Happy Birthday Laura Koffman!!!

AMC's newest addition, Laura Koffman, celebrates her 44th birthday today. Laura plays Jesse's former love, Rebecca.

Susan's Mambo Shines!!

Although close to the chopping block again, Susan has made it past week seven of Dancing with the Stars. One thing did confuse me during the results show last night though. Host Tom Bergeron said that although the two couples were in danger of being eliminated, he said it didn't necessarily mean they were both in the bottom two. So if Susan wasn't in the bottom two, why not put the couple that was in the bottom other than Corky and Cloris on the chopping block instead of Susan?? I didn't get that.

Susan got raves from Carrie Ann and guest judge Michael Flatley for her Mambo. Bruno wasn't as complimentary but he still scored her well. It was during the "old skool hip hop" dance number that Susan stumbled quite a bit. I give her a lot of credit for going out and doing it. Cloris just stood on the stage and posed. It was well past Cloris's time to be eliminated and thankfully she was.

New Editorial and Tornado Poll!!!

A brand new Editorial is now posted. This week I'm talking about the tornado and it's aftermath, of course! Plus there's a new poll and much more! I hope you enjoy it. Just click this link or the Editorial box to the left!

CASTING NEWS!!! Rebecca Confirms Departure!

Rumors have been swirling for months, but confirmation has been released today that Rebecca Budig (Greenlee) will be departing AMC once again. Rebecca has stated that bi-coastal living has been much more difficult than she anticipated and that her life with husband Bob Guiney is in Los Angeles. But fear not Greenlee fans, the departure isn't going to be right away. Rebecca's one year contract is up in January but she will be airing until early spring. She will also be attending this years Super Soap Weekend and the Rock the Soap cruise in March!

Alicia Minshew says "I do"!!

Congratulations to Alicia Minshew (Kendall) and long time love Richie Herschenfeld. The couple tie the knot on October 26 in a small ceremony in New York. Both Alicia's father, who is a minister and a Rabbi will be officiating. Alicia and Richie met through mutual friend, Thorsten Kaye (Zach).

Cameron Mathison (Ryan) will be the only cast member at the small family oriented affair but only in an official capacity. Cameron served as photographer at Rebecca Budig (Greenlee) and Bob Guiney's wedding several years ago and Alicia loved the pictures so much, she wanted him to take the pictures at her wedding too!

While Kendall is in a coma Alicia will be taking a short hiatus from AMC to get married, honeymoon and just spend some time with her new husband and her family. But she will be returning! She has just signed a new contract with the show.

Spoilers for the Week of October 27!!

This weeks spoilers are now posted and available for you to peruse! There is so much happening in Pine Valley and for the first time in years it is back to being must see TV!!! Click the link above or the link to the left to find out what is going to happen this week. Then be sure to leave us a comment and tell us what you think!

And check back this week, a new Editorial is coming :)

CASTING NEWS: AMC Recasts Di!!!

AMC has cast newcomer Heather Kenzie in the short term role of Di Henry, Dixie's half sister, previously played by Kelli Giddish. She will begin airing the week of November 10 and will factor into Emma's recent disappearance! Look for her to cross paths with former love, Aidan Devane (Aiden Turner).

John Callahan Lands on Days!

It's been three years since Edmund's murder in the Wildwind stables, and since then John Callahan has kept busy in plays on with a role on the telenovela, Watch Over Me. But now he's headed to Salem! John takes on the role of Dr. Baker on the NBC soap beginning November 24.

CASTING NEWS!! Reese's father comes to PV!

AMC has cast veteran daytimer, Frank Runyeon, in the recurring role of Forrest Williams, Reese's (Tamara Braun) father. He begins filming in the next couple of weeks and should be seen on screen in around mid-December. Looks like there will be some tension between father and daughter as we learn that Reese's family has not be as accepting as Bianca's. Back in the 80's, Frank played Steve to Meg Ryan's Betsy on ATWT, a very popular couple back then. He has since appeared in guest roles on many shows but his main focus has been biblical plays.

Happy Birthday Daniel Kennedy!!!

Best wishes to AMC's young Pete Cortlandt! The youthful Daniel celebrates his 25th birthday today! What a great addition to the AMC cast he is. To me he's got a very Matthew Broderick, circa War Games, vibe.

Close Call for Susan on DWTS!!!!

It was almost Susan's last dance as she found herself in the bottom two last night. But in the end Toni Braxton got the ax and Susan will dance another day! Susan's Hustle was technically all it should be, but she still falls back into a very tentative vibe. Let it all out Susan and bring Erica back to the dance floor!!

Call me crazy but to have Toni get the ax over Cloris Leachman seems like a big injustice. Cloris's entertainment value ended after the first day for this viewer, and the schtick has worn out it's welcome. It's time to send Cloris packing and let the real contenders duke it out!

Don't forget to vote for Susan and Tony at (800) VOTE 4 11!!!

Jean LeClerc on Stardish!!!

What a blast from the past! Tune into Stardish Radio on October 21 at 8:30 pm EST for an interview with former AMC heartthrob, Jean LeClerc. As Jeremy Hunter, Jean had many lady loves on AMC including one Ms. Erica Kane. Who can ever forget the famous prison break when Erica rode in on helicopter to get Jeremy out of prison!

And if you can't make it at that time, you can download the interview to listen to later.

Spoilers for the week of October 20!!!

This is going to be one heck of a week in Pine Valley!!!! The spoilers for this week were so emotional I practically teared up while writing them, so I cannot wait to see the drama unfold. Check out the spoilers by clicking the here or the Spoilers link to the left.

Star Appearances!!!

Be sure to check the About Town page for all the latest appearances by your favorite stars. The link is located midway down this page, under "other links" The page has just been updated with new appearances by Bobbie Eakes (Krystal), Walt Willey (Jack) and Rebecca Budig (Greenlee). Also listed are appearances by Alicia Minshew (Kendall), Aiden Turner (Aidan) and many more!!

AMC Films 10,000th Show Today!!!

AMC will be filming its 10,000th show today!!! Ironically, today as AMC undertakes its largest special effects feat to date, we can be reminded of this little half hour show that started almost 39 years ago and starred a teenage Erica Kane!

Only two original cast members remain, Susan Lucci (Erica) and Ray MacDonnell (Joe). But just what AMC has in store for viewers for this milestone, we're going to have to wait until November to see! But here's a taste, to Susan's right is AMC creator, Agnes Nixon, who will be appearing on the 10,000th show as the ghost of one of the first settlers in Pine Valley.

Susan's Dance Partner Plays Tornado Victim!!

Tony Dovolani has definitely had the home field advantage while teaching Susan Lucci all the dance moves. But Susan returned the favor by bringing Tony to her turf... the set of AMC!!! The week of October 27, Tony will appear on the AMC as a tornado survivor where he runs into Erica Kane in the ER.

Susan Tango's The Way Erica Would!!

Susan Lucci has tangoed her way back to another week on Dancing with the Stars!! Showing a more aggressive style and diving head first into the dance of her life, Susan and Tony scored their highest scores to date (a 24 out of 30)!! On to week five!!!

Don't forget to vote for Susan and Tony by calling 800-Vote-4-11 or visiting the DWTS website.

Just in... Susan will be attending the final Super Soap Weekend in November! But due to her schedule, she will only be appearing on Saturday, November 15.

Happy Birthday Cady McClain!!!

Birthday wishes go out to Cady McClain today. She is celebrating her 39th!!

Spoilers for the week of October 13!!!

The spoilers for this week are now available! Don't miss a minute when AMC takes a huge turn this week as tornadoes rip through Pine Valley, changing everything and everyone forever!

Thank you all for your kindness, compassion and patience while I continue to deal with the devastating loss of my Grandmother.

Happy Birthday J. Eddie Peck!!!

Very happy birthday wishes go out to the former Jake Martin who celebrates his 50th (!!!) birthday today!

J. Eddie was most recently scene on the ABC Family series, Kyle XY.

Casting News! Amanda Baker OUT as Babe!

It may come as no surprise to many since it's been rumored for months, but Amanda Baker has been released from AMC. She will exit in a big way very soon!



Here's a little hint!

AMC Loses A Legend

The beautiful and talented Eileen Herlie (Myrtle) passed away on October 8 from complications of pneumonia. She will be greatly greatly missed.

Eileen was born in Glasgow, Scotland on March 8, 1918. She studied theatre and appeared in small roles in movies. But she got her big break when she was cast opposite Laurence Olivier in the film version of Hamlet in 1948. She played Hamlet's mother Gertrude even though she was 13 years younger than Olivier!

She appeared on Broadway as well, most notably in the musical Take Me Along which she was nominated for a Tony for.

In 1976 she made the leap to the small screen and debuted as former carnival worker, Myrtle Fargate. She endured everyone as the ultimate den mother at the boarding house where just about everyone has lived at one time or another. And has been surrogate mother to, most recently, Erica Kane (Susan Lucci) and confidant to Zach Slater (Thorsten Kaye).

In 1984, 1985 and 1986 she was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in the Best Supporting Actress category. And she is one of only a few actresses ever to appear on the three soaps (AMC, Loving and OLTL) as the same character.

Eileen has been married, but was divorced and has no children. She is survived by her brother Alfred as well nieces and nephews.

Eileen's legend will live on in the hearts of AMC fans who will never forget Myrtle's wise advice and calming influence in the chaotic world of Pine Valley.

Please enjoy this wonderful scene between Myrtle and Zach. Their scenes always brought a smile to my face.

Fr. Clarence Comes to Pine Valley Early!!!

Fr. Clarence, who usually makes his yearly visit to Pine Valley around Christmas will appear earlier this year. Seems a Pine Valley resident will really need the help of an angel. Look for him to appear in late October.

Casting News: Some Blasts From Jesse's Past!!

AMC has cast two new characters who will factor into the past 20 years of Jesse's life on the run. Model/actress Shannon Kane plays the contract role of Natalia, the young woman we saw hanging outside Jesse's apartment recently, waiting to talk to him. Shannon has previously appeared on Young and the Restless, and CSI: Miami, and will be seen in upcoming movie, Brooklyn's Finest.

Also cast is Laura Koffman as Rebecca, Natalia's mother. The woman from Jesse's past comes to Pine Valley on October 28. Laura has appeared on OLTL (as Cassie) and on Another World.

It's the Final Super Soap Weekend!!!

This year marks the final Super Soap Weekend! After 13 years, ABC/Soapnet has decided to hang it up and will instead focus on different events around the country, sending stars on a nationwide tour in 2009. But this year, AMC stars are out in force! Here is the list of attendees: Rebecca Budig (Greenlee), Bobbie Eakes (Krystal), Aiden Turner (Aidan), Alicia Minshew (Kendall), Melissa Claire Egan (Annie), Thorsten Kaye (Zach), Eden Riegel (Bianca), Ricky Paull Goldin (Jake), Cameron Mathison (Ryan), Darnell Williams (Jesse) and Susan Lucci (Erica).

The event takes place on November 15 and 16 at Disney's Hollywood Studios theme park in Orlando, FL.

Happy Birthday Jill Larson!

AMC's beloved wacky Opal is celebrating her 61st birthday today. Best wishes Jill!



(photo courtesy of Linda Lenzi)

Grandma Angelina 10/30/1908 - 10/01/2008

My beautiful Grandmother passed away this morning at around 5 am. After suffering a very major stroke on Sunday, September 21, she tried so hard to hold on. But she couldn't. She was just too tired and too broken. She was absolutely one of my most favorite people on this planet and now this planet is going to feel a little emptier without her. She taught me so much. She taught me things she probably doesn't even realize she taught me.

She came to this country from Sicily as a small child and then helped to raise her six siblings. Married at 15, a mother at 16 and very little education, she was the smartest person I have ever known. She lived through the Great Depression and one of the things she took from that was deep dislike of ground meat. It was the only meat available to them and for as long as I have known her, the only time she would ever touch it was when she was making meatballs for pasta. But she would only taste the mixed meat raw and that's all. She never ate those delicious meatballs she made for the rest of the family.

She began working later in life and driving even later, not getting her drivers license until well into her 50's. She worked into her 80's. A funny little story I just recently was told was that when she was 80 and working in a pizza parlor doing what she did best, cooking, she asked for a day off to go to her son's 65th birthday party. Well her boss thought SHE was 65 so he asked her how she could have a son who was 65 if that's how old she was. My quick thinking Grandma said, "he's my husband's son." She went to the party and she continued to work.

She was sharp as a tack until the very end. She knew everyone who came to visit her. She knew what was happening to her. She was aware that her condition was very bad. I sat at her side every single day, held her hand, soothed her and told her how much I loved her. And even though she could not speak, I could see in her eyes that she was telling me she loved me too.

I am who I am today because of the love of this wonderful woman. And my heart aches with sorrow at how much I will miss her. But yet, I know I'm lucky. Believe me when I say that because to be 42 years old and have a loving Grandmother in my life is practically unheard of. My whole family is lucky, especially my mother who, at 78, has had her mother her whole life. Which reminds me of another little story. Two years ago my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Grandma asked me to take her shopping for a card. When we got to the card shop she looked around and looked around. Finally she said to me, "I can't find a 'To daughter and son in law on your 50th wedding anniversary' card" I smiled and looked for another card for her. It just never dawned on her that most people don't live to see their children celebrate 50 years of marriage so a card like that most likely does not even exist.

I can go on about her forever. Her love for her family was unparalleled. But I will leave you with a thank you for all the beautiful emails and messages. For all the prayers and condolences. For being the most thoughtful people in the whole world and always making me feel special. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you and end with the poem that reminds me of my beautiful Angelina and if I have the courage, will be reciting it at her funeral on Saturday.

i carry your heart with me

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)

i fear
no fate (for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)

ee cummings