giggirl

Sorry for confusion Charlie. I had dinner at Soho House London last week (got groped) but, as an aside, I was just saying that Soho House NYC is very shabby. I haven't been to Shoreditch. Basically, full of tossers so why would you? I went for work, or I wouldn't have - I would have gone somewhere normal instead.

Don't go there. I had dinner at Soho House last Friday and in the bar afterwards some random woman walked up to me and felt me up - right in front of my boss - and then walked off again. It was a very strange moment. Too many drugs at Soho House. My boss is a founder-member so he pays peanuts. I won't join. Way too pretentious. Soho House in NYC is shabby. Not shabby chic - just shabby. They need to spend some money. I would rather spend a night in East Dulwich. Seriously.

Personally Sue, I hold my hand tightly over all the keys at all times. I look at the keyboard and mentally establish where the first number of my PIN is on the keypad, then hold my keying hand on top ready to go, then place my other hand on top and start keying. It might take some getting used to but needs must. If you loose the plot then just take both hands away from the keypad, mentally note where your next number is, and then go back again. It becomes second nature very quickly. Sometimes I will only type the first 2 digits of my PIN using this technique then, even if you're being filmed or someone behind is trying to clock your number, they'll only get the last 2 digits - which is useless. The other keying technique I use is not to key in with one outstretched digit, but rather to ball up your hand into a downward facing fist and key using the back of the nail. It's impossible for an onlooker or camera to see what numbers you are keying. Again, it takes some getting used to but it becomes second nature. Most of the devices fitted to ATMs are very clever and you won't spot them. Therefore the only way to protect yourself at all times is to protect your PIN. Given the choice, always choose an ATM machine in a bank's lobby. Most criminals wouldn't have the nerve to skim a machine inside a bank.

Guys - if you use a skimmed cashpoint and your card is captured then the thieves can do absolutely nothing whatsoever with your card without the PIN number. It's just a lump of plastic - nothing more. Use one hand to cover the other as you enter your PIN - every time - no exceptions whatsoever. This needs to become second nature to everyone.

These things have been around for a long time and have been very widely reported on. The only thing that prevents you from scams at a cashpoint machine is by covering one hand with the other when you enter your PIN. Always, every time, no exceptions: whether you are on your own or with somebody, whether there is a queue behind you at the ATM or whether there is tumbleweed blowing up and down Lordship Lane. Nobody can touch your money without your PIN; shield your hand as you enter your PIN, every time.

I'm in a private box at Lady Gaga's on the 17th. I would consider switching to the Half Moon if you dressed up a bit or something Keef. Pxxx

???? Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I saw Anthony Sher's Richard 3rd and I thought his > performance was pantomine....the critics raved; > Shows how much I know. You and me both Quids. Completely mesmerising, but wrong. He was a thug. Tricky Dicky was clever; no need to be so overtly thuggish. McKellen; too far the other way; too much the gentleman. Ben Kingsley is my dream actor but, if he should happen to be on the East Dulwich Forum and decide to return to the stage and then chuck a sickie and send the understudy on, then I would be deeply unhappy. Shoot me. Being an understudy of a leading actor must really suck.

You've seen some good stuff MM. Did you see the Dames Dench and Smith in that David Hare play a few years back? I wasn't that impressed with the play but I would pay hard cash to hear those two read the phone book. I've seen Ian McKellen a few times but what stands out for me is his Richard III at the NT. The play has always fascinated me. The first time I saw it was with Anthony Scher (a zillion years ago). He played Richard like a thug. It was very scary to watch. Ian McKellen played him like an Edwardian gentlemen. The same play; polar opposite performances. My dream actor to play that role would be Ben Kingsley. It will never happen - he doesn't want to do any more theatre. I can dream though. Oh God I sound like a luvvie. So basically MM, if it's a play with big meaty parts in it, then I often (not always) buy into the casting.

To clarify my earlier post; I'm not talking about going to see a play because it has a so called "name" in it. It doesn't matter to me who is on TV and a movie actor isn't necessarily good in the theatre either. I've seen big names in the theatre before now and been completely underwhelmed. They can't always hack it. So I'm not talking about "names" OK. What I mean is this - sometimes the planets align and there is a spectacular piece of casting whereby a talented actor gets to play a big fat meaty part in a brilliant play. It's as if that part could have been written for that actor. If I buy tickets for such a play I want to see that actor in it. If on the night I saw the understudy, I would be disappointed. I wouldn't demand my money back - that's just wrong. Actors get sick - it's a fact of life - so silly to argue with the box office. I would just re-book for another night.

Thanks Ted - I was even more amused by Moos' little outburst last night on the thread about the guys going door to door on Ondine Road.... Look at me! Look at me! Look at my thread! Me! Me! MEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! Priceless Px

Great news. John Malkovitch - what a bastard. Fancy doing a flit without paying the bills. With all his money too.

That's the right speech for Jordan though isn't it Hoochie? If you keep going with it I'll think you'll find that it ends up being all about boobies. Or hadn't you got that far? Edited to say that I meant "the raven is horse" speech.

MM - my head tells me that you are completely correct but I'm afraid in my heart speaks differently. After years and years of theatregoing I've seen most of the classics so my reason for re-visiting a particular play would be the casting of it. Examples.... the best performance I've seen in years was Chiwetel Ejiofor's Othello at the Donmar. He is an actor I admire greatly, I was thrilled when he was cast, I wanted to see HIM as Othello and I would have been really let down to see an understudy. Yes I'm sure his understudy would have been perfectly fine but that's not the point - I wanted to see Chiwetel Ejifor as Othello. Conversely, I saw David Tenant's Hamlet but would have been happy to see his understudy. David Tenant missed many performances because of back problems so we knew that there was only a 50:50 chance of seeing him. In the end we did see him and he was brilliant (the understudy also had rave reviews when he stepped in). I guess the difference is that I wanted to see Hamlet, the play. I see most things put on at the Donmar* and most of their plays are uncast when booking starts. I see the Donmar as a centre of excellence anyway so I'm fine with that policy. Very occasionally a certain actor will be cast in a certain part and it is a marriage made in heaven, and that performance of that actor in that makes you want to see that play. I'm not talking about "star" casting when some movie star treads the boards and we're all supposed to be impressed to see them. Apologies if I haven't explained myself very well - please don't think I'm a diva who's adverse to seeing an understudy every now and again; I'm not like that at all. It's just that very occasionally, to me, the player is more important than the play; and if I said differently I'd be telling fibs. *The Donmar's new booking period starts for members on Monday 8th Nov - grab a seat whilst you can.

Interesting thead Mick Mack. I don't know what to think of it. When I was a teenager I was completely absorbed by the Talking Heads. See below some lyrics from the Remain In Light album. I haven't thought about this song for well over 20 years. Lyrics to Seen And Not Seen : He would see faces in movies, on T.V., in magazines, and in books...He thought that some of these faces might be right for him...And through the years, by keeping an ideal facial structure fixed in his mind...Or somewhere in the back of his mind...That he might, by force of will, cause his face to approach those of his ideal...The change would be very subtle...It might take ten years or so...Gradually his face would change its shape...A more hooked nose...Wider, thinner lips...Beady eyes...A larger forehead. He imagined that this was an ability he shared with most other people...They had also molded their faces according to some ideal...Maybe they imagined that their new face would better suit their personality...Or maybe they imagined that their personality would be forced to change to fit the new appearance...This is why first impressions are often correct...Although some people might have made mistakes...They may have arrived at an appearance that bears no relationship to them...They may have picked an ideal appearance based on some childish whim or momentary impulse...Some may have gotten half-way there, and then changed their minds. He wonders if he too might have made a similar mistake.

katie1997 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > I tried this once and found it surprisingly easier > than when I attempted to give up coffee for a > month ... Mee too Katie Numbers - I can't give up coffee. I gave up alcohol this year from mid-January to April and I'll do the same next year. No real reason. I'd need a straight-jacket if I gave up coffee though. That can't be a good thing.

Well done MM. I'll join you on the wagon for the last two weeks of November if that's OK. I give up booze at least once a year personally - no particular reason. I just like to go for amonth without.

Had a cup of tea Watched an episode of Strictly X Factor got Talent on Ice Had sex in any mode of moving transport Sustained downward dog without falling

I'm no fan of McCartney and I didn't see him on TV but as regards too much botox, he's not the only one is he? Kylie, Sharon Osbourne, Nicole Kidman, Katie Price, Madonna - to name but a few. All of them have had way too much work. Its ageist and it's unattractive. Personally I don't see the harm in a little bit but there are a lot of people crossing the line and they look like dummies in a shop window. Nothing wrong with a few wrinkles - they're perfectly normal and they can be very attractive. Conversely, a face devoid of all character isn't in the least bit sexy. I don't think there's anything at all wrong with wanting to look good for your age, but trying to look younger than your age is a fool's game.

Oh dear that's very funny Jah. I must admit I've worn that face a bit myself today. It's always worth remembering though that whenever Ticketmaster UK crashes - as it does from time to time - dont' waste time swearing at your machine - just switch sites instantly to www.ticketmaster.ie - which uses a different server altogether and sells all the same shows as the UK site. Ticketmaster.ie is running slow today because they are picking up the slack from the UK - just be patient. Try the German site (www.ticketmaster.de) too - it is also selling the Take That shows. Good luck.

Return the dress to Debenhams and get a new one from Zeleb. Job done. Px

Stargreen has the new Friday date now and it's not crashing - BE QUICK Mick http://www.stargreen.com/events?id=28175

Poor girl Forget the Ticketmaster UK site - it's crashed for good (until it's "Back For Good" of course) keep trying at www.ticketmaster.ie Also - try www.ticketmaster.de - which is also selling UK shows

Yes Mick - you'll laugh when I tell you how to get them ..... ready.... go to www.ticketmaster.ie it's slow and a bit tempremental but be persistent and you'll get them. Friday date just added for Wembley. Otherwise try www.stargreen.com - haven't put the Friday date on yet but give them a ring.

Exactly Dita - very thorough measuring and the dresses are nice and the quality good and the service excellent and nobody else is going to be wearing the same dress as you. The most important thing is confidence. You can't look good and be sexy without confidence. You can't be confident if you're hitching your dress up or pulling it down all night. If a dress is tailored to your body it fits perfectly and you look great and feel confident. Sadly, so many women only ever experience this with their wedding dresses.

Zeleb is a great service - I can't praise it highly enough. Everything is made to measure and the fabrics are good quality. If you go to the order page for any of the dresses and see the quantity of measurements that they ask for then you can see how thorough they are. If it doesn't fit when you get it you can even send it back for alteration. Frankly if it doesn't fit it's more likely to be your fault than theirs. Great site and great service. The current dresses aren't really to my taste though - they are a little floaty for me - I like the more fitted cocktail dresses (very Mad Men) and there aren't too many of those on the site at the moment. Yes I do agree though Dita - I wish I went to more black tie events. I'm contemplating a trip to Lordship Lane right now and wondering how many layers I need to wear to keep out the cold - so yes, the prospect of slipping into something strapless with accompanying high heels isn't going to happen for me any time soon. Shame.