Jay Kenneth Johnson is from my hometown - we went to the same high school, which is the same high school that Brad Pitt went to - and he came home for a couple of days for the holidays. Well on the front page of my local newspaper this morning was a picture of Jay, and an interview about his return to DAYS. He is really excited about this comeback, mainly bc of Hogan and his vision of the DAYS future.

Anyway here is the link - check it out:

http://news-leader.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic.../612300323/1093

Also, check out the "Related Links" underneath his picture - and you can see other stories from the newspaper they've done on Jay throughout his career...including an interview about his first time to Hollywood and being on DAYS back in 2000.

Gawd, he looks delectable there. Excited about January 12th!

Um, I'm hoping he's gotten a haircut in the not so distant past, lol. That do's just not going to do.

I still miss Kyle.

Really Keith? I was thinking his face and cheekbones looked a little rough! I thought it was from the real show after they take the bandages off. LOL!

I can't wait for him to be back!!!

Q. You've taped five episodes and return Jan. 8 for more. Hasn't Philip changed since you last played him? He's lost a leg and a daughter, and his face was blown off in Iraq.

A. Hence the facial transplant and the bandages. Very dramatic.

I'm seriously going to start taping Days. I keep hearing nothing but good stuff about this show as of late.

I don't think you'll regret it, SJ. I would also recommend taping/tivo-ing/watching SOAPNET'S marathon tomorrow night. This week's episodes of DAYS are not to be missed!!

I don't think you'll regret it, SJ. I would also recommend taping/tivo-ing/watching SOAPNET'S marathon tomorrow night. This week's episodes of DAYS are not to be missed!!

Absolutely! This week's episodes are what set all the new stories into motion. Amazing that it went from that insanely good family-filled holiday episode to all hell breaking loose by Friday!

Exactly, Kenny. This week just epitomized what a soap opera is and should be. I have not been able to say that about DAYS in years with an exception here or there.

Thanks for the link. I really liked this aspect of the article:

Q. You've taped five episodes and return Jan. 8 for more. Hasn't Philip changed since you last played him? He's lost a leg and a daughter, and his face was blown off in Iraq.

A. Hence the facial transplant and the bandages. Very dramatic.

I bought one of those running weights and put it on my leg so I could remember to limp. I kept limping differently and they're saying, "Jay, it's your left leg."

He's not a very nice guy right now. I think he's tired of letting people walk all over him.

http://www.springfieldnewsleader.com/apps/.../612300323/1004

I'm glad that JKJ will actually play out Phil limping and represent the fact that he was injured on the battlefield. With this, I do agree with Hogie that Philip's war injury was treated disrespectfully. Given the sensitivity of the subject, that we have 3,000 Americans now dead and scores more injured b/c of the Iraq war and that we have many members of the military either already in Iraq or going there in the next couple of months (my nephew is going to Anbar province in February), I hope that for once Days will pursue a honest portrayal of Philip's war injuries. A little anguish would be nice. I know I shouldn't expect much from soaps, Days especially. But it would be a nice departure from the total disrespectful way that JER handled the whole Iraq storyline with Phil etc......

I agree, ademption.

I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to Philip when he comes back.

Yeah I agree ademption.

I am glad they aren't forgetting that and he seems ready to portray the role as it is now and not what it used to be. It seems it was the story and the fact the role is meatier now that drove him back to Days.

I can't wait to see him. If that pic of him is recent, then I think he looks pretty good for what Philip should look like.

Oh and SJ, I agree with King and Kenny. Start watching-you won't regret it. It truly is the best right now and this past week you may want to catch on Soapnet. It was a week full of everything you could want from a soap.

Unfortunately, I don't have SoapNet.

Thanks! I'm looking forward to seeing him back on Days!

Ah. Try this site for a few of the BOPE clips and Horton tree hanging:

http://www.network54.com/Forum/390270/

Scroll down the day ahead list to December 22, 26, 28, 29.