WE LOVE SOAPS TV 1.36 Y&R at the Daytime Emmys, Part 2

On Episode 1.36 of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, Roger Newcomb and Damon L. Jacobs went on location to the 37th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards in Las Vegas and spoke with several stars of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS including Sean Kanan, Elizabeth Hendrickson, Eden Riegel, Kate Linder and John Driscoll.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Click here for our red carpet interviews with Paul Rauch, Tonya Lee Williams, Greg Rikaart, Michael Muhney and Judith Chapman.



If you want to watch WE LOVE SOAPS TV on iTunes, you can find it here.

If you are in the New York City area and would like to be in the audience during a taping of a future episode of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, email us at audience@welovesoaps.net and we will keep you posted on our upcoming schedule.

Check out these links related to this episode:
- YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
- Eden Riegel - Official Website
- Kate Linder - Official Website
- IMAGINARY BITCHES featuring We Love Soaps

Become a We Love Soaps Supporter!

NEWS: JR & Kristin, Emily VanCamp, Kardashians, Hulu, CW

The CW announces fall premiere dates
THE VAMPIRE DIARIES returns Sept. 9, GOSSIP GIRL and 90210 return Sept. 13 and SMALLVILLE and SUPERNATURAL are back on Sept. 24.

90210 season premiere will feature the Kardashians
Kim, Khlie and Kourteney will all guest-star as themselves.

James Franco's FREAKS AND GEEKS coming to IFC
The classic Judd Apatow series joins IFC, starting this Friday.

On the red carpet at the Daytime Emmys!
Check out Greg in Hollywood's photos from the red carpet. You just might spot a couple of guys from We Love Soaps.

WE LOVE SOAPS TV 1.35 Y&R at the Daytime Emmys, Part 1

On Episode 1.35 of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, Roger Newcomb and Damon L. Jacobs went on location to the 37th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards in Las Vegas and spoke with several stars of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS (Tonya Lee Williams, Greg Rikaart, Michael Muhney and Judith Chapman), as well as executive producer Paul Rauch.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Click here for our red carpet interviews with Eden Riegel, Elizabeth Hendrickson, Sean Kanan, John Driscoll and Kate Linder.



If you want to watch WE LOVE SOAPS TV on iTunes, you can find it here.

If you are in the New York City area and would like to be in the audience during a taping of a future episode of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, email us at audience@welovesoaps.net and we will keep you posted on our upcoming schedule.

Check out these links related to this episode:
- YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
- Michael Muhney - Official Website
- Tonya Lee Williams - Official Website
- Rogue Machine Theatre

Become a We Love Soaps Supporter!

WATCH: Extended AS THE WORLD TURNS Tribute

CBS.com has added an extended version of the AS THE WORLD TURNS Daytime Emmy tribute. Watch it below.

WE LOVE SOAPS TV 1.34 Michael Park & Maura West

On Episode 1.34 of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, Roger Newcomb and Damon L. Jacobs went on location to the 37th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards in Las Vegas and spoke with the winner for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (and frequent WE LOVE SOAPS TV guest) Michael Park. We also share his post-win press room interview as well as Maura West's, who won as Outstanding Lead Actress.



If you want to watch WE LOVE SOAPS TV on iTunes, you can find it here.

If you are in the New York City area and would like to be in the audience during a taping of a future episode of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, email us at audience@welovesoaps.net and we will keep you posted on our upcoming schedule.

Check out these links related to this episode:
- AS THE WORLD TURNS - Official Website

Become a We Love Soaps Supporter!

INTERVIEW: James Franco - Choosing Projects He Believes In

James Franco is returning to GENERAL HOSPITAL today as bad boy performance artist Franco. His mother, Betsy, will also be appearing on the soap. What was it like working with his mom on the show? "It was strange [laughs]. She plays my character's mother so it felt kind of familiar,” James explains in an exclusive interview with We Love Soaps, “but her character was a little different than she is, and our relationship on the show is little different than our real relationship. Especially since I play a murderer on the show and I'm not a murderer in real life. So it felt more familiar and a little strange. It was almost like an alternate universe [laughs]. What could have happened if I became a murderer."

In addition to acting, James expresses his artistic side as a painter, writer and director. "My parents were art majors at Stanford. My grandmother and uncle deal art. So it's always been around," he says. "They've always supported me and my brothers doing artwork."
James started acting in high school even though he was a shy kid. "I always loved movies so I was interested in film but I was in Northern California and had no concept of how one became a professional actor," he reveals. "I was really shy but once I started acting it was like I had permission to not be shy. So it was exciting."

Damon L. Jacobs: A Special Thank You

As we were flying back to New York from Los Angeles yesterday, we realized it had been exactly one year since we announced that Damon L. Jacobs was joining We Love Soaps. Together we soon launched a radio show and later a video web series. His first interview for We Love Soaps was with Patsy Pease. It was brilliant. And he followed it up with dozens more of impressive interviews with unmatched depth and enthusiasm. In a world of cynics, he's a bright ray of sunshine. Watching him on the red carpet navigate with ease the over 60 cast and crew interviews was simply amazing. We Love Soaps would not be here today without this guy, so thank you very much Damon L. Jacobs and happy one year anniversary.

If you haven't read his book, "Absolutely Should-Less: The Secret to Living the Stress-Free Life You Deserve," check it out. It will change your life.

Look for all our red carpet coverage to continue in the coming days.

WE LOVE SOAPS TV 1.33 Daytime Emmys GL Nominees

On Episode 1.33 of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, Roger Newcomb and Damon L. Jacobs went on location to the 37th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards in Las Vegas and spoke with the final three nominees in GUIDING LIGHT history - Crystal Chappell, Beth Chamberlin and Zack Conroy. Find out their thoughts on the red carpet about their nominations and more.



If you want to watch WE LOVE SOAPS TV on iTunes, you can find it here.

If you are in the New York City area and would like to be in the audience during a taping of a future episode of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, email us at audience@welovesoaps.net and we will keep you posted on our upcoming schedule.

Check out these links related to this episode:
- Crystal-Chappell.com
- DAYS OF OUR LIVES
- VENICE
- Beth Chamberlin - Official Fan Club
- THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL

Become a We Love Soaps Supporter!

GLAAD Makes A Statement About Legendary Agnes Nixon

GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios has made a statement about the impact of Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Agnes Nixon.

Nixon’s support as an ally is incredibly important in growing acceptance of LGBT people. She has created fully dimensional representations of LGBT culture with story lines that are blended into the fabric of the show. Through meeting Zoe or seeing the wedding of Bianca and Reese millions of people everyday have come to better understand the lives of LGBT people.

Damon L. Jacobs and I spoke with Ms. Nixon backstage at the Emmys after she received the award. We had recently exchanged letters and my feedback from the legendary writer: "You're handwriting is even worse than mine!" Of course, hers wasn't bad at all. What a thrill!

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Clifford David (ex-Rod, RYAN'S HOPE) - 78
Brian Bloom (ex-Dusty, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 40
Monica Potter (Kristina, PARENTHOOD; ex-Sharon, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) - 39
Josh Ruben (ex-Ultra Violet Bartender, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) - 27

TRIVIA: Five years ago today, in 2005, four-time Emmy winning GENERAL HOSPITAL producer Carol Scott died of cancer at the age of 56...Brian Bloom is one of the writers of the new A-Team movie...GUIDING LIGHT moved to television on this day in 1952.

Colleen Zenk Cast In New Musical Theater Role!

Amongst all the Emmy Madness this weekend, We Love Soaps was thrilled to learn of Colleen Zenk's new theater role in Summer Stock NYC this July.  As she recently proved at We Love Soaps Weekend, Colleen is igniting New York stages with her fantastic and captivating singing and musical talents.  Although we are mourning the loss of AS THE WORLD TURNS, we can't wait to see what this "Broadway Baby" has in store for us next.

Summer Stock NYC, a new initiative of the CAP21 Theatre Company, debuts with “A Celebration of the Broadway Musical” on July 16. The 75-minute musical revue features hit songs and production numbers from classic Broadway musicals, starring Zenk and awarding winning Broadway and cabaret artist Karen Mason (“Mamma Mia!”; “Sunset Boulevard”), and featuring Carrie Manolakos (“Mamma Mia!”; National Tour of “Wicked”), Pearl Sun (“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas”), Dana Steingold (Encores! “Anyone Can Whistle”; National Tour of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”), Kelly Felthous (National Tour of “Grease”) and Kelsey Crouch-Pinter from “As the World Turns.” The show celebrates the Broadway musical from Golden Age classics “On the Town,” and “Anything Goes” to contemporary musicals such as “Spring Awakening,” “Rent,” and “Avenue Q.”

RESULTS: Daytime Soap of the Week Poll

Here are the results from the We Love Soaps "Daytime Soap of the Week" poll for the week of June 21-25, 2010. ALL MY CHILDREN returned to the top spot this week. Check back on Friday when this week's polling begins.

Lisa LoCicero: Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards

GENERAL HOSPITAL star Lisa LoCicero presented at the Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Friday night in Los Angeles. WE LOVE SOAPS TV spoke with LoCicero on the red carpet after she presented five awards with Nancy Lee Grahn and Bradford Anderson. Watch the interview below.


RELATED:
- Nancy Lee Grahn: Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards
- Bradford Anderson: Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards
- INTERVIEW: GENERAL HOSPITAL's Julie Marie Berman

NEWS: Amy Locane, Park Yong Ha, Radio Disney Soap

S. Korean soap actor, singer Park Yong Ha found dead in Seoul home‎
South Korean actor and singer Park Yong Ha, who appeared in the South Korean television soap opera WINTER SONATA, was found dead early Wednesday at his home in Seoul, in what appeared to be a suicide, Yonhap News Agency reported.

Amy Locane Faces 10 Years in Prison for Vehicular Manslaughter‎
Actress Amy Locane struck the passenger side of a 2010 Mercury Milan with her vehicle as it was making a turn into a Montgomery Township, New Jersey driveway on Sunday, June 27, 2010. The fatal accident resulted in the death of Helene Seeman, who was seated in the passenger side and pronounced dead at the scene. Seeman’s husband Fred, who drove the vehicle, is currently in critical condition after being airlifted to a local hospital.

The 39-year-old former MELROSE PLACE actress has been charged with vehicular manslaughter in connection with the accident, and she faces 10 years in prison for causing the crash, according to the New York Daily News,. Court papers that were filed show that she admitted to drinking numerous glasses of wine before choosing to drive.

New Radio Disney soap opera coming in July
Radio Disney is bringing back the serialized radio drama, a format all but forgotten in the U.S. Beginning July 5, Radio Disney will debut MY DREAM, a story about Kayla, a teen who juggles a life of music with school and home life. New episodes will air multiple times during the weekday. Daphne Blunt stars as Kayla.

"This original series is a contemporary spin on an old-time radio staple and begins an exciting new initiative that's designed to spark the listener's imagination with relatable characters and short stories,” said Ray De La Garza, vp of programming for Radio Disney, the 24-hour network targeting kids, 'tweens and families.

EMPIRE S2 E10: Watch It Now!

The newest episode of indie soap EMPIRE is now line. Jake makes his move on Alex plus Lucy deals with her mother and the paparazzi. Meanwhile, tragedy strikes.

Watch the full episode below.

VOTE: Indie Soap of the Week Poll

Which indie soap was your favorite this week? Vote in the weekly We Love Soaps poll and check back on Thursday morning for the results. Only the shows that aired one or more new episodes from June 20-26, 2010 are listed. Based on release schedules, the shows in the poll will change weekly. If an indie soap aired this week and is not on the list, feel free to write it in on the "Other" line. Coming soon, We Love Soaps will be releasing an Indie Soap Beat section of the website with links and information about all the shows and a guide to upcoming episodes.

Free Web poll for your Web site - freepolls.com

Watch this week's indie soaps below.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Debbie Lytton (ex-Melissa, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) - 44
Clementine Ford (Mackenzie, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Molly, THE L WORD) - 31

Also born on this day was the late Ruth Warrick (ex-Phoebe, ALL MY CHILDREN; ex-Hannah, PEYTON PLACE; ex-Janet, GUIDING LIGHT; ex-Edie, AS THE WORLD TURNS). Warrick died on January 15, 2005.

Las Vegas Review-Journal Cover Story Features We Love Soaps

Doug Elfman of the Las Vegas Review-Journal wrote a cover story in Monday's issue about the Daytime Emmys. He felt the show was a "two-hour advertisement for the city of Las Vegas."

We Love Soaps was interviewed for the story, which you can read here.

"Being in Vegas actually gave it a shot in the arm," Roger Newcomb, editorial director of WeLoveSoaps.net, told me.

Quite a few soap writers covered the event, though. They were super into it. Damon L. Jacobs, feature editor for WeLoveSoaps.net, shrieked with joy when certain actors won awards.

Jacobs was glad to see the awards back on a big network that showered shows with earnest reverence.

But with GUIDING LIGHT leaving the air, and AS THE WORLD TURNS perishing in September, the WeLoveSoaps.net guys are hoping for remaining soaps to merely stay on TV.

Newcomb claims one future of soaps are indie-soap shorts, about seven minutes each, and that air just once a week online (like Robert Townsend's DIARY OF A SINGLE MOM.)

"I think the business model for daytime -- a million bucks a week to produce five hours a week -- is almost too much for people to watch," Newcomb said.

Daytime Emmy Ratings More Than Double Last Year

The Daytime Emmy Awards improved substantially on their ratings from last year averaging 5.6 million viewers on Sunday night and a 1.1 rating in adults 18-49. Last year's ceremony averaged 2.68 million viewers on The CW. This years' telecast led its two-hour time period in totoal viewers but trailed FOX's animation reruns and NBC's LAW & ORDER: CRIMINAL INTENT in the demo.

The 5.6 million viewers was more than double the total for the 2009 Daytime Emmys, which aired on The CW in late August. It's also a slight improvement over the 2008 awards on ABC (5.4 million). In 1993, the Daytime Emmys hit a high of almost 22 million total viewers when it aired on ABC.

More Daytime Emmy Interviews Coming Soon!

If you are following us on Twitter, you know We Love Soaps was multi-tasking during the Daytime Emmys, both the Creative Arts ceremony on Friday and the show on CBS on Sunday. Aside from our many photos on Twitter, we interviewed a number of stars from in front of and behind the camera. Dozens of new videos are coming your way in the coming days from both events.

We'll also have more coverage from the GENERAL HOPSITAL taping at MOCA last Thursday and much more.

Stay tuned!

WINNERS: 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) announced the winners of the 37th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy® Awards on Sunday televised live on the CBS Television Network.

Here are the winners in the soap opera categories:

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
MAURA WEST, AS CARLY TENNEY

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
MICHAEL PARK, AS JACK SNYDER

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
JULIE PINSON, AS JANET SNYDER

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Nancy Reardon (ex-Kathleen, RYAN'S HOPE) - 68
Tichina Arnold (ex-Zena, RYAN'S HOPE; ex-Sharla, ALL MY CHILDREN) - 41
Steve Burton (Jason, GENERAL HOSPITAL) - 40

Maria Bell: Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS executive producer and head writer Maria Arena Bell attended the Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Friday night in Los Angeles. We Love Soaps spoke with Bell on the red carpet. Watch the interview below.

Adrienne Frantz: Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards

Emmy winning BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL star Adrienne Frantz presented several awards at the Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Friday night in Los Angeles. We Love Soaps spoke with Frantz on the red carpet. Watch the interview below.

PREDICTIONS: 37th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards

We Love Soaps has spent the past several days watching the reels submitted for the 37th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy® Awards, which air tonight on CBS. Predictions from Roger Newcomb and Damon L.Jacobs are below.

OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES
THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
GENERAL HOSPITAL
ALL MY CHILDREN

Predicted Winners -
Newcomb: THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
Jacobs: THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL

OUTSTANDING LEAD ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
CRYSTAL CHAPPELL, AS OLIVIA SPENCER
MICHELLE STAFFORD, AS PHYLLIS NEWMAN
MAURA WEST, AS CARLY TENNEY
SARAH BROWN, AS CLAUDIA ZACCHARA CORINTHOS
BOBBIE EAKES, AS KRYSTAL CAREY

Predicted Winners -
Newcomb: Crystal Chappell
Jacobs: Crystal Chappell

Heather Tom: Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards

Emmy winning BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL star Heather Tom attended the Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Friday night in Los Angeles. We Love Soaps spoke with Tom on the red carpet. Watch the interview below.

Nancy Lee Grahn: Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards

Emmy winning GENERAL HOSPITAL star Nancy Lee Grahn attended the Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Friday night in Los Angeles. WE LOVE SOAPS TV spoke with Grahn (and her daughter, Kate) on the red carpet. Watch the interview below.

Christian LeBlanc: Daytime Creative Arts Emmy Awards

Emmy winner Christian LeBlanc hosted the Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Friday night in Los Angeles. We Love Soaps spoke with LeBlanc on the red carpet. Watch the interview below.

Michelle Stafford & Amelia Heinle: Creative Arts Emmy Awards

Michelle Stafford, nominated again this year as Outstanding Lead Actress, presented several awards at the Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Friday night in Los Angeles along with THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS co-star Amelia Heinle. We Love Soaps spoke with the actresses in a fun interview on the red carpet. Watch it below.

Owen Renfroe: Award Winning Director Celebrates Collaboration

Director Owen Renfro has won four Daytime Emmy Awards and three Director's Guild of America Awards during the course of his career. He's up for another Emmy this year on June 27 as part of the directing team from GENERAL HOSPITAL. To what does he owe all his success? "It sounds cliché, but truly just hard work and paying attention to what makes a good episode exciting for an audience to watch," he explains in an exclusive interview with We Love Soaps. "Then there's the collaborative part and working well with others, harnessing everyone's talent and getting them excited about the work they do, leading with your own positive, confident and hopeful vision, trying to get everyone's best. The episodes I've had control over, as the lead director, I've tried to lead from that place."

Renfroe attended Wesleyan University in Connecticut studying filmmaking and has a great admiration for the work of directors in soap operas. "The great thing about directing for daytime is that you get to do it every week. Your muscle gets strong because you're on the set every week and it's an hour show and that's a lot of time in the field and the trenches. You get sort of a shorthand working with your own team and your skill set. I love the fact that I feel like I'm still learning, but have a bag of tricks I'm really confident in using."

Judi Evans: Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards

Emmy winner Judi Evans presented several awards at the Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Friday night in Los Angeles along with DAYS OF OUR LIVES co-star James Scott. We Love Soaps spoke with the talented actress on the red carpet. Watch the video below.

Ken Corday: Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards

Ken Corday, executive producer of DAYS OF OUR LIVES (and author), was on hand at the Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Friday night in Los Angeles to support his nominated crew. We Love Soaps spoke with Corday on the red carpet. Watch the video below.

WINNERS: Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) on Friday night announced the winners of the 37th Annual Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy® Awards at a glittering gala held at the Westin Bonaventure in Downtown, Los Angeles. The evening was hosted by Emmy-Winning Drama Series Actor, Christian LeBlanc

OUTSTANDING PROMOTIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT - EPISODIC
GENERAL HOSPITAL "GRAFFITI"
ABC
HEMA MULCHANDANI, PRODUCER
ADAM ROCKMORE, SVP MARKETING & PROMOTION ABC DAYTIME
SCOTT TUCKER, DIRECTOR, ON-AIR SPECIAL PROJECTS ABC
JONAS MORGANSTEIN, CHIEF CREATIVE DIRECTOR/EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
VINCENT RUIZ-ABOGADO, DIRECTOR/ART DIRECTOR

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN ART DIRECTION/SET DECORATION/SCENIC DESIGN FOR A DRAMA SERIES
THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS
CBS
WILLIAM HULTSTROM, PRODUCTION DESIGNER
DAVID HOFFMANN, ART DIRECTOR
ANDREA JOEL, SET DECORATOR
JOE BEVACQUA, SET DECORATOR
FRED COOPER, SET DECORATOR

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT FOR A CASTING DIRECTOR FOR A DRAMA SERIES
ONE LIFE TO LIVE
ABC
JULIE MADISON, CASTING DIRECTOR

Sarah Brown: Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards

Sarah Brown, nominated for Oustanding Lead Actress this year, presented several awards at the Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Friday night in Los Angeles along with THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL co-star Adrienne Frantz. We Love Soaps spoke with the Emmy nominee on the red carpet. Watch the video below.

INTERVIEW: GENERAL HOSPITAL's Julie Marie Berman

We Love Soaps recently had the wonderful opportunity to chat with Emmy-winning actress Julie Berman, who has played the character Lulu Spencer since 2007. What does she think of Lulu's success, and what ultimately brings her happiness? Read below to find out.

We Love Soaps: Were you aware the institution of Luke and Laura when you auditioned for the part of Leslie Lu?
Julie Marie Berman: I wasn’t really aware.  My agent was very excited about it.  She made me aware she was a fan of Luke and Laura and wanted me to understand this was a very important role playing their child.  Now, someone telling you that is great.  But it’s easier for me to go in and treat it like a character of my own, like another character on the canvas.  I think not knowing much about them took off a lot of pressure.

We Love Soaps: From the ground running as Lulu you were a firecracker.  You held up your own with everyone. Are you like that in your own life?
Julie Marie Berman: I think there are a lot of parts about her that is who I am, and a lot of parts that are contradictory.  Like I have no problem speaking my mind, and I’m a confident woman.  At the same time, I pick my battles.  We do have different life experiences, I’ve never been strapped to a bomb [laughs].  But she also tends to throw herself into situations and then tries to find a way out of it, whereas I take my time before getting involved in anything. 

Bradford Anderson: Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmys

Bradford Anderson presented several awards at the Daytime Entertainment Creative Arts Emmy Awards on Friday night in Los Angeles along with GENERAL HOPSITAL co-stars Nancy Lee Grahn and Lisa LoCicero. We Love Soaps spoke with the Emmy nominee on the red carpet. Watch the video below.

Creative Emmys Tonight

Be sure to follow We Love Soaps on Twitter throughout the evening as we cover the Creative Arts & Entertainment Daytime Emmy® Awards.

VOTE: Daytime Soap of the Week Poll

Which daytime soap was your favorite the week of June 21-25, 2010? Vote in the weekly We Love Soaps poll and check back on Monday morning for the results.

Free Web poll for your Web site - freepolls.com

Michael Lowry Goes "Cheap"

Michael Lowry has played sweet Dr. Jake on ALL MY CHILDREN and psycho Ross on ONE LIFE TO LIVE.  But never before have you seen him in the role of rockin' musician!  Fortunately, this talented and underappreciated actor can be seen in all his musical glory this coming month in New York City, with his AC/DC tribute band Dirt Done Cheap.  Don't miss this unique opportunity to watch and enjoy!

Upcoming dates include:
Saturday June 26
Mean Fiddler @ 11:15pm

266 W. 47th

FREE

Saturday July 3rd 

Brookside, NJ Parade

Parade starts around 9 or 9:30AM

Saturday July 24

Bar Nine 

54th & 9th ave NYC

11:00pm

Free

NEWS: Daytime Emmys Go Glam, Final Taping of ATWT

Daytime Emmys go glam
The highlight of the night will likely be a special salute to Dick Clark in honor of his iconic "American Bandstand." Hosted by Clark's heir apparent, Ryan Seacrest, the tribute will feature appearances by Barry Manilow, Cher, Simon Cowell, Frankie Avalon, Marie Osmond, the Spinners and Garth Brooks, among others -- that's when the show is not handing out baubles to soap operas, cooking series, daytime talk shows and children's animated programming.

Glam factor aside, the show's historic shift to Vegas -- no Emmy Awards telecast has ever taken place outside Los Angeles or New York -- actually makes good financial sense for the franchise, says Lynn Leahey, editorial director of Soap Opera Digest and Soap Opera Weekly.

"You can do it economically and reach a different, more mainstream audience," she notes. "Because of union fees, it's very difficult to lower the costs (elsewhere). In Vegas, you can. It really is a very good marriage between the market and the city."

As Go the Soaps, So Go the Daytime Emmys
"Two Web sites in particular -- Daytime Confidential and We Love Soaps -- are doing a fantastic job of connecting with soap fans and championing their shows. With viewers empowered by digital technology, and with so much additional support on so many levels, imagine how strong soaps would be right now if they told stories that captured the imagination of millions -- and if they weren't so afraid to move forward and mix it up (as all soaps did in the fabled late-'70s and '80s) rather than hang on white-knuckled to their dusty pasts!"

Changes could invigorate Daytime Emmys
"Before we came on board, the Daytime Emmys seemed to be trying too hard to be current, rather just entertain people," says Jim Romanovich, ATI president of worldwide media and entertainment. "Because we'll be in Las Vegas, the entertainment value will be beyond anything seen before."

"People aren't really interested in viewing an industry awards event with a collection of talking heads, nor would we waste our time with that," Romanovich adds. "That's why the show was dead in early 2009. We and CBS agree this is an entertainment show first, an awards show second.

Hays, Hastings, Colombino & Schulenburg on the end of AS THE WORLD TURNS
"The idea of being tied down for a whole year challenged my sense of an actor as a gypsy," said Kathryn Hays, who in 1972 returned to New York from California to take the role of Kim Hughes.

"I came back with two suitcases — one full of clothes, one full of pots and pans," Hays recalled. She never left. (For the last quarter-century, Kim has been married to Dr. Bob.)

"It's a different script every day and the life that you're leading in the show moves on, and over a period of years, it's like you're living another life," she said, trying to describe her job's appeal.

"But now your character is no longer going to be there," she went on, her eyes welling, her voice choking up. "You've been living that character for almost 40 years. You invest yourself in that character. I know who she is." Her voice dropped to a theatrical whisper. "She's mine."

STEAMBOAT Captures Best Branded Entertainment Nomination

STEAMBOAT, the new YouTube comedy sensation, has been named one of three BRANDED ENTERTAINMENT finalists in the Next TV Competition of the LATV Fest, sponsored by NATPE, the National Association of Television Program Executives. Winners will be named during a live stream at the Los Angeles, CA event on July 14.

STEAMBOAT debuted on YouTube Comedy in March, where the pilot can still be viewed. The show has been compared to “The Office” and “30 Rock” for its “behind the scenes” look at the desperate, dying days of a once successful daytime soap. In true Christopher Guest style, the behind the scenes aspect offers a glimpse in to the real or “unreal” lives of the characters who all believe they are Emmy worthy actors.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Micheal Sabatino (Alan, VENICE; ex-JT, PASSIONS; ex-Vince, GUIDING LIGHT; ex-Lawrence, DAYS OF OUR LIVES; ex-Jonathan, ALL MY CHILDREN; ex-Anthony, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL; ex-Phillip, SUNSET BEACH) - 55
Amy Ecklund (ex-Abby, GUIDING LIGHT) - 40
Brandi Lynn Burkhardt (ex-Siren, PASSIONS) - 31

NEWS: Performance Driven Emmys, Jon Lindstrom, 'ENDERS

ATI's David McKenzie on "performance driven" Daytime Emmys
"It's a very performance-driven show as we try to tie in the Vegas vibe," McKenzie says. "It's two hours of nonstop entertainment with awards. It's going to be fun."

Jon Lindstrom on replacing another actor in a soap role
Lindstrom notes that he replaced another performer in a soap role “once before, way at the beginning of my career (RITUALS), but it wasn’t a really well-known show nor a well-known character. The fact was that I was doing my first regular job on television, and I just wanted to get it right. This time, though (AS THE WORLD TURNS), I have to admit that it was like stepping into the shoes of James Bond or something.”

WE LOVE SOAPS TV 1.32 AS THE WORLD TURNS' Van Hansis

On Episode 1.32 of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, Roger Newcomb went on location to the AS THE WORLD TURNS studios in Brooklyn and spoke with three-time Emmy nominee Van Hansis (Luke) on his second to last day of taping the legendary soap. He discussed his time on ATWT, his feelings about the end and thoughts on the future.



If you want to watch WE LOVE SOAPS TV on iTunes, you can find it here.

If you are in the New York City area and would like to be in the audience during a taping of a future episode of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, email us at audience@welovesoaps.net and we will keep you posted on our upcoming schedule.

Check out these links related to this episode:
- AS THE WORLD TURNS - AsTheWorldTurns.net
- Occupant - Official Website

Become a We Love Soaps Supporter!

THE CAVANAUGHS S1 E5: "Stop! Wait! Please!"

The fifth episode of new indie soap, THE CAVANAUGHS, is now online. And the story continues... Maddie gives Bryan a writing deadline. Noreen tries to stop Sarah from doing something drastic with Mark. Mark has his hands full dealing with his stepbrother.

Watch it below.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Michele Lee (ex-Karen, KNOTS LANDING) - 68
Nancy Allen (ex-Paula, ANOTHER LIFE) - 60
Joe Penny (ex-Martino, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) - 54
Sherry Stringfield (ex-Blake, GUIDING LIGHT) - 43
Olivia White (ex-Claire, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) - 5
Ava White (ex-Claire, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) - 5

NEWS: Emmys Honor Nixon, Last Day of ATWT, Kay Alden

Daytime Emmys honor Agnes Nixon
Harry Eckhardt, Nixon's father, wanted his daughter to go into the family burial garment business. Hoping to distance Nixon from her interest in writing through intimidation, he set up a meeting between her and Irna Phillips, the Chicago-based creator/head writer of daytime serials, known for her high standards and commanding presence.

Irna Phillips, who ushered radio soaps into the television age, read aloud Nixon's writing sample, a play she'd written in college. "I wanted to climb down the dumbwaiter," Nixon recalls. Instead of dissuading her, Phillips, impressed with Nixon's talent, offered her a job.

"(Irna) became a great teacher and a great friend," Nixon says.

Colleen Zenk: AS THE WORLD TURNS "It's a wrap"
Colleen Zenk tweeted on Monday: "Just read the last script. So beautiful. How can we get through it? A puddle of tears." Wednesday was the final day of taping AS THE WORLD TURNS and Zenk updated via Twitter as the day progressed: "Here I go... One last day of love & angst in Oakdale, Illinois...my last day of Barbara...Barbara's set is only a memory...Almost gone... Two more scenes as Babs... The walls are bare. The drawers are empty. It's a wrap......ATWT.....xoxoxoxoxox"

Stacy Haiduk joins DAYS OF OUR LIVES
"She will play a prison warden and first airs in September."

TeleNext Statement On The Final Day of Taping at ATWT

AS THE WORLD TURNS taped its 13,858th and final episode at its Brooklyn studios today. Producers TeleNext Media released a statement on the end of the show.

Last December, when CBS informed us that they were canceling AS THE WORLD TURNS, we immediately launched a far-reaching search to find a new outlet for the show,” said Brian T. Cahill, senior VP and managing director of TeleNext Media Inc. “We have aggressively pursued network and cable outlets as well as syndication options, and have explored many innovative formats and relationships that we hoped would ultimately enable the future success of AS THE WORLD TURNS. Regrettably, we have not found an outlet or platform that will carry the show forward. This is an extremely disappointing outcome to what was a tireless and exhaustive pursuit.

While we are sad to see AS THE WORLD TURNS come to an end, we remain proud of the achievements the show has made over the last 54 years and are extremely grateful to the loyal fans who invited us into their homes every day. There is still much in store for the show’s well-loved characters throughout the summer, and although the show will go off the air in September, the remaining stories will honor the remarkable history of AS THE WORLD TURNS.

CBS Hopes To Pick ATWT Replacement By July

Variety is reporting that CBS is developing a new daytime talk show, SAY IT NOW, starring Valerie Bertinelli and Australian TV host Rove McManus. A pilot was recently shot.

CBS TV Distribution has been looking to develop a talk show for years around Bertinelli. In 2008, the distributor worked with Bertinelli on plans to morph the actress' book "Losing It And Gaining My Life Back One Pound at a Time" into a show.

CBS hopes to pick its AS THE WORLD TURNS replacement by July. In the running are a new version of PYRAMID, hosted by Andy Richter; a mother-themed talk show hosted by CBS' Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne and Holly Robinson-Peete; and a food-centric game show starring Emeril Lagasse.

WE LOVE SOAPS TV 1.31 Jake Silbermann & Grayson McCouch

On Episode 1.31 of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, Roger Newcomb went on location to the AS THE WORLD TURNS studios in Brooklyn and spoke with Grayson McCouch (Dusty) and Jake Silbermann (Noah). It was the final day of shooting for Silbermann and next to last day for McCouch and the show. Find out their thoughts on the end of the soap and what's in store for the future.



If you want to watch WE LOVE SOAPS TV on iTunes, you can find it here.

If you are in the New York City area and would like to be in the audience during a taping of a future episode of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, email us at audience@welovesoaps.net and we will keep you posted on our upcoming schedule.

Check out these links related to this episode:
- AS THE WORLD TURNS - AsTheWorldTurns.net
- Grayson McCouch Website
- Jake Silbermann Website

Become a We Love Soaps Supporter!

Evan Alex Cole's "World Turns" Single Available on iTunes

If you attended "We Love Soaps Weekend" in May, you saw AS THE WORLD TURNS star Evan Alex Cole (Hunter) perform his new single, "World Turns," both nights. The song, a look at his time on the legendary soap opera, is now available on iTunes. You can purchase it here.

THE BAY: Promo #3 With Tristan Rogers

Gregori J. Martin's THE BAY has released a second weekly promo, this time featuring Tristan Rogers, who will be playing Lex Martin. Watch it below.

RESULTS: Indie Soap of the Week Poll

Here are the results from the We Love Soaps "Indie Soap of the Week" poll for the week of June 13-19, 2010. A shocking ending propelled CELL: The Web Series to the top spot for the week. Indie soaps that aired one or more episodes last week were eligible. Check back on Saturday when this week's polling begins.



Watch last week's indie soaps below.

NEWS: Jeremy London, Credit, SOUP, Gangster, BLOOD

HBO Shopping TRUE BLOOD to Basic Cablers
HBO is officially shopping its campy vamp drama to basic cable networks, a network spokesman confirmed June 22. The network has held meetings to pitch the show, but it hasn't been sold yet and a premiere date has not been set.

THE SOUP: ALL MY CHILDREN Are Filled With Anxiety
J.R.: Basically, you're going to get cancer and die just like Trent, so you might as well settle for me, baby!

GLEE stars banned from having sex in their trailers
Says Ryan Murphy: "I have a rule: don't do it in your trailer! They've broken that rule on many occasions. I'm like, 'I know you guys are young and hormonal, but don't do it in your trailer.'"

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Ted Shackelford (Jeffrey/ex-William, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Gary, KNOTS LANDING; ex-Ray, ANOTHER WORLD) - 64
Courtney Simon (Writer, AS THE WORLD TURNS; ex-Lynn, AS THE WORLD TURNS; ex-Kathy, SEARCH FOR TOMORROW; ex-Dinah, GUIDING LIGHT; ex-Anna, ALL MY CHILDREN) - 64
Mitch Longley (ex-Matt, PORT CHARLES; ex-Byron, ANOTHER WORLD) - 45
Terri Ivens (ex-Simone, ALL MY CHILDREN) - 43

Julia Barr Returns to the Stage (With Walt Willey)

Two time Emmy-Award winning actress Julia Barr, best known as Brooke English on the daytime drama ALL MY CHILDREN, returns to her theatre roots this summer when she plays the role of “Abby Brewster in Joseph Kesselring’s "Arsenic and Old Lace," July 23 to 25 at the Ottawa High School auditorium (211 East Main Street) in Ottawa, IL.

Julia is co-starring in the production with her ALL MY CHILDREN cast mate Walt Willey (Jackson), who is originally from Ottawa, IL. "Arsenic and Old Lace" marks his WilleyWorld Community Productions’ second annual effort in developing a self-sustaining theatre for the Ottawa community as well as a mentorship program for youths in the area.

Barr says, “I truly admire what Walt does for his community and his sincere love for the arts and theatre. He is really a great guy and I am very much looking forward to being on stage with him. I am very excited about this project!"

WE LOVE SOAPS TV 1.30 ONE LIFE TO LIVE's Matt Walton

On Episode 1.30 of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, Roger Newcomb welcomes ONE LIFE TO LIVE's Matt Walton, whose character, Elijah, is in for an intense summer. Get to know the sexy star of television, film and theater, and find out more about some of his other projects, including the upcoming ONION SPORTS NETWORK.



If you want to watch WE LOVE SOAPS TV on iTunes, you can find it here.

If you are in the New York City area and would like to be in the audience during a taping of a future episode of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, email us at audience@welovesoaps.net and we will keep you posted on our upcoming schedule.

Check out these links related to this episode:
- Matt Walton - Official Website
- ONE LIFE TO LIVE at ABC.com
- THE ONION SPORTS NETWORK at Comedy Central

Become a We Love Soaps Supporter!

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Ralph Waite (Father Matt, DAYS OF OUR LIVES) - 82
Cyndi Lauper (Herself, AS THE WORLD TURNS) - 57
Amy Brenneman (Violet, PRIVATE PRACTICE) - 46
Tracy Melchior (ex-Kristen, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL; ex-Kelly, ONE LIFE TO LIVE; ex-Tess, SUNSET BEACH) - 37
Stephanie Jacobsen (Lauren, MELROSE PLACE) - 30
Amanda Brooks (ex-Mischa, GENERAL HOSPITAL) - 29
Douglas Smith (Ben, BIG LOVE) - 25

EMPIRE S2 E9: Watch It Now!

The newest episode of indie soap EMPIRE is now line. Jake has it bad for Alex, Lucy is vomiting on the street in front of Walgreens, and that's only the first three minutes! Oh, and Evan finally finds a good use for his really long desk.

Watch the full episode below. You don't want to miss Katherine's reaction to her morning oatmeal.

Occupant Movie: Trailer 2 With Van Hansis & Thorsten Kaye

Henry Miller's latest movie is a thriller called Occupant, starring Van Hansis and Thorsten Kaye. Watch the second trailer released for the film below.

25 year old Danny Hill's grandmother just died giving Danny the chance to move into her enormous rent controlled apartment in Manhattan.

Danny must lock himself in for 12 days before he can take over the lease.

There's just one problem -- he may not be the only OCCUPANT.

For more on the film, visit occupantmovie.com.

Still Time To Sign Up For GENERAL HOSPITAL Remote Shoot

GENERAL HOSPITAL has just restyled its set for the remote shooting this Thursday night. So, it's not too late - you can still be on hand to see Steve Burton, Dominic Zamprogna and James Franco up close.

Sign up with FansGH@aol.com.

NEWS: GLEE Movies, Charice, Sloan, Sex Tips, DEGRASSI

PREVIEW: DEGRASSI's new season airing four nights a week
TeenNick will be airing the new season four nights a week — a new episode will premiere every night at 9 p.m. ET/PT all summer long starting in July.

7 Sex Tips from THE SECRET LIFE OF THE AMERICAN TEENAGER
Lesson 1: Sex Can Kill Your Loved Ones.

Tina Sloan: Ode To New York City Doormen
"They are discreet. They are courageous, standing between you and the dark night. They are resolute, always there. They are why it's okay to be sick in the city."

Three GLEE Movies Could Be On Their Way To Theaters And All The Show’s Stars Are Signed Up
According to the contract GLEE series regulars signed when they started the show, 20th Century Fox Television has the “option” to get the stars of the hit series involved in up to three movies based on the hit show.

UPDATE: Ryan Murphy says, "There will be no GLEE movie in the foreseeable future."

Nelson Aspen Catches Up With Louise Shaffer, Part Two

In Part One of Nelson Aspen's "Where Are They Now" interview with Louise Shaffer, the multi-talented and Emmy-winning actress shared her reflections insights about her times on RYAN'S HOPE and SEARCH FOR TOMORROW.  In Part Two, she reveals more about her writing, her new book, and her choice not to get "knee surgery." Enjoy!

Nelson Aspen: You have a new book coming out [“Looking For A Love Story”]. Tell me about your writing.  What is your genre?
Louise Shaffer: Women’s commercial fiction.  That’s my genre. It is exactly what it says.  It’s a real extension of what I always did in the soaps. 

Nelson Aspen: We should also point out that Louise also wrote for daytime.
Louise Shaffer: Oh yes, I did that for a number of years.  But it’s basically storytelling. This one was a lot inspired by the dog. 

Vanessa Marcil & Others Named as Daytime Emmy Presenters

Daytime Emmy® Award nominees Wayne Brady (LET'S MAKE A DEAL), Jeff Foxworthy (ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A 5TH GRADER?), Vanessa Marcil (GENERAL HOSPITAL) and Alex Trebek (JEOPARDY), along with a performance from the Las Vegas company of Disney's musical "The Lion King," have been added to the list of presenters and performers scheduled to appear on THE 37TH ANNUAL DAYTIME EMMY® AWARDS. The telecast, hosted by Regis Philbin, will broadcast live from the Las Vegas Hilton, Sunday, June 27, 2010 (9:00-11:00 p.m., live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

In addition, Ryan Seacrest will introduce the AMERICAN BANDSTAND and Dick Clark tribute, with Donny Osmond, Chubby Checker, Tony Orlando and The Jersey Boys added to the line-up of stars who will salute the iconic show and legendary television personality.

RESULTS: Daytime Soap of the Week Poll

Here are the results from the We Love Soaps "Daytime Soap of the Week" poll for the week of June 14-18, 2010. ONE LIFE TO LIVE returned to the top spot for the first time in a month. Check back on Friday when this week's polling begins.

NEWS: Daytime Emmy Preview, Egoli, Census, Facebook

ATI's David McKenzie previews the Daytime Emmys in Las Vegas
“Think of all the game shows that have come to Las Vegas,” McKenzie says. “Think of all the actual games in Las Vegas — and all the slot machines that are tied into game shows,” plus “all the talk shows that come into Vegas.” Add glitz and glamour worthy of any soap opera diva and it adds up to “a fairly cool marriage” between the Daytime Emmys and this year’s Vegas setting, he maintains.

That setting will be reflected in a “very Vegas-themed show,” McKenzie promises, with a large local contingent appearing on the telecast — including such Strip fixtures as Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil, David Copperfield, Marie Osmond, “Jersey Boys” and “Lion King” cast members and the “Jubilee!” showgirls, all of whom are scheduled to appear.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Michael Gross (ex-River, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) - 63
Leigh McCloskey (ex-Damian, GENERAL HOSPITAL; ex-Kurt, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS; ex-Mitch, DALLAS; ex-Drake, ONE LIFE TO LIVE; ex-Zach, SANTA BARBARA) - 55
Doug Savant (Tom, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES; ex-Matt, MELROSE PLACE) - 46
Carrie Preston (Arlene, TRUE BLOOD) - 43
Maggie Siff (ex-Rachel, MAD MEN) - 36
Tom Chroust (Writer, ALL THAT MATTERS aka Alles was zählt) - 33
Chris Pratt (Ché, THE O.C.) - 31

NEWS: Joan Collins, PGP, CBS, HIGH DRAMA, CRE, Case

CRE Studies TV Ratings Nonresponders
mw/photos/stylus/142927-TVStaticPeopleM.jpg
A new study from the Council for Research Excellence gets to the heart of trust in TV ratings. Just who are those people who decline to participate in ratings? And if they did participate, would ratings change?

Are Major Marketers Training John Q. Public to Whine on Web?
Consumers might be learning that an angry tweet gets a faster response from Corporate America than a quiet phone call to resolve problems.

Web Series HIGH DRAMA 2 Premieres on TheWB.Com
HIGH DRAMA 2 follows the theater company of Freedom High School in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, as they put on their best show yet: "The Wizard of Oz."

Reliance Media World, CBS Enter Talks for Joint TV Venture in India
The venture—in which Reliance Media World and CBS will own equal stakes—initially will broadcast English language general entertainment channels. The companies plan to explore Hindi language and regional-language entertainment channels in its next phase.

P&G Productions presents Manofthehouse.com
Manofthehouse.com is a new website from Procter & Gamble Productions, run in partnership with Barefoot Proximity, aimed at helping dads succeed in their expanded role in the family. The site features 8 different verticals which help break down aspects of men's everyday lives. Section titles include; Around the House, Food & Cooking, Money and Career, Technology and Gear, Family and Parenting, Relationships, Feeling Good and Looking Good.

Joan Collins: Why I hated Bing Crosby
"Bob Hope was a lovely, warm person," Collins said. "But Crosby was cold. Very. I didn’t like him at all. All the crew on that film hated him, too. That’s usually a good indication. The crew are usually very astute when it comes to measuring up actors and actresses. They see right through the make-up and egos."

PREVIEW: Sharon Case's Hallmark movie repeats tonight at 9 p.m. ET
Ben (David James Elliott) is a single dad and an ad(vertising) man gone mad who loses his job and runs out of options when he fires his help before realizing he has never bothered to get to know his own kids. Once clueless about managing a household, Ben reconnects with his children and begins to understand the choices and consequences of his decisions. In the end, Ben discovers there are many routes to work-family balance. The World Premiere of Dad’s Home, a Hallmark Channel Original Movie, was Saturday night. Sharon Case of THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS also stars.

AUCTION: Daytime Stars & Strikes Backpack

Hillary B. Smith is currently auctioning some wonderful items to raise money for the Willie-Coppee Fund. The latest auction item, an autographed backpack from Daytime Stars & Strikes, is now up for bid.

The Willie-Coppee Fund is a joint charitable endeavor between Smith and her good friend, television writer and multiple-best-selling author Lindsay Harrison, and services clients of the CA-based Sherman Oaks Veterinary Group. The fund was established several years ago to honor the memory of their beloved dogs, Willie (Lindsay's Bichon Frise) and Coppee (Hillary's Golden Retriever), and serves to discreetly assist pet owners who may be struggling with overwhelming veterinary bills. Endowments that assist pet owners are incredibly important in today's challenged economy, as countless individuals are unable to provide routine care and medically necessary services for their furry friends.

Full item description below.

The Week in Review: Most Popular Posts

In case you missed them, here are the 15 most popular topics over the past week at We Love Soaps:

1.   Kathy Griffin vs Elisabeth Hasselbeck: Kassie in the Middle
2.   Ken Corday - The We Love Soaps Interview, Part Three
3.   Ken Corday - The We Love Soaps Interview, Part One
4.   Ken Corday - The We Love Soaps Interview, Part Two
5.   Ken Corday - The We Love Soaps Interview, Part Four
6.   UPDATED: Larry Bryggman Back on ATWT Before The End
7.   50 Greatest Soap Opera Actresses: The Complete List
8.   NEWS: GH Taping, GLEE Album #1, Torpey, SKINS
9.   NEWS: Haiduk Out, Turkish Soaps, Emmys, Skarsgard, LSD
10. NEWS: Biederwolf, Donohoe, Rinna, Irizarry, Tori & Farrah
11. HOT STORIES: Liz Foster, Jessica Leccia, Michael, Chloe
12. NEWS: Kylie, Franco, Pelphrey, Tomei, Diamont, Bieber
13. Beth Chamberlin Joins Cast Of CELL: The Web Series
14. ALL MY CHILDEN Recasts Bianca - Christina Bennett Lind
15. Brandon Buddy Out at ONE LIFE TO LIVE

If you missed any of the latest episodes of WE LOVE SOAPS TV, including a couple of new "Where Are They Now" specials from Nelson Aspen, you can watch them below.

Today's Soap World Birthdays

Bonnie Bartlett (ex-Miriam, GENERAL HOSPITAL; ex-Vanessa/Ellie, LOVE OF LIFE) - 81
John McCook (Eric, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL; ex-Lance, THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS) - 66
Tika Sumpter (Layla, ONE LIFE TO LIVE) - 30

Nelson Aspen Catches Up With Louise Shaffer, Part One

We Love Soaps buddy and international entertainment reporter Nelson Aspen recently continued his Where Are They Now Tour in his Manhattan living room with the much beloved Emmy Winner Louise Shaffer.  Here are the highlights from their interview together during which the Ms. Shaffer shares memories from RYAN'S HOPE and SEARCH FOR TOMORROW. You can get her fabulous new book at Amazon.com. 

Nelson Aspen:  We are back in my apartment rediscovering another legend of daytime.  Today it’s my pal Louise Shaffer.  I think it’s been a quarter century since I last saw you.
Louise Shaffer: Has it been that long? 

Nelson Aspen:  Louise started out in daytime in EDGE OF NIGHT and even was in one of cult favorites ALL THAT GLITTERS.  She then hit her stride winning her Emmy as Rae Woodard on RYAN’S HOPE.  What brought you to RYAN’S HOPE?
Louise Shaffer: Actually it was Claire Labine.  She and Paul [Avila Mayer] had been the writers on a show called WHERE THE HEART IS. They then went on to LOVE OF LIFE.  I had just done ALL THAT GLITTERS in L.A. and it had tanked. 

Nelson Aspen:   I love that show! It was so original.
Louise Shaffer: This was a show in which women had been in the position of men since the dawn of time.  I was this manizing CEO and getting it on with my secretary.  It was a Norman Lear show, and this was his attempt to start the forth network and it never really worked out.  I was out there thinking, “Okay, I really all this sunshine and all the trees.  This is not my place.”  But I had no reason to go back home.  Then Claire called and said, “I want to write this part for RYAN’S HOPE.” I said, “Fine! Whatever!”  She asked, “You don’t want to hear about it?” I said, “No, is it shooting in New York?” And that was that. 

NEWS: Biederwolf, Donohoe, Rinna, Irizarry, Tori & Farrah

Marshfield native Kurt Biederwolf hopeful for a music composition Emmy win
"One thing I've learned," said Biederwolf. "You can only be relaxed for so long, but as soon at they get to your category, your heart starts pounding like crazy, which is weird because I'm a pretty mellow guy."

Nominated twice before, but without a win, Biederwolf, who is a chair at Berklee College of Music in Boston, is part of a team of composers that creates new music for the daytime soap opera.

"I do the recording, all of the editing and mixing," said Biederwolf. "And then I deliver it to the show for them to use. I do all the music myself and occasionally they'll ask to record a live musician, but 99.9 percent of music is me and my computers."

July issue of Gladys will feature Vincent Irizarry article
The article, autobiographical in nature is about an event that happened to Vincent as an 8 year-old-boy living in NYC during the week of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This event had such a profound effect on Vincent, so much so, that after more than 40 years he had decided to put it to ink and paper.

VOTE: Indie Soap of the Week Poll

Which indie soap was your favorite this week? Vote in the weekly We Love Soaps poll and check back on Tuesday morning for the results. Only the shows that aired one or more new episodes from June 13-19, 2010 are listed. Based on release schedules, the shows in the poll will change weekly. If an indie soap aired this week and is not on the list, feel free to write it in on the "Other" line. Coming soon, We Love Soaps will be releasing an Indie Soap Beat section of the website with links and information about all the shows and a guide to upcoming episodes.

Free Web poll for your Web site - freepolls.com

Watch this week's indie soaps below.

HOT STORIES: Liz Foster, Jessica Leccia, Michael, Chloe

Friday was an interesting day on daytime soaps, some good and bad. THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS killed off the best thing about the show this week and one of the best characters of all time, Liz Foster (hate that decision). After Snapper reveals the truth about Jill's parents to Jill, she shows up at Lauren's door. Elwhere, Jessica Leccia debuted as Inez on ONE LIFE TO LIVE, Michael was released from prison on GENERAL HOSPITAL, and Chloe continued to lie to Daniel on DAYS OF OUR LIVES, adding plotting with Nicole to the mix.