June 29, 2009
Today, we asked soap stars to tell us their favorite Michael Jackson song or memory, which you can click here. My first concert ever was the Jackson 5 at Radio City Music Hall in 1975. I was six and can still remember how exciting it was going backstage to meet the group after. Last night, I pulled out my souvenir photo from that night and shook my head in disbelief that Michael is dead. My favorite J5 song? "Sugar Daddy." And while it's so hard to choose from Michael’s solo catalogue, I'll go with "Human Nature." (But if you want to get me up dancing, just play "Off The Wall.")

May 20, 2009
As goofy, at times, as the Vienna/Henry/Brad/Katie baby story has been on ATWT, it certainly has provided some serious emotional moments. Terri Colombino really showed Katie's despair after learning that Vienna was pregnant with Henry's baby, not Brad. And Ewa da Cruz just broke my heart after Vienna lost the baby following her fight with Katie. If anything, this story has certainly proved that this foursome is good for more than comic relief. And now to put my DAYS hat on, I want to thank the members of The Dirty Martini: An EJ and Nicole Fansite (http://thedirtymartini.net) for the beautiful pink rose plant they sent me today. My office looks so bright and I've had a few envious visitors already...

March 27, 2009
I couldn't leave for the weekend without acknowledging the lovely gifts I received this week from the Steve and Kayla fans. I think my office mates might be getting a little jealous, though I'm sharing! Steve & Kayla Fan 4ever send an awesome edible fruit basket that lasted about an hour in our kitchen. The note said, "Spring has come and with it comes hope that we will have our favorite couple Steve & Kayla back on DAYS soon. Because as long as one heart still holds on, then hope is never really gone. Stephen and Mary Beth are missed and needed. Bring 'em back DAYS, ASAP!" I also received lovely Gerber daisies from another S&K fan, who wrote "Just like daisies are a simple flowers, we simply need Steve and Kayla back on DAYS!" They certainly brighten up my office. Thanks to all of you.

March 17, 2009
Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone, but especially to the fans of DAYS's Steve and Kayla, who have bombarded me with gifts (see the pics below)! To Tami Jones, thank you for the yummy shamrock cookies and Irish Whiskey truffles (don't tell that I had one during work hours!). To Kimber and Sherry, thank you for the amazing fruit bouquet. I had some juicy strawberries this morning with my cereal. And finally, I don't have a name, but thank you for the beautiful "lucky day bouquet" and chocolates that just arrived. My office looks great and my co-workers are thrilled with our treats. I really love your thoughtfulness, but please, don't spend your money on me! An email or postcard will do just fine. Thanks again.

February 18, 2009
I had the great fortune of getting an advance screening copy of SOAPnet's new series, BEING ERICA, which premieres February 19, and I already LOVE IT. In brief, it's about a woman who is able to go back in time to high school and redo all of the things she thinks went wrong. Erin Karpluk is the lead and she's very engaging. The music is awesome. The clothes of the early 90s are worse than I remembered. I am already angling to get more episodes on DVD before they air. Bottom line, it's just a fun, escapist show. Be sure to tune in; I'm sure you'll be hooked.

February 5, 2009
I spoke to a friend of mine yesterday who is a big fan of GH and Y&R, but she told me she was a little off both shows right now. "Where's the romance?" she asked. "That's why I watch. I don't want to see a biotoxin story; I want to see relationships and love stories." I see her point. Whenever I browse through old issues or read up on my soap's history, I notice that most of the storytelling in daytime's early years revolved around love, infidelity, divorce, illness and mental illness. Amnesia was probably as out-there as it got. Though audiences may be more sophisticated these days, I believe they want the same kinds of stories that made people tune in in the beginning. I don't need bells and whistles; just look at what Y&R is doing with Nick and Sharon. I can't wait to see where that story is going. Will they reunite? Will Phyllis lose her mind when she finds out? It's keeping me tuned in. Speaking of Y&R, its sister show, B&B, is riveting this week. I am loving the scenes of Stephanie and Taylor freaking out over Rick and Steffy's romance. It's pure soap. And thank GOD Nick recognized Bridget in that silly black wig. I was worried there for a moment...

January 27, 2009
The Brady Pub is providing some fun, lighthearted moments these days. It started with the playful banter between Bo, Hope, Steve and Kayla — and Hope commenting on Steve's new haircut. When Abe came in and asked to talk to Bo, the group responded with a joking "ooooh" that indicated Bo was in trouble, something you would do in real life. But even cuter was the food fight between Lucas, Chloe, Allie and Johnny. You could tell from the actors faces that their laughter was genuine. (And kudos to Nadia Bjorlin (Chloe), for sitting through scenes with mashed potatoes in her hair and on her face!) I'm also loving seeing John Aniston more regularly. Victor's haughty reaction to the food fight — and his naysaying in general — provides some unexpected comic relief. Victor is still a forced to be reckoned with; I hope they keep him in the mix.

January 6, 2009
It's early January, but SOAPnet is kicking off its Valentine's initiative early with a couple of HILARIOUS, adorable karaoke videos featuring the game stars of ABC Daytime. Crooning along to "I Think I Love You" and "I Got You, Babe" are Bradford Anderson (Spinelli, GH), Ricky Paull Goldin (Jake, AMC), Brandon Barash (Johnny, GH), Brandon Buddy (Cole, OLTL), Rebecca Budig (Greenlee, AMC), Bobbie Eakes (Krystal, AMC), Laura Wright (Carly, GH), Julie Marie Berman (Lulu, GH), Bree Williamson (Jess/Tess/Bess, OLTL), Michael Easton (John, OLTL), Eden Riegel (Bianca, AMC), Erika Slezak (Viki, OLTL), Susan Haskell (Marty, OLTL), Jason Cook (Matt, GH), Kirsten Storms (Maxie, GH), Kelly Monaco (Sam, GH), Greg Vaughan (Lucky, GH), Kimberly McCullough (Robin, GH), Jason Thompson (Patrick, GH), Kristen Alderson (Starr, OLTL), Jason Tam (Markko, OLTL) and Melissa Claire Egan (Annie, AMC). I was surprised to see how good of a singer Anderson is; he steals the show in the videos as much as he does in Port Charles. And Goldin's humorous delivery in the Partridge Family classic should not be missed. SOAPnet really has the most entertaining commercials. Now their videos rock, too. Check them out at soapnet.com.