Q. Is Ridge ever returning to "Bold and Beautiful?" — Sherri of Dallas, Texas.

A. On December 16th, Ridge, who has been the prodigal son for over a year, heads back home. Ronn Moss, who played Ridge for 25 years, decided to leave the show last year. As for Ridge, he was upset when he saw an innocuous text on Brooke's phone. The character did not even return home when his beloved mother, Stephanie, died last year.

When Ridge finally shows up, he is going to look very different. Thorsten Kaye (last seen on daytime as Zach on "All My Children") is taking on the role. Talking to TV Guide's Michael Logan, Kaye said when he talked to the folks at "B and B" he had no idea who he was going to play. He was stunned when he was told it was Ridge. The very sexy actor says he met Moss, who he calls "stunning." Kaye says he does not have the same great looks. Viva la difference: both men have "it." Kaye who was playing Zach in the Prospect Park re-boot of "All My Children," is no longer involved in that project. "I hope my choice does not cause any problems for "AMC." I love the show and the character. The show was set to go back into production this week. So far it has not happened. "I want the show to work. The cast is talented. Everyone involved in the project worked very hard. Since there has been no word on when production will re-start, I needed to listen to other offers. I need to make a living. When I was a young actor I could sleep on friend's couches and live on macaroni and cheese. I have responsibilities now." He refers to his partner Susan Haskell — Marty "One Life to Live" — and their two daughters. When Ridge returns, he will have a few surprises. The on and off love of his life, Brooke, has moved on with Bill Spencer. Taylor, the other on and off love of his life, is off the canvas. Where has Ridge been for the past year? Lots of places. Lots has happened in his life. Kaye and Haskell live in New York. "B and B" is filmed in LA. For a while, at least, Kaye will be racking up lots of airline miles. He says as things gel on "B and B" they may make some moving choices.

Q. What was the outcome in the government's case against Mark Cuban? — Loretta of Atlanta, Ga.

A. The jury found Cuban, who was being sued for insider trading, not guilty after a four-hour deliberation. The feds claimed he had insider-trading information. That means he knew something before the public did and used it to sell stocks in Momma.com. Cuban spoke to the president of the company who intimated the company had some issues. The next day, Cuban cashed out his stocks and saved $750,000. Cuban was charming and forthright when he was on the stand. He did not face any jail time, but he would have had to pay a hefty fine — hefty by our definition. Cuban is worth 2.5 billion. He refused to plead guilty and pay several million, because he felt he did not do anything wrong. Nine jurors agreed with him. Speaking to the press afterward, Cuban said the government lied.

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