Another Soap Goes Dark

ABC has canceled All My Children and One Life to Live.  Both shows are over 40 years old, yet at the bottom in the ratings.  One year ago All My Children moved from their studio in New York to a larger facility in Los Angeles.  Fans were interpreting this move as an indication that the network would continue to produce the show for a few years.  However, sagging ratings amid rumors that producers have been over budget were the final nails in the coffin. 

One Life to Live is the final soap opera produced in New York City.  They too moved into a larger studio last year and have been better at keeping production costs in the black.  However, soap operas across the dial have been struggling in the ratings.  CBS canceled As the World Turns and Guiding Light recently.   NBC dropped to one soap a few years ago after canceling Passions.

The final episodes of All My Children will air in September, with One Life to Live's last broadcast scheduled for January, 2012.  The network will replace the long running series with lifestyle programs hosted by Tim Gunn and Mario Batali.  General Hospital will remain as ABC's lone soap opera.  The other remaining shows in the genre are The Young & The Restless and The Bold & The Beautiful on CBS and NBC's Days of Our Lives.

Coffee with Fins

Finally a coffee cup that doesn't require a disposable sleeve.

Devin and Glenn

Nora Dunn! Justin Long! Tom Arnold.... makehomosexualsmarry.org

Patricia Clarkson reenacts Perry v Schwarzenegger

Cameras were banned from the courtroom during testimony for Perry v Schwarzenegger, the lawsuit challenging the amendment to California's constitution banning gay marriages.  In the above clip actress Patricia Clarkson reenacts the testimony of Helen Zia.  Ms Zia married her wife Leah in the few months when gay marriage was legal in California.  Her testimony explains how the marriage made a difference in their lives. She, very touchingly, explains the difference between marriage and domestic partnership.