Much Luck & Love  by Diane

 

Hello all of my All My Children Fans and Friends! I have been absent from writing for a bit since I have not had much time to do so, but from my heart as someone who worked with the show and the fan club over the past years, I am finally getting around to wishing them the best of success and all the good things that come along with it, in their new home out in LA!

 

To me it still does not seem real that they are gone and so far away, its like a little piece of NY was ripped away from me!   With daytime being in so much jeopardy over the past year, I hope that AMC thrives in their new location and they reach new and outstanding achievements.  New location, new writers, sounds like they are on their way up!

 

I'm not gonna lie, I am really missing them here in NY where they belong! I'm still a fan and will be for life!

I agree with Agnes Nixon when she says "They Are All My Children" and they always will be for me too!

 

 

The ABC's of the Economy by Diane 10/15/09

 

In light of all of the changes in daytime these days for economical reasons of course, some interesting thoughts have popped into my mind as I am watching and reading some of the big changes going on right in front of my eyes on a daily basis, some things make sense as far as cutting costs, while others seem to make no sense at all. I mean I know that moving AMC to the west coast and moving OLTL down the street to the AMC building benefits both shows, or does it? I question this because us folks here on the east side of the country are stripped down to two shows come the new year, and that's kind of a frightening thought.

 

In a year when a 72 year old show such as GL was pulled off the air, to have these major changes at ABC just makes me think even harder. State of the art for both OLTL & ABC, what does it all mean?

 

To uproot a staple in daytime such as AMC and jog the lives of fans, but more so actors has been a huge shock to the system.

 

Like I said, some things add up while others don't. Is ABC really going to save money in the long run having some of the Pine Valley crew on flights back and forth to tape shows? Sounds kind of costly to me. Such favorites as Torsten Kaye, Beth Ehlers, Ray MacDonald (what's PV without Dr Joe?), and what about an actor like Aiden Turner with a huge fan base (I for one!) getting ready to make the move out there and they fire him? That really doesn't sound right to me either. I can't tell what's helping or what's hurting anymore, too many contradictions. Is Brian Scott Frons maybe flying without a net? Grasping at straws? Maybe he really doesn't have a clue as to which direction he is going in and is just taking a huge gamble.  

 

Just this week I read something that made me really ponder the thought BIG TIME about this whole budget thing, when I read that GH was bringing in James Franco a movie actor, and big box office to boot.  His most recent high grossing film was Pineapple Express in which he was nominated for a golden globe for his performance and also won and Emmy portraying James Dean a few years back.  I love him, I really do, he's a hunk and hunks matter  and don't get me wrong he is a great actor, but I don't think the price tag for him came on discount.  This one really made me scratch my head the most.

 

I made a prediction about 5 years ago, and I hope I am totally wrong about it.  I felt that when Soap Net came into play, it seemed apparent that the major networks were going to be phased out little by little where soaps were concerned especially as far as in the ratings.  So far this is all trickling down, just like the economy problems started, nothing happens over night.

 

Days & Y&R, have joined the Soap Net bandwagon, and of course  when it started out, it was strictly just an ABC network. So with that being said, and being coupled along with the whole LA thing, this kind of really makes me think. My conclusion? I think everything will eventually go to LA, and will run strictly on Soap Net, and the ones that can't fit out there may get canceled.  Scary thought but that has been my prediction thus far. I know nothing, this is just my theory.  Talk shows and game shows will prevail in the daytime major network time slots, and cable companies will profit as far as everyone will have to have digital in order to have Soap Net to watch their shows.

 

This is my take on the ABC's of Daytime and the economy, and some things just don't add up.          

 

 

 

My Silent Partner

by Carol Dickson

 

I send my hearfelt thanks to AnneMarie for dedicating the fan club party to my husband Jim.  He was everything you would want in a man, a husband and a father and for 48 years I was blessed with having him by my side.  I could never have been able to do what I did with the fan clubs without his constant support.

 

The 2009 Daytime Emmy's or the Vanessa Show? by Diane 8/31/09

 

It seemed like we soap fans and fans of daytime in general waited forever to catch this years Daytime Emmy show, and while we all know it had been a strange ride getting us  there this year, we finally made it, and somehow the show was even stranger than the time it took to get there!  OK the CW is a nice network with some nice programming, but for starters that's what I noticed, the commercial breaks were not regular commercials, the majority were all promos to network the CW shows, is this a good thing to help daytime I ask?

 

Vanessa Williams is a beautiful talented woman, but did we really need to see her sing and dance and appear in skits as much as we did? She was predominantly the whole show. OK dancing with Gilles, I'll give her that he is yummy to look at for sure, but other than that it was an overkill. What is happening here? Is everyone trying to bury daytime a little more each year?

 

Everyone's acceptance speeches were cut short, there were no clips of any kind showcasing the scenes our day timers submitted, and GL? What a disgrace! 72 years on TV and being canceled and that is what they called a tribute? Shameful!

 

The Red Carpet show looked more like a local news broadcast than anything you would normally see in the past in Hollywood, oh so disappointing. I don't know about you, but I always enjoyed the shoe cam. From a woman's standpoint that's a big loss!!!!

 

On the plus side my OLTL at least took home the gold for the directing (so well deserved) and Susan Haskell for lead actress was really a thrill (should have been Bree, too) Tamara Braun has been on so many shows in one year (GH, AMC, & Days) I forgot what show she was even on, I like her but I am sure her on screen time because of being in PC, PV & Salem in a short amount of time could not have been as much as Bree's screen time in Llanview!        

 

Vincent Irizarry's win was bittersweet and well deserving, and Jeff Branson for his current role as Shane on GL was a real treat...Huge fan of his...bring back Jonathan Lavery to Pine Valley, or create a new role for him on OLTL (or he'd make a good Joey....hint hint) 

 

Another plus as well was Daytime Gives Back. The whole segment with Tony Geary, Kelly Monaco, and Susan Lucci was moving and so important to show, and wonderful to see all the help our daytime community is doing to help feed starving children in Africa, outstanding job, along with a 40 year tribute to Sesame Street. It was so well deserving, and so much fun, and brought back the kid in all of us!

 

With all of this being said, it was for me a very sad state of affairs for the Daytime Emmy's. More should have been done for our soaps and less should have been done with a hostess that literally, STOLE THE SHOW!!!        

 

 

11th Annual Celebrity Softball Game by Diane Casale  6/13/09

 

 

Once again I made it a point to make my trip out to Midwood High School in Brooklyn on June 6, to watch the softball game between ABC & CBS for the charity of Tammy Rubin Rice, Shorefront Friends for Hospice.  Each year this event proves to be so much fun as the game is always unpredictable and you never know quite what's going to happen from pitch to pitch and inning to inning!  I had my usual spot in the dugout where I could watch the game up close. Their was a nice turnout of actors from both networks again this year. Actors from AMC, OLTL, GL, & ATWT were all on hand.

 

There were a lot of highlights of the afternoon, but for me seeing a lot of the newer cast members on OLTL was a big thrill. Brett Claywell (Kyle) and Scott Evans (Fish) were a lot of fun, especially Brett. He spent a lot of time talking with me about the show and how much he is enjoying himself and has a lot of storyline ahead of him. He was so impressed when I told him about my mother being a true One Tree Hill Fan, and as soon as she saw him appear on OL for the first time, she knew him right away, he said my mom has a "keen eye", very cute, very nice. I also love being around Scott Clifton (Schuyler) he is so friendly and upbeat, and is truly great with the fans. The other actors from OL that were in attendance were Jack Rovello (Justin), Jason Tam (Markko), Brittney Underwood (Langston) Austin Williams (Shane), Shenell Edmonds (Destiny), and Terrell Tilford (Gregory), who was accompanied by his beautiful wife Victoria G Platt. Most GL watchers will remember her as Vicky Spaulding, and than she had a brief stint on AMC in 1996 as Corinne Elroy.  When Terrell was on GL as David, that's where he and Victoria met, and the rest is history! They are one beautiful super couple inside and out. Spent lots of time with both of them and I kept Victoria company during the game. Very nice. Dawn Williams, Austin's mom is always a pleasure to be around, and Shenell had lots of family with her including her little brother!

 

The MC this year for the game was BethAnn Bonner currently on GL as Natasha and she was our ex Talia on OL, and is sorely missed, needless to say the GL fans were happy to see her, but the OLTL fans were even happier, and expressed just how much she is missed in Llanview.

         

On to AMC, they had two actors in attendance both newcomers as well, Brittney Allen (Marissa), and Adam Mayfield (Scott).  I spent lots of time with Adam and when I heard AMC was going to recast the role of Scott, I was one of the people that was praying that it would have been Forbes March who before joining OL was Scott Chandler, however, I am now happy that Forbes found a spot on ATWT, and Adam is on AMC. He is a superb actor, and has already been showing us his in depth range on screen, being thrust right into a storyline surrounding his dad Stuart Chandlers death...BRAVO!    He is a super guy,and it was my pleasure to get up close and personal with him. Brittney seemed thrilled to be there and was in awe of the fan support she was receiving being a new character in Pine Valley. She and Brett spent lots of time chatting and its nice to see two new actors on both of our ABC shows connecting and making friends, all one big happy family! 

 

The game was fun, HR's being hit all over the place and lots of beer being consumed!  That's always what makes it so much fun. Lots of auction items and raffles took place to raise money for the foundation. In fact a whopping total of $7,000 was raised, pretty successful I'd say!

 

From CBS such actors a Caitlan van Zandt, Michael Park, & Billy Magnussen were there, just to name a few, as their were tons!   

 

All in all this was a fun day, spending time with familiar faces and new ones. Lots of money raised, and a good time had by all! By the way for the first time in ages CBS beat ABC, ready for this score? 24-22, yes it was baseball not football guys, but just honest and true good clean fun! Hope my ABC regains their title in 2010!    

 

The Sacrifices of Daytime -- Diane Casale 1/28/09

I know that he writers of soaps have a really tough job to fill day in and day out, and sometimes a character needs to be written out for the sake of telling a good story, but sometimes it hurts to say the least when it comes down to someone who you really like, and especially when they are a big fan favorite as well.  In this article I am speaking of the final ending to the story about Kendall waking up from her coma, after receiving the new heart that she needed to live. I know she is a huge favorite of AMC fans big time, and most have anxiously been awaiting the return of Kendall Hart/Slater and her portrayer Alicia Minshew for quite some time now. 

Much to my dismay a character and actor that I really adored on screen and off had to come to his demise to save Kendall and give her that new heart. Colin Egglesfield will surely be missed by me a great deal.  I think it was sad and a waste of time to bring Colin back as Josh and show the viewers just how crazy he had gotten, way over the edge, to the point of getting himself shot. OK, like I said I know its daytime where a lot of sacrifices have to be made, and to see Erica have to deal with the reality  that she had to take her son off life support to give Kendall a chance to live was sad and heart wrenching, and it did give Susan some wonderful scenes to dig in to, but poor Colin!

He is a real doll off of AMC, and he brought a lot to Pine Valley. Colin supported the show and his fans to the max, and its the ultra good people like him that you hate to see go.

So while AMC opted to tell a good story, I think they lost a lot when they lost Colin. I wish him much success in the future and hope he gets all that he deserves.        

 

 

I'll Be Around -- Diane Casale 1/1/09

 

Happy New Year!  As most of you know by now, I have taken over as the President of the Official One Life to Live Fan Club. For nearly 15 years I was involved with not only OLTL, but AMC as well and you guys have read my columns over the years. So no fret. I will still be here as a featured columnist for Pine Valley. I still am a true fan of the show and always will be, and now I can enjoy it more from that standpoint of a fan that is, instead of a job per say. I still love to write, and when I feel so compelled to you will read it right here. I want to thank all of the AMC fans that have supported me and my many articles and stories  throughout the years, and I will still be around for you all, maybe not as frequent as in the past, but I will still be here. AnneMarie Donelin is a good friend of mine and a devout fan of AMC.  She is going to make a great president.  When she took over, of course she asked me if I could still contribute articles from time to time for the newsletter, and of course I said yes.  

 

Just wanted you to know that I am grateful for the friends I have met over the time spent with the AMC family, you guys are great.

 

AMC has really picked up tremendously since Charles Pratt has taken over, and there will be lots to write about over the months ahead, no doubt.  So everyone stay tuned, and keep the ratings alive for your favorite show, that's very important to do. To all the fans that want to write some of your own articles, do so! I know we'd love to have you!

 

I'll be around, you can't get rid of me that easily!         

November Sweeps  by Diane Casale 11/7/08

I am writing this in regards to both OLTL and AMC, to say that the writing on both shows as of late has been impeccable. November as we know it in soap land is a very important month for tying up many storylines and loose ends, that we watch culminate from the many months prior.  As you all well know I am a huge fan of Ron Carlivati so its a given for me to express the excitement that OLTL has been giving us. On the other hand, AMC for months was just kind of giving us lack luster story, something that we are not conditioned to for long periods of time, however, now since Charles Pratt has taken over, the show is getting back on track quickly and as a long time fan and supporter of the show that pleases me in a big way.

The tornado that rocked Pine Valley was so well done, and the effects were more than realistic. The death of Babe Chandler, the return of David Hayward, the birth of baby Gabrielle by most welcomed return character Bianca Montgomery, now with her fiancé Reese by her side, played by powerhouse actress Tamara Braun, have made for great surprises. The biggest surprise of all is that Zach Slater is the father of the baby, and that will be really great storytelling once that secret is revealed.

On OLTL of course for months the biggest story getting ready to explode is that of Todd and Marty. I know that fans have not been too pleased with the direction that OL has gone in with this based on the history of the two characters, however, in a twisted way I have enjoyed it, and as sick as it may have seemed to some, this payoff is going to be huge. Somehow in my heart of hearts, I do believe that Marty has made Todd see the good in him that he always says is there. Tess being back and settling a vendetta against sister Natalie and her love Jared for killing Nash has been exciting complete with a secret room, and dynamite!   I particularly enjoyed the way that Viki figured out where Jared and Natalie were, that was beyond clever when her alto ego Jean appeared. It wasn't that hard to figure out at that point based on what Jean had done to Dorian in her "secret room" a few years back. Seeing Niki as a figment of Tess's imagination too was a plus. Erika Slezak is the master of alter egos, and it was a real treat to see them brought back for a few days.   Starr's birth has been the other much anticipated story waiting to explode, and their will be HUGE repercussions that are going to involve a large core of the cast. The whole scam with Ray Montez and Clint Buchanan was just superb drama. Watching Clint unravel and become more and more like "Pa" Asa as time goes on, has been a pleasure to watch.

Both shows have so much to offer currently, and kudos to both of them for addressing storylines involving our current war situation in Iraq. For months we have watched OL's Brody struggle with his past serving time over there, and currently the character of Taylor on AMC is supplying us with her battle in that god forsaken place. The day that AMC had the real life war hero's on that lost arms and legs from the trauma of the war brought me to tears. At no time either did I ever think that Pratt was trying to lift the ratings by capitalizing on such a horrible time in our lives, I looked at it as a dose of reality which is what it is.

The payoffs are big in Llanview and Pine Valley, and to my favorite writer Ron Carlivati, and to the talented Charles Pratt I give my utmost gratitude for not only providing entertainment but most of all providing, we the viewers with gritty and gutsy story. I do still and always will maintain that I am proud to be a daytime viewer, and this has been some of the best stuff ever.  While all involved have been brilliant, my actors nods go to Bree Williamson and Jacob Young. While everyone has been outstanding these two have been beyond outstanding, Emmy's for 2009! Get ready for a wild ride in November, and HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!
 

In Loving Memory  by Diane Casale

I am writing this little piece to express my heartfelt sympathy to the beautiful Eileen Hurlie who graced us for so many years in portraying the beloved character of Myrtle Fargate on AMC for over 30 years. 

There are so many wonderful memories of Eileen, and Myrtle was the rock of Pine Valley. Her dress shop, and her boarding house gave us so many heart warming moments. Myrtle was like everyone's mom. I had the chance to meet Eileen on numerous occasions over the years, and she was a real sweet woman, always so good to her many legions of fans.

Now the three most powerful matriarch women of AMC are hopefully in a happy place together. The true golden girls of daytime. Eileen now has joined her friends Frances Heflin (Mona) and Ruth Warrick (Phoebe). Just think of those pillars of society in Pine Valley, and all of the love that came along with their fabulous acting, and giving us characters that we will hold in our hearts for a lifetime.

So much rich history and again so many memories. Eileen will sorely be missed. Pine Valley will never be the same again without our dear Myrtle.    

The 5th Annual Daytime Stars and Strikes by Diane Casale

On September 28, 2008, I once again attended one of my favorite soap events and that's the Stars and Strikes event, successfully in its 5th year.  This event is special because not only do you get to see a ton of your favorite daytime actors, but because all of the money they raise goes to the American Cancer Society. This is such an important charity for so many because all of us have someone in our lives, family, friends, past, or present who have battled this dreaded disease. I lost my dad to colon cancer 16 years ago, so anytime I can donate, I do, and on this day, lots of money was raised and we had a lot of fun doing it, and it made it all the more so worthwhile.

This year we were back at the newly renovated Leisure Time Lanes facility in NYC's Port Authority. The place looks beautiful and classy. The event was hosted by Jerry verDorn and Liz Keifer, and run by event coordinator Wendy Madore who along with her staff did a stellar job. Upon entry of the lanes, we all received Stars and Strikes back packs filled with lots of goodies!  Jerry & Liz together once again were terrific. They have a true friendship and a connection that will remain for life, even though Jerry now has been with OLTL for a few years.  It's nice because they are able to keep this event going because of their relationship and also involve AMC and ATWT fans and actors as well.  Beth verDorn was there as always, and this year had her mom Virginia Stewart with her to support Jerry and the cause.

Actors such as Bradley Cole, Rob Bogue, Jordan Clarke, Mandy Bruno, Gina Tagnoni, John Driscoll, Crystal Chappell, Kane Manera, and Murray Bartlett were some of the actors on hand, as well as many others from GL, a great turnout by that show. ATWT had such cast members as Billy Magnussen, John Prescott, Mick Hazen, and Ewa da Cruz just to name a few, as they had quite a group too.

Now on to ABC, our AMC bowlers were, Alexa Gerasimovich (little Kate Martin), Chrishelle Stause, Daniel Kennedy, Sterling Suileman, Amanda Baker, Denise Vasi, and Beth Ehlers. OLTL scored big with a super turnout. This is quite a list.  Brandon Buddy, Kristen Alderson, Brittney Underwood, Justis Bolding, Hillary B. Smith, Brian Kerwin, Beth Ann Bonner, Bree Williamson (with her new hubby), Chase Coleman, Austin Williams, Tia Dionne Hodge (angel Mel), Sean Riggold, January La Voy, and Melissa and David Fumero. Excellent.

Just about every actor there bowled. Jerry did not. He opted to mix and mingle and spent a lot of time with fans all day long, talking, signing autographs, and posing for pictures. He's a great guy and I am getting to know him a lot better since he joined OLTL. I used to attend GL gatherings in the past and new him a little than, but not like now since he made the move from Springfield to Llanview! Such a gentleman, and the fans really appreciate him. One of the actors who made a brief appearance was Brian Kerwin. Brian is still doing his play "August" on Broadway, and decided to stop by the lanes in between rehersals  to see his fans, and support Jerry as they are very good friends. Very noble of him indeed. I had a nice chat with Daniel Kennedy of AMC. He's a nice kid, and I love the new spin he is giving to the character of Pete Cortlandt. He's a lot of fun to watch. Brandon Buddy and I got caught up (he's my young boyfriend at OLTL, did you know that?) He was telling me a litt le bit about some upcoming story on the show that is going to be really exciting. Sean Riggold is always one of the best people to be around. So upbeat.  I took a picture of Wendy being lifted up effortlessly by him. I know how she felt suspended in mid air as I had that done to me by him at OL's fan party this year. He is so strong and everyone forgets that his other job and first job before OL and acting is that he is a professional body guard. The fans just love him!

Some of the other memorable moments were seeing the girls together again, Beth, Gina, and Liz, it was a little reunion of  GL and OLTL, and seeing newly married Melissa (ex Gallo) and David Fumero together was a nice treat, as these two were a surprise, and not on the original list of the actors who were to attend.   

Getting on to the main reason why we were all there that day, and that was to raise lots of money. There were so many raffle & auction items galore from all four shows, lots of scripts and memorabilia. AMC had great stuff like a dress that was donated by Rebecca Budig of Greenlee's and books of "Charmed" signed by Alicia Minshew's Kendall Hart, and Amanda Baker raised money for cancer by auctioning off a phone call with a fan, that's going to be a lot of fun.

One of the clever auction items from OLTL was that of a pie that was baked by Noelle at the famous Bon Jour Cafe in Paris Texas, and January was able to collect $40 for that delicious gem. She is one of my new favorites, a real sweetheart.  

Tours are always the big thing, ATWT did well. OLTL did excellent as they did three different tours. January is doing one for $400, and than two actors who were not in attendance, Robin Strasser and John Brotherton also donated tours and they were auctioned off for $400 each, not too shabby.

The biggest bid for tours went to GL as the "Aussie" boys Murray Bartlett (Cyrus) and Kane Manera (Grady) auctioned off two tours each totaling $3,000.00!!!!  WOW!!!!!

The money that was raised for cancer research that day was over a whopping $11,000.00!  That was the biggest success of all. Thanks to all of the wonderful actors and fans that made this possible.

This event was great from start to finish. My friends Jeanne and Judy were with me as always, and my out of state friends that come in for this, Clarence from Michigan, and Janice all the way from Georgia, it was so good to spend time with them.

Many thanks again to Wendy for giving it her all and making this a day to remember, and a huge success.

A job well done by Liz and Jerry.  The game was so much fun that it took my mind off of the NY Met's ending their season on that day, as well as Jerry's, both die hard fans we are!  The most important thing that day was helping raise money to fight cancer, a goal that was surely accomplished. 

Just for the record....ABC were the bowling winners!!!!  Jerry has the trophy's to prove it. See you all next year without a doubt, and lets pray that we can find a cure for cancer.