By LuAnne

My friend Linda, who I met at Super Soap Weekend a few years ago, picked me up at Newark Airport. We immediately hopped on a train into NYC and then took a cab over to the All My Children studios in hopes of seeing a few soap stars.

We saw Melissa Claire Egan (Annie) and David Canary (Adam) from a distance. After David went in, one of my favorite veterans came out with a beautiful bouquet of roses – it was Julia Barr, who played Brooke English for many years. Julia told us she was there to film scenes for the AMC 40th Anniversary Special. She graciously stopped for a quick picture, and then went on her way.

Next we saw both Chrishell Stause (Amanda) and Ricky Paull Goldin (Jake). They stopped briefly to talk to us and signed some pictures. Chrishell was absolutely beautiful, and Ricky was looking pretty good too!

Linda and I then decided to walk over to the One Life To Live studios. We stayed for awhile, and finally were rewarded when down the street came Brian Kerwin, who plays Charlie. Brian stayed to talk and take pictures for about 10 minutes. He was so pleasant, and seemed genuinely happy to talk to us. It was a good day in NYC!

The next day, Linda drove us to the Uncle Vinnie’s Comedy Club in Staten Island for an AMC Fan Event.

Four of the nicest and most attractive men from AMC then walked on stage: Vincent Irizarry (Dr. David), Michael E. Knight (Tad) , Darnell Williams (Jesse) and Ricky Paull Goldin (Jake) were welcomed with thunderous applause, screams and whistles. It was awesome to see them 10 feet away!

The first part of the event was a question and answer session. The fans asked about many things, including the upcoming move to Los Angeles.

Vincent said that he would be commuting, at least for the rest of the school year so that his children can stay in their current schools. Michael and Ricky said they were moving to L.A. and Darnell said he was going, but he’s lived in NYC all his life and it would be hard to leave the city.

We found out that Jill Larson (Opal), who is a recurring player, was also moving. The fans were in agreement that the cast should come back to NYC for fan events. The guys answered questions for over an hour, then took a short break before meeting with the VIP fans.

All four of the actors took seats at long tables, and we were able to speak to each of them for a few minutes and get our pictures taken with them. Michael took the most time with the fans, even though he was sick. But they all seemed happy to be there and gave the fans what we came for – a great time!

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

I am SO disappointed … I want the strong willed Amanda Dillon who blackmailed JR and the Chandlers back on my screen!

I’ve always loved this character’s potential.  Given her lineage (daughter of Trevor Dillon and Janet Green) this character was destined to be front burner. Even when she had no storyline, I rooted for her.  But sadly, Amanda brought the character full circle during yesterday’s episode of All My Children.

It wasn’t long ago that Amanda (Chrishell Stause) lamented constantly how she had no man and no prospects to get one. She finally landed Jake Martin (Ricky Paull Goldin), who supported her even while pregnant by his worst enemy. He eventually put his freedom and medical career on the line, only for Amanda to fall for the oldest trick in the book (running out of gas) and end up having sex with David Hayward (Vincent Irizarry) in the back seat of his car instead of waiting for her next ovulation cycle. 

In my opinion, this particular part of the storyline was distasteful to say the least, and lowered both characters in my eyes: Amanda for disrespecting herself, her marriage and Jake AND for getting conned so easily AGAIN, and David for … well honestly I can’t get but so mad at him this time (which makes me mad in itself LOL). He didn’t pressure or blackmail her into having sex (although any man willing to bed a crying woman who doesn’t even want to be talked to or looked at during the act, seems suspect).

 The only saving grace was viewers didn’t have to witness their tryst onscreen, and not because Vincent Irizarry and Chrishell Stause aren’t hot together, but because this was one train wreck that I know I’d rather not witness. I’ve been cringing at the thought since Friday, hoping Amanda wouldn’t go to the dark side.

Jake (Ricky Paull Goldin) punches David (Vincent Irizarry) as Amanda (Chrishell Stause) looks on. Photo Credit: ABC/Steve Fenn

But bottom line, if Amanda’s memory is so faulty that she forgot David’s specialty is exploiting the weaknesses of others, then she may as well go on ahead sign over her rights to Trevor now. Save everyone some time, and herself further embarrassment. 

And newsflash Amanda – at this point it doesn’t even matter whether or not you get pregnant. The damage is done, and you can only blame yourself.  And poor Jake! How will he react? I’m sure David will see to it personally that the truth comes out in the worst possible way. 

Where’s Janet and her crowbar when she’s REALLY needed? (I think Annie’s got one she can borrow). And while she’s at it, Janet should knock some sense into her daughter, too.