Forget the soaps, there is more drama on "Kelly and Michael Live" than on "General Hospital." Strahan, who is headed to "Good Morning America" in September, exits "Kelly and Michael" on May 13 instead of the originally announced sayonara date for Strahan. On the Friday show, Strahan's departure blindsided. Then things got hostile.

On Friday, as Ripa was discussing ways divorced parents can raise their children, she decided to mention Strahan's two divorces. The smile on his face turned to "what?" He clearly had no idea she was going to mention this. And then she pointedly brought up her 20-year-long marriage to Mark Consuelos.

The show is up for the best talk show Daytime Emmy, a prize it won last year, but the hosts will not be attending the ceremony. Here's a word of advice for Ripa and her producer, Michael Gelman. Ripa needs to start playing nice. Viewers think she is a "sweetheart." Whether or not she actually is, she has to act like one. Time to be gracious. Folks will turn away from the show if she seems petty. It is hard to feel sorry for anyone making a reported $20 million a year, especially someone who throws a fit because she felt dissed by a network, co-host or producer. Just put on that happy face. Stop playing the victim.

Over the years, I have interviewed Eric Braeden (Victor, "The Young and the Restless"). He is not always an easy interview, but he is always a great one. In the right mood he can be jovial and polite. Even when he is in a bad mood he is honest and forthcoming. It is great news that his autobiography, "I'll Be Damned," is coming out later this year. The book is sure to cover his youth in Germany; his feelings of being discriminated against in Hollywood because he was in Germany during World War II; and his regret about not wanting his mother to remarry after his father died. And of course he will dish about his co-stars and Victor. Expect no sugarcoating, just a great read.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.