[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/images/04/17/art.soleil2.jpg caption="Soleil Moon Frye reminding us once again what it means to have Punky Power." width=292 height=320]
Jack Gray
AC360 Producer/Writer
The real headline is not who made it to 1,000,000 Twitter followers first. It’s that I had nothing better to do at 2:30am than watch a live webcast of Ashton Kutcher, Demi Moore and – wait for it, waiiiit forrrr ittttt – yes, Soleil Moon Frye, dancing to “Celebration.”
After checking to make sure I hadn’t taken the wrong pills on the wrong day, I realized that Mr. Kutcher had indeed, by about a half hour, beaten CNN Breaking News (@CNNbrk) to the one million mark. I informed my dog of the news, at which time she promptly yawned and scratched herself.
What can I say? I’m no Ashton Kutcher (@aplusk). I'm only me (@jackgraycnn). I have a mere 2,000 or so Twitter “followers.” No surprises there. I mean, it’s not like I was the star of “Dude, Where’s My Car?” Although I once was asked by a woman on the subway if I would star in a film she was shooting on her cell phone camera called “Dude, Where’s My Girdle?”
Anyway, Larry King (@kingsthings) was the point person for CNN on this contest. And, let’s face it, I’m no Larry King, either. I mean, sure, I put on suspenders and shout out “Wichita, you’re on with Priscilla Presley.” But, frankly, that’s between me and the other shoppers at Bed, Bath and Beyond.
And, of course, it goes without saying that I'm no Anderson Cooper (@andersoncooper). Despite the name I use to get good tables at restaurants.
My low rung on the ladder notwithstanding, I love Twitter. It lets me hear from people all over the world. People who give me feedback on my blogs and update me on their dermatitis.
A few people have even hit on me via Twitter. At least I think they’re hitting on me. Sometimes it’s tough to tell the difference between a romantic overture and an errant elbow on the keyboard.
But yeah, all in all, Twitter is pretty cool, as long we don't become totally consumed by it and forget to occasionally read a book or, you know, get fresh air.
And I’m happy to spread the word about Twitter. In fact, I've gotten my sister to sign up as well as some friends. I even thought about trying to explain it to my grandparents but ultimately had second thoughts, considering they’re still trying to figure out “The Google.” (I'll save them some time, Soleil Moon Frye played Punky Brewster.)
And as far as today’s news is concerned, I guess what it means is that we’ve officially entered a new era of movie stars. No longer are they mysterious and sultry like those week-old chicken fingers in the back of my refrigerator. They’re tech-savvy and omnipresent, like the Viagra ads in my spam folder.
By the way, I want to be clear about something. As with the First Dog earlier this week, I am not suggesting this Twitter contest is some earth-shatteringly important story. It’s just an amusing example of how technology has changed the way we live. And more importantly, it’s raised awareness for an admirable charity, Malaria No More.
So, relax, I’m not saying you have to be excited about the whole Twitter thing or start hanging out with Soleil Moon Frye.
I’m just saying that if you’re against Twitter then you’re for the spread of Malaria.
______
Follow Jack Gray on Twitter
Related post:
Just between you and me and Twitter
|
Filed under: 360° Radar • Jack Gray • Twitter • What You Will Be Talking About Today |
Anderson Cooper goes beyond the headlines to tell stories from many points of view, so you can make up your own mind about the news. Tune in weeknights at 8 and 10 ET on CNN.
Questions or comments? Send an email
Want to know more? Go behind the scenes with AC361°
Great Read!!
Hey, I like this. I really like. A sweet break from bouncing between all the gray clouds out there. Cheers to ya'll.
Jack wrote: I’m just saying that if you’re against Twitter then you’re for the spread of Malaria.
-–
Right on, Jack 🙂
I'm a CNN follower, and the first time I've heard that Kutcher's on twitter was from CNN 🙂 See? at least you're doing what you promise your viewers 😉
Once Brangelina make an appearance, that other couple can go back to the obscurity and irrelevance they came from.
I loved Punky Brewster!
Hey Jack, thanks for the interesting article.
Hiya Jack!..I didn't get to see @aplusk beat @cnnbrk..I was busy sleeping..lol.But I was def rooting for Team CNN.
I want to thank you for making us laugh all week with your funny blogs. Even when the news isn't always good, I'm so glad we can count on Uncle Jack and Cousin Sammy to make us laugh. Us (Gray Groupies) know your sense of humor, so we understand that First Dog isn't the most important news, but still, thanx for putting a smile on our face!
🙂 Luv ya lots
@vanessatx
Jack, I joined Twitter yesterday and was "gobsmacked" this morning when I heard CNN didn't win. Oh well, better luck next time. Give Sammy a hug for me. Have a good weekend.
Hi Jack:
Sorry to hear CNN didn't win but glad the attention brought awareness to a great cause!
I love Twitter. It lets me hear from people all over the world. People who give me feedback on my blogs and update me on their dermatitis.
Ha! No pimple updates from me! I'd much rather "hit on you" being that I'm a dedicated Jack Gray groupie. However, I'm not quite sure how one "hits on" another in Twitter! You are making me ponder again! 😳
Glad to see so many of the CNN folks twittering now! Have a great weekend!
Jack -
Thanks for the Friday "yucks!"
I've kind of figured out Twitter and love all your "tweets" - Not to mention the photography. Now this weekend, I've got to figure out Facebook to join gray groupies!
Have a great weekend and looking forward to your blogs next week - no pressure!
Jack sorry you guys did not win. You must
check out the Twitter episode from Super News.
It is funny and explains twitter as only Super News
can.
I have to say, I have no clue what Twiter is or whatTwittering is. Don't worry Jack. I'll be happy to just add a comment to your blog posting. I think it was a great way to make money for charity. Actually brilliant is more the word. I'm soo old. Old enough even to know who Punky Brewster is and was. Now if only Sammy could sing like Susan and we raise money for the ASPCA, who knows.
Jack
I love your posts. They always make me smile.
I was amused that Ashton K. beat CNN on Twitter, especially after the Rah-Rah sign up to follow cnnbrk on 360 last night. Guess that didn't work out so good.
I told my cat, Oscar, about the twitter contest and who won and his reaction was that Morris-like look of "who cares" and he closed my computer and then sat on it so I would pay attention to him for a while. I guess we know who he thinks is important in all this.
I'm glad in all the hype over this race to 1 million that charity is coming out a winner in it all. Hopefully a lot of good will come out of what some people viewed as somewhat silly fun.
Where is the trophy for having more friends than anyone? I like Ashton and Demi..I watch Anderson much more now..Anderson, always has something interesting to say and thats what I year for in hungry brain...data..looks can be contagious. I have to admittttt..I am more of a brain leech..I do not care for a inconsiderable amount of
malaria.. Oh, excuse me for a moment my dress just malefactor
I am off and running to follow Jack Gray..Yes I think I need a dose of him today. suntak
Glad to know I'm not for the spread of Malaria, Jack, and neither are you.
Though I have to admit, I didn't friend Ashton, so perhaps I am. Sorry, but I'd rather friend you. Your late night tweets on food, YouTube, and Sammy's sleeping habits are much more interesting.
LOL
Jenn (@Beshter)
Hellooo Jack, twitter/facebook my friends!
That is good one I read your comment!!!!!! LOL!!!!! I am sorry about that CNN lost to Ashton Kutcher! I already did following CNNBRK few months ago! I agree my friends Isabel, BettyAnn, Rikki, Vanessa DC, VanessaTX, Ashley and others. I love your comment that was so funny comment! Here is follow me to say hello on Facebook/Twitter, Have a great weekend Jack! See you tonight on Live Blog!
LOL Where's My Girdle Dude Jack!
Oh, I love you so Dude Jack! I'm not hitting on you either. I dont do that via the internet. No, No!
I remember the day you said, "follow me to twitter". Then you added, " I don't know how this works" and then we all followed you to tweet. Although, I believe that I may be twitting. It is such fun! And twitter is synonomous with" I am adimently against malaria".
I am with Sammy regarding the contest on twitter where Mr.Kutcher won. It really makes you want to stratch your fleas. It is like taking ambien without the hallucinations.
Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to "twit" then go outside for air.
Have a great Friday and week-end everyone!
Remember @jackgraycnn, you are the BEST! Even if you only have 1000 followers. Your followers are your groupies and you know we love you without having sex. So, relax and enjoy! (Dude have you washed Anderson's car Or has the Coop Dude washed yours?)
Bo knows kibble and we know dribble!
TGIF! Cheers!
XOXO!!!!
P.S. There may be bugs on some of you mugs but there ain't no bugs on me! hehe
Great blogs, Jack. They always bring a smile to my face after a long work day. Sorry CNN didnt win-i did my part -but the winner was really the people it will save not who beat who.
Once again, funny post Jack,
I too signed last night for the first time to the @cnnbrk race, routing for you guys, in the end it was all for a great charity!!! (And what a great way to raise awareness, just think of what it can do for other charities)
Still don't understand this twitter biz (yeah, I've been living in the dark age of the tech world)..Hey, kept postponing buying a computer..Egypt or Macbook...Nepal or Mac..Tibet, ect...Well the travel won out hands down,til I was enlightened one day Googling some super deals and that was it...a new era!!!
I'll try to *follow* you next on twitter, your probably past the 2000 now.
Plus I'll be in your neck of the woods in a few wks... ya never know might spot Sammy in a bright Kimono
@rtwgrl88
Great blog! Let us know if you hear of a twitter contest between Ashton Kutcher and First Dog Bo. My vote's with Bo.
I found myself watching the Kutchercast last night in extreme bemusement. It was strangely entrancing and a little surreal. Got a kick out of reading today's media coverage of it too.
Hil-frigging-larious article by the way. As for "I’m just saying that if you’re against Twitter then you’re for the spread of Malaria," I desperately wish I'd thought of that first. That line made my week. Kudos!
Hi Jack
Funny blog .I don't get the whole twitter concept constanly telling everyone where you are what you are doing i have never tweeted .Ashton shlould have wriitten a huge cheque it's not like he had to prove his woth or worhtlesness i don't get the phenonomon he's just Mr.Demi Moore !
Michelle D.
hey jack~ great post. love your writings, including your twitts.
you should get your mama maria on twitter. have a good day and a blessed weekend~@tracey
Good evening Jack, Sammy, fellow Groupies, Facebookers and of course Twitterers! First of all, I should point out that over on this side of the pond, suspenders aren't what one uses to hold up one's trousers! We ladies use them to hold up our stockings, so you can only imagine what sort of mental picture the thought of Jack in suspenders has given me. Suffice to say that alcohol will be playing a large part in removing it.. I'm surprised that The Boss doesn't Tweet more often, given that he appears to be surgically attached to his Blackberry. You need to get him trained Jack! If Richard Quest can manage it... Time for that large glass of wine now, the weekend has well and truly arrived, yippee! Hope you all have a great one, whatever you're up to! Lots of love and stuff, @PAN1F x x x x
My grandfather is on Twitter!
haha Join the fight against Malaria and join Twitter!
Hi Jack,
yet again an funny blog!
What I love most about Twitter, is that it's a fun way to stay in contact with friends from around the world, though the time differences do sometimes make that tricky. Since I signed-up, I've been hearing a lot of "Gee, you look tired" at work, lol.
Now that I know you like hearing about people's skin conditions, I'll be sending you daily rash-updates! No thanks needed :o)
@KristienAntwerp
Okay I love this article. And I am not against malaria. However, still in the infancy stage of Twitter,,,,,,,,,,, i'm loving it too! And so like i've seen the video of the 1mil mark,,,, but where was MsFrye dancing,,,, was that who the other female was in the vid????
Great blog...and great picture of Soliel!
I started a Twitter group on twibes.com to raise awareness of malaria. It's not an official anything, but if people join and tweet about malaria we'll know about it. It's a cause I am VERY interested in. http://www.twibes.com/group/Nets4Malaria
I was browsing for news a few weeks ago on CNN/AC360 and your blog "In Dog We Trust" cought my attention and I absolutely loved it. Since then I became a Jack Grey groupie and I'm sure you see some of my comments on tweeter. What I really like is that everything you write is real, lighthearted and funny!!! We need more people like you (of course you are unique 🙂 ) as everything we watch, read, hear in the news is so dramatic and sometimes quite scary ( not like Chucky). Enjoy your sister's visit and have a nice week end! Don't block my tweets now!!!!!!!!! I could be funny "sometimes" and I love dogs.:)
PS Anderson is lucky to have somebody like you in his team!
Thank you!
Good Afternoon, Jack! I missed the actual moment that Ashton hit the 1 million follower mark...had to sleep...or risk sleeping at my desk today...and funnily enough I don't get near as much work done when I'm sleeping...I'm always fascinated by how connected our world has become...like I have an aunt that lives in Australia and I remember when it took 3 weeks for her to get a letter from me...now it might take 3 minutes...maybe! 🙂 Anyway, hope you are well! Have a good day!
@Tammy, Berwick, LA – In my opinion CNN has done a fantastic job of covering other celebrity and non-celebrity supported causes. I've seen interviews with Angelina Jolie, George Clooney and others all detailing their work for various causes. Maybe their coverage of a twitter battle isn't high priority news, but I know that when high priority news arises CNN will be there to cover it.