Are sports fans are being ripped off by streaming of games?

 As a sports fan, I am not pleased by the increasing number of games that are being streamed.  These days, you must subscribe to a particular streaming service in order to watch certain games.  Some people  may argue that only a smattering of games are being streamed right now.  However, I believe this is only the beginning.  Leagues such as Major League Baseball can make a great deal of money by streaming their games.  Meanwhile, the salaries of athletes are going through the roof.  More money will be needed to meet their contract demands.  That is why I believe the number of streamed games will eventually increase.  It's insidious.  Leagues, teams and networks will not be able to resist this cash cow.  They will not be able to resist making lucrative deals with streaming services.

I live in Toronto and I am a Toronto Blue Jays fan.  For the fourth season in a row, select Friday games are being  streamed on Apple TV.  As for the Toronto Maple Leafs, six of their games were blacked out this season.  That's because Sportsnet, CBC, and TSN no longer hold exclusive rights to broadcast all Leaf games in Canada.  Instead, they have teamed up with Amazon to share broadcasting duties.  This new streaming arrangement is similar to the recent U.S. model in which TNT and ESPN split coverage of NHL games.

I do not subscribe to Apple TV, nor do I subscribe to Amazon Prime.  I have no intention of adding further monthly expenses to my finances in order to watch the Blue Jays and the Leafs.  Why should I?  When fans subscribe to streaming services to watch sports, it only encourages the powers-that-be to stream more games.  Their greed has no limits.  They only pay lip service to the fans, but it's those same fans who are always asked to open up their wallet.  Fewer and fewer games will be broadcast on traditional TV and basic cable.  What about the fans who can't afford to pay for three or four streaming services?  Where does that leave them?

The players and owners make millions.  Who advocates for the fans?  They are the lifeblood of professional sports, but who is really on their side?  Game prices keep going up.  Even when we watch games on TV, we are absolutely inundated by ads.  When watching baseball, we even have to see ads on the pitcher's mound.  I realize that sports is a business and I don't begrudge the players being paid well.  I don't begrudge the owners making money.  However, I think the pendulum has swung too far.  Greed is ruining sports.  That's why I will always stand up for ordinary fans.

- Joanne

Y&R Report (March 22,, 2025) The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV, which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet.  Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Hi fans,

Y&R was pre-empted on Thursday and Friday last week on CBS (Wednesday and Thursday on Global) due to coverage of March Madness basketball.  It was a shortened week.  

So, Sharon and Phyllis were finally rescued from that room in the abandoned psychiatric clinic, and not a minute to soon (in more ways than one).  However, there are still many unanswered questions.  Was it Alan or his twin brother, Martin, who kidnapped Sharon and Phyllis?  Was Alan really the bad guy all along?  Has he been deceiving Traci the whole time?  Is she in danger?  

After Alan's romantic proposal  to Traci, the couple appeared to be the picture of happiness.  Then, Alan suddenly rushed out to purchase an engagement ring, and a sinister plot twist was revealed.  Alan was shown sitting in Chancellor Park admiring the engagement ring while a live video appeared on his phone.  It was a video of Sharon and Phyllis in the basement of the abandoned Havenhurst Psychiatric Clinic.

It certainly seemed as if Alan were unhinged all along, although he claimed that his identical twin brother Martin was the real culprit,.  He said that Martin one who traumatized Ashley in Paris.  I couldn't help wondering if Alan had any connection to Phyllis and Sharon.  Then I recalled that Alan had hypnotized Sharon in order to help her remember what happened when Heather died.  Still, why would Alan focus on Phyllis and Sharon?  Has he been conducting some weird psychological experiment with the two women?  

Christopher Cousins (Alan)

Alan's twin brother has been presumed dead, but i wondered if he had really died.  Then I read an online comment, and it made me consider another angle to the storyline.  If Martin isn't  dead, maybe he kidnapped Alan and posed as his brother again.  We know that it was the real Alan who hypnotized Sharon because he had the skills as a psychiatrist.  What if Martin took Alan captive much more recently?  Is the real Alan being held somewhere by Martin.  Is that why he is in such a hurry to marry Traci?

What about Traci?  Fans really have to feel for her.  She finally seemed to find love again, though she is blissfully unaware that a deranged man has been romancing her.  However, maybe the real Alan actually loves Traci, but has been tied up in some closet by his psychopathic brother.  Traci, does seems confused and suspicious about Alan's phone message about a "security breach at clinic."  Alan (or maybe Martin) claimed that he had not checked his phone because he was concerned about hacking.  He quickly grabbed the phone from Traci and the expression on his face changed.  He no longer seemed quite so  benevolent.  

Traci has already told Jack and Diane about the security breach on Alan's phone.  If Traci goes to the police with concerns about Alan's (or maybe Martin's) phone being hacked, she could be in real peril.  I just hope she's not kidnapped.  We've had enough kidnapping on the show lately.

Jack is worried  about the fact that Alan is in such a rush to get married in Paris.  He sees red flags.   His instincts tell him that something is not quite right.  However, he has never seen his sister so happy and he doesn't want to rain on her parade.

Well, well. well!  Holden is quite the flirt.  He tried to charm Claire when she was sitting at the bar at the Genoa City Athletic Club.  That's just what Summer wants.  Meanwhile, Romeo Holden continues to pursue Audra.  Audra is trying to resist for the sake of her relationship with Nate.  However, she seems to be weakening.  

I doubt that Holden's encounter with Claire was just a chance encounter.  Thant's not usually the way things work on a soap.  It seems to me that there will be an involvement between those two.  Claire will eventually become tired of Summer and Victor interfering in her relationship with Kyle.  I also think that Kyle will eventually find out about the poison that Claire put in Jordan's tea.  He won't be too pleased about that.  It will destroy his notion that Claire is so sweet and innocent.

How do you like Tessa as a blonde?  Do you think Daniel is falling for her?  They seem to be meeting up a lot and conversing.  

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Conner Floyd (Chance)

Do you think Chance's policing skills leave much to be desired?  Does he operate by the book too often? For example, he stopped Nick and Billy from smashing down the door of the abandoned psychiatric clinic where Sharon and Phyllis were being held captive.  Chance wanted to wait until the landlord arrived with the key.  Was he right to follow protocol or did he further endanger the lives of Phyllis and Sharon by the delay?  In Chance's defence, the Newman family have hidden information from him, but his methods have been criticized by viewers.  Fans, what do you think?  Do you approve of Chance's policing method?   Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you approve of Chance's police methods?

Yes, he is conscientious. He follows the rules and he has patience.

No. He is a terrible cop. He doesn't have a clue. He bungles everything.

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

NOTE TO READERS

I really need your feedback.  If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name.  I really need your input.  I really need to hear your opinion.  I want to know if you agree or disagree with me. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca 

That's all for now.

Please don't forget that the next edition of  Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, April 5, 2025,

Take care,

Joanne       

The Rockford Files Quiz

 From 1974 to 1980, James Garner starred in The Rockford Files.  He played Jim Rockford, an easy-going ex-convict who became Los Angeles-based private detective.  Here is a quiz to test your knowledge of the popular NBC series.  Ready, set, go!

1.  Where did Jim Rockford live?

A.  He lived in a high rise apartment.

B,  He lived in a townhouse.

C.  He lived in a trailer on the beach.

D.  He lived in a mansion.

E.  He lived in a cottage.

2.  Why was Jim Rockford sent to prison?

A,  He was convicted of tax evasion.

B.  He was convicted of drunk driving more than once.

C.  He was convicted of embezzling funds from an insurance company.

D.  He was convicted of credit card fraud.

E.  None of the above

3.  What was the name of Jim Rockford's girlfriend?

A.  Beth Davnport

B.  Anne Dupont

C.  Jane Davenport

D/  Jane Dupont

E,  Diane Draper

4.  What was the occupation of Jim Rockford's girlfriend

A.  Teacher

B.  Psychologist

C.  Librarian

D.  Lawyer

E.  Hair stylist

5.  What is the name of the actress who played Rockford's girlfriend.

A,  Susan St. James

B.  Gretchen Corbett

C.  Amanda Corbett

D.  Stephanie Powers

E.  None of the above

6.  Jim Rockford did not have an secretary.  He worked from home, using one the following.

A,  A tape recorder

B.  Rolodex cards

C.  An answering machine

D.  A small filing cabinet

E.  None of the above

7.  Why was the final season of The Rockford Files cut short?

A.  Due to low ratings

B.  Three cast members, including James Garner, suffered from injuries.

C.  Several cast members wanted to move on.

D.  James Garner left the show abruptly.  He was tired of the role and he was battling several ailments.

E.  NBC felt that the show was too costly and did not want  to invest the money to keep it going.  

8.  What kind of car did Jim Rockford drive on The Rockford Files?

A.  Pontiac Firebird

B.  Ford Thunderbird

C.  Pontiac Sunbird

D.  Ford Fiesta

E.  Ford Pinto

9.  What was the name of Jim Rockford's father?

A.  James Rockford Sr.

B.  Tom "Rocky'  Rockford

C.  Bill "Rocky" Rockford

D.  Ralph Rockford

E.  Joseph "Rocky" Rockford

10.  Who was the actor who played Jim Rockford's father, Rocky Rockford?

A.  William Beery Jr.

B.  Noah Beery Jr.

C.  Lloyd Nolan

D.  Nelson Berry

E.    Ken Nolan

11.  Who was Angel Martin on The Rockford Files?

A.  Jim's attorney

B.  A former inmate

C.  Jim's fellow private eye

D.  A police chief

E.  A judge

ANSWERS

!.  C                

Jim Rockford lived in a dilapidated trailer in a parking lot on a Malibu beach.

2.  E

None of the above

Rockford was imprisoned for a crime he did not commit.  He was exonerated when new evidence proved his innocence.

3.  A

Rockford's girlfriend was Beth Davenport.

4.  D.

Beth Davenport was a lawyer.  She would bail Jim out when he ran afoul of the law.

5.  B

Gretchen Corbett played Jim Rockford's girlfriend, Beth Davenport, from 1974 to 1978.

G. Corbett 1975 press photo 

6.  C

Jim Rockford did not fit the stereotype of a private eye.  Instead of a secretary, he had and answering machine.

7.  D         

The sixth and final season of The Rockford Files was cut short because James Garner decided to leave the show.  He was tired of his role and he had health issues.  

8.  A

Jim Rockford drove a Pontiac Firebird.  During the show's pilot and its first season (1974-1975), Jim drove a 1974 Pontiac Firebird.  Every following season of The Rockford Files, he would change to the next model year of the Firebird.  However, in the sixth season (1979-1980), he continued to drive the 1978 Firebird because James Garner did not like the 1979 model's restyled front end.

Rockford's 1977 Pontiac Firebird

9.  E.

Jim Rockford's father was Joseph "Rocky" Rockford.  Rocky was a retired truck driver who Jim on occasion.

10. B

Rocky Rockford was played by character actor Noah Beery Jr., who passed away in 1994.,  Rocky helped his son on occasion.

Berry  Jr.  Rockford Files 1974

11.  B

Evelyn "Angel" Martin, played by Stuart Margolin,  was an ex-con friend of Jim Rockford.  Martin was Jim's former cellmate, and was often in need of Jim due to his involvement with his ex-criminal associates.

Stuart Margolin in Rockford Files episode

- Joanne

Y&R Report (March 8, 2025): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV, which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet.  Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Hi fans,

So, Sharon and her longtime nemesis, Phyllis, have been kidnapped by a mysterious assailant.  The two enemies have been locked in a room from which they have been unable to escape.  In order to win their freedom, they must join forces and solve a series of puzzles.  Although some viewers have been enjoying this storyline, I am not so keen on it.  

I realize that many fans are curious about the identity of the kidnapper.  They also wonder if Sharon Newman (Sharon Case) and Phyllis Summers (Michelle Stafford) will survive and become friends.  I have little doubt that both women will survive, unless they are being written out of the show.  I can't see that happening, though.  As for the identity of the kidnapper, it has to be someone who knows a great deal about Sharon and Phyllis   This might be an attempt to make them reconcile their difference and forgive each other.  However, I can't think of any character on the show who would go to such lengths.

Could Ian Ward be behind the kidnapping?  This is where the plot becomes really confusing.  First of all,, what has happened to Ian Ward.?  We haven't seen him since he opened his eyes in the ambulance.  It's been far too long.  He is thought to have been cremated at the morgue.  If he escaped from the morgue, wouldn't there be a search for him?  I'm sure that the writers will come up with some ridiculous explanation.  Here's another question I just have to ask.  Phyllis and Sharon noticed that the alarm clock had been removed.  That means someone entered the room.  Why wasn't one of them awakened?

I have grown tired of Phyllis and Sharon squabbling in that room.  I find it quite repetitive and slow-moving.  It just seems to be going on and on, with no end in sight.  After investing so much time with this storyline, I fear that the outcome will be unsatisfying of or completely absurd,

However, Michelle Stafford ,has nothing but praise for the storyline.  In an Instagram post, Michelle wrote the following: "This was "one of the most unique, challenging and funnest experiences I've ever had on Y&R.  I've had so many great experiences with so many great actors and storylines on this show for sure.   This one is up there at the top!"   Michelle's co-star, Sharon Case (Sharon Newman), agreed wholeheartedly.  "Yess!!!!  For me too!!!  It was all of that!!" she commented on Michelle's post.

Two relationships that have no chance of survival are Claire and Kyle and Audra and Nate.  It is obvious that Summer and Victor will put an end to that romance.  Audra and Nate's relationship will also hit the skids due to Holden.  Audra is not being completely honest with Nate.  Her past will come back to haunt her, no matter how hard she tries to cover her tracks.

 Why hasn't the Newman office been shown for a long time?  We never see Nick and Victoria at work these days.  There supposed to be the co-CEOs of a multinational corporation. Who is running things?  Also, Victoria (Amelia Heinle) has not had much screentime lately.  She's clearly out of the spotlight.  Furthermore, Cole has not been around for a long while.  So much airtime has been devoted to the Sharon/Phyllis storyline. 

VIEWER FORUM

If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

I received an email from longtime Y&R viewer, CC in Etobicoke.  Here is CC's email.

Hi Joanne,

I definitely have some thoughts on Y & R though many may not appreciate them.

The show has resorted to being the #1 Soap in the category of Most Boring!

I am not a fan of plot recycling, rehashing, old grudges, only to return sometime later for another chance to get revenge.

There is Sharon...in love with Nick all over again!

Older and wiser, and even older looking.

Sharon Case is not aging well despite all her cosmetic surgery efforts.

I have never trusted the character of Claire.

She is such a convoluted persona who may someday become central to the departure of key longstanding characters, if she lasts long enough.

The powers that be have diminished Victoria's character.

She is left with a wimpy housemate and kids we never see.

Her father may never let her take the reins of the company again.

And then there is Nikki's new look, and another turn of wife being unsupportive of her husband, Evil Victor.

Is that the door opening for another temporary separation of the King and Queen of Genoa City?

You must be wondering why I continue watching? 

What are your thoughts about how things are going?

Hi CC

It's always good to hear from you.  You are clearly not pleased with Y&R right now,   In some ways, I have to agree with you.  I don't like the current storyline with Sharon and Phyllis locked in a room.  It's very weird and unsettling.  Haven't we had enough of Sharon being kidnapped and in distress?  She just escaped from one kidnapping, only to be the victim of another.  Why can't the writers give it a rest for a while?  People watch Y&R for harmless escapism.  However, the Sharon//Phyllis storyline is irritating and disturbing for much of the time.

The show does tend to rehash old grudges.  Victor and Jack have been feuding for years.  They were getting along better until that night that Jack took extraordinary measures to save Nikki.  I think the writers decided to reignite the feud in order to create conflict.  They probably felt that viewers would lose interest if Jack and Victor became friends.

I don't have any problem with Sharon being in love with Nick Newman again.  After all, they were married for ten years and had two children together.  There is still a bond between them.  As for Sharon's appearance, you have to remember that female actors are under a great deal of pressure to look young.  Male actors do not receive the same amount of pressure.  I do agree that too much cosmetic surgery is not desirable, as it leads to a plastic look.          

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Michelle Stafford

Sharon Case

Fans, what do you think about the Sharon/Phyllis storyline?  Do you like it., or do you find it ridiculous and distasteful?  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you like the Phyllis/Sharon storyline?

Yes. It's intriguing and mysterious. I want to know who is behind the kidnapping.

Absolutely not. It's ridiculous and tiresome. What a waste of time!

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

That's all for now.  Don't forget that the next edition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

Take care,

- Joanne

Y&R Report (February 22, 2025): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV, which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet.  Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Hi fans,

Someone is creating havoc in Genoa City.  Both Sharon and Phyllis have been kidnapped and knocked unconscious.  The families of both women have been trying to figure out why the two bitter enemies have disappeared together.  Mariah and Summer have been hurling accusations at each other in defence of their respective mothers.  Of course, nobody realizes that Ian Ward is still alive, and Chance is a clueless cop.  He asked Daniel and Summer to speak with him in person, without telling them that he had no new information at all.  He got their hopes up for no reason.

We know that Ian is still alive because he opened his eyes in the ambulance.  He hasn't been seen since he opened his eyes, but he has to be the culprit.  Who else would have kidnapped Sharon and Phyllis?  Yet, how did he manage to do it?  There must be some crazy explanation.  Maybe Ian has a couple of henchman working for him.  The henchmen could have done the job for him.

So, Billy Boy Abbott really hasn't changed.  He's still out for revenge against the Newman family, especially Adam.  He's still the jerk he's always been.  He's lied to Phyllis and Daniel.  He's lied to Sally.  He's lost all credibility.  

That was quite a Valentine's Day episode.  Three character fell asleep and dreamed - Sharon, Adam and Phyllis.  I doubt that most fans were fooled by the original scenes.  It was obvious that they were too far-fetched.  At the very end of the show, they were finally revealed as dreams.  However, the true feelings of Adam and Phyllis were revealed in the dreams.  I think that Adam is still in love with Sally.  He feels a bond with Chelsea, and they share a son together.  However, I think his heart really belongs to Sally.

As for Phyllis, her dream revealed that she has romantic feelings towards Billy.  She dreamt that she was dancing with Billy on Valentine's Day.  This does not bode well for the relationship between Billy and Sally Spectra.  Sally is not too happy about the bond between her boyfriend and another fiery redhead.  With Phyllis in the picture, I doubt that they will last as a couple.

Sharon's dream was not surprising.  She wants to hook up with Nick Newman again.  But what about Nick?  He's always at Sharon's side, ready to give her his support.  Why hasn't he gotten romantic with her?  What's holding him back?

Speaking of Nick Newman, why is he never at the office?  Doesn't he ever work?  He's co-CEO of Newman Enterprises with his sister, Victoria.  Yet, all he seems to do is hang around his ex-wives, Sharon and Phyllis.

Over the years, Jack Abbott has had various nicknames for his nemesis, Victor Newman.  He's referred to Victor as "The Black Knight,"  "The Moustache," and "Moneybags."  He's added a new one to the list - "Old Grumpy."

Why did Lily use Victor's resources to find information on Damian?  It seems that Victor controls everyone in Genoa City by means of his money and power..  Why would Lily trust Victor after the way he threw her under the bus in order to take over Chancellor and allow Nikki to run the company.  Doesn't she know by now, that Victor Newman never does anything out of the goodness of heart?  When he does someone a favour, he always demands something in return.  He wouldn't have done Lily a favour if there wasn't something in it for him.  As for Lily, she claims to despise King Victor and his controlling ways, yet she didn't hesitate to use his power for her own benefit.  Almost everyone in Genoa City bows down to Victor.  That's why he gets away with everything.  That's why he controls everything.  

For example, why does it mean so much to Claire to have Victor approve of her relationship with Kyle?  Doesn't she realize that Victor will never give the relationship his blessing.  It seems that Claire doesn't fully understand how bad Victor can be. 

Then there's Michael Baldwin.  Michael is rather a sad case.  He's an intelligent lawyer, but he is so desperate for a father figure that he's become slavishly devoted to Victor Newman.  Yet, despite Michael's loyalty, Victor treats him like dirt.  Why does Michael put up with it?  Why does he put his life at risk for a man who shows know respect for him?  He certainly doesn't need Victor's money.

Summer Newman can deny it all she wants, but Daniel is right.  She is jealous of Claire and Kyle.  It isn't just concern about Harrison's welfare.  I don't think she's crazy about Chance anymore, not since he accused Daniel of killing Heather.  Claire is worried about Summer as well.  She is very uncomfortable whenever Summer is around.  It is obvious that she considers Summer a threat to her relationship with Kyle.

CAST NEWS

Hunter King (Ex-Summer Newman) has joined the cast of new CBS sitcom

Hunter King

Hunter King, starred as Summer Newman on Y&R from 2012 to 2016, and again from 2018 to 2022.  She won two Daytime Emmys as Outstanding Younger Actress for her performance on the soap.  Since leaving Genoa City, Hunter has been very busy.  She signed a multi-picture deal with the Hallmark Channel and has starred in a string of Hallmark movies, including Hallmark's biggest movie of 2024 along with Tyler Hynes -   Holiday Touchdown: A Chief's Love Story (inspired by the romance of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce).                

Hunter was recently cast in a a spinoff of the CBS hit series The Neighborhood, along with Justin Long, Kara Royster and Angelique Cabral.  The show has not yet been given the green light, but it seems likely to go ahead.  According to CBS, the new series will take place in Venice Beach   Hunter will play a dark, sardonic" character named Bellamy.

In real life, 31-year old Hunter is engaged to filmmaker Chris Copier.  He proposed to her on the beach last October.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Zuleyka Silver (Audra)

Is Audra being completely honest with Nate Hastings?  She admitted to him that she had some involvement with Holden when she was with Tucker in Los Angeles.  She downplayed her involvement with Holden.  But is there more to the story?  Is Audra hiding something from Nate?  Were she and Holden romantically involved in L.A.?  As Nate mentioned, Holden can't take his eyes off of her.  What do you think, fans?  Were Audra and Holden lovers in Los Angeles?  Is Audra deceiving Nate?   Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you think Audra is still hiding something from Nate?

Yes, She's not to be trusted. I don't think she's told Nate everything.

No. Holden just makes her nervous because he's after her.

Even if she isn;t hiding anything else, Audra's connection with Holden will cause trouble with Nate.

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

NOTE TO READERS

I really need your feedback.  If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name.  I really need your input.  I really need to hear your opinion.  I want to know if you agree or disagree with me. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca 

That's all for now.  Don't forget that he next addition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, March 8, 2025. 

Take care,

Joanne

Y&R Report (Februrary 8, 2025): The Latest on The Young and the Restless

Hey Y&R fans, every second Saturday TV Banter discusses the latest happenings and provides commentary on your favourite daytime drama. Note to U.S. readers - SPOILER ALERT: Here in Canada, I watch the show on Global TV, which is one episode ahead of CBS.  I will inevitably refer to incidents you haven't seen yet.  Read at your own risk.  If you are the curious type, though, you may prefer to discover some things in advance.

Hi fans,

What a great performance by Ray Wise as Ian Ward!  It was a tour de force.  He should be nominated for a Daytime Emmy for best guest performance on a daytime drama.  I wonder, though, if the showdown at the Newman ranch should have been Ian's last hurrah, his swan song.  That way, he would have gone out with a bang.  It seems, however, that the writers want to keep that storyline going.  Just when we thought Ian was gone for good, he opened his eyes in the ambulance.

Remember that the February ratings sweeps are upon us.  I expect that Ian will launch a surprise attack against the Newman family.  The shows needs a villain to torment the Newman family.

Ray Wise (Ian Ward)

Chance is not the smartest cop.  His  police work leaves much to be desired.  When he found Ian's motel room, why didn't he stay there until Ian returned?  The Genoa City police are incompetent, to say the least.  

There has been quite a plot twist in the Damian King storyline.  The man who met with Nate and Audra is not the real Damian.  He turned out to be an imposter.  He is the real Damian's sidekick. and his name is Holden (Nathan Owns).  I think that the storyline will focus on Holden.  He seemed to take a shine to Audra.  I expect that he will cause trouble for her and Nate Hastings (Sean Dominic).  

In an interview with Soap Opera Digest, Nathan Owns revealed that his character is linked to a Genoa City leading lady.  My guess is that the woman is Lily Winters.  Head writer Josh Griffith has stated that Lily would find true love, but will Holden's attraction to Audra complicate matters?  Of course. another possibility is the Lily is linked to the real Damian, played by Jermaine Rivers.  

Nathan Owen {Holden)

Jermaine Rivers (Damian)

I doubt that Claire and Kyle Abbott are not going to last.  Here's why.  Kyle puts Claire on a pedestal.  He's going to be upset when he learns that she's not perfect.  Claire didn't tell Kyle the whole story about Jordan's death.  She only told him that Jordan poisoned herself.  She conveniently left out the fact that she was the one who put poison in Jordan's tea.  Although Jordan drank the poison voluntarily, Claire still bears some responsibility for her aunt's death.  Victor is determined to break up Kyle and Claire.  He will probably tell Kyle about the poison Claire put in the tea.

Victor's idea of "protecting" his family is controlling them and interfering in their relationships.  He doesn't want a Newman with an Abbott.  Yet, although he's opposed to Kyle and Claire's romance, he doesn't seem to mind if his other granddaughter, Summer, is with Kyle.  Victor is also on a mission to reunite Adam and Chelsea.  Furthermore, he ordered Cole to stay away from his princess, Victoria.  He changed his mind, though, and Cole is currently in his good graces.

VIEWER FORUM

If you have any comments on Y&R, please email them to me with "Viewer Forum" in the subject line. I will be happy to publish your comments and reply to them  You do not have to use your real name. 

My email address:  jmadden16@yahoo.ca

I received an email from longtime Y&R fan, Carly, in Barrhaven, Ontario.  Here is what she wrote:

Y&R….the actor playing Ian Ward is so good.  I get a real kick out of him.

I am happy that this storyline is over.  I have to say that Sharon gets on my nerves.  Her voice has become so whiny & to think that she & Nick may get back together is so sickening.  

Poor Claire & Kyle.  Jordan was like a cat with 9 lives.  I guess this time they can’t bring her back.

No I don’t see any chemistry between Billy & Sally.  I liked it when she & Nick were an item…a long time ago.

Hi Carly,

I also get a kick out of Ian Ward, but not so fast!  Jordan may be gone for real this time, but Ian Ward is still very much alive. The Newman family is not out of the woods yet, not by a long shot.  The storyline is not over yet either.

I liked it better when Sally and Adam were together.  I think they really suited each other.  Also, the thought of Sharon and Nick together is not sickening to me.  They have a long history together, going back to when they were high school sweethearts.  They also have two children together.  

Having said that, I don't like what the writers have been doing with the Sharon character lately.  I'm not happy with the way she has been presented in the storyline - always the victim, always the damsel in distress.  I also don't like the way she just waltzed into Adam and Chelsea's place out of the blue.  She brought them a present, but it just seemed as if she was being nosy.

Y&R REPORT READERS' POLL

Jason Thompson (Billy)

Michael Graziadei (Daniel)

Billy Boy Abbptt is very excited about his new business venture  It is a media company called Abbott Communications.  He is eager for Phyllis and her son, Daniel Romalotti, to join him in this venture.  Phyllis is enthusiastic about joining forces with Billy, so long as he doesn't use the new company to exact revenge on Adam.  Daniel is far more reluctant about joining up with Billy.  He thinks Billy talks a good game, but he doesn't really trust him and he doesn't have much confidence in him.  What should Daniel do, fans?  Should he be a part of Billy's new company.  Respond to the poll below and let me know.

Do you think Daniel should join Billy's new company?

Yes. Daniel needs a job. Billy is enthusiastic. He wants to build something of his own.

No. Billy is unreliable. He always messes up and he will bring Daniel down with him.

No. Billy will not be able to resist getting back at Adam and the Newman family.

I don't know.

Other

 

pollcode.com free polls

That's all for now.  Don't forget that he next addition of Y&R Report will appear in this space on Saturday, February 22, 2025.  Meanwhile, enjoy the February sweeps.

Take care,

Joanne

Keeping up with Erik Estrada

He rode a motorcycle and battled crime.  In the 1970s and early 1980s, Erik Estrada's face was plastered everywhere.  He played Ponch, a California motorcycle cop with a megawatt smile, on the hit TV series CHiPs.

Erik was born Henry Enrique Estrada in East Harlem, New York City on March 16, 1949. in the city's Spanish Harlem neighbourhood.  He is the son of Carmen Moreno, a seamstress, and Renildo Estrada. a small business owner.  Erik is of Puerto Rican heritage.  He attended Louis D. Brandeis High School in Manhattan, and he strongly considered becoming a police officer.  In a 2007 interview with Parade, he was asked if law enforcement had played a bigger part in his life than CHiPs.  He replied, "Well, I was going to be a New York cop before I became an actor.  I couldn't take the test until I was 18, and at 17, I got bit by the acting bug.  I gave myself until I was 30. If I had some success, fine.  If I didn't, I'd come back and fulfill my dream and my mother's dream."

Erik decided to focus on acting after joining his high school drama class.  After graduation, he studied at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA) in New York City, a private conservatory for the performing arts.

Erik had first appeared on screen in commercials for Fritos.  As a child, he played the Frito Bandito, which became the company's symbol.  Erik's parents split up when he was a toddler, and he lived with his mother, Carmen, his grandfather, his brother Joey, and his sister Carmen.  His father was rarely seen.

When Erik's parents divorced, he moved in with his mother and her new husband, Poncho Dostela.  It was Dostela who inspired Erik to pursue his dream of an acting career.  After completing acting courses, Erik landed his first professional role in the 1970 film The Cross and the Switchblade.  The film is based on a non-fiction book of the same name by David Wilkerson, a Christian evangelist.  in the film, Pat Boone plays Wilkerson, while Erik portrays Nicky Cruz, a member of a teenage street game who is transformed by Wilkerson's ministry;

In 1974, Erik was cast in the hit film Airport '75.  He played the role of an onboard engineer who sacrifices his own life in order to disarm a terrorist who had hijacked a Boeing 747.  He played another heroic role as an engineer in the historical 1976 film Midway.   

Prior to his role on CHiPs, Erik made guest appearances on several TV series, including Hawaii 5-0 (1973), Owen Marshall, Counselor at Law (1973), Emergency! (1974), Kojak (1975), Mannix (1975), The Six Million Dollar Man (1975), Police Woman (1975), Medical Center (1975), Barnaby Jones (1976) and Baretta (1976).

Erik Estrada is best known for his starring role as California Highway Patrol officer Francis (Frank) Llewelyn "Ponch" Poncherello in the hit TV police drama CHiPs.  (CHiPs is an acronym for California Highway Patrol.). The series ran on NBC from 1977 to 1983). Erik's co-star was Larry Wilcox, who played Officer Jon Baker.

CHiPs was highly popular, and the series established Erik as a bona fide television star.  CHiPs decals appeared on lunchboxes. Photos of Erik and Larry appeared on posters and magazines everywhere, as well as other CHiPs paraphernalia.

Although Erik and Larry played police partners on the show. they did not have the smoothest relationship off screen.  Larry was originally intended to be the show's star.  However, he was soon overshadowed by Erik's growing popularity.  Erik was one of the few Latinos in prominent roles during that time, and he was considered a leading heartthrob of that era.  This caused some tensions between the two actors. 

It's interesting to note that the CHiPs police officers never drew their guns.  In his interview with Parade, Erik waxed nostalgic about the '70s era.  He stated the following: "What I see is that we never drew our guns.  We were in a time in America when life was really fantastic.  It was the '70s.  There was disco.  Free love!  The streets weren't as nasty as they are now because they hadn't turned cocaine into crack yet.  AIDS hadn't hit the streets.  It was a great time in America.  Our show was on Sunday night, and it was basically about showing respect for law enforcement and dealing with people on a verbal level.  Not pulling guns and blowing their brains out."

In 1981, Erik missed three episodes of the fifth season of CHiPs, due to a contract dispute over syndication profits.  He was replaced by Caitlyn Jenner, then known as Bruce.  Jenner played Officer Steve McLeish.  The Olympic athlete was already working for NBC Sports as a commentator and was an experienced motorcyclist.  Once Erik reached an agreement with MGM, Jenner's character slowly faded from the show, after a total of seven episodes.

Estrada and Wilcox with Jenner

During CHiPs' run, Erik had a supporting role in the Vietnam-era drama The Line (1980).  He also had the lead role and produced the 1982 TV movie Honeyboy, which received favourable reviews.  In Honeyboy, Erik portrayed Rico "Honeyboy" Ramirez, a Puerto Rican from the south Bronx, who finds fame and fortune as a middleweight boxer.  Morgan Fairchild also starred in the film.

After CHiPs ended its run, Erik's career hit a snag.  He struggled to find work, and he accepted roles in low budget films and TV series.  His luck changed in the early 1990s, when he appeared in a Mexican "telenovela" (soap opera).  Since Eric didn't speak Spanish well, his lines were fed to him over an earphone during production.  When he landed the role of Johnny. a Tijuana trucker, in Does mujeres, um camino (Two Women, One Road), he had to take extensive Berlitz Spanish lessons before he could begin.  One hundred episodes of the TV drama were originally planned.  However, four hundred episodes were eventually produced, and the "telenovela" revived Erik's sagging career.

Does mujeres, um camino was enormously popular in Mexico. and other places in the Spanish-speaking world.  The series helped to win Erik a great number help to win him a new set of fans.

  

In 1994, Erik began co-hosting a syndicated outdoor adventure show titled American Adventurer.  The series aired until 2004.  He also began appearing on talk shoes and hosting events.

In 1998, Erik reunited with former co-star Larry Wilcox for the TNT made-for-TV film CHiPS '99.  The TV movie helped to spark a new interest in the original series.

In 2001, Erik was cast as Eduardo Dominguez on the daytime drama The Bold and the Beautiful.  In the 2000s, he continued to act, mainly in comedies or in Disney films for children.  Erik has also appeared on reality shows such as The Surreal Life, along with rapper Vanilla Ice and former televangelist Tammy Faye Messsner.  In 2007, he was seen on Armed and Famous, in which celebrities work alongside police officers 

Most recently, Erik has guest-starred in episodes of the drama Sangre Negre . . Black k Blood (2022, two episodes), the sitcom Call Me Kat 2023, and the futuristic science fiction series Fallout (2024)

Erik Estrada has been married three times and divorced twice.  On November 25, 1979, he wed Joyce Miller.  The couple divorced in 1980.  They did not have any children.

In 1985, Erik married to Peggy Lynn Rowe, an entertainment executive, songwriter, and producer. They divorced in 1990.  The couple had two sons, Anthony Erik (born 1986), and Brandon Michael-Paul (born October 28,1987).  Brandon Estrada became an accomplished pole vaulter.

Brandon Estrada

On September 20,1997, Erik married for the third time, to film sound technician Nanette Mirkovich.  Nanette is also known as an actress, especially for her role in the 1996 feature film Inside Out.  Nanette was born in raised in California, and she is of Russian and Hispanic descent.  Erik and Nanette have a daughter, Francesca Natalia (born January 5, 2000 in Burbank, California).

Below is a photo of Erik, Nanette and daughter, Francesca.

END NOTES

* Erik supported Republican senator John McCain in the 2008 American presidential election.

* Erik's older brother, Joey Del Valle, passed away on December 19, 2017.  Joey was an NBC staff photographer for some three decades.  Born in Santurce, Puerto Rico, he was raised in New York's Spanish Harlem.  Prior to joining  NBC, he worked as a fashion and advertising photographer.  Joey Del Valle died in Los Angeles after a lengthy illness.  He was 72 at the time of his passing.

* Erik is supportive of police office organizations around the world.  Several years ago, he realized a childhood dream by becoming a sworn police officer for the Muncie, Indiana Police Department.  He then moved to Virginia where he served as an I.C.A.C. (Internet Crimes Against Children) investigator for eight years in Bedford County, Virginia.  On July 1, 2016, he became a reserve police officer in St. Anthony, Idaho, where he was filmed patrolling on a police motorcycle.

* Erik wrote his 1997 autobiography with Davin Seay..  It is titled Erik Strada: My Road from to Hollywood.  The paperback edition was published in 1998.  In the memoir, Erik wrote about his Hispanic heritage and other topics.

* Erik received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 29, 2000.

* Erik is active in youth and political movements. He advocates against drug addiction, alcoholism and smoking.

* Erik loves music and has appeared in videos for his favourite artists. In addition to his on-camera performances, he has provided voice work for cartoons such as Maya & Miguel, an animated children's PBS series, JoJo's Circus, a stop-motion animated series and Sealab 2021, an adult animated series.

SOURCES: Biography (www.biograhy.com): "Erik Estrada: As Frank 'Ponch' Poncherello on the police drama 'CHiPs' Erik Estrada became one of the most popular television stars of the late 1970s and early 1980s;" The Hollywood Reporter; "Joey Del Valle, Longtime NBC  Photographer , Dies at 72," by Mike Barnes, January 16. 2017; Mental Floss (www.mentalfloss.com), "14 Things You Might Not Know about CHiPs," by Jake Rossen, September 14, 2017; Parade (parade.com), "Interview with Erik Estrada Estrada, May 30, 2007; Wikipedia, Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

- Joanne