B&B promo: Ridge Returns!

[ajsp35801]

I am actually looking forward to this if for nothing else than to see TK and DD shares scenes. The fact that they are writing ridge differently might mean bill won't be able to run over ridge in scenes. Something he was doing when I was watching 2 years ago.

[Wizzerkat]

I think I am going to set the DVR for this one. I don't think TK is a bad actor and he does have presence. That being said, I can't believe they did not at least try to clean him up a bit. I don't think he looks like a slob, but right now it looks more like Zach Slater goes to LA and Becomes a Forrester. I hope he has done some research into the role at least. It will be interesting to see him in scenes with JY and not call him "junior."

[Cat]

The thing with Ridge is that, despite the ponchos and necklaces, Ronn Moss always looked washed and fragrant. Look at that poncho picture. You can't say he doesn't look put together! Plus Ronn could pose like the best catalogue model on the planet (Ronnequin!), and that sort of added to this '80s fashion' element that was Ridge. Back in the day, Ridge was rocking a tuxedo almost every week, and the rest of the time he was dressed in Ralph Lauren (RL being the perfect real-life approximation of FC's signature 'rich, classic' style).

I get that the ponchos/necklaces/rich hippie vibe will not translate in TK's version. I'm good with that. And I get that TK is nowhere near as tall as RM, even though I did a double-take when little Thor hopped out of the car and troll-walked his way to the door. I just wish they'd given him a less anonymous suit because he looks like a building contractor. TK looks ok with some designer stubble (Ronn always looked like the puppet in Team America World Police when he was trying to grow a manly beard). But the mop on his needs a trim and some shine, and a few hours at the gym might not go astray. He also needs to stand up straight and hold himself like the child of privilege that Ridge is.

Let's see about that much-ballyhoed acting talent because he's going to need all that and more with B&B's SLs and dialogue. He could do worse than watch how Kim Matula and Scott Clifton (yes, them) deliver their material, because they've had some crazy stuff and they work harder than most to deliver it as naturally as possible.

[Cheap21]

Only if it's Red Wings branded. I suspect Ridge will suddenly become a fan

[Ann_SS]

Poor Hungary. Instead of a seasoned career diplomat as an ambassador, they get a wealthy dilettante fund raiser. No wonder the diplomatic corp is unhappy with the lack of promotions and appointments.

[Cat]

It's all that way now. I remember when Pres. Clinton promoted Pamela Harriman to US Ambassador to France and it was seen as a scandal that an unqualified fundraiser was getting the plum Paris post (destination for many a seasoned and loyal diplomat as a Thank You for their loyal service. Not to mention that the US still relies on strong French intelligence, mostly on terrorist cells in Europe and North Africa).

As it turned out, Harriman was perfect for the post because her worldly sensibilities fitted right in with Paris. French-speaking business legend Felix Rohatyn followed and his ambassadorship was considered a success, too, because he was very connected in Europe.

Since then, though, it's like anybody in Peoria who signs a cheque gets an ambassadorship. Paris was once the exception; it is now the rule. One recent US ambassador to the UK (one of the US's closest allies, I don't care what Pres. Obama says about China being his BFF) had a wife who moaned the whole time about how London was not Chicago, boo hoo. You're right, honey, it's better! But you know what I mean. If you don't like the country, for God's sake, don't let on to your hosts!

As for Hungary, there is a lot going on there which would behoove Mrs. Bell to understand. Like the startling rise of fringe fascism. Not saying Hungarians are all fascists by any stretch, but diplomats should be aware of these political rumblings otherwise it is going to take everybody by surprise, and it could trigger a domino effect. Hungary is a fascinating country with its own particular language, customs, history, temperament. It incubated some of the world's greatest composers, musicians, film directors, artists. And during the Cold War was known for its crack spies -- and for the number of people quietly fighting against Communist dictatorship even after being ruthlessly hunted down in 1956. I do hope Ms. Bell has done her homework.

[sheilaforever]

Cat has already delved into this (and one could talk a lot about Hungary simply because European politicians and press mostly IGNORE what is going on there ) but let me just say that the ambassador is just that: a spokesperson. The real work is done by the career diplomats who also become ambassdors in areas where real work is done like Egypt, Pakistan etc.

That said; nothing gets worse than the kind of people George W. was sending around the globe. Clinton and Obama have at least tried to fix their supporters up with countries they can somehow relate to, though I have no idea whether Colleen Bell has any link to Hungary.

[ChitHappens]

Your posts, whether it be soaps or politics, ALWAYS fascinate me. This is another really good one

[Juliajms]

Whether these people are just figureheads or not, its corrupt that the position is given to people as a reward for fundraising. Sad that it's just accepted practice and hardly anyone blinks. I don't care if it's always been done. Wasn't Obama supposed to be changing the way things happen in Washington? Can this woman even speak the local language? Sure, there are bigger injustices going on in Washington, but this is one more sign that our system is for sale.

[Cat]

What a compliment! TY. I love that people here do not feel limited to posting "just" about the soap and bring in all kinds of information and experiences. I have learned a ton from just reading threads here. I know of no other soap board that allows this breadth of discussion or exchange of info.

FWIW, your posts are always a must-read, hilarious and on-point. I usually agree with them but even when I don't, they always prompt me to think over my viewpoint.

[ajsp35801]

In other words, President Obama is not allowed to do what everyone else has done. The standards he must live up to must be higher than that for every other President that has come before him. LOL. I remember when I was idealistic about politics thinking that people should do what is right because it is right. When realistically that will never happen for many politicians (or citizens). President Obama can not change the character of other people. In order to get something, you have to give something. And that something is probably money or contracts for the people in the politicians state/district. Afterall, that is who he/she was elected (bought) to represent.

I totally agree that this is another sign that our system is for sale. Something again, that will never change because it was set up this way. Big money and the wealthy have always ruled these United States. It's called capitalism. And I don't foresee a future where this is not the case. The alternative is not something that goes well with our founding principles.

[Darn]

I'm sorry but even at his worst Ronn Moss just looked like a former model who was a little too into himself as he got older. Thorsten Kaye looks like someone you'd see on a Homeless Makeover segment of an afternoon talk show.

[Cheap21]

lol agreed. He looks so much cleaner and presentable with shirt hair and it's a shame he won't be sporting that here. He just looks greasy and dirty with the long look

[YRBB]

LMAO! Yes. You said in two sentences everything that I've been trying to say in whole paragraphs haha. I don't care if he's a good actor or not. First, he has to look the part. Then comes all the rest.

[ajsp35801]

I wonder about his chemistry with KKL...