I hope you appreciated my year-end gift — which was NOT to do a best/worst list for soaps, since every other entertainment writer/soap journalist/hack — and their mother — slapped one onto a magazine page/Internet blog/bathroom wall. However, I will share with you one of my more delightful job-related surprises from the year that passed. File this under "It's a small world," but a face from my hometown in Pennsylvania showed up as a guest star on YOUNG AND RESTLESS, in a pivotal role, no less. If you haven't heard the name Markus Flanagan, you've certainly seen him. A successful actor for over two decades, Markus made a name for himself in both film and television. (He'll hate me for saying this, but remember the episode of FRIENDS where Phoebe dated the "sporty guy" who never wore underwear? That was him!) On Y&R, he played the guy who published Victor's phony diary and, considering his impressive track record, I was delighted at how much he enjoyed his very first soap stint. "It's like the best job of all time," he e-mailed me. And, since we'd lost touch for awhile, I was surprised to learn Markus is now an author. Having documented his adventures in the screen trade, he penned One Less Bitter Actor, offering Hollywood wannabes sound advice for dealing with the highs and lows of "the business." Needless to say, much like him, it's a hoot. (To check it out, go to www.onelessbitteractor.com) So, here's hoping that 2009 will hold even more unexpected blessings and who knows, maybe one of these days, I'll be interviewing Markus on his next soap gig.