Someone's In The Kitchen...

Doesn't get much yummier then this. My mom's Chicken Enchilada Casserole! Almost everything I love in a single dish! Chicken, cheese, salsa, nacho chips, and, did I mention CHEESE! Makes my tummy and tastebuds so happy!

Date For "Doc" Blu-ray!

Look for What's Up, Doc to debut on Blu-ray on August 10, 2010. Bonus features and other details forthcoming.

Awesome!

I love my blog. I can't believe how fast it's growing. Would just like to thank all my followers. Means so much that you value what I have to say. So happy right now!

James Mitchell Passes...

Sad news. Over the weekend, actor James Mitchell passed away. He, and Palmer Cortlandt, will be greatly missed. I hope All My Children puts together a fitting tribute, and gives the character a respectable sendoff.

Quote Of The Moment

"Backstabbing always leaves blood on your hands, no matter how slick you are with a blade."

-John Barrowman

Les Miserables: 1985 Original London Cast

This recording is unique, in that both brilliance and mediocrity are on prominent display. There's no disputing that Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil created a masterpiece with this work. Music, lyrics, and story are among the greatest in the history of musical theatre. My problem lies more with the interpretation of this particular offering. To begin, though this is hard for me to say because of my love for her, I think Patti Lupone was terribly miscast as Fantine. Playing her as a weak victim of circumstance does the character a great disservice. It's also unfortunate that Patti's incredible voice never realizes its full potential.

Why are significant portions of the show missing? Failure to include pivotal scenes and songs is not only unnecessary, but may cause confusion. If a complete version exists, I hope it sees release someday.

Big thumbs up to the bare orchestration. In stark contrast to the lushness of the 10th Anniversary Concert, a gritty reality and simplicity is found. Continuing in a positive light, the original lyrics are extraordinary, and make one question why they were ever rewritten. With the exception of the above mention, this cast is perfect.

The first in a long line of English Les Miserables recordings, The Original London Cast is my pick for all-around standout.

Federal Agent Cast...

Former Another World star Dahlia Salem will join General Hospital in the role of Federal Agent Claire Walsh. First airdate for actress and character are unknown.

Double Casting Shot...

Sarah Wilson will take over the role of Liberty when fan favorite Meredith Hagner vacates. Wilson will debut in March. With the show set to end this September, I think recasting is a mistake. Let Liberty lose her battle with cancer, Meredith earn an Emmy nomination, and fans be spared a useless shakeup.

In related news, Valentina de Angelis will assume the role of Faith Snyder. No further information is available at this time.

The Next "Nature Boy?"

Okay, so everybody knows that AJ Styles turned heel at Genesis and joined forces with Ric Flair. Still don't know exactly how I feel about that, but have heard some very unsettling Impact taping spoilers. Apparently, Flair is grooming Styles to be the next "Nature Boy." What exactly does this mean? I honestly have no idea. I can see it now though. Incredibly cheesy vignettes centered around Ric teaching AJ the proper way to "Whooooooo."

Though this next point wasn't originally mine, it's definitely something to be concerned about. Let's say that whoever is in charge realizes halfway through the angle that it's not working. Do they scrap it entirely, or play it for laughs? Allow me to clarify. Everyone knows that AJ has a thick southern accent. Here's what I see happening. It becomes obvious fairly early on that the idea of turning Styles into a sophisticated, cocky heel doesn't have legs. The whole thing gets turned around on itself, the accent is focused on and overemphasized, TNA's top draw and greatest talent is turned into a country bumpkin joke.

Am I reading too much into this? Probably. Are my fears groundless? I certainly hope so. Knowing the track record of the people involved however, skepticism doesn't even begin to describe what I'm feeling.

More Door Drama!

Turns out the problem with my door isn't fixed after all. The button isn't the culprit though. Apparently, it has something to do with the electrical unit that makes the door open. Thank goodness I made arrangements just in case something like this happened. The company that installed everything will be here tomorrow to get it all working again... hopefully.

Scenery Chewing 101...

Okay, I have to go there. Judi Evans is ridiculous! I have never seen such an over-the-top display as when Paulina was finally ready to come clean to Grant. Hollering, screaming, and flailing your arms does not give a scene depth. Along those same lines, the ability to cry on cue isn't the only requirement to being a good actress. As if those scenes weren't vomit and headache inducing enough, I was forced to sit through yet another Jake/Paulina confrontation. Thank God for Tom Eplin. He was the only thing keeping me from putting a gun to my head. I honestly don't understand how Judi is so highly regarded. I think she's terrible. She officially gets my vote for the worst recast in history! That's saying something. Can't stand her!

Genesis

Let's begin at the beginning. I think replacing the six-sided ring with a traditional style is a big mistake. Six sides was one of the biggest things that made TNA unique. Whoever makes decisions needs to seriously rethink this one. Next, Taz has to go. He is absolutely terrible. The stuttering, calling talent by the wrong names, missing cues, and distasteful humor detract from the product.

Debuts. Impressed with one, disappointed with the other. Brian Kendrick faced off with Amazing Red for the X Division Championship. Answer me this. How does a debuting talent get a championship shot right out of the gate? I would be pissed if I'd been busting my ass just to get overlooked in favor of the latest WWE castoff. That being said, the match itself was very good, and served as proof that Kendrick deserves this chance.

Mr. Anderson's first taste of TNA action was against Abyss. Bit of unsolicited advice for whoever put this one together. When you're trying to get someone over as the next big thing, don't match them up against a man who couldn't wrestle his way out of a paper bag. Abyss' inability to do anything, with exception to stinking up the joint, severely hindered Mr. Anderson. I know he's better than this, and hope TNA quickly rectifies their mistake. This is one of the only times I can recall a victory meaning less than a loss.

Beer Money was victorious over The Band in a waste of time. When is the wrestling world finally going to realize that Sean Waltman and his running buddies bring nothing to the business?

Desmond Wolfe is the man. His match with The Pope was the second best of the night. He is amazingly innovative and inspiring. The things that this man does should be taught in every wrestling school worldwide. Just plain stunning! I see a title reign on tap for Mr. Wolfe in 2010.

Main event time. Another classic in the series of matches between AJ Styles and Kurt Angle. These two blow expectations up everytime they meet in the ring. Was phenomenal until the closing moments. I had heard that Ric Flair was going to be a mentor-like-figure to Styles. So, when he made his way to ringside shortly after the match began, I didn't think anything of it. I suppose I should have known that "The Dirtiest Player In The Game" would cheat to ensure victory for his man. I'm still disgusted. Can't anyone come up with a creative way to turn heel? I'm sick of the same old garbage. Yes, AJ retained his title. Why did it have to go down this way? I can't talk about it anymore.

Damn Door!

Wake up this morning with my door opener on the fritz. Think it gets fixed, but as soon as the cavalry leaves, malfunctioning again. Second time around, we find the real problem, and everything seems to be working now. Wheels crossed it stays that way.

Bailey Got To Know You...

Sofia Black-D'Elia is set to exit All My Children. Look for Bailey to leave town with Stuart.

Not This Time...

I tuned into American Idol for the ninth season premiere just for the hell of it. What a ridiculous waste of time. This show has become such a joke. What supposed to be a singing competition, has turned into an absolute freakshow. Refuse to get sucked in this time. Ellen DeGeneres isn't enough to convince me to stick around. Have already taken it off my DVR.

New Headwriters Named...

Soap Opera Network is reporting that David Kreizman and Donna M. Swajeski have been named co-headwriters of All My Children. I'm a fan of Ms. Swajeski's work from Another World. Not really familiar enough with Mr. Kreizman to comment. Oh, how I wish Lorraine Broderick could have been convinced to helm AMC permanently.

Too Much, Yet Not Enough...

Just a dishonorable this time round. Jonathan Jackson as Lucky on General Hospital. He completely overacted the scenes where Lucky confronts Jason about choosing to rescue Sam over Lulu. Ridiculousness on display at its finest.

Let's journey to the other end of the spectrum now. Jonathan seemed bored out of his mind during the Lucky/Nikolas confrontation. My three year old nephew showed more emotion when his toy got taken away for misbehaving. Just sad.

Raw: Could Be Interesting...

This post is for Joey.

Going in, knowing Mike Tyson wasguest hosting, my hopes weren't high. I liked the initial confrontation with Sheamus, but then when Cena, Orton, and Kingston joined the fray, it all became very ridiculous. The MVP/Miz segment ran way too long, and was just regurgitated junk. Ending, with Tyson turning on Jericho and aligning with DX was predictable and cheesy.

The Orton/Cena/Kingston match was awesome until Legacy interference led to Randy becoming the number one contender. As much as I dislike how the ending went down, I admit to being intrigued by a Randy Orton/Sheamus confrontation.

Vince promising Bret will never be seen on WWE television again wasn't exactly what I expected. I suppose it served the purpose of making Vince an even bigger heel well though. I fully expect to see Bret handing out retribution next week. There are so many different directions this could go in.

As always, I refuse to comment on anything to do with Mark Henry. They should just put his picture in the dictionary next to the definition of useless. I honestly can't remember anything else that happened.

Was great being able to bounce ideas and predictions off Tim. Definitely awesome to watch wrestling with someone who is as interested as you are.

Dixie Lives?????

Soap Opera Digest is reporting that Cady McClain is returning to All My Children as Dixie Cooney for a short stint. ABC Daytime president Brian Frons hints that the story will involve Tad. Is Dixie alive? Will this be another failed attempt to placate AMC's massive Tad/Dixie fanbase with an insulting ghost storyline? I suspect the latter. Unless an in-the-flesh Dixie returns, this is all pointless.

So Unfortunate...

Just want to say how bad it stinks that As The World Turns is going off the air. This show has such unfulfilled potential, and great storylines in the works. Very unfortunate. Moving on...

Who ever thought Craig would be the voice of logic and reason? Everything he pointed out to Jack about their respective treatment of Carly is true. As much as I think Jack and Carly should be the endgame, some serious self-examination on each of their parts is necessary.

Where does Janet fit into all this? I don't see a Dusty pairing having any sort of longevity. Truthfully, I think the final months of the show would be much more enjoyable without him around. Janet is going to have enough on her plate with Liberty's diagnosis anyway. Should provide emmy reels for all involved. May even put them in the race for top honors at this year's awards.

Blah, Blah, Blah!

Sorry I haven't been posting all that much. Just haven't had a whole hell of a lot to say. Would like to eventually write about the TNA/WWE showdown, but still trying to wrap my head around everything that's happened. Don't want to be one of those people who post just to post. Wait, isn't that what I'm doing right now? Anyway, hopefully something will spur inspiration soon.

Can't Believe It!

Hallelujah! Julia Barr will be reprising her emmy-winning role of Brooke English on All My Children beginning February 23rd. I can't even begin to tell you how happy this news makes me. No word yet regarding reintroduction or storyline. With Lorraine Broderick at the helm, I have the utmost confidence that it will be amazing. Welcome back, Brooke! We've missed you so!

Quote Of The Moment...

"1 Saviour + 3 Nails = 4 Given"

Happy Anniversary!

On this day in 1970, legendary soap scribe Agnes Nixon introduced the world to All My Children. For forty years, this television staple has been a part of our daily lives. One of the most endearing things about this show is its willingness to tackle difficult issues with grace and poise. When a story is written and acted well, it can oftentimes serve as an educational tool on the topic with which it deals. Ms. Nixon, and most other creators involved with this groundbreaking drama, have, through their tireless work and dedication, insured that Pine Valley will live forever.

So, on this momentous milestone of an anniversary, I would like to thank All My Children for being a part of my life I couldn't imagine living without. We've had our ups and downs, and are sure to have many more as we continue this journey together. With cautious optimism, I look forward to many more years. Happy anniversary, All My Children. Here's to an endless existence!

Delay!

The Village Vanguard DVD has and delayed! It is now expected to be released sometime in April or May.