Jack Sndyer, I fear you've learned nothing from your last go-round with Lady Love. Let me refresh your memory. It ended with the woman you love lying to you, ditching you for a jewel thief, and leaving you to raise her three children.

For a normal guy, getting burned to that degree would make one wary of love. Not Jack Snyder. Nope. Instead, Jack decided to propose to his ex-wife's lover's ex-wife, within two months of beginning dating her. Hey, no one ever accused Jack of being the sharpest tool in the shed.

That said, I'm enjoying the Jack/Katie/Brad/Carly quadrangle. There is so much chemistry in this geometric lovefest, that I'm not sure who to root for. I like Jack and Katie. I like Brad and Carly. I like Carly and Jack. I even like Katie and Brad. Get the picture? This complicated love story is a win, and one of the only reasons I'm tuning in these days.

In other musings:
--Don't hate me for saying this, but Barbara's new speech impediment is really distracting. Whatever's going on, it couldn't have happened at a worse time. She's been screen heavy since Paul's "death."

--You can now officially add this to the As the World Turns drinking game. Take a drink every time Paul "dies" and comes back to life.

--I miss Mike. And no, not just because of his legendary six-pack. Can you imagine his reaction to Katie and Jack hooking up? With Rosanna headed back to town, I'd like to see Mike come home, too.

--Time changes everything. It's hard to believe that Katie has become the woman in town that men can't resist. Think back a few years ago when it was Lily who was turning heads in Oakdale and poor Katie couldn't get the time of day. Now, she's turned the heads of Henry, Simon, Mike, Jack and now Brad.

--I know you're sick of hearing this from me, but it deserves repeating again and again until someone at CBS hears me. Why can't Henry get a strong, interesting, front-burner storyline? Trent Dawson is a twice-over Emmy nominee, who makes magic with every scrap he's thrown. Dawson has earned a major story arc. And by major, I mean one in which he's the center of the drama, not Katie or Maddie or Vienna. He has the acting chops and the popularity to pull it off. Stop wasting him!

--Could ATWT be setting up a love triangle for the kid set? Faith, Parker and J.J. have all the makings of a future summer teen storyline if ever I've seen one.

--Henry must have had one too many martinis when he picked out his shirt-tie combo for Thursday's show. I think I speak for all of us when I say, "Henry, please burn that horrendous striped-orange-gray shirt and tie."

--And you thought Iris was white-trash creepy. Julia's former "friend" could give Iris some tips. I have no idea what's so important about that jewel box that she's willing to stalk a kid, but it must be good.

--I was so disappointed in Ali this week when she hit on Dusty and offered him a good time. I thought she'd turned a corner. Hitting on your sister's boyfriend isn't too bright, Ali. Neither is relapsing into drugs. Let's hope Ali finds her way again.

--I'm still baffled as to how Vienna is going to open a spa and continue her massage and pampering of Oakdale without being a licensed massage therapist. Perhaps, Vienna should chuck her aspirations to become a spa owner and pursue a career as a gemologist. She seems to know more about jewels than the local jeweler.

--From the moment Gwen was feeling sick, I knew she was headed down the pregnancy path. But, how? A few years ago, she was diagnosed with infertility. I bet the Munsons are wishing now that they hadn't raided Will's trust fund and given it to Iris.

--Did Katie use Crest white strips, or have her teeth always been that white? Regardless, she has the best smile in daytime. She's a knockout. It's easy to see why no man in Oakdale can resist her.

--Jack and Carly's showdown this week was mesmerizing. Carly confessed her love for her ex, while Jack shot her down and professed his new love for Katie. Whether Carly and Jack reunite romantically or not, they will always sizzle. I continue to be amazed when they are onscreen.

--Jade exited this week. Considering her character didn't do much other than fight with Will, Gwen and Maddie, I don't think she'll be missed. It's a shame that feisty Rose's daughter wasn't written, or cast, differently. That character could have been a spitfire. (Think LuLu or Maxie from General Hospital.)

--I'm not sure what to make of Craig. I guess we're to believe that he suddenly loves Meg so much that he's putting her in charge of his company? I thought this "new" Craig was supposed to be ruthless, win-at-all-costs. He certainly didn't hesitate to con Lily when it benefited him. I'm finding it hard to root for this Craig. Help me, Scoopers. I want to like him.

--Several of you have commented on Carly's new look, i.e. the long hair and tan. I think she looks great. Different, yes, but it makes sense for her character. She was supposedly in the islands somewhere with Simon, so I'm sure there was a lot of sun and she didn't have time to get a haircut. Or perhaps she was going for a new look to match her new personality, that of an on-the-run criminal.

--It appears that Brad has fallen for Katie. He didn't seem the type to fall for anyone, so I'm not sure what to make of this new development.

--Poor Will. If ever someone needed therapy, it's him. How much more can he take? His entire family has died in the past two years, with the exception of Barbara. Hmmm...perhaps Babs should take out some more life insurance. The odds don't seem to favor the Ryan/Munson clan for living a long prosperous life.

--Jade looked gorgeous on Monday's show. Not only that, but she left town on a high note, making amends to Will and Gwen. It was nice to see Jade get a decent send off.

--With Rosanna headed back to Oakdale, it got me thinking about past characters who I'd like to see come home. For me, John Dixon's is sorely missed. Dusty needs someone to talk to, other than the Stewart women, and who knows, John could perhaps rekindle his relationship with Barbara.

Best Lines of the Week:
(Jack tells ex-wife Carly that he's in love with Katie.)
Jack: "What Katie and I have, it's good. It's healthy."
Carly: "So is whole grain bread, Jack, but you like rye, and there's nothing you can do about it."

(Lily asks Craig what he's going to do about his loveless marriage.)
Craig: "I am in love with a woman who is in love with a dead man. What do you think I'm going to do?"
Lily: Given your past history, I don't know, blackmail, kidnapping, run her off the road?"
Craig: "Thanks for playing "Name Craig's Dastardly Deeds," but I'm sorry, you will not be moving on to the bonus round."

(Craig does his best impersonation of drama queen Lucinda during a discussion about Montgomery Enterprises.)
Lily: "You got the company from Lucinda Walsh, the most formidable woman in the world."
Craig: (Switching on his Lucinda accent) "Oh no, (darling, the universe."

That's all for now Scoopers! See ya next time.
Jennifer Biller