(You should also check in onhis frequently fascinating blog.)

In todays installment: Venice, scheduling, cannibals, and pirates.

The Ninesopens August 31st in New York and Los Angeles.

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That seems like a lovely bit of timing, but its been a logisticalnightmare.

Melissa will have to squeeze in appearances between shooting her new TV show.

Venice is out of the question for her.

Plus eight more lessons of Pimsleur Italian, so I canpolitely explain why Im throwing myself in a canal.

(Im honestly not sure whothe cannibals are in this metaphor.

And whatever happened to FineYoung Cannibals?

They were great.)

Im still getting the update e-mails about press reactions.

I wasrelieved to find thatZinkmagazine liked the movie but too latefor the September issue.

Now Ill never have to find outwhatZinkmagazine is.

Whats been a little surprising to me is how many people are gettingscreener copies on DVD.

(Thats not a dare, bythe way.

The 7:30 p.m. screening on August 31st is the Q&A, whichis selling out.

If you want any questions answered about the movie,or my appreciation of FYC, thats your chance.