New Wallpaper

I'm not sure I quite like the way this turned out, but since I worked on it thought I'd share-maybe someone will find it worth saving haha.

No Anderson tonight

I've been cranky and whiney all week, but with Anderson absent 360 tonight, I'm even worse. So I will spare you my foul mood and go straight to a yummy picture of our "boo". I also converted it into a puzzle. Enjoy!



Here is the link for the puzzle: http://www.jigzone.com/puzzles/E113A955BFE?m=D025092D44.71181A2&z=6

A Great 360

I'm looking forward to AC360 even more than usual. Apparently, there is a big brouhaha over some comments made by Pres. Bush in Israel against Barach Obama. I didn't leave it on long enough to find out what was going on. I'll wait until Anderson covers it.

So, did you all like last night's AC360 as much as I did? Being a Hillary supporter, I obviously enjoyed the segment airing her interview with Wolf Blitzer. The part where Wolf asked her about Chelsea was especially moving. She clearly loves her daughter deeply and vice versa. I totally forgot how long Wolf Blitzer has known the Clintons. I believe he was White House correspondent during the Clinton administration. He has literally watched her grow up. Perhaps that is why he got the interview as opposed to Anderson or anyone else at CNN.

The images from China's earthquake were very disturbing. In particular, the one with the little girl who had just been rescued. You could see in the photo that she was crying and reading her lips, she was calling out for her 'mama". It broke my heart! What made it even more emotional is the fact that after thinking about it, you realize her mama may be gone. Her whole family could have been killed in the quake. How many more will die in the aftermath? Elderly men and women who need to take medication on a daily basis will succumb to their heart conditions or diabetes. Lack of clean water will also contribute to the worsening situation. They need our prayers and the aid organizations need our money. For a list of organizations, follow the link: http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2007/impact/china.myanmar.html

Finally, the scorn Anderson felt for the guy who was selling the Obama 08 T-shirts was palpable. The look on his face told it all. I'm not posting his name because honestly, I just don't remember it.

A few yummy screen caps from days gone by. May 1 to be exact. I couldn't decide which I liked better, so I posted both. Have a great evening.

screen caps courtesy of Sahira, merci beaucoup

Anderson Blogs: Disaster in Burma

Anderson blogged this afternoon about the cyclone in Burma, now known as Myanmar. Apparently he is still waiting for his visa so he can get in to report on the disaster, as are the numerous aid agencies. I have the strange feeling the government isn't going to let anyone in. This storm has played right into their hands. It has killed two birds with one stone, so to speak. The reporters who want to let the world now how the government in treating its citizens can't get in and many of the anti-government protesters may have been killed. Those whose lives were spared will be too busy trying to survive and won't have the time or inclination to protest. To read Anderson's blog, just follow the link: http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/07/what-exactly-is-happening-in-burma/
There are also a couple of other blogs on Burma as well. You can access those from the main page of the blog or from the link below: http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/category/cyclone/
Don't forget to vote for the picture of the month, either scroll down or click on the link: http://andernation.blogspot.com/2008/05/april-picture-of-month-poll.html
A little pick-me-up after all this sad news, a few yummy pics.

screen caps courtesy of Sahira, merci beaucoup!

Politics and AnderEyeCandy

Here is some eye candy to enjoy whether you are watching the election results come in or have had politics up to here. Either way I hope you like them.

TITLE: "WHAT'S UP WITH THE GRAPHICS? I titled these caps because I've been yelling it at my television screen for a couple weeks now. Every night when they do the 360 Bulletin, they block out Anderson and Erica's faces with the 360 Bulletin graphic. We know it's the 360 Bulletin, Anderson just got done telling us. He's still speaking and they plaster the graphic over his face. It's very rude. Then when they supersized the graphics for the webby award, I couldn't resist.

screen caps courtesy of Sahira, merci beaucoup!

All Together Now, Sorry!!

Happy Friday all. Well, at least it started out that way. I was in a good mood after last night's AC360. Anderson's ay-yi-yi! was good for a giggle and a few smiles. Beat 360 was good, although I do miss his sound effects after reading the staff's caption. There is a grinch at CNN who insists on depleting the show of all the fun stuff! Who says a newscast has to be all serious? Sometimes the lighthearted stuff makes the sad and horrific stuff a little easier to swallow. You know, a spoonful of sugar and all that!

Well, a spoonful of sugar wouldn't be enough today. Try a whole truckload to make Carolyn Jessop's blog entry this afternoon easier to swallow. Anderson was shocked at that a pregnant woman would drink and use drugs. Maybe you can overlook that a little, being that maybe the baby doesn't feel real to her yet. I know that's reaching, but in Carolyn's story the baby is very real and it's heartbreaking to realize that someone could be that cruel to a baby. If you've got a strong stomach and want to read the whole entry, just follow the link: http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/05/02/children-of-polygamy-broken-bones-broken-spirits/
Beware warned; it is very, very disturbing to read. It's even worse than watching the babies being dropped onto the sheet!

It's amazing when you see the extremes of human behavior. I think Anderson said once that great adversity brings out the best in some people and the worst in others. Carolyn Jessop is an example of what is best; strength, courage, and love. I don't know how she was able to survive the conditions she was raised under or where she found the will and courage to escape. I suppose much of it comes with motherhood; there is no sacrifice too great or task too difficult when it comes to protecting your children. I hope someday I can find the same strength and love within myself to be a good mother to babies of my own.

Finally, I hope everyone who bad mouthed Anderson for being off, not doing the stories they wanted from NOLA, and everything else they were critical of, have apologized to him. He said last night at the beginning of the live blog that he was ill the day before. We all hope he is feeling better and will stay happy and healthy. Oh yeah, to the CNN make up people, stop putting that toxic stage make-up on his face! Yes, we watched Planet in Peril and we paid attention. We'll be looking for confirmation on Monday!

For a preview of tonight's AC360, check here: http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/anderson.cooper.360/

Some screen caps from New Orleans and a big thank you for Anderson for taking the time to bring us the show from down there.

screen caps courtesy of Sahira, merci beaucoup!

Pick on Anderson Day?

Was yesterday “pick on Anderson day” or something? Every fan blog I’ve looked at as been critical. What’s up with that? I personally don’t get it; he spoke at Tulane University Tuesday night, and instead of taking the night off, he did the show from New Orleans. He gave the extra effort, but he certainly didn’t get any gratitude. Anyone else would have just made their appearance and spent the rest of the evening having a good time. Not Anderson. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like too many of us appreciated it.

I haven’t heard anything about his speech. Usually someone tells about their experience on one of the blogs. Anderson, however, is probably thrilled. It must be disconcerting every time you meet someone or make an appearance to see it spelled out in detail on the internet. We mean no harm. It’s just that it’s such a thrill to meet him; and when you are that happy, you want to share it. For those of us who haven’t had the pleasure of meeting him, it is nice for us that people are willing to share. It makes us feel like we were there. I sure wish I could’ve been there.

Now let’s get to the good stuff. Thanks to Sahira we have a ton of yummy Anderson pics. For those of you who said you needed a pretty picture to cheer you up, here ya go. Enjoy!

screen caps courtesy of Sahira, merci beaucoup!

















Oops, I forgot. I have a puzzle for you: http://www.jigzone.com/puzzles/FC13975C8EA?m=D025092D44.71181A2&z=6
Make that 2, since we had an Anderless night last night. http://www.jigzone.com/puzzles/F713975E4F3?m=D025092D44.71181A2&z=6

It's Spring!!

Hey Folks! Hope everyone is having a good day. It's really beautiful here today; sunny and warm with a light breeze. My idea of a perfect spring day before the heat and humidity of summer hits. I started cutting the grass, but I decided I needed a break. After a cool drink and watching Charmed, I'll get back out there to finish the grass and start planting my new roses. I also received my strawberry plants today. Keep your fingers crossed that they grow. I love strawberries and cream! This is the third time I've tried growing them. I hope the third time is the charm.


Now for the good stuff; some yummy Andereyecandy and a new Anderpuzzle. http://www.jigzone.com/puzzles/3D1393F5D9C?m=D025092D44.71181A2&z=6

screen caps courtesy of Sahira, merci beaucoup

New Wallpaper!!!

HAVE NO FEAR RITA'S HERE!!! AND I come with a new wallpaper for you all!!! There are 2 different sizes, so feel free to snag whichever one works for you!! Enjoy :)




Also...YAY FOR OUR 700TH POST!!!!

PA Primary

For better or for worse, AC360 is back to politics from polygamy. The Pennsylvania primary is today and the close race is making it exciting. Usually it's decided by now and voting is just going through the motions. Sometimes the candidate you wanted isn't even on the ballot anymore. I'm sure we're all looking forward to the coverage tonight; even if it is only for an extended dose of Anderson.

For the first time today I voted in a presidential primary. I didn't realize that we would also be voting on delegates. They indicated on the ballot which candidate the delegates were supporting so you knew if you were helping your candidate. one thing I don't know; dhow does this affect super delegates, if at all

I have a treasure trove of screen caps from last night. It might be the last set for the week so we have to enjoy them while we can. I did keep a few back, you know, rationing them to last the week. Enjoy!

screen caps courtesy of Sahira, merci beaucoup!

Spurs Watch: Round 1 Game 1

(Photo Credit: AP PHOTOS/ERIC GAY)


Well folks, the 2008 NBA Playoffs kicked off today, and the San Antonio Spurs came out with a game 1 victory against the Phoenix Suns.

The Suns lead the game for the 1st 3 quarters, leading by as many as 16 points even though Shaq got into early foul trouble. With 1 quarter left in regulation the Suns only lead by 6. The Spurs took their first lead of the game late in the 4th, but with a little over a minute left were down by 3. With 15 seconds left on the clock Micheal Finley came up with a huge clutch 3 pointer to tie the game at 93, sending the game to OT.

Tim Duncan (2 time MVP) played with so much emotion and heart during the 1st ot. The Spurs found themselves down 104-101, where Duncan was left all alone at the 3-point line, and drained his first 3 of the season sending the game to it's 2nd overtime!

With 15 seconds left in double ot, nash fired a 3 to tie the game at 115. Manu Ginobili scored with game winning layup with 1.8 seconds left on the clock.

Tony Parker had 26 points for the Spurs, Ginobili had 24, and Duncan lead the way with 40 points.

Click here to watch highlights from the game

To thank you all for sitting through my little Spurs update/rant here are some yummy Ander goodies :)

AC360 Tonight

Wasn't it nice to have 2 full hours of live AC360 last night? I wish they would do that more often. Tonight on 360......

Ready to lead
From childhood aspirations, to marital troubles, to eventually her choice to run for political office... we look at what has prepared Hillary Clinton for the biggest race of her life. Friday, 10 ET

Tonight AC360 will complete their profiles of the three presidential candidates. Regardless of which candidate you are supporting, these reports have been informative and interesting. I don't know about you guys, but I don't think anyone is going to change their mind. If nothing else, it reinforces your stand. It's odd though, so much of Obama's appeal stems from his inspiring speeches, yet I became even more uninspired after seeing the report on him. If I remember correctly, he was a member of the Illinois state senate for only 3 years when he decided to run for Congress. He lost. Four years later he tried again and won by a landslide. We are up to the year 2004, and instead of spending years in the senate fighting for the people of Illinois, he is now running for president.

When Tony Blair of Britain was in Parliament and looking ahead to running for prime minister he wrote a book "New Britain". In this book he talks about his vision for Britain and the things he wanted to accomplish. I believe Bill Clinton wrote a similar book. People who aspire to become the leader of the land should have a broad view of what they want to do. The impression I get from Barach Obama is that it is all about him. It's not what he wants to do for the people of Illinois or the United States of America, it's what he wants the next line of his resume to say.

Now I admit, maybe I'm a little cynical concerning Obama because he's not the candidate I'm voting for. Let's just say I didn't see anything in that report that is giving me second thoughts.

Regardless of how you feel about any of the candidates, these reports are informative and important. Looking forward to the one tonight.
screen cap courtesy of Sahira, merci beaucoup

Buster is Back!

Thanks for the nice comments on the blog yesterday. To be honest, I'm much more comfortable just posting screen caps than writing. I imagine Anderson reading the blog and then thinking to himself "idiot!" He is so intelligent that it makes you feel a bit inadequate and inferior. I appreciate the nice words though. It makes you feel good when you get compliments. Gosh, Anderson must feel ecstatic on a regular basis with all the compliments he gets. Deservedly so.

I really enjoyed AC360 last night. Do you find you appreciate the show so much more after he's been gone? Now that doesn't mean I want him to go away oftener. Anyway, it was good to see Buster again. I don't care if he's 101, 94, or 84, he's doing pretty darn good. I couldn't run a marathon and I'm no where near his age. My mom is in her 80's and she has trouble just walking. So God bless Buster no matter his age. I also get a kick out of the fact that he's smoking right before running and he still drinks beer. All the things that are supposed to be bad for you but he's still going strong in his senior years. Gotta luv him!

Speaking of age, with all due respect to Gary Tuchman, didn't your mom teach you it's not polite to ask a lady her age? I was chastising him throught the television for asking the polygamists women how old they were. I'm not surprised that they aren't being straightforward with the media. They are probably afraid of being chastised by the church leaders or even just their husbands if they spoke out. They'd probaby get beaten for talking or kicked out of the compound. That might not be a bad thing except, they wouldn't be able to take their children with them. I still think they should've taken the mothers as well as the children.

Enough yammering, here's the screen caps from last night. Enjoy!
screen caps courtesy of Sahira, merci beaucoup!

Polygamy

It's starting out to be a good week. Anderson is back and the show was, as usual, remarkable. The polygamy story just pulls you in; the more you learn the more interesting it becomes. I started reading Carolyn Jessop's book last night. "Escape" is to say the least, a great read. It is hard to imagine living the way they did. It isn't just sexual abuse they have to put up with. Emotional and physical abuse were a way of life. She said her mother spanked her every day. She figured out that a morning spanking wasn't as bad as those given in the afternoon. So every morning she would do something to get a spanking; get it over with. Her sisters caught on and did the same thing. Now people don't approve of spanking at all, even on rare occasions. Can you imagine knowing you'll get one every day?

Did you catch Anderson's interview with Katherine? His skill was obvious. He knows how to ask the probing questions and still be respectful. I realized it is hard to believe someone is being upfront and honest when they refuse to look at you, or into the camera. It almost seemed like she was reading a teleprompter. At the very least she was very well aware that someone had their eye on her to make sure she stuck to the script. I guess you can't blame them for not being totally honest. I don't think they can speak freely without repercussions. The young mom, Monica, just broke your heart. It's hard to imagine how difficult it must be for them to see their children "interviewed" like they are. To see them emerge from the interview crying and upset is enough to break any mother's heart. I wonder if in attempting to save many children, many more children will be hurt. It is certainly a compelling and complicated situation.

Follow the link to check out today's Beat 360! It's a good one. Don't ya just love snowmen? http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/15/beat-360-41508/ I vote for Ed Freisthler's comment, the one about the icicles. hehehe!

Here are some caps from last night's show.
screen caps courtesy of Sahira, merci beaucoup

Lucky Columbia

Happy Monday everyone! It's turning out to be a good one. Anderson is definitely back tonight. He blogged about his week off - in Columbia. He will be broadcasting from Miami tonight. To get the news straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak, just follow the link: http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2008/04/14/andersons-view-a-week-in-colombia/

Guess I should read up on Columbia. Apparently there's more to it than I thought. Hopefully it's not a place where bullets are flying freely through the air.

For a preview of tonight's AC360, take a look: http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/anderson.cooper.360/

To hold us until tonight, here's some Anderyummy.

Movie Review: Phantom of the Opera

Yeah...so I re-watched Phantom of the Opera this past weekend during a study break, and all I can say is AMAZING! Each and every time I watch it, I'm just amazed! However for some odd reason I just now made the connection between this movie and 300 (Gerard Butler= The Phantom/King Leonidas) As many of you know I'm a huge musical brat, so almost any musical will be on the top of my fave movie lists. So if you haven't seen this version, I do recommend it! I'm still puzzeled as to why I haven't bought the soundtrack, what was I thinking?!

"In sleep he sang to me in dreams he came that voice which calls to me and speaks my name and do i dream again? for now i find the phantom of the opera is there inside my mind." I totally love that lyric...I dont know why but it's just amazing to me. I'm just so lost in this song right now...it's weird. I've heard it plenty of times before but today my itunes is just repeating this one song haha. Maybe it's Gerard Butler's voice and then music with the modern electric guitar twist....simply amazing.

Well thanks for enduring my little off topic movie rant. In appreciation I'll wrap it up with some yummy Ander-candy :)Don't have any new images to share, but these are oldies but goodies :) By the way, what does everyone think of the new look? I have many ideas floating around my brain at the moment to spice it up :)

Some more Ander-eye candy :)

So I was in the mood to make an Ander-graphic so here it is. It's pretty simple but I'm sure you all will enjoy it :) Click on the image for it's full size :)

Gloomy Thursday

Okay folks, just a warning here. I'm grouchy and annoyed today. I woke up with great plans, none of which worked out. It's cold and rainy outside; gloomy inside and out. That also refers to my mood by the way. Also, no blog from Anderson today. Remember he questioned how many of us have broken our resolutions? Okay, guilty as charged. However, most of our resolutions involve getting organized, getting skinny, getting healthy etx. None of which involve or affect others. Unfortunately, his resolution does. We just feel better when he finds time to stop and let us in on his day. I understand he can't do it all the time; but it doesn't make it any easier to accept.
So I thought, just in case you're feeling the same case of the gloomies, maybe some yummy eye candy would lift your spirits. Face it, if these pictures don't make me feel better, it's time to just let go of the thin thread Anderson talked about. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

screen caps courtesy of Sahira, merci beaucoup!