Thoroughly Anderson Cooper

In 3s And 1s News & Olds

2012-02-02T20:19:00.000-05:00

What Floored Anderson Today?

2012-02-02T19:58:00.032-05:00

Ouch! Watch What Dropped Anderson to the Floor

Thursday, February 02, 2012 -- 10:14 AM

In this clip from Anderson's hour with Madonna, the superstar turns the tables on him and asks if he has ever spoken of Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor, with his family.

Watch what happens when the conversation turns to Anderson's dad's side of the family, and then suddenly... did Madonna just dis Anderson's fashion sense?

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Anderson, What are you wearing... eh?

Handsome Identity Protector

2012-02-02T19:15:00.052-05:00

Cyber Security Expert John Sileo on Anderson Cooper

Duration: 04:54 min.

From: johnsileo

Added: Jan 26, 2012

Description: http://www.sileo.com Are you prepared for the Scams that will hit millions of American's this year? Do you know the risks of data hacking on your smart phone, the problems with your banking passwords, the risks of including too much personal information on your Facebook account? Anderson Cooper wants to make sure you are. Join he and identity theft expert and author John Sileo as they discuss 3 simple steps to protect yourself in the New Year.

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7e0Dr36xVs

My Lucky Charm(er)!

2012-02-02T18:34:00.000-05:00

Sarah McNamara goes to HSN with her Anderson Cooper

Duration: 00:25 min.

From: SarahMcNamaraBeauty

Added: Feb 2, 2012

Description: Miracle Skin Transformer is airing on HSN on February 3rd at 12-1am and Sarah McNamara is on her way to the show with her Anderson Cooper good luck charm!

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N02ypADdKwU

Tomorrow: A Big Drew Ring

2012-02-02T18:02:00.046-05:00

Feb 02, 2012 -- 11:00 AM ET

Drew Barrymore Dishes on Her ‘Fancy’ Engagement Ring

Her recent engagement is already old news, but Drew Barrymore is still aglow, especially when talking about fiancé Will Kopelman.

“I didn’t want to go to this little party, and my friend dragged me there and I met him,” the Big Miracle star tells Anderson Cooper on Friday’s Anderson. Though their initial meeting was several years ago, it wasn’t until 2011 that “things got serious.”

Now, after what Barrymore calls a romantic proposal, the two are in the midst of wedding planning — and all the fun that comes with it. “The thing that I think we’re the most excited about is … this will be such a nice year to do wonderful things together,” she says. “We like to spend time with our friends anyway, so on the auspices of this kind of a celebration, even more heightened and wonderful. What a great adventure.”

In the meantime, Barrymore also gets to show off her ring, a 4-carat sparkler from Graff Diamonds. “It’s beautiful,” she says. “[Kopelman] picked it out and he’s just got lovely taste, and it’s really fancy. I’m sort of like funky, eclectic girl so I feel like this is very fancy and I’m trying to like, you know, feel comfortable with it.”

She also needs to remind herself to stay comfortable with the planning process. “The worst thing you can do is like stress about things, and I totally fall prey to stress and lose my own advice every once in a while,” she admits. “We’ll just have a wedding, we’ll get married, it will be very calm.” Check out the clip below for more, and catch Anderson Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. EST.

Sorry. Fucking "People.com" does not share its videos with us.

Madonna Will Not Be The Only Super Bowl Sensation!

2012-02-02T17:39:00.037-05:00

Jan 30, 2012 -- 10:30 AM ET

Sneak a Peek at David Beckham’s Sexy Super Bowl Commercial

For those of you who watch the Super Bowl for the commercials (no shame — we do it too), feast your eyes on this: H&M’s sexy game day ad starring a nearly naked David Beckham. The soccer star strips down in the first television spot for his bodywear line, which hits H&M shelves on Feb. 2.

“My design team and I spent 18 months developing the collection, it’s been a fantastic collaborative experience, and I’m very happy with the end result,” Beckham said in a release. “Like every fan, I’m looking forward to Super Bowl Sunday.”

In addition to Sunday’s ad, H&M is in the process of hand painting a revealing Beckham billboard in New York’s Herald Square, and videotaping the project. Once it’s completed — sometime during Super Bowl weekend — the footage will be shared as a time-lapse video on youtube.com/hm. You’re welcome.

Today: A Kiss Is Just A Kiss

2012-02-02T17:24:00.001-05:00

Madonna Talks to Anderson Cooper About Kissing Nicki Minaj [VIDEO]

Thursday, February 2nd 2012

If you didn’t know by now….Madonna is a huge Nicki Minaj fan!

The Pop Queen recently made an appearance on Anderson Cooper’s talk show “Anderson” and spoke on her love for the Young Money rapper and how she shared a kiss with her on her birthday.

Yesterday: The Radiant Katherine Heigl

2012-02-02T13:25:00.005-05:00

'Being a child model was brutal': Katherine Heigl tells Anderson Cooper after she slams 'demeaning' US reality show, Dance Moms

By Amelia Proud

Last updated at 8:55 AM on 2nd February 2012

Katherine Heigl says her work as a child model was 'brutal.'

Before being discovered as an actress, the star used to work her charm in campaigns for American department store Macy's and the Sears chain.

The blonde beauty explained that as a child she didn't enjoy fashion shoots because she found the poses embarrassing.

'Oh my god, it was brutal,' she said in an upcoming episode of US talk show Anderson.

'You even understand it, even when you're 9, you're like, 'This is silly and lame' and they're like, 'No, no, it's adorable, do it.'

Luckily Katherine's talent for acting landed her a part in 1992 movie That Night and she went on to establish a solid career in TV and movies.

But even as a reluctant clotheshorse Katherine felt self-expression was important.

Recalling one of her fellow junior models, the mother-of-one said she got frustrated seeing the little girl simply repeating the same pose.

'She had one signature move," she gripes of another former child model. 'I was like, 'Let's shake it up, please!'

Continuing this theme, Heigl slammed Dance Moms on her iVillage blog for sending an inappropriate message to young girls.

The 33-year-old wrote: 'I watched with open-mouthed amazement as girls as young as seven were encouraged to dress provocatively and shimmy around a stage doing a dance performance that could just as easily been a burlesque routine.'

She reserved special criticism for the show's star, and chief instructor, Abby Lee Miller.

The mother of one added: 'I kept thinking all these girls were missing is a pole! I was also horrified by the way their instructor spoke to them when she felt they weren't up to snuff.'

The Grey's Anatomy alum also maintains that the show, which depicts the travails of dancers aged 7 - 14, is : 'Demeaning, belittling, and downright unkind.'

And then it came to the topic of how Miller, addresses the little girls.

Katherine, who has a three-year-old daughter, Nancy said: 'There is no reason to break anyone down in order to prepare them for inevitable disappointment or unkindness.

'There is no reason to diminish anyone's self-esteem in order to get them to try harder next time. Especially not a child's.'

But although Heigl doesn't agree with the young girls parading their bodies on stage, she explains it's not their fault and they possess great talent.

She said: 'The young girls on Dance Moms are wonderfully talented, spirited ladies who should be encouraged to perform since they seem to truly have a knack for it...

Before adding: 'I just wish they were being inspired, instructed and supported for their gifts as I was when I found my creative path.'

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It's The Rapture!!!

2012-02-02T12:52:00.033-05:00

...But only 3 people were worth saving...!

Flying people spotted over New York?

CNN | Added on February 1, 2012

Flying people invade the skies above NYC? CNN's Jeanne Moos identifies these unidentified flying objects.

Don Cornelius, Mr. Soul Train

2012-02-02T12:29:00.039-05:00

How Don Cornelius became the 'pope of soul'

By John Blake and Todd Leopold, CNN

updated 10:27 PM EST, Wed February 1, 2012

Don Cornelius' impact on America went beyond music. "Soul Train" united white and black America together.
(CNN) -- Don Cornelius never led a civil rights march, launched a boycott or gave a speech before a cheering crowd of protesters.

But his impact on America was as profound as virtually any civil rights leader, says Shayne Lee, a sociologist who grew up watching "Soul Train."

Cornelius' groundbreaking TV show didn't just captivate African-Americans -- it tied white and black America together in a way that had not been done before, says Lee, who teaches a course on hip-hop at the University of Houston.

"He was an ambassador, the pope of soul," Lee said. "For a lot of suburban whites living in segregated America, this was their first exposure to this exciting new world of movement and energy. He made black culture more accessible."

Cornelius, who hosted "Soul Train" for 22 of its 36 years on the air, died Tuesday. He was 75. Police reports indicate he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The suave Cornelius was known by an entire generation of African-Americans as the dapper host of "Soul Train" who signed off each show by blowing a kiss and declaring, "We wish you love, peace and souuuullll."

Most of the tributes to Cornelius that poured in following his death focused on his contribution to music. Others said his legacy was bigger than sound.

Cultural impact of 'Soul Train'

Kenny Gamble, co-founder of Philadelphia International Records, which produced the theme song for "Soul Train," says Cornelius was a great contributor to American, not just black, culture.

"Soul Train," like Apple and Coca-Cola, is an American brand, Gamble says.

"Soul Train" traditions, like dancers gathering to cheer on fellow dancers as they shimmied down a dance line, are now a part of pop culture.

"No matter where you go in this world, people are doing the 'Soul Train' dance line," he said. "What's a party without the 'Soul Train' dance line?"

Gamble still sounded stunned after hearing the news about Cornelius.

"Unbelievable," he said. "That was my man."

Singer Gladys Knight told CNN that Cornelius was an unsung hero whose show amplified the message, "I'm black and I'm proud."

"He encouraged us to be ourselves," she said. "We're going to give you this platform and you go out and do your thing."

Sociologist Lee said that message -- be black and proud -- drove the civil rights movement. And just as the civil rights movement overturned segregation, Cornelius erased cultural barriers that separated white and black Americans living apart in their own cultural cocoons.

"I see Cornelius as a civil rights activist," said Lee, author of "Erotic Revolutionaries."

"The civil rights movement changed the legal structure; Cornelius changed the cultural structure. Changing the culture can change hearts in a way that protests can't."

Cornelius first changed television.

TV had not been known as friendly terrain for African-Americans before "Soul Train." Blacks were often seen in caricatured roles -- as minstrels, servants or outlaws. They were seen through the lens of white America.

"Soul Train" changed the focus. It lifted the veil on black America and showed blacks being themselves, and not as whites imagined them, said Lee.

"The show introduced the notion that blacks were creative, we have something to offer and we're not going anywhere. And if you give us a chance, you might like some of our moves," Lee said.

Cornelius offered white America a new way to see black men, Lee says. He wasn't a sidekick or servant, nor was he angry.

"He walked a tightrope," Lee said. "If he was too in-your-face, he would have been offensive on television, or too accommodating he would have been perceived as an Uncle Tom.

"He was soooo cool."

The cool apparently wasn't an act to those who knew him and knew how he launched "Soul Train."

The man behind the voice

Cornelius took a big risk to start "Soul Train." He was a former insurance salesman who entered broadcasting in the mid-1960s. He gave up a steady paycheck as a salesman because he'd often been told he had a wonderful voice for broadcasting.

He was inspired by another television music host.

"Almost all of what I learned about mounting and hosting a dance show I learned from Dick Clark," the producer and host of "American Bandstand," he once told Advertising Age.

Cornelius was used to taking risks -- he used $400 of his own money to shoot a pilot and faced skepticism at many turns.

Yet he had an edge -- "Soul Train" was a novel idea.

There had been any number of radio programs focusing on black music and black listeners, but "Soul Train" was the first nationwide black-oriented music-variety TV show. It was also one of the most successful TV programs ever: To this day, its 35 years in syndication are a record.

"If you're an African-American of a certain age, 'Soul Train' was as important to your weekend mornings as your milk was to your cereal," broadcasting personality Tom Joyner wrote in 2010.

Cornelius also was a shrewd businessman. He used a partnership with Sears and Chicago-based cosmetics company Johnson Products to take the show national in 1971 after a year's run in Chicago. He also stayed true to his market -- and by doing so helped popularize African-American artists among a wide audience.

He gave a number of black performers their big break, including Shalamar, Rosie Perez and Nick Cannon -- the latter two as dancers.

Soul Train's fashions

The fashions on "Soul Train" were almost as important as the music. Every Saturday, teenagers all across America tuned in to see what the "Soul Train" dancers were wearing. Viewers even paid attention to the commercials, where companies sold black beauty products such as Ultra-Sheen.

"It was appointment television in our household, and the clothes were talked about as much if not more than the new dance moves," said Billboard magazine editor Danyel Smith. "The style of 'Soul Train' is a book, a movie, a documentary in and of itself. It was flashy, it was big, it was bold, it was sexy -- and frankly it was a way that I think many in America hadn't seen African-Americans look. To just even see people from another part of the country -- people forget how revolutionary that was back in the '70s."

No matter how popular "Soul Train" became, Cornelius never forgot those who worked behind the stage, said Christopher Lehman, author of "A Critical History of Soul Train on Television."

"He wanted to make sure that he had African-Americans involved in every level of production. He had African-American directors, and of course he had African-American dancers," Lehman told CNN Radio's Matt Cherry.

"If there had not been a 'Soul Train' there would not have been a whole network like BET that tries to do on a network level what Don Cornelius did on a program level."

In his later years, Cornelius became an elder statesman for the black music scene. He would show up at awards shows -- impeccably tailored as usual -- to receive accolades for "Soul Train."

Looking at him then, it was hard to imagine the risks he took when he started "Soul Train."

But NewsOne's Don Charnas remembered. Once, James Brown -- then the biggest name in soul music -- wondered how Cornelius would succeed.

"Who's backing you on this?" he asked Cornelius repeatedly.

"It's just me, James," Cornelius answered.

Not anymore.

Cornelius' wonderful voice -- like the music and style of "Soul Train" -- is now a permanent part of America's soundtrack.

CNN Radio's Matt Cherry contributed to this report

Strange Marijuana Reality Show (Trip)

2012-02-02T11:58:00.019-05:00

February 1st, 2012
10:59 PM ET

Video: RidicuList: Joan Rivers' blaze of glory

On the RidicuList, Anderson Cooper features Joan Rivers smoking marijuana on a long, strange reality show trip.

A Crime Of Passion Is A Crime Of Anger, And Anger Returns

2012-02-02T11:27:00.020-05:00

February 1st, 2012
11:56 PM ET

Video: Victim: Barbour has violated my rights

Anderson Cooper talks to a victim who is outraged that the convicted killer who shot him is free. Plus, Jeffrey Toobin weighs in on the Mississippi pardons investigation.

Help To The Carmo Family Funeral Fund

2012-02-02T10:53:00.039-05:00

February 1st, 2012
11:10 PM ET

.. and Martin Savidge report.

Video: Teen is lone survivor in Florida pileup

A 15-year-old girl survived a massive crash, but her family died. Some were concerned she could be deported to Brazil.

HELP with donations to your local Bank of America branches:
Carmo Family Funeral Fund

Iran And It's Infantile Nukes

2012-02-02T10:16:00.018-05:00

February 1st, 2012
11:06 PM ET

.. with Fran Townsend and Karim Sadjadpour report.

Video: Increased threat from Iran?

Fran Townsend and Karim Sadjadpour discuss the likelihood of Iran planning and executing an attack in America.

Today On 'Anderson' MADONNA!

2012-02-02T09:48:00.028-05:00

¡MADONNA!

¡MADONNA!

¡MADONNA!

Six Portraits Made By One Computer

2012-02-01T18:12:00.029-05:00

Or All In One

The Rescue In Action

2012-02-01T17:25:00.020-05:00

Web Exclusive: Plane Crash Rescue Footage

Wednesday, February 01, 2012 -- 7:30 AM

Jenny, Andy and Logan -- a family that was vacationing in Honduras when their plane crashed into the water -- owe their lives to a group of tourists whose island cruise boat saw their plane as it crashed.

Not only did Jenny and Andy's rescuers see the plane crash with their own eyes, but they managed to get video footage of the entire incident, including the four complete strangers leaping into the water, risking their lives to save them.

The footage below, not seen on the show, shows the rescue team in action...

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"Anderson" would like to extend a special thank you to all of the rescuers: Larry Forseth, Paul Gullackson, Dr. Marc Arsenault, Dr. Annette Von Thun, Linda VanOcker, Mercuri "Coonie" Rubens Miller.

The show would also like to thank Patrick Forseth for the above video footage.

The Importance Of Being "W.E."

2012-02-01T14:43:00.024-05:00

Thursday Preview: Madonna on the Importance of Creating 'W.E.'

Duration: 03:06 min.

From: Anderson

Added: Feb 1, 2012

Description: Madonna explains why she decided to create the film "W.E." -- a story that has been called the "greatest love story of the 20th Century."

Anderson's hour with Madonna airs on Thursday, February 2, 2012.

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBSg42sz624

Model Children

2012-02-01T13:59:00.029-05:00

Jan 31, 20120 -- 4:30 PM ET

Katherine Heigl: Being a Child Model Was ‘Brutal’

Before starring in the 1993 cult classic, My Father the Hero, Katherine Heigl had another camera-ready vocation: unenthusiastic child model.

“Oh my god, it was brutal,” she tells Anderson Cooper on Wednesday’s episode of Anderson. “You even understand it, even when you’re 9, you’re like, ‘This is silly and lame’ and they’re like, ‘No, no, it’s adorable, do it,’” she says of posing for clients including Macy’s and Sears.

And though her modeling days are over, Heigl appreciates a girl with more than one look. “She had one signature move,” she gripes of another former child model. “I was like, ‘Let’s shake it up, please!’”

Check out the hilarious clip below, in which Cooper reveals a modeling shot of his own and tune into Anderson, Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. EST.

[Sorry, small (56 sec.) video not available.]

The Muppets Take Fox News

2012-02-01T13:11:00.001-05:00

Muppets fire back at Fox News

The Situation Room |Added on January 31, 2012

When Fox News slammed the new "Muppet Movie" for brainwashing kids - Kermit and Miss Piggy didn't hold anything back.

Strong & Funny First Lady

2012-02-01T12:49:00.000-05:00

First lady gets Leno spoof treatment

Early Start | Added on February 1, 2012

Jay Leno has a little video editing fun with some footage of first lady Michelle Obama.

Next Stop: Nevada!

2012-02-01T11:56:00.037-05:00

January 31st, 2012
11:55 PM ET

..

Video: Nevada voters watch Florida closely

CNN's Tom Foreman asks undecided voters in Nevada what they think of the GOP candidates and the Florida primary results.

February 1st, 2012
12:09 AM ET

.. Wolf Blitzer reports.

Video: Santorum looks ahead to Nevada

GOP candidate Rick Santorum talks to CNN's Wolf Blitzer about what's next for his campaign after the Florida primary.

The Evangelical Vote If A Mormon Wins Florida

2012-02-01T11:15:00.012-05:00

January 31st, 2012
11:07 PM ET

Video: Evangelicals and the Florida vote

Ralph Reed, president of the Faith and Freedom Coalition, talks to Anderson Cooper about the evangelical vote after Mitt Romney's win in the Florida Republican primary.

Ron Paul's Ideals And Message

2012-02-01T10:44:00.018-05:00

January 31st, 2012
11:06 PM ET

.. Wolf Blitz reports.

Video: Paul: Supporters compensate for funds

Ron Paul says his ideals and message will help him overcome challenges in competing for the presidential nomination.

Florida Primary Live Bblog

2012-02-01T10:03:00.022-05:00

January 31st, 2012
06:51 PM ET

Raw Politics: Florida primary live blog

8:23 p.m.

Here's how big Mitt Romney's Florida win may be tonight: So big, he was able to win voting blocs he's often struggled to capture so far this year - groups like men, young voters and the middle class. Voters cited him as the candidate most likely to understand average Americans' problems. And late breaking voters broke his way.

So who didn't get swept away in the Romney romp?

You can start with the Tea Party. Romney pulled a respectable 33% among voters who strongly support the Tea Party, according to early exit polls - but that showing pales in comparison to the 46% captured by Newt Gingrich. The 7% of voters whose most important issue this year was abortion overwhelmingly backed Gingrich over Romney, 44 to 24%. So did voters looking for a true conservative: they picked Gingrich over Romney by a greater than 4-to-1 margin.

In other words: the exit polls suggest the party's most conservative voters still haven't warned to Romney just yet. But there are signs of movement: voters who believe abortion should be illegal backed both men in equal numbers. Evangelicals gave a slight 3-point edge to Gingrich - but Romney nearly closed that massive gap. And in the Panhandle - the state's most conservative region - the two men are neck-and-neck at 38%.

7:10 p.m.

Yesterday, the stat of the day was that Wesleyan study suggesting a 1,600% increase (yes: that's one, comma, zero zero) in ad spending by outside groups this cycle.

Today, the stat of the day came courtesy of CMAG/Kantar Media, which tracks political ad spending. It found - no shock here - that the spots flooding Florida's airwaves since last Monday have been ovewhelmingly negative. And Newt Gingrich was by far the top target: more than two-thirds of the political ads that aired in the past week were anti-Gingrich spots, while just under 1 in 4 were anti-Romney. But here's a puzzler: almost 1 in 10 of the past week's ads were pro-Gingrich spots - while just 0.1% were pro-Romney. As in, one-tenth of a single percentage point.

But here's the thing: ads were a lot less decisive in this race than they were in South Carolina. Two-thirds of the voters there said they were an important part of that decision. Here in Florida, just 39% said campaign spots were important to their vote; 58% said they weren't.

6:50 p.m.

A week-and-a-half ago, two-thirds of South Carolina's GOP primary voters said debates helped decide their vote; back then, Gingrich lapped Romney among those voters by a 2-to-1 margin. And once again Tuesday, in early exit polls, two-thirds of Florida’s Republican primary voters said debates were an important factor in deciding their vote.

So could the candidate who dominated the debate stage in Florida expect the same sort of result here? The answer's not quite that simple: one x-factor in Florida is the fact that thousands of the state's voters cast ballots before the candidates faced off there this month. In other words, when voters point to debate performance, they're not necessarily talking about last week's faceoffs; a big chunk of the electorate could have based their votes on nationally-televised debates from earlier-voting states like South Carolina.

Follow Rebecca Sinderbrand on Twitter.

Post by: Rebecca Sinderbrand

Today, Katherine Heigl, On 'Anderson'

2012-02-01T09:31:00.041-05:00

'Katherine Heigl' & 'Honduras Plane Crash Survivors Reunite with Rescuers'

Wednesday, February 01, 2012

Hollywood superstar Katherine Heigl joins Anderson for an intimate conversation about family, loss, and whether she regrets being so outspoken about the people she’s worked with in the past. Katherine opens up about her brother’s tragic passing and what she’s doing now to keep his memory alive.

Then, for the first time since the accident, the miraculous survivors of the tragic January 11th plane crash in Honduras are reunited with rescuers who saved their lives.

Would Katherine Heigl Return to 'Grey's Anatomy'?

Katherine Heigl reflects on her time at “Grey's Anatomy,” and says she would…

Would Katherine Heigl Return to 'Grey's Anatomy'?

Wednesday, February 01, 2012 -- 5:00 AM

Katherine Heigl became a household name when she co-starred as Izzie on the hit hospital drama, “Grey's Anatomy.” Controversy surrounded her departure from the show when rumors swirled that she was not showing up to work on time.

Katherine, however, remembers her time on the show with fondness, and says she left in order to devote more time to being a mother and a wife. She says she would "love to" be back on “Grey's Anatomy” part-time, if given the opportunity.

"It was a great experience," Katherine says. "It was sort of unique what we had… it was special, and I miss them. It was a great set."

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Subway Line #1

2012-01-31T20:24:00.019-05:00

Sorry, no AnderArt tonite. It got to be too late for me. But here I give you a wonderful picture of Anderson riding the subway line #1 as posted of Flickr by cindy4ever

Can you imagine what the woman sitting next to him may be thinking: "I can touch HIM! I can FEEL HIM!"

W. E. and Mom

2012-01-31T20:07:00.012-05:00

Madonna Reveals the Challenge of Making 'W.E.'

Duration: 01:08 min.

From: Anderson

Added: Jan 31, 2012

Description: The superstar tells Anderson why writing and directing "W.E." was one of the most difficult things she's ever done.

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUl0pwY5wUs

Madonna to Anderson: 'I Like Your Mom'

Duration: 01:04 min.

From: Anderson

Added: Jan 31, 2012

Description: When asking Madonna if she reads what critics write about her, Anderson shares advice his mom, Gloria Vanderbilt, which was to never read anything about yourself.

"I like your mom," says Madonna.

She continues "I don't think you should read anything about anybody, to tell you the truth. I think that most things that are written about pop culture these days are not very objective. I think that we should be able to watch, listen and experience art and entertainment with open minds, without people telling us what we should be thinking or feeling, or cluttering our brain with ideas... because then you are going to go in with an expectation and then you can't really experience it the way you should."

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZnVKC4VoJw

Slow Your Metabolism

2012-01-31T19:35:00.018-05:00

Slowed Metabolism? Here's What to Do

Duration: 00:41 min.

From: Anderson

Added: Jan 31, 2012

Description: If your metabolism is slowing with age, an expert dietician tells you what to focus on for weight loss results.

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dfBZ38K-5ng

The Greatest Show On Earth

2012-01-31T18:25:00.034-05:00

Madonna Is 'So Nervous' About Super Bowl Performance

By Aaron Parsley

Tuesday January 31, 2012 08:00 AM EST

Madonna may have had only "4 Minutes" to save the world with Justin Timberlake, but putting on the halftime show on Super Bowl Sunday has her even more wound up.

"Oh my god, I'm so nervous. You have no idea," the superstar told Anderson Cooper in an interview to air on his talk show Thursday.

"First of all, it's the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl is kind of like the holiest of holy in America," Madonna, 53, said. "I'm going to come in halfway between the church experience and I'm going to have to deliver a sermon that's going to have to be very impactful."

She also put it this way: "I have to put on the greatest show on earth in the middle of the greatest show on earth."

Clearly, the timing of the performance is something that concerns the performer. "I have eight minutes to set it up and seven minutes to take it down," she said. "I have 12 minutes to put on the greatest show on earth. Okay, that's a lot of pressure."

Asked for a hint about what she'll be doing in those 12 minutes, Madonna said, "I'll be singing."

Something tells us it will be a bit more than that! Super Bowl 2012 pits the New York Giants vs. the New England Patriots and airs Sunday (6:30 p.m. ET) on NBC.

The Gay Wedding Planner

2012-01-31T17:50:00.036-05:00

ANDERSON COOPER was a different kind of host on Saturday evening. A source says the “Anderson Cooper 360” anchor held a birthday party for openly gay party planner Josh Wood, of Josh Wood Productions, in the converted firehouse in Greenwich Village that Cooper bought for $4.3M in 2009. Cooper, “dressed casually in a T-shirt and glasses,” was “really social at the party [and] talked to all of his guests.”

Josh Wood, 22, ladles pasta from a pot at the "Teen Iron Chef Cookoff" at Rouge Tomate on Wednesday afternoon for a panel of celebrity judges including Laura Posada and Cornelia Guest.

Version 2 for 2012's Trends

2012-01-31T17:19:00.047-05:00

In the post below you can see Matt's version of the Trends for 2012. Now, see what Anderson and his guest, Jennifer Romolini, said about it yesterday. Who Is The Correct One!?

Trends in 2012, from Yahoo! Shine

Monday, January 30, 2012 -- 8:01 AM

Jennifer Romolini, Editor-in-Chief at Yahoo! Shine, joined the show to talk to Anderson about what's hot and trendy in 2012. From beauty to tech to finances, Jennifer has the inside scoop on what you'll be seeing more of this year.

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Money: More Negotiations

Because jobs are still scarce in this economy, Jennifer says that people are trying to get the most out of the jobs they already have, rather than looking for new work. People are inquiring about how they can get a raise. Jennifer encourages that employees evaluate their value and test the waters by asking for a raise when it's appropriate.

Beauty: Cosmetic Eye Color Surgery

Colored contact lenses are out, and cosmetic eye color surgery is in. A $5,000 laser surgery that lasts 20 seconds will remove layers of your eye pigment to reveal the blue pigment underneath, changing eye color to blue.

Dating: Relationship Apps

Online dating is quickly becoming outdated, as relationship apps take hold. The apps allow users to check-in and instantly broadcast where they are, and then meet up with other users in their same vicinity. Rather than browsing online profiles, people will meet who is actually nearby.

Technology: Designer 3D Glasses

We've all had experiences with those big bins of 3D glasses at movie theaters. Jennifer and Anderson discuss how they not only make you look "dorky," but they're also reused and can be filmy, slimy and generally gross. Designer fashion brands are trying to revolutionize the traditional 3D glasses by creating stylish, designer 3D glasses of their own.

Moms: Mom Confessions

"Bad is the new good," Jennifer says. In blogs and comments all over the web, Jennifer says moms are talking to each other about mistakes in their life, whether it's "trial and error" parenting, cooking mishaps, career mistakes or anything else.

What Is "Grindr"?

2012-01-31T15:39:00.086-05:00

Watch Anderson Cooper Pretend Not To Know What Grindr Is

“Is that just for hookin' up?” On his daytime talk show today, Anderson Cooper had on an “expert” to discuss “hot new trends for 2012,” including “location-based apps” for “relationships,” which he knows “nothing” about. Suuuure.

Matt Cherette
posted about 22 hours ago

I don't know who Matt is licking on his avatar;
but on my version! of course he is licking my Idol!

Of course, by "expert" I mean "random Yahoo! lady," by "hot new trends for 2012" I mean "things we've all been using since 2009," by "location-based apps" I mean "Grindr" and by "relationships" I mean "hookups."

I almost forgot! And lastly, by "nothing" I mean "Oh dear god please don't let me slip up and say anything that would indicate I know what she's talking about I swear I only did it that one time at EBloc because I was bored and Ben told me I should be less uptight so I figured hey why not just download it quickly just to see if there are any guys on it in the bar because that would be a funny story to tell later on but then that one latino twink kept sending me messages and honestly the details aren't really important but long story short I deleted it the next morning and have only downloaded it again like three times since then."

The Anderson Trends

2012-01-31T14:09:00.019-05:00

Trends in 2012, from Yahoo! Shine

Duration: 03:30 min.

From: Anderson

Added: Jan 30, 2012

Description: Jennifer Romolini, Editor-in-Chief at Yahoo! Shine (http://shine.yahoo.com/), joined the show to talk to Anderson about what's hot and trendy in 2012. From beauty to tech to finances, Jennifer has the inside scoop on what you'll be seeing more of this year.

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHJ2DaLt2Ks

Nominee Doesn't Mean President

2012-01-31T12:57:00.031-05:00

Rubio: Florida winner will be nominee

Starting Point | Added on January 31, 2012

Sen. Marco Rubio says that whoever wins the Florida primary will ultimately be the GOP nominee for president.

The ever handsome, republican Marco Rubio, Mark the Blond (?)

A Penguin And A Beauty Queen Walk Into A Senate Room...

2012-01-31T12:19:00.017-05:00

January 30th, 2012
11:23 PM ET

Video: RidicuList: State government hijinks

Stop me if you've heard this one before: A penguin goes into the Kentucky State Senate. No joke. Adventures in the Kentucky state senate lands on the RidicuList.

Environmental Disaster

2012-01-31T11:48:00.027-05:00

January 30th, 2012
11:45 PM ET

.. Erin Brockovich and Dr. Drew report.

Video: Environmental link to involuntary tics?

Anderson Cooper talks to Erin Brockovich and Dr. Drew about theories behind teen girls' mysterious symptoms.

Going Into A Bowl Of Smoke

2012-01-31T11:14:00.015-05:00

January 30th, 2012
11:39 PM ET

.. and CNN meteorologist Chad Myers report.

Video: Myers: Drivers were in a 'bowl of smoke'

CNN meteorologist Chad Myers explains why the smoke and fog was so heavy at the scene of a multi-car pileup in Florida.

Unpardonable Pardons

2012-01-31T10:53:00.042-05:00

January 30th, 2012
11:36 PM ET

Video: KTH: Pardoning 'crimes of passion'

There's outrage over former Miss. Gov. Barbour's "crimes of passion" reasoning. CNN's Anderson Cooper reports.

Former republican Mississippi Gov. Barbour

January 30th, 2012
11:12 PM ET

Video: Hood: Pardoned prisoners had connections

Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood says that some of the convicted criminals didn't deserve a pardon.

January 30th, 2012
11:43 PM ET

.. and Jeffrey Toobin report.

Video: Family rejects 'crimes of passion

The family of a victim whose killer was pardoned speaks out, and Jeff Toobin explains the legal challenges.

Killings Continue In Syria

2012-01-31T10:23:00.018-05:00

January 30th, 2012
10:59 PM ET

Video: Conflict and death in Syria

An activist in Syria tells Anderson Cooper that innocent families are being killed.

Today on 'Anderson': The Economy and Nutrition

2012-01-31T09:42:00.025-05:00

'Families in Crisis' & 'Is Your House Making You Fat?'

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Can your marriage survive this tough economy? Anderson speaks with a couple whose marriage is crumbling because of the stress of financial hardship. He examines the recent "mancession" trend, where out of work husbands are forced to take on stay-at-home duties while their wives become breadwinners.

Life coach Mel Robbins is on hand to dole out a four-step plan that can help save your relationship during tough economic times.

Then, is your house making you fat? With the holidays behind us, everyone is looking for a quick fix to ditch the extra pounds. But there's a more sustainable option… and it's right inside your home -- no treadmill involved. Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner reveals the simple changes you can make around your home (and inside your fridge) to help you lose the pounds and get your health back on track.

Photos! Inside the Fridges of Our Viewers

Anderson asked our Twitter followers and Facebook fans to share photos of the insides their…

View photos » [you really don't want to see this... just kidding -- gulp!]

Andy In Wonderland

2012-01-30T18:09:00.025-05:00

Obsessed Like Me... Not Really.

2012-01-30T17:29:00.054-05:00

Not really. Davey Wavey, the name this cutie calls himself on his blog, "break the illusion", is not obsessed with Anderson Cooper... I made him that way! Doesn't he (Davey) Looks fully comfortable with Anderson all around him? I am sure that in his mind he is, secretly, an Anderson Fan in the closet... He is not in the closet, his Anderson is... Oh well, you know what I mean.

He's really cute, that's for sure!

If you want to see him prancing around all over his apartment in his underwear only (Wow!), talking, philosophizing, discussing the advantages of having a foreskin, go visit him at his blog: "break the illusion". Enjoy the flesh.

A New Dictator In Iraq?

2012-01-30T15:30:00.019-05:00

Iraqi vice president predicts return to sectarian violence

From Mohammed Tawfeeq and Frederik Pleitgen, CNN

updated 3:41 PM EST, Mon January 30, 2012

Irbil, Iraq (CNN) -- Vice President Tariq al-Hashimi has lashed out at Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, predicting that Iraq could soon return to widespread sectarian violence that could require the return of U.S. forces.

"Al-Maliki is pushing my country to reach a turning point with deeply sectarian dimension," the Sunni vice president told CNN on Sunday during an interview in the semiautonomous Kurdish region in the north, where he has fled so that government forces loyal to the Shiite prime minister cannot execute an arrest warrant for him on charges of running a death squad.

He expressed concern that Americans "will face the same problem as they faced in 2003," when a U.S.-led coalition invaded Iraq, toppling the regime of Saddam Hussein and unleashing a wave of sectarian violence.

And he said he did not understand how U.S. President Barack Obama is able to characterize Iraq as a free, stable and democratic country.

"What sort of Iraq we are talking about?" he asked. "How the Americans will feel proud? How the American administration is going to justify to the taxpayer the billion of dollars that has been spent and at the end of the day the American saying, 'Sorry, we have no leverage even to put things in order in Iraq'?"

Though Iraq's instability may not affect this year's election campaign in the United States, "it is going to affect the American interest in the region, and they should be very much concern about that," al-Hashimi said. "The future of Iraq is grim."

The arrest warrant for al-Hashimi was issued last year, days after the Sunni majority bloc Iraqiya suspended its participation in Parliament amid that claims it was being cut out of the political process. The bloc ended that boycott on Sunday as a "gesture of goodwill." But a separate boycott of the Cabinet remains in place.

Al-Hashimi denied the charges against him as politically motivated. He accused al-Maliki of having "put my home and my office under siege" during the three months before he fled to the Dokan resort about 400 km (250 miles) north of Baghdad.

"I kept patient on that, hoping that al-Maliki is going to behave sensibly sometime, and things aggravated," al-Hashimi said.

Asked whether al-Maliki is becoming a dictator, al-Hashimi was blunt: "What sort of explanation could I give for a real and serious power consolidation?" he asked. "What could the average Iraqi people or the American citizen ... say for the prime minister to be chief in command, the minister of defense, the minister of interior and the chief of the national security?"

The charges appear to have been based on the confessions of three security guards for al-Hashimi. Iraqi state-run TV has aired video of the men's confessions. CNN cannot independently verify their identities.

An official in al-Hashimi's office, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of security concerns, has said the men may have confessed under duress.

In one confession, a man detailed roadside bombings and shootings that targeted government and security officials in 2009. He said orders at times came directly from al-Hashimi and at times through his son-in-law, Ahmed Qahtan, who is a senior member of his staff.

The man alleged that the vice president thanked him after a number of attacks.

The man in the video said al-Hashimi ordered him to map out security locations and checkpoints for the Baghdad Brigade, which protects the Green Zone. He said he was speaking out to "clear his conscience" and "expose this criminal."

Since October, Iraqi security forces have rounded up hundreds of people accused of being members of Saddam Hussein's outlawed Baath Party or terrorists. The Sunni-backed Iraqiya coalition says most of them belong to its political bloc and that the prime minister is simply taking out his opponents.

The political turmoil in Iraq has raised concerns in Washington, with officials saying they are monitoring the reports about the arrest warrant.

"We are talking to all of the parties. We've expressed our concern regarding these developments. We're urging all political sides in Iraq to work out their differences peaceably, politically, through dialogue, and certainly in a manner that is consistent with democratic political processes and international standards of rule of law," Victoria Nuland, a spokeswoman for the State Department, said in December.

CNN's Yousuf Basil contributed to this story.

The Weather Outside Is Freaky

2012-01-30T14:23:00.020-05:00

...But it looks and sounds beautiful from inside with the comfort on my computer.

This is what 'thundersnow' sounds like

CNN | Added on January 30, 2012

Affiliate WKBN captures video of "thundersnow," a relatively rare kind of thunderstorm with snow falling instead of rain.

Syria Still Fighting

2012-01-30T13:17:00.022-05:00

Deadly cat and mouse game in Syria

CNN | Added on January 30, 2012

CNN's Arwa Damon gets caught up in a deadly game of cat and mouse in the streets of Damascus, Syria.

Lost and Pardoned, Found and Still Guilty

2012-01-30T12:41:00.016-05:00

Mississippi pardoned murderer found

CNN | Added on January 30, 2012

CNN's Ed Lavandera has the latest on the search for pardoned Mississippi murderer Joseph Ozment.

Canadian Hero on 'Anderson' Wednesday

2012-01-30T11:54:00.053-05:00

Canadian men grab headlines with Caribbean rescue

CTVNews.ca Staff
Date: Sun. Jan. 29 2012 10:40 PM ET

Paul Gullackson doesn't miss a beat as he recalls how he and his cousin helped pull a family of three out of the Caribbean Sea after a small plane crash near Honduras.

But when it's time to chat about the media, the northeastern Alberta man offers a soft chuckle and concedes that all the attention he's received since the rescue is "unreal."

Still, Gullackson has agreed to retell the tale in interviews with the Edmonton Journal, the Canadian Press and most recently American talk show host Anderson Cooper.

"I'm just an Albertan, I'm not used to attention like that," he told CTV Edmonton last Wednesday, moments before a plane whisked him off to New York City where he was headed to Cooper's studio.

That attention, however, has been a reality for Gullackson ever since he and his cousin Larry Forseth, a 63-year-old man from British Columbia, pulled off the rescue earlier this month.

Gullackson said he and his cousin were parasailing near the Honduran island of Roatan when they witnessed a float plane crash nearby.

The small aircraft had just taken off for a sightseeing tour with a Texas couple and their four-year-old son on board.

Gullackson and Forseth, a retired Air Canada pilot, dove into the water and swam towards the wreckage to help out.

"The father had the little boy in his arms," Gullackson recalled. "He was holding him and had one hand around on the pontoon."

Meanwhile, he said the pilot was trying to keep the mother from slipping into the water, keeping one hand on her and one hand on the pontoon.

"She looked like she was slipping away," said Gullackson. "He was having trouble holding her."

In an interview with CTVNews.ca, Forseth recalled how the mother appeared to be unconscious.

"Her eyes had rolled back. Her lips were really blue. She did not look good at all," he said in a Jan. 16 interview.

Gullackson and Forseth grabbed the woman and swan towards a yacht nearby.

There was medical help on the yacht and the woman was soon treated for her injuries. The entire family was subsequently transported to a hospital.

Everyone involved in the incident is said to be in good health and life has returned to its normal rhythm. Well, almost.

Gullackson is still fielding calls from international media. Gullackson has since taped his interview with Anderson Cooper but is still waiting to hear when the segment will air.

With a report from CTVNews.ca's Sonja Puzic and CTV Edmonton's Laura Tupper

Murder, They Wrote

2012-01-30T11:32:00.012-05:00

Family convicted in 'honor' murders

CNN | Added on January 30, 2012

CNN's Paula Newton reports on the conviction of three family members over the "honor" murders of four female relatives.

'Anderson' Today: Divorce, Erin & Fashion

2012-01-30T10:44:00.047-05:00

Unhappily Ever After: The Business of Divorce

Monday, January 30, 2012

It's not just celebrities who are signing prenups. With half of all marriages ending in divorce, is it in your best interest to sign a prenup? Prenups can lead to hurt feelings and ultimately end relationships, but it's not always about holding on to the money you have, but protecting yourself against the debt of others. If you are considering marriage or looking into divorce, this is a show you won't want to miss.

Anderson talks to a woman whose prenup initially kept her from her husband’s $5 million net worth, but after they divorced, a judge discarded their prenup. Find out why, and what you need to know to protect yourself before getting married.

Then, Anderson and consumer advocate Erin Brokovich team up to help a distraught viewer whose house was allegedly destroyed by a company that refuses to take any responsibility. Can Anderson help this family rebuild their cherished home? Erin Brokovich has three tips if you’re forced to take on a big corporation that has wronged you.

Plus, Editor-in-Chief of Yahoo Shine, Jen Romolini, shares the top trends in beauty, fashion, dating that everyone's buzzing about in 2012.

Would You Sign a Prenup?

On Monday's show, find out how to protect yourself in marriage and divorce.

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Attorney Robert Wallack

Rob before and after my make-over

Love Comes In Twos

2012-01-29T18:03:00.034-05:00

01-30-12 -- 02-03-12

2012-01-29T17:26:00.120-05:00

Unhappily Ever After: The Business of Divorce

Monday, January 30, 2012

Plus, Editor-in-Chief of Yahoo Shine, Jen Romolini, shares the top trends in beauty, fashion, dating that everyone's buzzing about in 2012.

'Families in Crisis' & 'Is Your House Making You Fat?'

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Life coach Mel Robbins is on hand to dole out a four-step plan that can help save your relationship during tough economic times.

'Katherine Heigl' & 'Honduras Plane Crash Survivors Reunite with Rescuers'

Wednesday, February 01, 2012

Then, for the first time since the accident, the miraculous survivors of the tragic January 11th plane crash in Honduras are reunited with rescuers who saved their lives.

Madonna: A Daytime Exclusive

Thursday, February 02, 2012

Let the countdown begin! Anderson's hour-long exclusive interview with Madonna airs Thursday, February 2. In this revealing hour, her secrets… her past… her plans for her Super Bowl performance, and so much more! Watch a previously released clip. [Below]

Just days before performing at the Super Bowl, living legend Madonna joins Anderson for a special daytime exclusive. Madonna talks candidly about dating, raising children, and her new film, "W.E.," which she co-wrote and directed. The Queen of Pop is joined by her film’s star, Andrea Riseborough, who opens up about playing a role inspired by the greatest love story of our time. Plus, find out if Madonna plans on going on a world tour this summer.

Share the preview...

'Drew Barrymore' & 'The Real Story Behind JFK Jr.'s Final Days'

Friday, February 03, 2012

Writer, director and actress extraordinaire Drew Barrymore stops by “Anderson” to dish on everything from her recent engagement to Will Kopelman to her new movie, “Big Miracle.” Meet the real-life inspiration behind the film, Cindy Lowry, who was involved in the dramatic rescue of three gray whales in 1988.

Then, RoseMarie Terenzio, who served as assistant to JFK Jr. for the last five years of his life, breaks her silence and reveals details of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette’s final days, their super top secret wedding, and reveals the guilt and sadness she suffers from that fateful day.

Thanks Puck!

2012-01-29T15:48:00.053-05:00

Click on this beauty, it is almost life size. And I don't mean cut out life size,
I mean almost Anderson's life size!

Thanks to

"Puck90"

from Flickr for this enlargement. (°!°)

The real Puck:

How Old Are These B-babies?

2012-01-29T14:39:00.053-05:00

I'm not promoting this... but if you are a dance connoisseur, yeah, really, or, more likely a pervert, you can see more videos at "luvdancemoms" YouTube channel.

Dance Moms on Anderson Cooper Dance-Exclusive Video!!!

Duration: 01:04 min.

From: luvdancemoms

Added: Jan 28, 2012

Description: This is the dance the group performed on Anderson Cooper on January 10th 2012!! Enjoy(: !!!

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LkASLvK_iI

His face says it all!

What he is really thinking.

WE Question Newt's!!

2012-01-29T13:48:00.000-05:00

The Question Is: Who Is More Deceitful!?

Gingrich questions Romney's honesty

By Tom Cohen, CNN

updated 12:59 PM EST, Sun January 29, 2012

Just two days before the Florida primary, Newt Gingrich is trailing Mitt Romney in the latest polls.
Washington (CNN) -- Newt Gingrich on Sunday accused front-running rival Mitt Romney of waging a dishonest campaign, saying the former Massachusetts governor is trying to cover up some liberal stances in his past.

In an interview on the ABC program "This Week," Gingrich suggested that Romney lacked the character to be president.

The two Republican presidential hopefuls top the polls in Florida leading up to Tuesday's primary. Romney is out front in the latest polls, and a victory would give him new momentum after Gingrich won last week's South Carolina primary.

Stung by Romney's resurgence, which has benefited from strong debate performances last week and advertisements that harshly attacked Gingrich, the former House speaker has increasingly challenged Romney's honesty.

"He would say thing after thing after thing that just plain wasn't true," Gingrich said of Romney in reference to the Thursday debate on CNN . "I don't know how you debate a person with civility if they're prepared to say things that are just plain factually false. "

In particular, Gingrich cited Romney's claim that he had never voted for a Democrat when a Republican was on the ballot, including his support for Democrat Paul Tsongas in the 1992 Massachusetts presidential primary.

Incumbent President George H.W. Bush and conservative commentator Pat Buchanan were on the GOP ballot in the primary, but Romney has said he registered as an independent and voted for Tsongas as a strategic move against Bill Clinton.

"He can't even remember his own voting record," Gingrich said Sunday. "The debate the other night, what he said was just plain false."

To Gingrich, such dishonesty raised questions about Romney's suitability to be president.

"You cannot be president of the United States if you cannot be honest and candid with the American people," Gingrich said. "And that's compounded, frankly, by a number of the ads he runs, which are just plain false."

In particular, Gingrich cited claims in Romney ads that he resigned in disgrace from the House in 1999 after being cited two years earlier for an ethics violation.

On Saturday, Romney called Gingrich "a great guy with a lot of great ideas," but added his chief rival's standing as an historian "doesn't give him the right to re-write history."

"He was fined for ethics violations," Romney said. "He ultimately had to resign in disgrace. He can't rewrite history."

Gingrich responded Sunday that "I did not resign in disgrace," and he also rejected the assertion that the $300,000 he paid to cover the cost of the investigation against him was a fine.

At a Naples, Florida, campaign event later Sunday, Romney touted his debate performances in Florida, drawing cheers by asking: "Wasn't that a hoot?"

Referring to Gingrich's complaints about the two Florida debates, including the former House speaker's protest against organizers telling the audience to keep quiet at the first one last Monday, Romney said Gingrich was "now finding excuses everywhere he can" for his falling support.

The increasingly vitriolic campaign rhetoric caused some Republicans to lament infighting that they fear will hurt the surviving candidate's chances of defeating President Barack Obama in November.

"I think it could go on a while and it would not be to our benefit," veteran Sen. John McCain of Arizona, the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, told NBC's "Meet the Press."

In particular, McCain called for a halt to the Republican debates --19 so far this campaign dating back to last May -- that he said have "turned into mud wrestling instead of exposition of the candidates' views on the issues."

"We've had enough of that, and it's time to recognize who the real adversary is and that's not each other," McCain said.

On the CBS program "Face the Nation," real estate tycoon Donald Trump also noted what he called "a very nasty race."

"The level of hatred, I guess you could say, there's no other word for it, it's unbelievable," Trump said, adding that the eventual GOP winner might emerge a stronger candidate, but it was "very possible they're hurting themselves."

In addition, Trump -- who has in the past expressed interest in running for president but never followed through -- again raised the possibility of mounting an independent campaign if he believes the Republican nominee would be unable to beat Obama.

Romney reserved his harshest comments for Obama, accusing the president on Sunday of failing to lead and seeking to transform the country into something "we might not recognize."

In other campaign news Sunday, former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum canceled a series of events -- including an interview on NBC's "Meet the Press" -- after his 3-year-old daughter Isabella was admitted to a Philadelphia hospital.

The girl, known as Bella, suffers from a chromosomal condition called Trisomy 18 caused by extra material from chromosome 18. It is three times more common in girls than boys, and patients who survive past the first week experience serious medical and developmental problems, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Santorum is running a distant third in Florida polling, but insists he will continue in the race. He and Gingrich are competing for conservative votes, and Gingrich noted Sunday that combining their support would exceed the polling numbers for Romney.

"There's no evidence anywhere that Romney's getting anywhere near 50%. Gradually, conservatives are consolidating," said Gingrich, who received the endorsement of tea party favorite Herman Cain on Saturday.

"We're down basically to the fewer conservatives there are, the better we're doing," Gingrich said of his campaign.

In endorsing Gingrich, Cain cited the former speaker's "big ideas" and his willingness to go through what he called the "sausage grinder" of the campaign process.

'I know what this sausage grinder is all about," said Cain, a businessman who dropped out of the race after allegations of sexual harassment in his past. "I know that he is going through this sausage grinder because he cares about the future of the United States of America."

Texas Rep. Ron Paul, who has conceded Florida because he knew he had no chance in the state's winner-take-all primary, campaigned Saturday in Maine for caucuses taking place there through February 11.

He told CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday that he expects to do well in Maine, but acknowledged he lacks the financial backing to compete head-on in every state.

"The rough road isn't, you know, presenting our case," Paul said. "The rough road is competing with, you know, establishment money, the big money. ... We can raise those millions, but we can't compete with tens of millions of dollars for each individual state. And that's what, you know, came up in Florida. You need a lot of money. So it's a money game. And I think that's one of the things that frustrates a lot of people."

How Do You Say "Anderson" In Syrian (Arabic)?

2012-01-29T13:08:00.039-05:00

Answer: With Subtitles.

سوري يصوّر مقتله - Anderson Cooper 360 - مترجم

Duration: 04:39 min.

From: a7laagraam22 / الله يرحمه ويعجل بنصرهم

Added: Jan 28, 2012

Description: تقرير من سي إن إن، حول باسل السيد -24 عاماً- ، شاب سوري توفي وهو يصوّر العنف الذي يمارسهالنظام

Basil Al-Sayid, a 24-year-old man in Syria, was shot to death while documenting violence committed by the government.

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evTZNapK3kY

Kurds Are Syrians Too.

2012-01-29T12:17:00.036-05:00

Syrian Kurds Unite?

CNN | Added on January 28, 2012

CNN's Fred Pleitgen reports on how Kurds could be the game changer in Syria.

Syrian Kurds and Pretty Fred in Iraq

I Could Have Used 1/10 Thousand Of It

2012-01-29T11:49:00.000-05:00

U.S. Defense Department can't account for billions for Iraq, audit finds

By Josh Levs, CNN

updated 11:01 AM EST, Sun January 29, 2012

(CNN) -- The U.S. Defense Department cannot account for about $2 billion it was given to cover Iraq-related expenses and is not providing Iraq with a complete list of U.S.-funded reconstruction projects, according to two new government audits.

The reports come from the office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction.

The Iraqi government in 2004 gave the Department of Defense access to about $3 billion to pay bills for certain contracts, and the department can only show what happened to about a third of that, the inspector general says in an audit published Friday.

Although the Department of Defense (DoD) had "internal processes and controls" to track payments, the "bulk of the records are missing," the report says, adding that the department is searching for them.

Other documents are missing as well, including monthly reports documenting expenses, the audit says.

"From July 2004 through December 2007, DoD should have provided 42 monthly reports. However, it can locate only the first four reports."

A letter accompanying the report is signed by Stuart Bowen, the inspector general. The audit was overseen by Glenn Furbish, assistant inspector general for audits.

In a response letter also contained in the report, Defense Under Secretary Mark Easton acknowledges "a records management issue."

The audit says it believes records management is to blame, and "has been an ongoing problem for DoD in Iraq. By all accounts, DoD established good internal processes and controls to account for and report on" the funds it was given after the Coalition Provisional Authority dissolved.

Where the records did exist, they matched other records and contained "good financial documentation supporting individual payments." Also, there is "sufficient evidence" that required monthly reports were sent to the government of Iraq, even though they can't be found, the audit said.

The audit deals with a time when Iraq's government was undergoing a transition. The Coalition Provisional Authority ran the country for 14 months from 2003 to 2004. During that time, the authority awarded numerous contracts. When it dissolved in 2004, the Iraqi government gave the U.S. Defense Department access to the $3 billion to pay bills for contracts the provisional authority had awarded.

The Defense Department letter from Easton -- the department's deputy chief financial officer -- thanks the inspector general's office for "the collaborative effort and professional courtesy" in a series of audits.

Separately, the inspector general's office sent a letter Sunday to the U.S. ambassador to Iraq complaining that the U.S. government is not providing Iraq with a complete list of reconstruction projects.

The U.S. criteria for selecting which projects to report to Iraq -- which include only those valued at $250,000 or more -- is a central part of the problem, the letter says.

The U.S. Embassy says the system is designed to help Iraq "focus its limited resources on sustainment of infrastructure and other large capital projects done through U.S. reconstruction efforts," the report notes.

The inspector general's office argues that the limited list -- which is also "hampered by unreliable data and other data entry problems" -- does not allow Iraq to decide where to focus its resources, and notes that the country might consider some smaller projects more important than those that are reported.

"Without more comprehensive knowledge about reconstruction projects the (Iraqi government) will not be in a position to maximize the use of its resources," the report says.

Billions of dollars in spending are not reported to Iraq under the current system, the report says.

In a response letter, Peter Bodde, assistant chief of mission for the U.S. Embassy in Iraq, says that while the current system is incomplete, "it does capture the vast majority of reconstruction projects and there is no other alternative that captures more."

He also notes that the Iraq reconstruction effort "is now in its very last stages, and all remaining capital projects will be reported through the asset transfer process."

The Office of the Special Inspector General for Iraq Reconstruction was created in 2004 to continue oversight of Iraq reconstruction programs.

AC 360° Monday Preview

2012-01-29T10:52:00.024-05:00

January 28th, 2012
12:42 PM ET

Monday on AC360: Erin Brockovich investigates mysterious illness

In this preview, Anderson Cooper asks environmental advocate Erin Brockovich why she's looking into a mysterious illness affecting girls in Le Roy, NY. Watch the full interview on Monday, Jan. 30 at 8 and 10 p.m. ET on AC360.

Anderson and Erin Brockovich

Sunday Comix 01-29-12

2012-01-29T10:13:00.033-05:00

Cute As A Botto... Button

2012-01-28T17:19:00.039-05:00

Drunk or Mumbling? Both!

2012-01-28T16:32:00.022-05:00

by Frances Martel | 3:16 pm, January 28th, 2012

Earlier in the week came the earth-shattering (or at least childhood-confusing) revelation that game show hero Pat Sajak and beloved American icon Vanna White would knock back a ton of margaritas before doing the show and more or less forget what the alphabet is. It so struck Anderson Cooper, who admitted to loving the show, that he put Sajak on the Ridiculist on Friday for the admission– and for claiming that the 1980s Wheel of Fortune “shopping” segment was “boring.”

Sajak’s confession came from an inexplicable interview with inexplicably existent show Dan Le Batard is Highly Questionable, a program on ESPN2– so, ostensibly a sports show?– where host Dan Le Batard and his loud and hilarious Cuban dad talking about literally anything (for example, here they are discussing the acceptability of men with earrings, and here is Dad salsa dancing for no reason). It is arguably the best thing on television. But I digress: on this program, Pat Sajak felt comfortable enough to discuss his outings to “Los Arcos,” a local Mexican restaurant that made great margaritas, in between tapings of the show. Cooper took the interview bit by bit, starting with Sajak’s claim that the segment where the winners use the money they won to “buy” prizes was the most boring bit of television of its time. “I’ve got to stop him right there because I beg to differ,” Cooper objected, “that part, where they chose the prizes, that was TV gold.”

He then got to the part where Sajak admits to his inebriation. “I need to buy a vowel because OMG,” he commented, playing a clip of Sajak and White from back in the day and stating incredulously, “there’s no way Vanna could twirl like that and turn all the letters if she were tanked on tequila.” He ends with the suggestion that they may have exaggerated, and that Sajak claims to be “too old now to even entertain such an idea.”

The clip via CNN below:

Looking After The Future Of The Show

2012-01-28T15:54:00.040-05:00

Anderson Cooper's talk show undergoes change-up behind the scenes

Matt Carter
TV Examiner

There are some changes in the works at Anderson Cooper's daytime some, but it is something that will probably won't be noticeable to anyone watching at home.

In a new report by Deadline, it was announced that Jim Murphy is set to leave the show as executive producer -- leaving Terence Noonan -- who joined the show following a stint on "Dr. Oz" -- as the man overseeing the show moving forward.

Here is what Cooper had to say in a memo to staff members about the change:

“I’m grateful for Jim’s help and his hard work launching the show. He’s a good friend and will always be a friend of our show. We have a terrific team in place led by our executive producer, Terence Noonan, and I’m really excited about the momentum we’ve built and the future of the show."

Cooper's show has already been renewed for a second season, and the ratings have only been improving over the course of the past several weeks.

Do you think Anderson has molded into a strong daytime host?

They Both Ought To Be In The Movie

2012-01-28T15:22:00.010-05:00

Will Henry Winkler Be in the 'Arrested Development' Movie?

Friday, January 27, 2012 -- 11:30 AM
"Arrested Development" fans have been anticipating a new, Netflix-exclusive season of the previously canceled show, and have also been waiting for the "Arrested Development" movie. Anderson calls the cult classic "the greatest show on TV.”

Henry Winkler plays the family lawyer, Barry Zuckerkorn, who Henry says "knows nothing about the law."

Fans of the show are not alone. Henry is excited for the movie to get started, as well, and during his interview with Anderson he reaches out to film director Mitchell Hurwitz to inquire about his role.

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Exec Producer Position Available

2012-01-28T14:19:00.029-05:00

‘Anderson’ Exec Producer Jim Murphy Exits

By Nellie Andreeva | Friday January 27, 2012 @ 1:08pm PST

EXCLUSIVE: Anderson executive producer Jim Murphy is stepping down, completing the behind-the-scenes changing of the guard at Anderson Cooper’s syndicated daytime talk show. Murphy’s departure leaves rising star Terence Noonan as the only executive producer alongside Cooper at the helm of the Telepictures-produced freshman talker, which has already been renewed for a second season. Noonan joined Anderson from Dr. Oz at the beginning of October and was quickly upped to executive producer alongside the show’s original executive producers Lisa Morin, Murphy and Cooper. Morin left at the beginning of December, followed by today’s exit of Murphy. “I’m grateful for Jim’s help and his hard work launching the show,” Cooper said in a memo to the staff. “He’s a good friend and will always be a friend of our show. We have a terrific team in place led by our executive producer, Terence Noonan, and I’m really excited about the momentum we’ve built and the future of the show.”

For the week ending January 15th (the most recent ratings we have), Anderson posted a 25% jump to a series high 1.5 household rating, the largest household rating increase of any new show. It also scored 20% or better increases in every key female demo, including 29% among women 25-54 to a 0.9. Murphy, who came from Good Morning America, is said to be looking to to return to news. “This has been an amazing experience being involved in the creation of this great new show and it has been exceptional to get to know and work with Anderson and the rest of the team,” he said. “I leave the show in great hands with Terence.”

~ June 2011 ~

Pat's Not The Only Drunk On TV

2012-01-28T13:21:00.022-05:00

January 27th, 2012
10:58 PM ET

Video: The RidicuList: Pat Sajack drunk on TV

Anderson Cooper adds TV host Pat Sajack to the RidicuList after admitting he was drunk on TV.

Remember This! Well, not quite the same, this is manipulated film clips that make Anderson look like a drunk; but it is funny, isn't it?

'Anderson' On Anderson. Heeeeyy!

2012-01-28T12:34:00.019-05:00

January 27th, 2012
11:12 PM ET

..

Video: The Shot: Cooper 'floored' by surprise guest

CNN's Anderson Cooper almost hits the floor when he gets a surprise guest on his daytime talk show.

Blood Money, Blood Intentions

2012-01-28T11:33:00.020-05:00

January 28th, 2012
12:45 AM ET

Video: KTH: Fact-checking Florida debate claims

Romney claims blind trust and Gingrich complains about the debate audience. Anderson Cooper is Keeping Them Honest.

Blows To The Head!

2012-01-28T10:52:00.020-05:00

January 27th, 2012
10:55 PM ET

..

Video: Dangerous football-related concussions

Anderson Cooper speaks with Dr. Sanjay Gupta about the devastating brain injuries caused by hard hits on the field. Watch his documentary "Big Hits, Broken Dreams" on Sunday, January 29 at 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. ET.

Only An Imbecile Could Pardoned Another Imbecile

2012-01-28T10:21:00.029-05:00

January 27th, 2012
10:05 PM ET

.. CNN's Ed Lavandera reports.

Video: Search for a pardoned killer

Convicted killer Joseph Ozment is a pardoned man. CNN's Ed Lavandera reports on the fear his release has caused.

Where Is The Fucking Arab League!?

2012-01-28T09:40:00.018-05:00

January 27th, 2012
09:55 PM ET

..

Video: Complex, deadly fight in Syria

As widespread violence rages in Syria, CNN's Arwa Damon meets opposition fighters running checkpoints near Damascus.

My Heart Of Hearts

2012-01-27T20:12:00.022-05:00

Newt Put In His Place By Wolf, Bravo Wolf!

2012-01-27T19:38:00.000-05:00

Wolf Blitzer Tells Anderson Cooper Why ‘He Didn’t Back Down’ To Newt Gingrich

by James Crugnale | 12:19 pm, January 27th, 2012

During a post-debate breakdown, CNN’s Wolf Blitzer spoke with Anderson Cooper about his pointed questions to Newt Gingrich and why he decided to press the former Speaker of the House on Mitt Romney‘s bank accounts.

“A really interesting exchange,” Cooper observed. “It contributes to the idea that a lot of people felt Newt Gingrich was flat tonight.”

“You know, he was the one who raised the issue of the Cayman Islands, the Swiss bank account,” Blitzer noted. “He made a serious allegation against Romney. I thought it would be a great opportunity to clarify, explain what he meant about it. He didn’t want to talk about it — when I finally pressed him, he responded.”

“There have been a number of allegations on the campaign trail that showed up…” Cooper continued. “There was a campaign commercial that Mitt Romney is running in which he said that Newt Gingrich said spanish is the language of the ghetto. He didn’t say that word for word. He implied it several years ago. What did you think of that exchange?”

“On so many exchanges, Mitt Romney was taking it to Newt, but that one was confusion,” Blitzer explained. “Most viewers, unless they’re fact checkers, they got lost on that one.”

Watch the segment below via CNN:

Anderson & Henry's Reactions After The Show

2012-01-27T18:38:00.025-05:00

Backstage: Anderson after Mystery Guest Surprise

Duration: 00:27 min.

From: Anderson

Added: Jan 27, 2012

Description: Moments after being surprised on the show by Henry Winkler, Anderson exits the stage and reacts to producers...

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1x0wBvYYfY

Backstage: Henry Winkler's Message to Anderson

Duration: 00:28 min.

From: Anderson

Added: Jan 27, 2012

Description: After surprising Anderson as his first Mystery Guest,Henry left a message for Anderson.

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNQk2Kavo9k

Shark Surprise!

2012-01-27T18:03:00.005-05:00

The 'Anderson' Mystery Guest Revealed: Henry Winkler!

Duration: 04:13 min.

From: Anderson

Added: Jan 26, 2012

Description: The first "Anderson" Mystery Guest is revealed.

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71xt7utjQpo

Love Letters

2012-01-27T17:31:00.022-05:00

Exclusive: Read Joran Van der Sloot's Letters to Mary Hamer

Friday, January 27, 2012 -- 5:00 AM

Days after Anderson's first taping with Mary Hamer, a radiologist from Florida who believes she is Joran van der Sloot's "guardian angel," the now convicted killer pled guilty to the murder of 21-year-old Peruvian student Stephany Flores. This week, Anderson taped a follow-up with Mary (to air Friday, January 27), who still swears by his innocence, despite his guilty plea and a sentence of 28 years in prison.

Since pleading guilty to the murder in Peru, Van der Sloot has written Mary letters and email. In the first letter she received, written January 13, he wrote: "We will appeal the sentence and it will be less + remember that you only serve 1/3 of your sentence here in Peru. You will always be in my heart, but this what you are doing to me now I do not comprehend. Why do you want to hurt me? I never in all the time I know you expect this from you ...you will always be in my heart but this what you are doing to me now is just somtg [indecipherable] I cannot deal with. I love you but I am so hurt you cannot image (sic)."

Exclusive Document: Read Joran van der Sloot's Letter to Mary Hamer on January 13, 2012

In the letter, Van der Sloot is upset that Mary is asking for money back from his attorney, Jose Luis Jimenez. Mary has given a total of about $100,000. She tells Anderson, "Seventy-five-thousand was bail money and that's money that, by law, should be returned to me," says Mary, adding, "Especially when I found out that by Peruvian law, bail is impossible for someone charged for murder."

In this video clip from the show, Mary says she sent $16,500 to Van der Sloot's lawyer, which was to be used for lawyer fees, acquiring an FBI document from the Peruvian court system, and other items.

In an additional letter, linked below, Van der Sloot tells Mary that in addition to $69,000, he needs $1,000 for a new phone.

"I hope you keep on supporting me, if everything goes according to plan I will be able to contact you soon. I need from the balance of 69,000$, 1,000$ for a new phone so I will be able to communicate with you again... I will show you that you have always been right about me (sic)."

Document II: Read Joran van der Sloot's Letter to Mary Hamer

Anderson asks Mary, "Do you think he's playing you?"

"No, no I don't."

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10 Minuets After The Show

2012-01-27T17:18:00.004-05:00

Mary Hamer: Continuing the Conversation...

Friday, January 27, 2012 -- 7:31 AM

The conversation from the studio continues with Mary Hamer, here on AndersonCooper.com...

Web Exclusive: Mary Hamer after Taping

Duration: 10:17 min.

From: Anderson

Added: Jan 26, 2012

Description: In this web exclusive, a conversation with Mary Hamer -- the woman who calls herself Joran van Der Sloot's guardian angel.

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ed1vG2vxMHU

Isn't He The Cutest?

2012-01-27T15:53:00.000-05:00

Andy Cohen on Paula Deen's Diabetes
Friday, January 27, 2012 -- 5:00 AM

Andy Cohen joined the "Anderson" roundtable with Rachel Feinstein and Ashleigh Banfield to discuss recent headlines, including the news of Paula Deen's Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

Anderson questions whether it was ethical for Paula Deen to keep her diagnosis a secret, and wonders what her future holds.

"To quote Ru Paul, which I think is apt here, I think Paula Deen is 'fried, dyed and laid aside,'" Andy says. "I don't want to eat Palua Deen's food at this point. She's like, the face of diabetes"

Hear what else Andy has to say in the video below.

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Andy Cohen on Brandi Glanville & Gerard Butler's Affair

Friday, January 27, 2012 -- 5:05 AM

Andy Cohen talks to Anderson about a recent admission on Andy's late night television show, "Watch What Happens Live," in which Brandi Glanville of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" admitted to having slept with Gerard Butler.

Her admission came during a game of "Plead the Fifth," which stipulates that Andy Cohen's late-night guests can only opt out of one of the three personal questions he asks them.

"During the commercial break, after that and the following commercial break, she was quite mortified because I think she realized she wasn't going to be getting any booty texts from Gerard Butler anymore."

Hear more about Brandi's scandalous behavior in the video below.

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Isn't he the cutestest?

I Wonder Who Is Thinking About Whom?

2012-01-27T14:14:00.001-05:00

61-Year-Old Hero

2012-01-27T12:56:00.036-05:00

January 26, 2012

LATEST NEWS
The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

Holiday heroics earn Alberta man appearance on major U.S. television show

By: The Canadian Press
Posted: 01/26/2012 -- 4:51 PM

Paul Gullackson doesn't believe he did anything special by diving into the water to help rescue a Texas family following a plane crash in the Caribbean Sea.

"I don't think of myself as a hero or anything. It's just something you do," said the 61-year-old home inspector from Cold Lake, Alta.

Gullackson has been swamped with media attention since the rescue on Jan. 11 during his holiday in Honduras.

On Thursday, he taped an interview on Anderson Cooper's daytime talk show in New York City.

"For someone who's never been in the spotlight, it's a little intimidating," Gullackson said from New York after finishing the interview, which is set to air early next week. He's still fielding calls from other talk shows, including The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

Gullackson and his cousin Larry Forseth, who owns the Tranquility Bay beach resort, were in a boat preparing to go parasailing near the island of Roatan when an ultralight plane flew low overhead.

The plane had been giving sightseeing tours to local tourists. But one of its engines failed, said Gullackson. "It made a big circle out in the ocean and crashed right in front of us.

"We were in the right place at the right time to be the first responders."

Both men quickly dove into water and swam towards the pilot, a couple and their four-year-old son.

Gullackson said Andy Atkins, a Houston-based lawyer, had hold of his boy, Logan. But the pilot was losing his grip on Jenna Atkins.

The unconscious woman was in the most distress, so Gullackson and Forseth rushed to her side to keep her head above the water. But she didn't look like she was even alive — there was foam coming out of her mouth, her eyes had rolled back in her head and her lips were blue.

Luckily, a yacht with two doctors on board was close by and came to help. Gullackson said he helped the plane's occupants get on the ship, and the doctors performed CPR on the woman.

"The doctors probably did more to save her life than I did or Larry did," said Gullackson.

He said it was great being reunited again with the Atkins family on the Anderson talk show.

"We all hugged and there were some tears. They thanked us again and again."

Gullackson believes the reason the event is getting so much attention is because it has a happy ending.

"It could have been a tragic accident," he said. "It's nice to have a happy story once in a while."

Randy, Ty & Anderson

2012-01-27T12:26:00.073-05:00

Oral Roberts' gay grandson speaks out

CNN | Added on January 26, 2012

Randy Roberts Potts, grandson of televangelist Oral Roberts, is touring the Bible Belt as part of a "Gay Agenda" tour.

Handsome Randy Roberts Potts, grandson of televangelist Oral Roberts.

Handsome Ty Ross Goldwater, grandson of conservative icon Barry Goldwater.
He came out in 1994.

Handsome Anderson Cooper, son of socialite and artist, Gloria Vanderbilt.
When will he come out!?
Or... Did he come out already and I am the last to know...!!?

Baltic Stonehenge, or UFO, or Big Fat Round Fish

2012-01-27T11:45:00.034-05:00

Shipwreck hunters make an unusual find

CNN | Added on January 25, 2012

Swedish treasure hunters struck upon a mysterious find at the bottom of the Baltic Sea. CNN's Brooke Bowman reports.

"...It's Not Worth Getting Angry About."

2012-01-27T11:14:00.038-05:00

January 26th, 2012
11:41 PM ET

.. et al report.

Video: Did Santorum 'rattle' Romney in debate?

Did Rick Santorum rattle Mitt Romney during the CNN debate? The political panel weighs in on AC360.

January 26th, 2012
11:44 PM ET

.. et al report.

Video: Debate was Newt's 'last chance'

How did the candidates fair in the debate? The political panel breaks it down on AC360.

Romney Fires, Santorum's Mom... Not In That Order

2012-01-27T10:22:00.034-05:00

January 26th, 2012
11:37 PM ET

.. David Gergen and Wolf Blitzer report.

Video: Gergen: No 'winner' but strong debate

David Gergen and Wolf Blitzer talk to Anderson Cooper about who they think did well in the CNN debate.

January 26th, 2012
11:34 PM ET

.. and John King report.

Video: Santorum appears with mom after debate

Rick Santorum and his mother talk to CNN's John King after the debate.

January 26th, 2012
11:31 PM ET

.. CNN's Gloria Borger report.

Video: Romney: When I'm shot at, I return fire

Presidential candidate Mitt Romney tells CNN's Gloria Borger that the CNN Florida debate gave him a "boost."

Blood Among The 4 Leftovers

2012-01-27T09:31:00.017-05:00

January 26th, 2012
07:47 PM ET

.. Rebecca Sinderbrand reports.

Raw Politics: Florida face off: There will be blood

If you’re looking for a haven of sanity and logic, Florida wouldn’t necessarily be your first stop. But Republicans have got no choice: Tuesday’s vote may be the party’s last shot at imposing order on the spiraling chaos of the primary season. So far, signs aren’t promising.

The GOP race looks like a dead heat in the CNN Florida poll released yesterday, with Romney at 36% and Gingrich at 34%. A 25 point Romney lead in our last poll basically evaporated in just two weeks’ time.

But is the race really neck-and-neck? Maybe. Probably. But the truth is: right now, nobody really knows. We’re seeing significant day-to-day swings in the numbers, with both men trading momentum over the course of our three-day poll: Gingrich holding an undeniable advantage one day, Romney holding a significant edge the next. We’re now in uncharted territory - this late in the season, this is not how Republican presidential campaigns work.

What’s driving the numbers? The evidence isn’t all that clear-cut. But here’s one clue: unfavorable ratings for both men are rising by double-digit margins in virtually every poll. In other words, as the campaign grows bloodier by the day, it’s as though Florida Republicans wake up each morning and think to themselves: Who do I like less today?

Take today: this afternoon, Romney’s campaign put out a release calling Gingrich “Dr. Newt and Mr. Hyde,” as Romney himself spent the day slamming the former speaker at virtually every stop. And Gingrich accused Romney of “lying,” “grotesque hypocrisy,” and treating his GOP rivals as though they’re "stupid." (In fact, wrapped all the week’s anti-Romney attacks in one line that stands as a masterpiece of the genre: “…[W]e’re not going to beat Barack Obama with some guy who has Swiss bank accounts, Cayman Island accounts, owns shares of Goldman Sachs while it forecloses on Florida and is himself a stockholder in Freddie Mae and Freddie Mac while he tries to think the rest of us are too stupid to put the dots together, to understand what this is all about.”)

Florida is a must-win state for Mitt Romney if he wants to hold on to the electability argument that had been the chief strength of his campaign before primary season voting got underway. This is also a must-win state for Newt Gingrich: it’s a closed primary, which means only Republicans can weigh in – so if Romney wins, Gingrich’s argument that he’s the only candidate who can unite and excite the conservative base will take a major blow. Right now, Romney’s got the establishment riding to the rescue, with a wave of GOP figures from Bob Dole and John McCain to Ann Coulter shifting into anti-Gingrich emergency mode. And Gingrich has been pulling in the crowds, with thousands crowding rallies from Sarasota and Naples. This is a winner-take-all state, with 50 delegates at stake; there’s no prize for second place.

Which brings us to tonight. As of now, tonight’s debate may be their last face-to-face showdown for the next month or so. Debates have been critical this cycle, and maybe none more so than tonight’s: Whoever comes out on top tonight stands to grab critical momentum heading into the home stretch here in Florida – so both Romney and Gingrich are likely to come out swinging.

Red Wine and Snow

2012-01-26T17:43:00.017-05:00

Is He Asking Anderson To Buy A Ring For His Future Wife!?

2012-01-26T17:11:00.022-05:00

Let's Get Engaged on Anderson Cooper!

Duration: 01:19 min.

From: AdamWeltonComedy

Added: Jan 25, 2012

Description: My Anderson Cooper submission!

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNsI2ovn6Ic

Too Many Debates & Rick Perry Is An Idiot!

2012-01-26T15:33:00.023-05:00

Bill Maher Tells Anderson Cooper: 'Too Many Debates' (VIDEO)

First Posted: 01/26/2012 -- 11:37 am | Updated: 01/26/2012 -- 12:06 pm

On Wednesday night, Bill Maher told Anderson Cooper that there have been too many GOP debates this election season. Cooper is scheduled to moderate CNN's debate -- the 20th of the Republican primary -- in Florida on Thursday night.

Maher called President Obama's State of the Union address a "breath of fresh air" after watching so many Republican debates. He complained that that the number of debates had reached a point of excess (a sentiment expressed by some Republicans as well). He said, "These endless debates -- too many, Anderson, really."

Cooper asked, "Really? I think they've been really interesting though."

Maher said that he had initially thought this as well, and added that without the debates "we would've never found out out that Rick Perry is an idiot." But he felt that the networks have reached "a point where it's just too much." "Why do we need two debates in Florida, three days apart?" he asked.

Maher also predicted that Mitt Romney would win the nomination. He admitted that President Obama has disappointed him at times, but said that the idea of the Republicans "makes me run back into [Obama's] arms screaming."

Ron Paul, The Best Of The Worst

2012-01-26T14:16:00.028-05:00

Bill Maher Lauds Ron Paul’s ‘Guts To Stand Up And Debate’ GOP

by Frances Martel | 8:52 pm, January 25th, 2012

Bill Maher took a break from his regular hosting duties on HBO today to stop by Anderson Cooper 360º and review the State of the Union address. He didn’t have too much negative to say about President Obama, and surprisingly little mean to say about at least one Republican candidate– Rep. Ron Paul, who he called “crazy” but praised for his courage.

Cooper asked Maher to review the State of the Union, which he didn’t seem particularly happy with, but he noted that liberals often are not. “We carp and complain and we lose a little respect for it sometimes,” he said, adding that he did think that President Obama “seems to come out at the bottom of the ninth and hit it out of the park.” He then went on with the carping and complaining: “These endless debates– too many, Anderson!”

Cooper replied that he thought they were “really interesting,” to which Maher agreed. Useful, too– “we would’ve never found out that Rick Perry was an idiot!” Maher compared Perry to “the cute guy in the bar: the girl is all excited about meeting him and they she talks to him.” He did add that “Monday was a bad episode of the series,” the “series” being the reality show that is Republican Debate Night. Cooper replied excitedly that tomorrow’s CNN debate will have “applause and cheering!” (read: hissing and booing).

Maher replied that he was happy about this news since “it’s better for the fan, for the viewer of this series,” and added that it was great for Gingrich: “Newt Gingrich needs the mob.” And with that, Bill Maher just echoed, verbatim, his good friend Ann Coulter (add that to the 2012 Mayan prophecy betting pool).

Then Maher went on to praise Rep. Ron Paul, who he acknowledged that “some crazy ideas,” but “he’s honest” and has “the guts to stand up there debate after debate while they boo him or look at him as if he had three heads.”

The segment via CNN below:

February 2 On 'Anderson': Madonna!!!

2012-01-26T13:58:00.001-05:00

Madonna: Daytime Exclusive (Preview)

Duration: 00:30 min.

From: Anderson

Added: Jan 26, 2012

Description: Anderson's exclusive, hour-long interview with Madonna airs on Thursday, February 2, 2012.

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFdbxe0ALUI

Exclusive: Madonna Reacts to Golden Globe Nominations

Duration: 00:54 min.

From: Anderson

Added: Dec 15, 2011

Description: Madonna sat down for a one-hour interview with Anderson today, discussing her new film "W.E.," her upcoming performance at the Super Bowl, and in this show preview, the superstar shares her exclusive reaction to the film's two Golden Globe nominations for Original Song and Original Score.

"I am so proud of Abel Korzeniowski, who did the score of my film. It was a great way to wake up this morning," Madonna tells Anderson.

The "Anderson" episode will air in February 2012.

URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HTOQsv2_gfU

If Gingrich Say He Didn't, You Know He did!

2012-01-26T13:31:00.001-05:00

January 26th, 2012
02:16 AM ET

Video: KTH: Do contracts tie Gingrich to lobbying?

Two members of congress, both Republicans, say Gingrich lobbied them on behalf of Freddie Mac. Anderson Cooper reports.

Alec Baldwing for President in 1204!!!

2012-01-26T12:41:00.017-05:00

Alec Baldwin's airplane incident

Piers Morgan | Added on January 24, 2012

Actor Alec Baldwin explains what really happened when he was kicked off an airplane for playing Words With Friends.

The Most Expensive TP Money Can Buy!

2012-01-26T12:10:00.013-05:00

January 25th, 2012
11:07 PM ET

Video: RidicuList: Novel typed on toilet paper for sale

An eBay post advertises Herman Melville's entire novel, Moby Dick, typed on rolls of toilet paper. This new way to absorb classic literature lands on the RidicuList.

Where Is "The Spider Union" When You Need It?

2012-01-26T11:48:00.017-05:00

January 25th, 2012
10:57 PM ET

..

Anderson Cooper and Isha Sesay discuss a golden cape made from the silk of spiders.

Afghan Honor, Bullshit!

2012-01-26T10:58:00.015-05:00

January 25th, 2012
10:54 PM ET

.. Paula Newton reports.

Video: Suspected 'honor killings' shock Canada

Prosecutors are trying what they say is a chilling honor killing that led to the massacre of half of the Shafia family.

Bill Maher: Obama will beat Romney

2012-01-26T10:27:00.032-05:00

January 25th, 2012
10:42 PM ET

Video: Bill Maher: Obama will beat Romney

Bill Maher predicts which presidential candidate will win in November and tells Anderson Cooper how he feels about the debates.

January 25th, 2012
07:20 PM ET

Tonight on AC360: Bill Maher

In this preview, Anderson Cooper asks Bill Maher why he thinks Romney can't win. Watch the complete interview on AC360 at 8 and 10 p.m. ET tonight.

Yesterday In Washington DC

2012-01-26T09:46:00.028-05:00

January 25th, 2012
09:10 PM ET

.. Deena Sami report.

The AC360 Weekly Buzz: State of the Union, Gabby Giffords,
Egypt, Romney, Gingrich, Oscars
What everyone’s talking about:

Tuesday night, President Obama delivered his State of the Union speech to Congress in the House chamber focusing on his trademark policies – tax increases for the wealthy, Wall Street reform, health care reform, government stimulus spending – along with topics that could please the Republicans such as corporate tax breaks and expanded oil and gas development. He also emphasized the current disunity of Congress and declared: “What's at stake aren't Democratic values or Republican values, but American values, and we have to reclaim them."

Rep. Gabrielle Giffords resigned in an emotional ceremony on Capitol Hill Wednesday. The former congresswoman, who Rep. Nancy Pelosi called the “brightest star Congress has ever seen,” announced her resignation on Sunday in a video message. She plans to focus on her recovery from last year’s shooting in Tucson, Arizona that left six people dead. Her presence at Tuesday’s State of the Union address was particularly touching. Arizona GOP Rep. Jeff Flake rose with Giffords at key moments throughout the speech to help her stand up, even though they may disagree politically. To understand the medical hurdles in Giffords’ remarkable recovery, Anderson spoke to Dr. Sanjay Gupta earlier this week.

Thousands of Egyptians flooded Cairo’s Tahrir Square Wednesday waving flags and chanting slogans exactly one year since protesters took to the streets in an 18-day uprising that toppled former President Hosni Mubarak. And earlier this week the democratically-elected Egyptian parliament met Monday for the first time since Mubarak stepped down. It’s the country’s first parliament to be dominated by Islamists, who were previously banned from running for office during President Mubarak’s rule.

The Oscar nominations were announced Tuesday. ‘Hugo’ and ‘The Artist’ lead the list with 11 and 10 nominations, respectively, including best picture. Which movies and actors are you rooting for?

And an Ohio news station’s innovative storytelling lands it (and its puppets) on our RidicuList!

Today’s Scoop:

With the Florida Republican presidential debate and primary around the corner, we’re looking into the financial history of the two frontrunners, Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich. Anderson is Keeping Them Honest.

And we’ll be talking politics with Bill Maher, host of HBO’s “Real Time” – join us at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET tonight for a conversation you won’t want to miss!

American special forces made a daring overnight rescue, via helicopter, in Somalia, saving two kidnapped aid workers – one American and one Dane. A U.S. official told CNN that among the rescuers were Navy SEALs from the same unit that killed Osama bin Laden. More insight into the rescue mission tonight on AC360.

A look ahead:

Tune in to tomorrow when CNN, the Republican Party of Florida and the Hispanic Leadership Network host the Republican presidential debate in Jacksonville, Florida at 8 p.m. ET. CNN’s Wolf Blitzer will moderate the two-hour debate; be sure to stick around for Anderson’s post-debate wrap-up live from Florida.

Buzz-winning story:

Historians are calling recently uncovered JFK audio tapes a gold mine. The former U.S. president, looking ahead at his calendar, calls a particular Monday “tough” due to his tight schedule. That Monday turned out to be the day of his funeral. It’s a chilling look at an historic moment, and the every day life of President Kennedy.

Fireplace Man

2012-01-25T19:54:00.000-05:00

As Seen Earlier On 'Anderson'

2012-01-25T18:19:00.003-05:00

After Calling Cops on Daughter, Mom Wants to Reconcile

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 -- 11:07 AM

After Caryn called the cops on her daughter several times, her daughter then called the police herself to say her mother was abusing her, locking her in a laundry room. Both Caryn and her daughter were arrested. Caryn pled guilty to a misdemeanor child abuse charge and says she was also charged with a felony for mentally harming a child.

On the show, Anderson asks Caryn if she hopes to one day reconcile with her daughter. Take a look at this emotional moment from the show...

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CNN Always No. 1

2012-01-25T17:49:00.005-05:00

CNN Digital No. 1 in TV News
January 25th, 2012
02:17 PM ET

CNN Digital Outperforms Competition in 2011
CNN Earns 73 Million Unique Users Monthly; Key Sections Post Double Digit Gains

According to end-of-year data, more people rely on CNN than any other television network for news and commentary – both online and on the go. In total, CNN Digital earned more than 73 million unique visitors in 2011, beating MSNBC by 38%, Fox News by 187%, ABC News Digital by 217% and CBS Interactive by 260%. With 2.3 billion total page views for the year, CNN Digital outperformed MSNBC by 83%, Fox News by 143%, CBS News by 819%, and ABC News Digital by 1013%. (Source: comScore Media Metrix, Jan – Dec 2011; average monthly)

In the wake of the Japanese Tsunami, CNN.com’s most trafficked day of the year was March 11, 2011 with 135.9 million global page views. Click here for the top ten events for the year.

In addition to breaking news and events coverage, CNN.com’s sections that inspired passion and engagement earned double-digit gains for the year. With 15.7 million average monthly page views, the site’s Opinion section showed a 58% growth rate year over year. Earning a 64% gain in traffic over 2010, CNN.com’s Belief section averaged 7.8 million page views per month. Other beats that showed double-digit growth for 2011 include Living (11%), Travel (37%), U.S. (16%), World (23%), This Just In (29%), Marquee (18%), The Political Ticker (25%) and The Chart (17%).

Video

CNN.com served more than 101.3 million average monthly global video starts in 2011 – a 19% increase over 2010. Click here for CNN.com’s top ten days for video consumption.

Mobile

CNN Digital has remained No. 1 in mobile news for the past 4 consecutive years. In 2011, CNN Digital boasted 19.4 million unique users monthly, beating its nearest competitor – Fox News Digital – by more than 60% (Nielsen Mobile Media View, January – November 2011). CNN’s mobile website generated a monthly average of 210.4 million global page views for the year. (Bango Analytics, January 1 – December 31, 2011).

CNN’s mobile apps for iPad, iPhone, Android and Nokia have now surpassed 17 million downloads, of which 13 million occurred in 2011. (iTunes Connect, Android Market, Ovi Store, January 1-December 31, 2011). In addition, CNN’s newly-acquired Zite application was named the best news app of 2011 by Apple iTunes and CNN’s app for iPad earned a spot as one Apple’s top ten free applications of the year.

Social

With nearly 1 million more fans than Fox News and 8 times as many fans as MSNBC, CNN’s Facebook fan page has the most followers of any news brand. On May 1, 2011, CNN had the highest number of interactions ever recorded in single day – over 42,000 likes and comments related to the death of Osama bin Laden. (Source: Facebook Insights)

On Twitter, @CNNBRK and @CNN have a combined total of over 9.4 million followers. @CNNBRK, with over 6 million followers, is the No. 1 news account on Twitter, 1.8 million more followers than its closest competitor, The New York Times. @CNNBRK also ranks as one of the top 25 accounts on all of Twitter. @CNN’s most popular tweet of 2011 (the death of Osama bin Laden) was re-tweeted more than 10,000 times. (Source: Twitter Analytics)

iReport

CNN is also home to iReport, the No. 1 participatory news community online. By adding more than 250,000 registered users in 2011 (up 11% YOY), the community has grown to over 1 million iReporters. At a 19% growth rate over 2010, more than 185,000 iReports were submitted last year. iReport set a monthly record in August with the addition of 38,000 registrants and a daily record with 8,000 new iReporter registrations on Aug. 23. (Source: iReport Internal Server Data)

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