On Again, Off Again...

TNA is off the DVR again! Since Hogan and company arrived on January 4th, things have gotten steadily worse. I can no longer watch the greatest wrestler in the world (AJ Styles) be made into a cheating bafoon. It literally hurts too much. Ric Flair has shit all over his unparalleled legacy by allowing himself to become a ridiculous sideshow comedy act. Wrestlers way past their prime, and unable to contribute anything meaningful to the company (read Hall, Nash, and Waltman), dominate programming. Matches are afterthoughts in favor of backstage vignettes and interviews. When we're lucky enough to actually see one, it's blink and miss. I refuse to continue subjecting myself to the atrocity that is TNA. A complete change in direction is the only thing that would make me even begin to consider tuning back in.

Another Recast!

Aaron Refvem is out as General Hospital's Morgan. Apparently, he's booked a pilot for NBC. Aaron Sanders will assume the role beginning April 14th. I really like Refvem, and hope he hits it big.

Mischievous!

We celebrated my brother's birthday last night. I asked for some new pictures to be taken because it's been a while since I've had any. This adorable one was snapped just as the nephew was looking for trouble in the bathroom. Love the priceless expression on his face.

Words Cannot Describe...

Quote Of The Moment...

"Laugh for me. Cry for me. Pray for me. Lie for me. Live for me. Die for me."

-Burn-Linzi Hateley

Brook Lynn Returns!

Adrienne Leon is set to reprise her General Hospital role as Brook Lynn. As of now, the return is recurring. Brook Lynn was before my time, but I know the actress is extremely popular, and supposedly very good. Should be interesting to watch.

Amazing Ainsworth!

The honors this time around go to Lexi Ainsworth as Kristina on General Hospital. The scenes where Kristina is laying in the hospital bed begging Kiefer for answers as to why he beat her were absolutely phenomenal. It's great to see such a young actress so polished and committed. Lexi knew exactly when and how to play certain moments. I also very much admire the fact that she kept everything grounded and believable. In an intensely emotional scene like this one, it would have been very easy to go over the top and fall into scenery chewing. She didn't.

Quick shout-out to the makeup department for doing such a great job with the cuts and bruises.

Waterworks were great as well. Bravo, Ms. Ainsworth for a wonderful performance.

Shock!

This little piece of casting news came as of bit of a shock when I read it yesterday afternoon. General Hospital has recast the role of Michael. Fan favorite Drew Garrett will be replaced by Chad Duell. While no reason for the switch-a-roo has been given yet, I have a feeling something shady went down. I can't imagine GH would make such a seemingly drastic move without cause.

Gorgeous Day!

Seriously, how amazing is the weather today? 62, sunny, and perfect. Groceries got done, cool visit with Kyle, and good music. Listening to Barbra while buzzing around outside is one of my absolute favorite ways to spend a day.

Photographer Cast...

Former Days Of Our Lives and The Bold And The Beautiful star Victor Alfieri has joined the cast of All My Children. While not much is known about the character at this time, we do know that he'll be a fashion photographer involved with Fusion. I would assume, (though maybe I shouldn't), that the role is a significant one. Look for a debut in April.

War Of The Wire: September 29, 2003

 I didn't know much about Ring Of Honor when I got tickets to a show in Framingham, but an AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe main event was just too amazing to miss. Okay, truth time. I don't remember much about the matches themselves, but I'll never forget what happened at intermission and after everyone had left. At the start of intermission, my brother-in-law told me that AJ Styles was standing behind me talking to some people. I didn't believe him, but saw it was true when I turned around to take a look. I absolutely couldn't believe that my hero was standing that close. After some insistence, I made my way up to say hello. I remember that Paul had to introduce me, because I couldn't speak and was staring at AJ like a fool. I eventually managed to put a couple of coherent sentences together, he thanked me for my support and admiration, told me (in a sweet way) that I was silly for crying, and took the time to take a picture with me.

If that had been where the night ended, it still would have been amazing beyond words. Fortunately, there were more surprises in store for unsuspecting me. While the next part is a bit fuzzy, I think I remember having a brief conversation with the ring announcer earlier in the evening.. As Paul and I were making our way out with the rest of the crowd when everything ended, he stopped us and told us to come with him. I was completely dumbfounded and speechless when I realized he was leading us backstage. Couldn't believe I was getting to associate with people that are my equivalent of superheroes. I was fortunate enough to meet, and have small conversations with The SATs, Alexis Laree, (before she became Mickie James in WWE), April Hunter, and CM Punk. Oh, yeah, I said hello to Christopher Daniels in passing and was greeted with a "fuck you." Just incredible!

On the way out the door after all the excitement, I heard a booming voice from behind me.

"You're going to leave without taking a picture with the champ?"

I turned around to see Samoa Joe approaching me. Again, I was stunned beyond words that the champion would take time to acknowledge me. I can't even tell you what my response was because the shock I was in was making it extremely difficult to think clearly. I eventually composed myself and we took a picture.

An amazing, incredible, awe-inspiring night I will never forget!

Rockin' The Do!

The Hawk Of Mo is back! It's been a long time, but I think this is the perfect look for the warm weather. Lovin' it!

Bummer!

The Ring Of Honor show, that I'm attending with Tim and Rebecca, has been rescheduled! This sucks! Thank God I just happened to be on the website and looked. From April 9th to September 10th! Very disappointing. At least it wasn't canceled all together. Anticipation will make it even better.

Track Listing

Track listing for upcoming One Night Only: Barbra Streisand And Quartet At The Village Vanguard DVD/Blu-ray.

Introductions
Here's To Life
In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning
Gentle Rain
Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most
If You Go Away (Ne Me Quitte Pas)
Where Do You Start?
Nobody's Heart (Belongs To Me)
Make Someone Happy
My Funny Valentine
Bewitched, Bothered And Bewildered

Evergreen
Some Other Time
The Way We Were
Credits
Village Vanguard Vignette

Wonderful!

What a wonderful weekend I had! Friday started perfectly with a pancake breakfast with Tim and Rebecca at IHOP. Can't believe I'd never been before! After breakfast, we browsed around Newbery comics for a bit, and I picked up Edge: A Decade Of Decadence. When we got home, Smackdown was on tap, and actually pretty enjoyable. I had a little bit of time to myself before Sara and Chad came to watch a movie and eat pizza. Pretty perfect day.

Saturday I attended a beautiful wedding. Bride looked absolutely stunning, and everything was perfect. Between the ceremony and reception, I went to see Alice In Wonderland with my sister and brother-in-law. The movie wasn't so hot, but we definitely had fun anyway. Went to the reception for a while after I came home. Am so happy everything turned out well..

Went to the farm yesterday and spent some quality time with the family. Came home, listened to music, spent some time with Sandra, had my Sunday chat with my best friend, and fell asleep while listening to podcasts. Awesome, amazing, incredible weekend!

Regiel To Y & R... Bianca Recast!

I think that's the most shocking headline I've ever had to write. Earlier this week, rumblings that had superstar Eden Regiel joining a CBS sudster were confirmed. She will join best friend Elizabeth Hendrickson on The Young And The Restless as a Heather Stevens recast. As I don't watch Y & R, I won't comment any further.

For those scratching their heads wondering why Eden won't be returning to All My Children in her iconic, Emmy-winning role, apparently it all comes down to story. When AMC and ABC heard that Regiel was in negotiation to join the highest-rated rival soap, they immediately offered her a contract. When she inquired about story ideas for Bianca, there was no solid response. Not wanting to return just to be relegated to obscurity, Eden jumped ship.

Less than a day after confirmation of all this comes word that AMC/ABC is planning to recast Bianca. Read above and deduce what you may, but it seems to me as though this is being done completely out of spite. There's absolutely no need for Bianca to return home at the moment. TPTB have to know that whoever they find to assume the role is going to be met with a great amount (no matter how unfair to the actress) of anger and upset.

I just can't wrap my head around any of this. The soap part of my world has turned completely upside down. Utter chaos!

Revival!

Forgive me if I ramble a bit. Can hardly contain my excitement! Evita is finally set for a Broadway revival next year. According to several sources, Elana Roger, who previously portrayed Eva to much acclaim in London in 2006, will tackle the title role again. While casting for other roles is ongoing, Ricky Martin is said to have been approached by producers to play Che. What an absolute travesty that would be! Hope it's not true!

I promised myself that if Evita were to ever return to The Great White Way, I would be there no matter what. I can't believe this is actually happening! What a dream come true! My first trip to New York will be to see my all-time favorite show! Don't wake me if I'm dreaming!

Fleetwood Mac-The Dance

Before I get to the meat and potatoes of the review, I have to thank my friend, Joe. He introduced me to Fleetwood Mac eleven years ago, and this concert still holds a special place in my heart because it always reminds me of him.

Now, the good stuff. For long-time fans, the group finally reuniting must have been an amazing thrill. For me, who was completely unfamiliar with them before this viewing, I couldn't have asked for a better introduction. All members of this legendary incarnation are here, and in amazing voice. Song selection, with two glaring exceptions, (I'm So Afraid, and Tusk), is strong and well suited. The performance of Silver Springs found on this DVD is my favorite song of all-time. You're sure to tear up, if not buckle under the weight of a full-on cry, just by witnessing the raw emotion and power.

While there are no extras to speak of, the double-sided DVD does offer two audio options. First side, a very well put together 5.1 Surround. Second side, standard stereo. Picture quality is clear, and expected for a DVD of this age. The music is all that matters in this case though.

While I'm biased because of all the memories and emotions I associate with it, The Dance is amazing! There is an abbreviated CD, but I advise you to pick up this complete offering, and get lost in it.

Cover!

Official cover for the upcoming Village Vanguard DVD. What do you think? Simple and elegant. I like it for sure. Matt, over at Barbra Archives, says to expect a Blu-ray release as well. So so so excited!

Winners!

Congratulations to Debbi Morgan and Cornelius Smith, Jr. for winning NAACP Image Awards this weekend. Good work!