change ended up becoming attracted to gay men - so now she's a gay man. While she was female and a dyke - she dated Kate Bornstein … just before she went to becoming male - that whole thing brought a lot of it up to the surface. Yeah it has been a hard thing for me, but it's much easier now. Time helps. He is actually in that film "transamerica" with Felicity Huffman - that's coming out. There's a scene of him at a party (as an FTM) - balding guy with a slightly British accent. Anyway, he was in SF for years and moved to NYC about 6 years ago. I've heard of the Seattle scene that you're talking about - there are more than a few up here.

Oh, Ashley - saw your web site - still need to cruise around it more - but it's very fun and cool!

Will write more later …. hope your heel gets better E.B. I have a tendency to over do it too … I know what you're talking about!

Hi Lucy- Yeah, going through the FTM process doesn't just affect the person going through it, but friends and family too… I bet you had a million different feelings about it, I would imagine. I was friends with a woman years ago that transitioned….we.were.heartbroken, but what matters is what's best for the person….he was on Oprah recently with his twin sister. Did you catch that show? I'm sure you could have related to it. What a difficult thing.. yeah, time probably does heal a lot of it.

Thel, it would of course be fab if Rachael chatted w/ us on occasion, but in reality she's probably just too damn busy! What a thrill it would be though…. maybe she'd consider it. And Diana doesn't strike me as a jack russell type….does she to you? Maybe she just lets Mabel have run of the house while she sits w/ a cig and a glass of cham, laughing her ass off. THAT I could picture! : )

Hey, everyone- wish me luck- I have a blind date tonight! "I'm rather shy", but she sounded nice over the phone.

Good luck E.B

gah that good luck was from me but i forgot to sign in *rolls eyes*.

Hi E.B…hope you had fun!!Are you "rather shy"
like Bill or brother,Bob?With all our collectively
painful limbs,guess we could be called
"orthopedicaly challenged"! In my experience,
I've found chondroitin&glucosamine with MSM
to be a most beneficial supplement!Just watched yet another film paradox: a really
excellent AMERICAN movie called,Off the Map!
It's an indie,directed by Campbell Scott and
starring the incredible Joan Allen.We,in the USA,are capable of excellence,sometimes.
Wouldn't have thought DDR would have a Jack
Russell,they're very popular with the horse set.
As I'm writing this,a friend is slowly being driven nuts by her mother&son JRs;look so cute,but hyper little hunters.Guess I can imagine that Diana would admire the terrier
spunkiness;being the spirited person she is!
So,as to the fantasy of having Rachael as our
guest,what would be the first question you guys might pose to her?

Hope the date goes well E.B. You know you're one of the few people that actually acknowledge how hard it is for friends and family of someone transitioning. I get so many questions but rarely do people ask how it was for me. Thanks for that.

I've heard Jack Russell's are majorly high maintenance …. I like the cig and the cham analogy - I could see that.

Oh and I didn't catch that Oprah show … would have been good to see it. Oh well.

First fantasy question Thel? Hmmm, oh what the hell … "so who did you enjoy kissing the most in TTV?" That might be one…I'd bet it was Keeley - but who knows. Or I'd ask her about how she feels about seeing herself on the screen with no clothes. I have to say her scene with the gold paint - jeez that takes guts man. Or, I might ask why she majored in the history of art … what her favourite genre is.

But I agree with E.B. - I'm sure she barely has time to see her friends let alone do a chat board with a bunch of people she's never met.

Hey everyone, I just spent the last 30 minutes typing a post and for some reason it didn't submit- crap! (user error?) anyway, my time is almost up so…..Sarah, Lucy, and Thel, thanks for your good lucks- it was nice date, wasn't attracted to her but I've been thinking of her since Friday night, so I think I'll have to go out w/her again- Jack Russells are as cute as can be but they're crazy little buggers- Thel, your friend has TWO?
Lucy, I've had a few friends and some acquiantances transition over the years; I know how hard that was for me, let alone if it were one of my sisters- I couldn't imagine.

I would ask Rachael if she had ever been inside Keir House, if she even remembers it and what she thinks of her dad selling it off. And where her favorite place to visit is ( in her spare time! Right!) Hope everyone had a nice weekend- cheers for now.

Cool question E.B. that would be interesting to know about. Glad to hear your date was enjoyable even though the chemistry wasn't there. It's always a bit of a let down when that happens, but I've met some really cool people that way too. I hope that this person is someone who might be a cool person … one can never have too many decent friends. Man we need a message board on here.