Turning Back The Clock Of Time...

I enjoyed Raw a lot this week. The three-hour Thanksgiving extravaganza was very well put together. Not going to waste time going match by match, but did love the premise of the evening. More accurately, I loved it until Randy Orton was thrown into the mix. The guy needs a break to revitalize, and us fans desperately need one from The Legend Killer.

Speaking of a long-overdue break, DX is wearing on my last nerve. How much longer is this ridiculous shit going to continue? The perfect opportunity to make something memorable out of what transpired at Survivor Series was totally blown. I can't take much more.

While it was definitely too early for such a big push, Sheamus winning the battle royal was a very welcome surprise. Hope he proves worthy by delivering a solid main event with Cena.

Village Vanguard Release Date!

February 2, 2010 is the official release date for The Village Vanguard concert. So exciting! More soon...

Smart Decision!

Lorraine Broderick has snagged the headwriting position at All My Children. Such amazing news! Given her storied history with the show, and reputation for Emmy-winning material, I couldn't be more thrilled. While I'm definitely excited, speculation has the position being temporary. It's rumored that a permanent successor will be found when the turmoil from the move to LA has subsided. Please, use some intelligence and let the woman's track record speak for itself.

Christmas Tunes!

Thought I'd make the blog a little more festive by adding some Christmas music for the season. Some great songs on the playlist. I hope you all enjoy! Merry, merry!

MCE Rocks My Socks!

In the world of soaps, there was only one standout for me this week, Melissa Claire Egan as Annie on All My Children. This craptastic murder mystery has gone on way too long, and is so atrocious that the actors and actresses involved have given up. Except for Melissa Claire. She gives one hundred plus percent to everything she is involved in. While the writing was beyond terrible, the scenes where Annie broke down after being discarded by Adam were phenomenal. MCE is the only reason I continue to watch this show. I hope Annie never leaves Pine Valley.

I actually have an honorable mention. I have to give it up to Brian Frons for finally coming to his senses and firing Charles Pratt, Jr. Hallelujah!

Hallelujah!

What a thing to be thankful for this holiday! Charles Pratt, Jr. has officially been ousted as AMC headwriter! All right, I know it's inevitable. With the record of TPTB, people are wondering who will be brought in as a replacement. Myself, I'd like to rejoice in this news for a while before my head starts spinning with possibilities. Just let me take it in!

Hagner OUT!

It is with a heavy heart that I report the news of Meredith Hagner leaving As The World Turns. As if she hasn't already been through enough, the rumored exit story has Liberty dying of cancer. Meredith tapes her final scenes in early December.

The Directors: Barbra Streisand

As you've probably deduced, this documentary details the directorial efforts of Barbra Streisand. An in-depth analysis of each of the three films is given. The highpoint of this offering is most certainly the candid behind-the-scenes glimpse Barbra gives us through sharing her experiences and stories. Costars and other Streisand fixtures make brief appearances as well.

Of special features, there are none. Audio and video quality are quite good. Whether you want a quick lesson on the ins and outs of directing, or just take a look because it's Barbra related, this DVD is very enjoyable.

Quote Of The Moment...

"A cynical, mercenary press will, in time, produce a people as base as itself."

-Joseph Pulitzer

Village Vanguard DVD!

Just when I was sure things on the Barbra front were set to quiet for a while, word comes that her Village Vanguard performance from a couple of months ago will find its way to DVD in the first quarter of 2010. Keep in mind though, no official date has been given, and even when given, can change on a dime. Check back frequently for updates.

Big Returns For 40th!

All My Children is pulling out the big guns for their 40th anniversary celebration. In addition to the previously mentioned return engagements of Hayley and Mateo, Maria, Lily, Nina, Bianca, and Brooke will drop in as well. Wouldn't it be awesome if some of these people stuck around for a while?

Love Is The Answer Certified Gold!

Love Is The Answer, Barbra's latest offering, has officially been certified gold. This is great news and very well deserved. Congratulations! Now, let's keep our fingers crossed for Platinum!

Quote Of The Moment...

"Beneath it all I know that, looking back, I lived on your laughter."

-Without Your Love-Barbra Streisand

What The Fuck???!!!

I feel like a broken record! Don't say you're going to do something and not follow through! Do I have a sign on my head that says stupid or gullible? Why is it so difficult to be honest? Anyone who knows me, knows I prize honesty above all else. Almost as bad as saying things just because you think that's what I want to hear, is making up ridiculous excuses when asked about the blowoff later. Just be truthful! It's really not that hard!

Welcome Back, Maura!

Y'all guessed it. My outstanding star this time out is none other than Maura West. Carly returned from rehab to see her entire world turned upside down. If I had to pick one scene, the hotel room confrontation between Craig, Rosanna, and Carly would be it. There are few people in this dying genre known as Daytime Drama that bring it everytime they're on my screen. Maura West dominated from start to finish. Honestly, I forgot there were other people in the room. Amazing! Running the gamut of emotion convincingly isn't easy, and is often done poorly. Maura hit it out of the park. Even after that mouthful, I'll admit she was my choice just for showing up.

High-Def "Doc" Coming!

Barbra's classic '70s comedy What's Up Doc? is being prepped for Blu-ray. While an official release date is TBA, October of next year is targeted. Don't mark your calendars yet though. We all know how frequently dates change in Streisand land.

Stick A Fork In It!

Something very strange happened mid-week. I actually enjoyed an episode of All My Children. I don't know who the writer was, but Wednesday's show was put together really well, and had excellent dialogue. Performances were on point as well. The glimmer of hope didn't last long, as Thursday was right back to stinksville. David Canary deserves an Emmy just for making the garbage he's given believable.

How are One Life To Live and As The World Turns in danger of cancellation, while this hot mess of a show sits pretty atop the ABC soap heap? It's time to bid Pine Valley adieu. Let it end while we still remember the good. The world has gone insane.

Senseless Violence!

Everyone knows that, more often then not, when a character leaves the General Hospital canvas, it's in a body bag. Claudia is apparently no exception. Speculation as to how she would bite the big one has circulated for weeks, and now everyone knows. She died at the hands of an axe-wielding Michael. Not going to lie, I'm having quite a bit of trouble with this development.

While I agree that a gruesome exit was inevitable and deserved, why did Michael have to be the one to do Claudia in? I understand that she's the reason he was in a coma for a year, but violent revenge isn't exactly the best answer. Instead of plunging an axe into the back of her skull, Michael would have done better to keep Claudia safely secure until the proper authorities arrived to bring the situation to a logical conclusion. Making a teenage boy a killer is senseless and stupid. Where does everyone involved go from here? I just keep thinking how awesome the story would have been if the climax had taken the less-then-obvious route.

The Story Of My Life: 2009 Original Broadway Cast

Simply truthful, The Story Of My Life takes an honest look at the ups and downs of friendship. Wil Chase and Malcolm Gets tackle their roles of Thomas and Alvin with ease and conviction. I won't go into the story, except to say there's an unexpected twist at the end that caught me completely by surprise.

This isn't a show where the lyrics get stuck in your head for days, nor are they particularly memorable. The score is soft and understated, moving things along at a perfect pace. Taking the entire package into account, The Story Of My Life definitely deserved a longer life than it had. I love shows with substance and heart. Be prepared to come away from this one inspired and with a deeper appreciation of what you have.

Maze Of Fragmented Ramblings...

It’s amazing really. Trying to explain to someone how much they mean to you without sounding foolish. You close yourself off for so long, for fear of feeling. Then the stars align and everything unexpectedly comes into focus. Something as seemingly unimportant as the back of someone’s head, or a spur-of-the-moment joke, can change your life in ways thought impossible. If you’re one of the lucky few to find Everlasting, how tight do you hold on?

I’m scared of getting comfortable. It’s always meant devastation. At what point can you start to breathe without worrying you’re on borrowed time? It’s not true you know. While the passage of time certainly helps, it doesn’t completely heal wounds. Move forward in your own time. Don’t worry about being judged. Love with all you are, even after it looks to be done. Resist letting any one thing define you, but acknowledge assistance in shaping is a necessity.

And, just like that, it’s over as quickly as it began.

Inspiration…

Hogan And TNA Partner Up!

Yes, it's true. Hulk Hogan and TNA are business partners. What does this mean for the company? Nobody seems to really know at this point. Personally, I'm conflicted. With Hogan comes the name recognition that TNA desperately needs. A definite pro. On the flip side, history shows that when Hogan is attached to a project or company, he usually becomes its focal point. Con. Lest we forget, with Hogan comes Eric Bischoff. With his entrance into the mix, it's widely believed that Vince Russo's days are numbered. Incredible pro. If you're reading this and have any wrestling knowledge at all, you know it's also true that Bischoff and Hogan like to surround themselves with friends and give them undeserved pushes to the detriment of a company. Con a thousand times over. I could go on like this for days, but you get the point. It's a game of wait and see.

Halloween Fun!

Everyone knows that I don't like Halloween. But, when the opportunity to go out trick-or-treating with my nephews and niece presented itself, I couldn't say no. Originally, I wanted to replicate Lady GaGa's look at the end of her Paparazzi music video. I thought better of that idea when I realized it would probably scare the little ones. Rebecca was kind enough to pick up a wig, cape, and some makeup to transform me into a vampire. A fun night was had by all. I don't think I looked too bad either. Definitely dressing up again next year.

Outstanding Star...

Okay, I want to admit something first. This idea is not an original one. That being said, I think it very important to recognize great work in Daytime, so that's what I'm setting out to do.

My first choice this time around this Julie Pinson from As The World Turns. Janet praying in the chapel for God to spare Brad's life was amazing. I appreciated the fact that it all felt so honest and real. Julie opted to take the understated root, and a wise choice it was. My heart broke when the tears started flowing. Great stuff.

A close second, Sarah Brown as Claudia on General Hospital. Even while Claudia was suffering a psychotic break and kidnapping a woman in labor, Sarah managed to keep it all grounded. With the writing providing no service whatsoever, I imagine it must have been extremely difficult for her to believe the nonsense Claudia was spewing. Somehow though, it was all believable and heartfelt. Crying gets me almost every time and Ms. Brown does a great job in that department. Kudos for making the shit rise above itself.