Richard Morris (bottom right) plugging away in the control room.

Richard Morris
Associate Producer, Campbell Brown: No Bias. No Bull.

This should be an easy show, right? Nope. Between laughing from the Anderson and Kathy hysteria to technical issues, this is far from a midnight picnic. This show is classically orchestrated weeks before we go to air, and when it comes time for broadcast, well it goes you know where.

Nonetheless, this is a great group of people to ring in the new year. Fortunately for us, we are warm in the chaotic control room. Phones ringing off the hook, people yelling over the raucous crowds in the field and just looking forward to midnight. From 12 on, it is all warm and fuzzy, watching the east coast revelers, and watching the midwest getting ready for their countdown.

Stick around, there are many laughs to be had.

PS. Happy New Years!!!
_______________________________________________________________________

Kelly Daniel
AC360 Staff

There was plenty of chaos and yelling, and there’s more to come here in the New Year’s Eve show control room as we count down to midnight in the Central Time Zone. But under all that there’s plenty of excitement. And even though I’m working on New Year’s Eve, as we all took a sip of a fizzy drink at the stroke of midnight, I couldn’t help but think this ranks pretty near the top of my New Year’s celebrations.

It’s been a great year for AC360 and AC360.com, and there’s lots more to come in 2009.

Happy New Year!

Check out Anderson and Kathy's view from the stage in Times Square.

Albert Lewitinn
Executive Producer, New Year’s Eve with Anderson Cooper and Kathy Griffin

It has taken months of preparation, planning, technical support… but the moment will soon be here. Hundreds of CNN producers, technicians, and staff have come together to put on a great show for viewers to usher in the new year. The year 2008 has been one of epic history. An unforgettable election, a new President about to take office, an economy that has tested our resilience. Anderson and Kathy are excited. And so are we. Join us, and have fun. Fun is the theme of tonight’s show. Enjoy the show.

There’s a lot to talk about tonight and we want to hear from you. Join the conversation below.

Just follow our rules. Here are some of them:

1) Keep it short (we don’t have time to read a “book)
2) Don’t write in ALL CAPS (we don’t like screaming)
3) Use your real name

Cate Vojdik
AC360° Writer

You have to admit, Rod Blagojevich has chutzpah.

Today the Illinois governor upped the ante in a game of political chicken by appointing a former state attorney general to Barack Obama’s empty Senate seat – the same one the governor is accused of trying to sell. The news conference he held was one of the strangest — and most fascinating — we’ve seen. Blagojevich nomination left many stunned – and outraged – and for many different reasons, including race. Lots of reaction and ridicule to cover tonight. Fire up the popcorn maker and pull up a seat.

We’ll also have the latest on the crisis unfolding in Gaza. Tonight the Israeli government is weighing a temporary truce and the U.S. is urging Hamas to hold its fire. But the airstrikes and rocket attacks continue. We’ve got newly released video from the Israeli Air Force and Nic Robertson is in the field with all the latest.

Kathy Griffin joins us as well. She and Anderson are warming up for tomorrow night’s big New Year’s Eve production in Times Square. You never know what will happen with Griffin is on set. You might see a surprise or two. You’ll also see some of the 360 staff’s favorite videos from 2008. Do you have a favorite video – viral or not – that made you laugh, cringe or cry in 2008? There’s always time for late entries. Let us know.

All that and much more coming up at 10 pm eastern.

Ready for today’s Beat 360°?

Everyday we post a picture - and you provide the caption and our staff will join in too.

Tune in tonight at 10pm to see if you are our favorite!

Here is the ‘Beat 360°’ pic:

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich gestures as he is led out of the room after announcing former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris as his choice to fill the vacant U.S. Senate seat of President-elect Barack Obama during a news conference in Chicago, Illinois December 30, 2008.

Have fun with it. We’re looking forward to your captions!

Make sure to include your name, city, state (or country) so we can post your comment.

________________________________________________

But wait!… There’s more!

When you win ‘Beat 360°’ not only do you get on-air prime-time name recognition (complete with bragging rights over all your friends, family, and jealous competitors), but you get a “I Won the Beat 360° Challenge” T-shirt!

Ready for today’s Beat 360°?

Everyday we post a picture - and you provide the caption and our staff will join in too.

Tune in tonight at 10pm to see if you are our favorite!

Here is the ‘Beat 360°’ pic:

President-elect Barack Obama points out different flavors of shaved ice at Kokonuts Shave Ice and Snacks at Koko Head Marina shopping mall on December 26, 2008 in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Have fun with it. We’re looking forward to your captions!

Make sure to include your name, city, state (or country) so we can post your comment.

________________________________________________

But wait!… There’s more!

When you win ‘Beat 360°’ not only do you get on-air prime-time name recognition (complete with bragging rights over all your friends, family, and jealous competitors), but you get a “I Won the Beat 360° Challenge” T-shirt!

The folks at Jib-Jab are at it again. Check out some of their 2008 year in review.

Here’s how you can be a part of tonight’s program. Just scroll down and share your thoughts on the headlines.

Just follow our rules. Here are some of them:

1) Keep it short (we don’t have time to read a “book)
2) Don’t write in ALL CAPS (we don’t like screaming)
3) Use your real name

Ready for today’s Beat 360°?

Everyday we post a picture - and you provide the caption and our staff will join in too.

Tune in tonight at 10pm to see if you are our favorite!

Here is the ‘Beat 360°’ pic:

Local company staff, dressed as Santa Claus, ride motorcycles in downtown Hanoi, Vietnam on December 24, 2008.

Have fun with it. We’re looking forward to your captions!

Make sure to include your name, city, state (or country) so we can post your comment.

________________________________________________

But wait!… There’s more!

When you win ‘Beat 360°’ not only do you get on-air prime-time name recognition (complete with bragging rights over all your friends, family, and jealous competitors), but you get a “I Won the Beat 360° Challenge” T-shirt!