Here is the PSA that CBS released recently on Huntington’s. I have had several comments from readers who are dealing with this disease. I know many of us support several causes. However if you are looking for a cause to support please look into supporting the research on this disease. Click here for more info

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(This PSA was created by a teen who lost a friend)
Hi All:

While young Phillip Chancellor III faked his death on The Young and The Restless as a means to escape. His return has brought up several real life issues. He stated the reason he was feeling suicidal was because of his sexuality but it is important to keep in mind that there are several other reasons why a person might have suicidal thoughts. The truth of the matter is Thom Bierdz’ older brother actually committed suicide.

I thought it was important to include this PSA because it gives a lot of information to help us identify the warning signs in someone we know. As well as provides a number for you if you are having these thoughts.

The alarming part is how many teenagers are either attempting to take or are successful at ending their lives. If we can all predict what is going to happen next on The Young and The Restless given a few clues, perhaps we could also use those abilities to try and save a life. Don’t ignore the warning signs and don’t be afraid to seek help on someone’s behalf. Don’t just brush off the signs as a stage or a transition, dig deeper. Find out what is really going on. If someone is having these thoughts you might not be able to help them alone, so this number would be good for you to keep as well. The number is simple 1-800-Suicide.

The signs listed are not just for teens but for anyone. Please if you are thinking of it, do not do it! Get Help, it’s there!

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Some of the rumors that I have heard is that she and Victor plan on tying the knot sooner rather than later. Some say Adam and Mary Jane have a huge wedding gift in store for her (note how similar MJ’s stature is to Sabrina’s:)) also that a Newman is going to die. Who could it be? Had I heard the rumor any sooner I still do not believe that it would be Summer, just doesn’t seem right, especially since this little girl just got the job. However what about one of the other Newman children? Abby has been gone for a long time? Could it be her? Perhaps Noah? That would be terrible to take away two of Sharon’s children. However it would almost cement her need to tell the truth about the baby she is carrying? Or will they just let history repeat itself and knock off Ashley and the Baby?

Were it Abby, how would Victor and Ashely move forward? Speaking of Abby and family, shouldn’t Colleen be set to return as well. I wonder where she has been, what she has been doing and how it will affect her seat on the Newman board?

While there has been a lot going on there are still a lot of story lines that are being left out. For instance, when will we find out what is going on with Lily’s health? I’ve heard everything from pregnant to Cervical or Ovarian cancer. When she finds out what is wrong, will this bring her and Cane back together? Will it bring Dru back from the dead and Malcolm back from Criminal Minds?

What about the fact that Gloria and Jeff have been quiet for some time as well. We know they are running out of money so I am sure that they’re secretly up to something.

While I have been enjoying the current drama quite a bit, I don’t think I would mind a quick visit to some of the other stories. Who knows, perhaps this week?

Also, anyone think Deacon is sick enough to kill Amber. Did anyone ever pay any attention to the fact that Victor had missed a payment on MJ’s room? Do you think he could lose his family and his fortune? When will Paul and Nikki tie the knot or is wedded bliss slowly slipping out of their reach?

PS Phick Fans, I think you will see happy times to come!

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Deacon Sharpe was a trouble making ex lover of Amber Moore. He is also the biological father of Little Eric Forrester. Deacon made his way back into the life of Amber when Rick Forrester went to find him to sign away his parental rights. This would happen after a four month in home stay with Little Eric and Amber.

During this time, Brooke did not want her son with Amber so she arranged for her to see a pic of Rick kissing another girl on a high school tennis trip. This made Amber upset and so she ran to Deacon for comfort. He takes her to Vegas and they realize they have a lot in common and start to get close. Meanwhile, Stephanie lets Rick know what his mother had done and he determines that he is going to get Amber back.

Things work out for the young couple, she forgives him and they decide to get married. All the while Deacon is getting closer to Bridget, who he didn’t know was a Forrester, but decided to use her once he did.

Time for the wedding; Amber and Rick are about to get married and Deacon has been offered a million dollars to sign off his parental rights. He shows up at the wedding, the Forrester’s try to throw him out then realize he is a guest of Bridget’s. Amber and Deacon go to talk and the Forrester’s start in on trying to tell Bridget who she is dealing with, no such luck.

Deacon states that he will leave but with either Bridget or Amber by his side. What he really wanted was Amber so that he could raise a family with her. The Forrester thugs beat him up and he leaves with Bridget. Mad enough to ask her to marry him for revenge. She says yes, they go to Vegas, get married and consummate the marriage while the Forrester’s listen on the phone.

Now at some point, Deacon is awarded custody of little Eric Forrester and Amber kidnaps the little boy in an attempt to keep him. Deacon wins out in the end.

In addition Deacon gets Brooke Forrester pregnant and they have a relationship as well.

The matches that were on the desk that Amber hid in her pocket on today’s episode were from Deacon’s Bar, The Lair.

Now, what does he want with her? Why he is framing Daniel and going after Victoria are still a mystery, but I will keep you up to date as to what I think will happen! Whew, oh I left out that Deacon also had an affair with Jacqueline Marone, Nick’s mother, and taunted her then paralyzed sick husband Mossimo, Ridge’s biological father. Who once healed, tricked Deacon by having his assistant spike his drinks with alcohol. Now to most that doesn’t sound too bad, but he was a recovering alcoholic and this sent him flying off the wagon. He then just up and disappeared to rehab without either of his children. Add in the fact that Deacon used to fantasize about Amber and watch her take showers with out her knowing and you have the whole story!

Ok now I’m done, feel free to add anything I missed!

This should be good! Welcome to Genoa City Deacon!!!

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I think that what we will find out is that Cane had good intentions and was looking for the life he gained by being Jill’s son. However, we all know the saying, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions”

All I can say is that lying never saves anyone from any pain or anguish. We could all see the hurt in Jill’s eyes and of course a relapse for Katherine coming a mile away. The good thing is that they are on TV. They are paid actors and actresses and the hurt we see on their faces is real.

One thing “Restless” and I often say is that we watch the drama not live it. My suggestion to everyone who is an avid watcher is that you never let their art be your reality. It is not so easy to hurt or forgive once a lie has been introduced into a situation. It leads to mistrust and probably more lies to try and cover something that probably could have easily been forgiven or over looked.

Take for instance Cane, I do believe that he truly loves Lily. However now Lily is faced with making a decision and not knowing where the lie stopped or started. My advice continues by saying when you love a person no matter how hard it is to tell the truth it is in the best interest of all parties involved to be as open and honest as you can the first time. Each time you try to cover it takes away something from the other person. Even if you are afraid of what the truth might mean I know that it is better to be upfront then have to try and rectify the duplicity involved with hurting them and then lying to them. The truth always comes out in the end, you can either be in control and considerate of the other person or get caught up in the mess.

Regardless of if you are a habitual liar it is never to late to change. If you are a scared liar and lie when you feel your back is up against the wall find the strength to tell the truth. If you lied because you thought you were doing the person a favor, whatever the reason just stop doing it and come clean. After that it is in the person’s hand who you have wronged to either forgive you or not. You can’t make demands or get rewards for telling the truth. However what you will have is some relief from the guilt of keeping a secret from someone you care about.

So you know I don’t normally veer away from what’s on the screen but with all the secrets that have been revealed lately I thought it was a good topic to discuss.

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It is with great happiness, a sigh of relief and limited information that I announce that Melody Thomas Scott, more affectionately known as Nikki Newman will be staying with The Young and The Restless!

Since Scott’s debut on Y&R we have all grown to love and respect her role as the matriarch of the Newman Clan. Sources say that she will remain on the show “for now”. Not sure what that means, not sure I care as long as “for now” turns into as long as The Young and the Restless is on the air.

Just wanted to pass the information along. Perhaps now they will move forward with her and Paul’s wedding plans!

Happy Friday!

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Hi All:
Below is Chris Engen’s side of the story as to why he was leaving The Young and The Restless. This is a post found on Chris’ myspace blog that includes some apologies and some explanations.

Good Luck Chris in all that you do, you brought a lot to the character of Adam.

Chris’ statement now follows. I have not altered the original content from his myspace statement in any way.

CHRIS ENGEN – STATEMENT TO THE PUBLIC

Good Day. This is the first time in my life that I address an audience so vast and varied. There are a number of heated topics that have become entwined with my recent decision to quit my job, and I feel there are a number of truths that deserve to be stated, a number of untruths that deserve to be rectified, and a few of my own ideas that, by way of circumstance, I am compelled to inject into the debate. This is the only statement I intend to make regarding this subject. I would like first to apologize, as I feel I owe a great many of you at least that. I know that a choice like this appears weak and impulsive. Honestly, it was the last thing I ever thought I’d do – the absolute LAST thing I ever wanted.

The job has been a great challenge, and my hat is off to all my fellow actors who have mastered it so gracefully. I know a great many of you have endured far worse than what you perceive to have been my circumstance, but I do not believe that just because you have suffered a particular injustice, so too must everyone else in order to understand that injustice. I want to apologize to any of my fellow actors who I may have disappointed. I would also like to apologize to those of you who feel slighted by this choice, as I have been branded a “homophobe” by several members of the press. This is, of course, absurd and many of my dearest friends are homosexuals who would be more than happy to speak on my behalf. My decision had nothing to do with religion, or anything I learned at Bishop Montgomery High School. Bishop is a great institution of learning that encourages tolerance and acceptance of others. I do not ascribe to any one religious ideology but do value the truth that exists in them all. I think the unfortunate assumption that has been made is that Catholics are intolerant of homosexuals on the basis of their Catholicism. Intolerance of anything is a product of one’s underlying belief system as an experience of limitation. It is the line we intellectually draw within ourselves that prevents us from understanding those things we reject, because it defines the boundaries of who we are as individuals. We are what we are, but we are also NOT what we are not. Intolerance is a natural reaction that, I believe, we must understand in order to defeat. It is not a fire to be stomped out by an angry foot or extinguished by a inundating stream of media exposure. Homosexuality is a quality of beingness: one of many qualities that make up the rich diversity that humanity expresses.

True — I was not comfortable with many of the challenges they presented before me, but I put my head down and did my job. The fact that I had an opportunity as ostensibly attractive and lucrative as this, particularly in difficult economic times and with so many talented actors and industry professionals out of work was, of course, more than reason enough to be grateful. I considered it part of the challenge and within my job description to do the best with whatever storyline was being written for me, as I was very fortunate to be getting a storyline in the first place. I understand that the writers have a very difficult task. They accomplish more in a week than what other shows do in over a month. I never stormed off the set, nor have I stormed off any set in my 18 years of struggle as an artist. I felt generally unhappy about my contribution to the show, and had greater and greater difficulty making any sense of the challenges they were asking me to face. If that makes me a limited actor, then so be it. I was allowed ONE meeting with Maria Bell, and I called in sick ONCE in my 16 months on the show. In the end, I didn’t feel that decisions were being made in my best interests, personally or professionally.

I learned a great deal in my time there and I am eternally grateful for the challenges that enriched me as an artist and as a man. As a single father, with sole custody of a 10 year-old boy, this was neither a practical decision, nor was it an easy decision to make. I believe that as an actor, and as a human being, I deserve better than to be forced to do something that I don’t feel is right on many levels, and that should have nothing to do with the choices that other people make. My visage and my craft were being utilized to tell a story that I wasn’t inspired to tell. I have a great deal of respect for the show in general and all those hard-working people who make it possible, and it is out of respect for them and a sense of duty toward them that I asked to be removed from my duties. I know this doesn’t conform to contract stipulations and it is regrettable that my personal feelings came into conflict with that precedent, although I don’t think that would have ever been the case if what was being requested of me was not unprecedented. Ultimately, the producers were very understanding and amenable and I, in fact, worked until they told me they didn’t need me anymore. I am sure that more of my colleagues would speak on my behalf if they too weren’t afraid of the possible consequences, and I don’t blame them for that. It has been a difficult journey for me, and many others, on the road to understanding the nature of artistry and what it takes to succeed. Strength is measured by what we are willing to stand for, not by what we are willing to lie down and take. I want to thank everyone who has voiced such tremendous support and encouragement. Much love and gratitude to you all. God Bless. Namaste

Chris Engen

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What is Huntington’s Disease?
Huntington’s disease (HD) results from genetically programmed degeneration of brain cells, called neurons, in certain areas of the brain. This degeneration causes uncontrolled movements, loss of intellectual faculties, and emotional disturbance. HD is a familial disease, passed from parent to child through a mutation in the normal gene. Each child of an HD parent has a 50-50 chance of inheriting the HD gene. If a child does not inherit the HD gene, he or she will not develop the disease and cannot pass it to subsequent generations. A person who inherits the HD gene will sooner or later develop the disease. Whether one child inherits the gene has no bearing on whether others will or will not inherit the gene. Some early symptoms of HD are mood swings, depression, irritability or trouble driving, learning new things, remembering a fact, or making a decision. As the disease progresses, concentration on intellectual tasks becomes increasingly difficult and the patient may have difficulty feeding himself or herself and swallowing. The rate of disease progression and the age of onset vary from person to person. A genetic test, coupled with a complete medical history and neurological and laboratory tests, helps physicians diagnose HD. Presymptomic testing is available for individuals who are at risk for carrying the HD gene. In 1 to 3 percent of individuals with HD, no family history of HD can be found.

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

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Hi All! Important Update!!

We might be losing one of the staple actresses on The Young and The Restless. The buzz in Genoa City is that Nikki Newman, Melody Thomas Scott, might be written off the show.

The reason behind her fate has to do with contract negotiations between her and CBS. As we remember Jess Walton (Jill Foster Abbott) faced the same issue a few months back. Thank goodness all worked well for her. she is an excellent Jill! Well what seems to be going on is that CBS wants Thomas to take a pay cut and she is not willing to accept the decrease in salary.

From what I have read there was talk of negotiation which included her having a recurring role and that way both sides gained a little and lost a little but Scott was not willing to accept this either. As of right now, sources say her character has been written out of the script however CBS hopes that she will reconsider and come back to the bargaining table.

This is not the first time that Scott has been in this position as her 2001 contract negotioations were bumpy at first as well.  However when it came down to the wire an agreement was met. Possible options for the character that we know and love as Nikki Newman have been stated as a possible re-cast (come on there is only one Nikki) and the complete write off of her character. However its said that the writers have been writing for her role for dates after her contract expires. All you attractive, blond, mature actresses should keep an eye out for casting calls. Perhaps one of my readers has the potential to be the next Nikki Newman.

This is sad, I have grown up watching her as Nikki and don’t know that I could adjust as quickly as I did when they have changed some of the minor characters. Getting rid of Nikki would be like getting rid of Kay or Victor. The show just would not be the same!

We all know the power of the pen/email is a powerful tool. Perhaps we could show our support for Mrs. Scott by writing to CBS. If you are interested here is the address:

The Young & The Restless
7800 Beverly Blvd. Suite 3305
Los Angeles CA 90036
Email: yrbb@tvc.cbs.com

What do you think?
Could you believe a new person as Nikki?

Thanks PhickOTM for helping me with the address and all other sites that have information up regarding this potentially tragic loss of talent!

PS Never become Paul’s girlfriend, it’s like the kiss of death on The Young and The Restless!

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