OT: I have a question for you.

The fault lies in its original set up and design which has made it unworkable from the beginning. And the US is no more at fault than any of the other larger powers. They all put self short term interest and politics ahead of world issues. Always have always will. All countries go to the UN with predefined agendas. The aim is not to cooperate on the what is best, but who is right and who is wrong, who is the strongest. Every now and then the larger powers will cooperate to some degree but only if it serves their own interests. Incessant talk and politicking. It is simply a convenient venue for countries to get together and cut side deals that block, side step or ignore UN rulings. I would suggest the so called cold war dragged longer because of the UN. One must bluster, hold ones ground and not appear to back down or loose face. Making democracies is not like changing TV channels As we have found out with Russia and Iraq. When one system falls the void will be filled and not by democracy if no ground work has been laid. ruby

Imagine! Well, you never can tell with you two!

Pat P

Must look out for that - we like Kevin Spacey a lot.

Pat P

Too much bare flesh and four letter words these days - AND on tv. Much sexier if more is left to the imagination. I so agree with you about the choices when shopping, too. In many ways I much prefer to do my shopping by the internet. You only get what you KNOW you need, and it works out cheaper that way!

I was watching "Big Brother" late last night and it`s amazing - every fourth word was F***!!! It demonstrates a total lack of ability to express oneself. The young girls were the worst of all - it really makes you cringe for them. What that was leading up to was the fact that movies seem to get more awards the more times they can fit that particular word in!

Oh yes, modern cinemas are (so I hear!) very luxurious. It would take really something to drag me out of my comfy chair and go to all the hassle and expense involved!

Pat P

Have you seen any of the newer Bond movies with Judi Dench as M and John Cleese as Q? They are wonderful. I can't remember who the latest MoneyPenny is (and am way to lazy to go look it up), she was prefect. While the various Bond actors haven't done much for me, some of the "supporting" cast, especially the female "good guys" have been great.

Cheryl

Keep up gowie!

He's one of my favorite actors. K-Pax is not a new movie, so you will have to rent it. Another film he and Kate Winslet were in is called: Life of David Gale. I strongly recommend both.

I watched Big Brother once for about ten minutes and Mark and I looked at each other and at the same time said, "This is what the world hates about Americans." It's a slice of who people are and it's very boggling.

I don't mind bad language, maybe I'm just used to it. I do mind content. Violent films are incredibly boring and I can't watch them any more unless they have a very good message.

If you come to the States, visit us, stay here and we'll treat you to dinner and a movie.

The Book [and term ] The Ugly American , have been there YEARS before Bush came to the presidency ,,,,, mirjam

Please use an other term , USA has it Good traits and Bad Traits like Any other country But the term you use is not one of them . mirjam

I haven't seen a Bond film since the first one which didn't have Sean Connery. My father would take me to the movies every week and usually we'd see what he wanted. I had some education by the time I was 10!

My taste has changed greatly. I'm not sure if it's my age, or if I've become aware that any violence is horrible. I know movies are make believe, but are they?

Mark loves war movies and boy type movies. So, he watches those when I'm sleeping or not home.

I do love Dame Judi, so maybe I will have to check it out. So much to do and see, never enough time.

Everyone loves Judi Dench. I recently saw a young actor who was working with her for the first time and was TERRIFIED but found that she was so kind and funny. Just as she comes over in films and on TV, in fact.

Pat P

Like someone to have a cup of tea with - all afternoon long!

Cheryl

Thanks, V! I can swear like a trooper, but usually only privately, not certain words, and certainly not in public let alone when millions are watching! I must admit that it`s something that seems to have started more in American movies, and sadly, our own are jumping on the bandwagon!

I don`t make a habit of watching Big Brother - it wasn`t too bad at first, but they just seem to get lower and lower in their choice of entrants as the years go on. I normally only catch it when I`m stitching hard and can`t be bothered to change channels! I`m amazed that people can act and speak that way when they know they have to go out and face friends and family. You`d think they`d die of shame.

I usually watch a few episodes of Celebrity Big Brother, though - it`s far more interesting to see the "real" personalities coming out. They can`t keep up a pretence forever. Last year I couldn`t help but be agreeably surprised at how nice Birgit Neilson really was, even when confronted by that awful ex-mother-in-law! (Sylvester Stallone`s mother).

Pat P

Absolutely. And what a lovely neighbour she`d be.

Pat P

She's a lovely woman. What was that film with her and Kate Winslet who played her in the characters youth? She's a brilliant actor.

I like Brigit Neilson also. She's not in the spotlight any more. She actually disappeared for well over a decade. I think she has a problem with drink, but she seems sweet.

Sly's mother is INSANE! But not in a bad way.

She can't possibly donate all her salary to an orphanage - thought you didn't read much on people of her type. How could she live the lifestyle she does with no money - now give me a break. I couldn't care less one way or the other - people were just having fun tossing around the baby's name - I don't think the baby will turn out to be a serial killer because of it. Lighten up for a change - you're always so bloody cynical and nasty. Nope - I haven't gone to Africa or held an Aids baby - but I'm sure you'll tell us you have and probably cross-stitched an angel for the orphange blah blah Your stories of goodness and caring are really getting ooooooollllllld

Sharon (N.B.)

I don't know what made you say I seem to live in an ivory tower - just more of your usual ranting I guess. Why can't you just have a discussion with people here instead of being so downright snotty about everything. We all don't agree on a lot of things, but as far as I've seen YOU are the only one who is constantly trying to start an argument

- usually succeeds, then starts making cracks about people. You must be very very sick or just so really miserable in your life to be able to do this time and again - there can't be any other reason for it. I think your husband deserves an award - and not just for his work achievements.

Sharon (N.B.)