Guilt...

A couple of weeks ago, I got a ride to my parent's house from a friend. On the way, I realized Mariah Carey's smash-hit album The Emancipation Of Mimi was blaring out of the sound system. Before I knew what was happening, I found myself right back in the middle of that horrible day receiving the news. "He can't be dead." I was repeating this over and over in a state of utter numbness. Moments earlier, my brother had called to tell us. Not wanting to believe it to be true, we contacted his family immediately, hoping with everything in us that it was some terrible mistake. Unfortunately, the worst was confirmed. This was absolutely insane. Not an hour before, I was so excited to listen to the new Mariah Carey release that my mother had picked up for me.

Now, sitting there reeling and unable to speak, the unopened CD caught my eye. I was overwhelmed with a feeling of disgust at the site of it. Some time much later, I remember thinking that a CD was a strange thing to focus my anger on. I promptly threw the CD away, not being able to make it through the first song. The next couple of days and weeks ran together in a pool of sadness. Losing someone who you feel is responsible for helping shape you into the person you are is unfathomable. I will always regret not seeing him as often as I would have liked in those last few years. I wish I could turn the clock back...

Reality snapped back into focus as we pulled up the long driveway to the farm. The few tears on my face were swept away before questions were hurled my way. At several points throughout the day, an idea kept recurring. If I borrowed the CD and was able to make it through without breaking, perhaps some of the guilt I felt about the possibility of feeling joy, (which didn't happen), on such a horrible day would disappear. The logic may not have made sense to other people had I spoke it allowed, but it did to me.

I haven't yet been able to listen without those feelings of guilt and anger creeping back in. Hell, I haven't even made it halfway through. Maybe I never will.

I can't wait for the day when we meet again and can listen and laugh together. All will be as it should then...

Copyright 2008 Regis C. Spangler III

Quote Of The Moment...

"With all there is, why settle for just a piece of sky?"

-Barbra Streisand

Zelda Silliness!

Just when I think she's as odd as she can get, she does something like this. How cool would it be if I could teach her for real? Okay, maybe not cool, but definitely more sanitary.

I'm Confused...

What's the point of tornadoes ripping through Pine Valley if nothing really changes? I asked myself this question several times this week while watching. Aside from the inconsequential death of Babe, nothing substantial has happened. People claim that this is Charles Pratt's way of trimming the cast of excess fat and restructuring the show. I don't see it. Forgive me, but an influx of new characters and actors doesn't seem necessary or productive. If a new vision is indeed what's on tap, changes must be made behind the scenes before anything of note can be seen on screen. My apologies for being so angry. Does anyone else feel this way? I'll be better next time.

Customer Service?

What happened to "the customer is always right?" It's a sad day when you can't even get help from someone to correct a mistake THEY made. I've been waiting for over two weeks to get my Blu-ray player back, just to find out the wrong information was taken. I never knew something as easy as taking down the right address could lead to so many problems. My player is supposed to be here tomorrow, and it's being shipped somewhere that doesn't exist because of incompetence. Morons!

Di Henry Sighting!

Daytime newcomer Heather Kenzie will assume the role of Di Henry for a two day stint beginning November 14th.

How?

Help me understand something. How can people who are supposed to love and support AMC be so negative. I just don't get the point of passing judgment on things that haven't even gotten off the ground. Sure, a storyline may seem ridiculous when spoilers are first leaked. That said, we won't know how we really feel until the ball gets rolling. A constant negative vibe and personal attacks have led me to leave certain "fan communities." People take everything way too seriously and lose sight of the fact that it's all meant to be entertainment. I'm all for healthy debate and passionate views and opinions. But, please remember, at the end of the day, it's all make believe.

Tornadoes, Tornadoes Everywhere!

Okay, so unless you've been living under a rock, you know Pine Valley has been leveled by tornadoes. I have to say, the promos were a little misleading as things didn't start happening until Friday. Once the ball started rolling though, absolutely amazing.

Zach goes out to get smore necessities for Kendall and the kids and is the first victim. The special effects department did an outstanding job. Zach's car gets sucked up in the twister and thrown violently, landing next to exposed power lines. Annie, who has happened upon him while frantically searching for a missing Emma, attempts to help free him without success. Zach insists that Annie resume her search and eventually escapes. The week ends with Zach searching through the rubble of his devastated cottage for the other members of the Slater family. Finding Spike and Ian miraculously unharmed, he turns his attention to locating Kendall and happens upon an unconscious Bianca. Where's Kendall? Is she okay? Tune into next week's can't-miss shows.

Over at the comeback, Babe and JR are saying an unofficial I Do. Just as Jesse is about to pronounce them man and wife, tornado number two destroys the bar. Jesse, Angie, Randi, and Krystal rush to save Babe and Little Adam who are trapped under fallen debris. The only thing preventing Babe from bleeding out from the injuries she sustained is the pressure from the board that she and Little Adam are under. She pleads with JR to save their son, no matter the consequences. At least she will have died a hero.

Adam and Erica are trapped together in the tunnels of the mansion and can't get out. Wonder what's going to happen there? Ryan and Greenlee are keeping each other company after a near-death experience. Shouldn't he be searching for his daughter instead of hoping to score? Priorities!

The carnage is just beginning and I can't wait to see every moment. Will the disaster boost ratings at all? If so, will they sustain? Praying to the soap gods..

Sassy Cat!

Took this yesterday, and couldn't resist showing everyone. I don't know why she's obsessed with sticking her tongue out at me. Adorable!

Stupid Back!

I can't take it anymore. Why do I have the back of a ninety year old man? It sucks. I'm growing really tired of midnight trips to the emergency room. Yes, I know. The majority of my symptoms are preventable with daily exercise and correct posture. Can't a guy just complain once in a while? :)

Minshew, Kendall Staying!

Kendall fans rejoice! Alicia Minshew has inked a new deal with All My Children. There is one small catch, however. Minshew will take a well deserved four month hiatus. Don't fret, accommodations have been made assuring that Kendall will be seen in her absence. Though details of the new contract are unknown, execs promise, "Kendall will remain in Pine Valley for some time to come."

Four Months?

Everyone knows by now that Bianca is returning to Pine Valley this week. The question as to how long her stay would be has been answered. It appears as though our beloved Binks will make a four month visit. I don't know exactly how to feel about this. I was under the impression that this return engagement was a long term one. As with previous visits, certain questions are raised. How are we, as fans, supposed to become emotionally invested in something set to end so quickly? With all the storyline rumors floating around the Internet, I'm not sure what to believe. If Bianca is indeed pregnant, will she carry the child to term? What exactly is the point of another child, assuming he or she leaves with Bianca? I'm more than a little skeptical about all of it. At least the amazingly talented Eden Riegel will be back on my screen.

Budig Out At AMC... Again!

You heard right, folks! Rebecca Budig will bid adieu to Pine Valley once again. A confirmed exit date or reason is yet to be given. No word on whether or not the role of Greenlee will be recast. Personally, I think I know the perfect actress to assume the role. :)

Eileen Herlie Passes...

Eileen Herlie, best known to daytime fans as Myrtle Fargate has passed, due to complications with pneumonia. She was 90. Myrtle and Eileen will forever be remembered with the utmost love and respect.

Jesus Christ Superstar: 1996 London Studio Cast

Without a doubt, this is THE DEFINITIVE SUPERSTAR! Every performance is spot-on flawless. There are two major differences between this recording and others I've heard, emotion and voice. Everytime I listen, I'm amazed at how raw and real it all seems. This recording is one of the few that makes you truly believe their interpretation of the material could have actually happened.

Every member of the cast has an amazing voice. I simply cannot imagine anyone else in the three leads. Zubin Varla as Judas Iscariot is one of the most brilliant casting choices ever. Likewise, Steve Balsamo as Jesus is simply inspiring. These two actors have such a strong sense of the historical figures they're portraying that it borders on creepy. It's wonderful! Joanna Ampil's Mary Magdalene comes across as frail, weak, and unsure. I can't help but think of this as a deliberate choice. This production is clearly about the two male leads and Ampil does her best to shine the spotlight on them. Kudos to Alice Cooper for making King Herod deliciously scary.

This recording is the best you'll find for this groundbreaking rock opera. One listen is all it will take to make it a favorite. No other production comes close!

Much Of The Same...

A short entry this week as nothing much of interest happened. The mystery woman from Jesse's past showed up at his door for a face to face. I've never seen someone scramble so quickly to cover their ass. At this point, I think it's safe to assume we're dealing with a long-lost daughter. We shall see...

The sextet continued their domination of the show this week. Unfortunately, there aren't really any new developments to report. Though, I must say, I admire Greenlee's commitment to her marriage. I just wonder how long it will last. Kendall's obsession with Ryan is a giant wedge coming between her and Zach. If it were me, I'd be just about done sacrificing my relationship at Ryan's alter. A piece of advice, Zach. Chalk it all up as a loss and run. I bet Myrtle would welcome you with open arms...

Adam and Erica continue their amusing cat and mouse game. I have a strange feeling, when all is said and done, Ms. Kane will come out smelling of roses and stronger than ever. All will be as it should.

Annie thinks someone is stalking her, but has no proof. Everyone continues to doubt her sanity. See, I told you, a slow week.

Setting The Record Straight!

Okay, so we've all heard that people think Puff The Magic Dragon is about smoking pot. I've heard this ridiculousness for years and it drives me crazy. Anyone whose ever heard the song and truly listened to the words and message knows that it's about children growing up. Puff represents the innocence of childhood imagination. As we grow into adults, more often than not, imagination is replaced with responsibility and reasoning. This is seen at the end of the song when Jackie no longer comes to play. Don't believe me, listen again.

Go ahead, say it. This is a weird topic to be posting about. I agree. Sometimes I just like to analyze things.

Lack Of Originality...

I watched Impact this week to see the much-touted debut of Mick Foley. To say I was disappointed would be the understatement of the year. the most glaring problem was that his introduction to the TNA audience was used as a vehicle to get Kurt Angle over as a heel. Many would argue this has already been done, but I disagree. Why Mick was immediately thrust center story is beyond me. I think he would have been much more effective if brought into the fold slowly. I should think the people in charge would be familiar with the concept of a slow build. Tell me, why has the role of a Special Enforcer become this company's go-to way of bringing new talent in? Nothing is ever done in moderation. Nothing ever changes. It saddens me to think of the high probability that a legend like Mick Foley won't be used properly or to full potential.

Prank Calls...

I don't know why people think they're so funny. Have been getting them quite a bit lately, and am really annoyed. Got one about ten minutes ago from someone claiming to be an old friend from high school. Knew my name, the right school, what shop I had been in. Asked me if I wanted to go to lunch at Applebee's. Honestly, at tha point, not remembering who he was, I was getting a little freaked out. I was about to politely decline when I heard the voice say to someone "See, I told you he was fucking retarded." After that, a laugh and a hang up. Just plain strange.

Perfection!

Maria Kanellis is the latest WWE diva chosen to be a Playboy covergirl. I think she is the most beautiful woman on the planet. Absolutely flawless!

Everything Is Under Control...

I panicked this morning when I went to check my email and discovered my Internet down. After unsuccessfully trying to fix it myself, I called Comcast and they said they weren't going to be able to send somebody out until tomorrow. For someone as dependent on a computer as I am, that wasn't good news. Thankfully, when Tess came for lunch, she located the reset button on the modem, and everything seems to be in working order. Crisis averted! :)