Friday night's show

screencap by bcfraggle

Well, someone had a very late night last night and missed all of 360 and it's repeats. I'm a bad Anderfan and promise to spend most of my day in the naughty chair. From skimming the boards it sounds like I missed a good show too. If you missed it also here's a link to the transcript.
I did pick up some interesting information on my morning internet rounds. Supposedly, there is a Sissor Sisters concert in Indio, CA tonight. As some of you know Jake Shears, the lead singer, is a friend of AC's. Might explain Anderson's somewhat surprising trip to California this weekend? As to the 'official' reason here's a portion of the CNN press release.

Release Date: 4/26/2006
CNN Offers Range of May Day Coverage to Coincide with Protests


In preparation for a series of immigration-related protests across the United States on May Day, CNN plans to offer comprehensive on-air and online reports on the protests and various immigration issues affecting the nation, including a 24-hour look at the U.S.-Mexican border by CNN anchor Anderson Cooper.
Numerous groups have planned a series of protests and boycotts on Monday, May 1, across the United States alternately called “The Great American Boycott 2006” and “A Day without an Immigrant.” The protests coincide with May Day – also known as International Workers’ Day – a day to commemorate achievements of the labor movement, particularly the eight-hour workday.
As part of CNN’s May Day coverage, CNN anchor Lou Dobbs, who has provided leading news reports and commentary about immigration and border protection for more than two years, examines the immigration debates during Lou Dobbs Tonight. For the program, Casey Wian will cover protests along the West Coast, and Bill Tucker will cover those along the East Coast. Lisa Sylvester examines the politics of the boycotts from a Washington, D.C., perspective. Lou Dobbs Tonight airs each weekday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
On Tuesday, May 2, Cooper reveals a typical day along the border of the United States and Mexico in “24 Hours on the Border.” The special, which will air during Anderson Cooper 360° at 11 p.m., follows border patrol officers, civilians and others chronologically during a single, 24-hour period.
For Anderson Cooper 360°, Cooper anchors from Los Angeles for the evening. In a program focused on immigration issues, Rusty Dornin offers an inside look at border patrols, Randi Kaye reports on gang violence along the border; Ed Lavendera examines the risks of crossing the border and Rick Sanchez examines the deportation process by following a deported Central American man back to his home country. Anderson Cooper 360° airs each weekday from 10 p.m. to midnight.

Gilligan's Island

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale,
A tale of a fateful trip
That started from this tropic port
Aboard this tiny ship.
The mate was a mighty sailing man,
The skipper brave and sure.
Five passengers set sail that day
For a three hour tour, a three hour tour.
The weather started getting rough,
The tiny ship was tossed,
If not for the courage of the fearless crew
The Minnow would be lost, the Minnow would be lost.
The ship set ground on the shore of this uncharted desert isle
With Gilligan,
The Skipper too,
The millionaire and his wife,
The movie star
The professor and Mary Ann,
Here on Gilligan's Isle.

It's time for another recasting of a classic television show. Gilligan's Island lends it self perfectly to our little recasting series. By the way, I've added a new blog strictly to archive this series of classics. It's called CNN Theater and it's in the links. So grab a diet Coke and some popcorn, sit back and enjoy.

Our shows stars Anderson Cooper playing the part of Gilligan, the Skipper's little buddy.




Who better to play the Skipper than John Zarrella? Think of how he protected his little buddy Anderson from the flying Ramada sign.






Next we have the millionaire. Needs to be handsome, sophisticated, debonair. Lou Dobbs is Thruston Howell III.







Granted Christiane Amanpour is a little young to be playing Mrs. Howell but with her accent she's a natural for the part. I would love to hear Lou refer to her, just once, as 'Lovey'.









The 'movie star' Ginger will be played by the lovely and talented Ms. Christi Paul.









Mary Ann was always America's sweetheart so Erica Hill will be perfect for this part.










Is it just me or does Nic Roberson seem like he could be The Professor in real life? Handsome, smart and how I love that accent.








A special thanks to Sheryn at Sheryn's Anderations for suggesting Gilliigan's Island. If you have an idea for a recasting of a classic television show, movie or stage play email me. That's all folks, hope you enjoyed the show.

Caring 4 Katrina

screencap by legionpossessed

When Anderson covered Spring Break in New Orleans (March 23rd) he featured college students working to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. This, to me, seemed like such a good pairing of those in need and those with the time and energy to do a great deal of good. That in mind, I went to work contacting various agencies who have organizations on the ground in NOLA and asked what programs they have in place for this summer. With the help of Rita at Andernations, and many more in the Andercommunity, a website has been developed that is aimed at college and high school students, teachers, even families who have time during the summer to get involved. Most of the organizations listed on Caring 4 Katrina supply their volunteers with food, shelter and transportation to the various work projects. You are responsible for your transportation to and from New Orleans. So please check out the Caring 4 Katrina website and PLEASE pass it on to anyone that you think might be interesting in lending a hand and their heart to a good cause. With your help maybe we, as a community, can make a difference. Thank you.


If you have a website, blog, belong to an online community or My Space and would help us spread the word by displaying this banner you'll have our eternal gratitude.

screencap by bcfraggle

Just a few comments about this weeks excellent 360 shows. Have you noticed the slow but steady relaunch of the 'coolness factor' in the show? It's almost getting to be as hip as the 'red' 360 that most of us miss so much. I'm lovin the additions of The Angles, The Shot, etc.
And they're infusing decent bump music into both hours now, instead of saving it for the second. Don't know what caused it but I've got my fingers crossed that the show keeps heading in this direction.
And one last note about Wednesday's show. The Anderca segment in the first hour was just the best I've seen in a very long time. If you missed it, I'm sorry!

Ask Anderson a Question

Just a quick newsflash. The marvelous Quitman has found a very interesting audio interview with Anderson about his new book on the Harper Collins Canadian site. Just look for the audio link in the box in the center of the page. Sounds like Anderson bares his sole in Dispatches from the Edge. So take the time (17 1/2 minutes to be exact) and listen to him answer questions about his writing. And speaking of questions.....


I rarely update my blog in the middle of the day, but I'm so excited about something Quitman, at Anderson's Funhouse, sent me , that it must be shared immediately!
I love it when two of my favorite television people get together to talk. Like when John Stewart had Anderson Cooper for a guest or Stephen Colbert interviewed Anderson Cooper or Kelly Ripa had Anderson Cooper for her guest host (3 times) and then there was the time David Letterman questioned Anderson Cooper. Do you see a pattern here? If you don't, I guarantee your not a Mensa member. Anyway, my favorite intern, Ross Matthews, from the Tonight Show with Jay Leno is going to be interviewing, of all people, Anderson Cooper! But wait, it gets better. Ross wants Anderfans to submit the questions for Anderson and he'll get us the answers we've been hoping for.
I've already submitted my question. It's actually a subject that Lisa touched on Monday and I struggle with most everyday as I blog. I would like Ross to ask Anderson "How aware is Anderson of the various AC blogs and how uncomfortable do they make him?" So get those questions ready and if you'd like to share, we here at ATA would love to know what inquiring minds are wanting to know. But let's refrain from the commando questions, ok?
Here's the link to Ross's blog. Go and enjoy, he's a very funny man.

A New Week

There is a very good chance I'll be without my internet for most of the evening on Monday, which makes it a little difficult to discuss tonight's 360. I've been saving up some interesting items, most not Anderson related, for just an occasion like this. If your ip is working feel free to post you impressions of tonight's show in comments. Thanks and enjoy.

First up are a few signs that need no explaination (mostly because I don't have an explaination).

And these because they are just too cute.

Can't have a post with out some Anderson so here are a few pictures to enjoy.
This one thanks to Xtina.
And this one thanks to Suzanne.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

So, most of you reading this now are probably somewhat interested in Anderson Cooper or you wouldn’t be here. (If you clicked the wrong link and are looking for Alice Cooper go here teehee). But I think it’s safe to say we all admire, like, drool over, obsess or generally get a kick out of Mr. Cooper.I guess the question I pose this week is how far can we comfortably go in our “fandom” without crossing the line into whacked out stalker? Let’s take a short quiz before we continue…Answer “yes” or “no” to the following questions:

1- I know Anderson Cooper’s shoe size
2- I know the first and last name of Anderson’s college roommates
3- I know what he had for dinner last night
4- I know what his dog had for dinner last night
5- I know that answer to the boxers or briefs question

If you answered yes to one or more questions you need to sign off and get a life. (Ok, if you answered “yes” to 5 please fee free to email privately ;) )

The point I’m making is when do we, as fans, carry it too far? How much is just curiosity and how much is just plain freaky? Perhaps, I’m not the right person to answer that, but I wonder if we need to respect his privacy a bit more? Knowing information and sharing it publicly are two different things. Also, I have to question all these people popping out of the wood work claiming they know Anderson or that have a friend that’s his mother’s best friends barber. Now, it is certainly plausible that these people could be telling the truth, and quite honestly, none of us can ever know for sure, but what is the point? Sharing private, supposed inside, info about him with the world seems more about boasting and attention seeking than anything else. I have to question it because what kind of a pal blabs stuff about their friend all over the Internet?

With the book signings coming up and the likelihood that many of us may have a chance to meet him it makes me wonder how happy, excited, nervous or downright freaked out he is about meeting his hardcore fans. I’ve concluded lately that, for me, that is the measure of if I have gone too far. Would you say what you write about him to his face? Or would you feel comfortable if he knew who you were and what you posted? That’s the real “yes” or “no” quiz question! What’s your answer?

Stand back she's about to explode!!!!

I've saved this rant for now because my blog traffic is usually pretty light on Saturdays and I'm almost ashamed to write this. But for me that's why I created this blog, so I could state my opinions and feelings about CNN, 360 and Anderson Cooper. My family got tired of me going on and on about stuff they didn't care about, so this is my outlet. Then an interesting thing happened, people who did care about CNN, 360 and Anderson Cooper responded to what I had to say. Don't get me wrong, I'm didn't say they always agreed with me, but they read, digested, and even emailed their approval or disapproval. Today is one of those days when I know I'm in the minority, so in an effort to offend the fewest number of people I'm writing this on a Saturday and also prefacing it with some great Anderphotos so your trip to ATA isn't a total waste of time.




Seems if you are given a 2 hour time slot you need to do a 2 hour show. If it's to heavy a work load for the 360 staff, then CNN needs to add staffers or trim the show to 1 hour. With the annoying repeated segments and Jon Klein's lame excuses for such, I'm getting the feeling that Anderson doesn't have all the support to present a quality product that he should have.

I'm tired of being jerked around by CNN. Don't keep viewers out of the loop and think we'll keep coming back to watch the same repeated 'specials' over and over. If you're showing a 'special' then have the balls to schedule it, so viewers know what to expect. Thursday night's 360 was the straw that broke the camel's back for me. I was at a dinner, making excuses so I can duck out early and at least get home for the second hour of 360. I made it home just in time to catch the 'special de jour'. No explanation, no apology, no reason, just another repeated 'special'. This just plain pissed me off.
Now that I finished my rant I realize I should have posted this on a heavy traffic day. I'm tired of hiding my displeasure with programming at CNN and I don't care who knows it.

Pictures of AC from the PEN on Tuesday

The lovely Ms. Xtina came through for ATA again with pictures of AC from the PEN Literary Gala at the Museum of Natural History in NYC on Tuesday night. The first one sort of takes your breath away, doesn't it?

Anderson and fashion designer (think wrap dress) Diane Von Furstenburg

Anderson,Diane,her husband Barry Diller(media ex) and Tina Brown(columnist)

Why, Mr.Cooper, couldn't you do the last 1/2 hour of 360 in the tux? Just once, please? Ok, now I know he'll never wear it because I've asked, pretty please, for the navy tie with the tiny dots and we all know he never wears that anymore either. Think he's trying to send me a secret 'leave me the hell alone' message? I'm developing a complex!

Maybe we're one step closer?

Tonight was another excellent 360! That's two this week.

As for the picture.....the only way Karl Rove will leave this administration is in handcuffs. A girl can dream, can't she?











Speaking of dreaming, Anderson looked exceptionally sharp this evening. Was that a new tie?

screencap courtesy of jld119

And a special thanks to Legionpossessed I have a new favorite screencap of Anderson.

I especially enjoyed AC's mocking presentation of the Matt Lauer/Tom Cruise clip. You could just see that little mischievous twinkle in Anderson's eyes. After the last year of couch jumping, rude superiority with TV hosts, PDA's and out of wedlock babies, I'm so over Tom Cruise. My husband raised an interesting point tonight, on that subject. He asked me how I would feel about Anderson, if he behaved in a similar fashion as Tom Cruise has. Would I be so over AC too? No way, it's going to take more than that for AC to lose this Anderfan. Besides, he is just too much of a class act to behave that badly.

As for last night's Boston Strangler 1 1/2 hour special 360, it puzzled me. We're used to the special reports on Friday night, so Anderson & Co. can get on with their weekend. But a Tuesday night and then he's live in the studio for the last 1/2 hour? Struck me as strange. Thanks to Sheryn at Sheryn's Aderations for solving the mystery. Anderson was at the PEN Literary Gala at the Museum of Natural History in NYC, last night. Here's a link to the pictures. Enjoy! *if it doesn't work, see the direct link in the comments*
And on an interesting, politically driven, news day I received this analogy of President Bush by email. An older Texas gentleman compared our President to a 'post turtle'. Not being familiar with the term he was asked what a 'post turtle' was.

The Texan said, "When you're driving down a country road and you
come across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top, that's a post
turtle."

This was a little perplexing, so he continued to explain,

"You know he didn't get there by himself, he doesn't belong there, he
doesn't know what to do while he's up there, and you just want to help
the dumb shit get down."

What's in a name?

My mind is in a silly place tonight so stick with me. Eventually I will get around to Anderson, I promise.

First there was Bennifer, remember them? and then conveniently no name change necessary, still Bennifer...
Then along came Bragellina
And the infamous TomKat with their Tomkitten....
And after watching the giggles, flirting and obvious friendship it was only natural that we now have...Anderca!

Monday's 360

screencap courtesy of bcfraggle
360 last week was long on reruns and short on content. Tonight's 360 was just the opposite. Everything seemed fresh and new. Since Anderson took over the 2 hour block, in November, there have been few shows as good as Monday night's 360. Thank you Anderson Cooper and keep up the good work.
Now to Darfur, which was highlighted in tonight's 'Hiding in Plain Sight' segment. It's been months since 360 mentioned the plight of the people of this incredibly poor African nation. Seems tonight's mention was precipitated by Nicholas Kristoff, New York Times columnist, being awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his continuing coverage of this genocide. That and possibly several people asking why it hasn't been covered in a while on AC's 360 blog today. Whatever prompted the segments, thank you CNN and 360 and please keep it on the front burner.
If you're not familiar with Darfur it is located in the Western Sudan. Since 2003, 180,000 to 300,000 people are estimated to have been slaughtered in the genocide. Those lucky enough to escape to Chad are being threatened again, as the Janjaweed cross the border to continue the carnage. Please take the time to check out any or all of these links and provide whatever support you can to stop this tragedy.

Darfur: A Genocide We Can Stop
Darfur Information Center
A Million Voices Postcard Campaign
Save Darfur
Human Rights Watch: Crisis in Darfur
Human Rights First, H.O.P.E. for Darfur
Physicians for Human Rights in Darfur