U.S. television reporter Anderson Cooper gives beads to a spectator during the Endymion parade along St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans February 26, 2006. Mardi Gras revelers crowded the sidewalks of storm-shattered New Orleans in a turnout that was lighter than years past, but large enough to line the streets, fill the bars and remind people of better days.

New Orleans,  Louisiana :: The Krewe of Endymion Parade rolled along Napoleon Avenue during Mardi Gras last night. Celebrity guest CNN news anchor Anderson Cooper threw beads and other trinkets from his float to the crowd below. And what better way to flaunt it with a shiny CNN medallion.  Pretty.  More pictures in the gallery!

UPDATE :: Anderson Cooper breaks down the science of Mardi Gras bead distribution on his official blog!

It’s a very public event, of course, but there’s something intensely personal about the throwing of the beads. You make eye contact with someone, toss them a necklace. They say thank you, and you roll on. The only beads people want are the ones they catch themselves. I find that very telling. The beads that fall on the ground are rarely picked up. They lack the personal connection, the bond has been broken. 

U.S. television reporter Anderson Cooper gives beads to a spectator during the Endymion parade along St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans February 26, 2006. Mardi Gras revelers crowded the sidewalks of storm-shattered New Orleans in a turnout that was lighter than years past, but large enough to line the streets, fill the bars and remind people of better days.

New Orleans,  Louisiana :: The Krewe of Endymion Parade rolled along Napoleon Avenue during Mardi Gras last night. Celebrity guest CNN news anchor Anderson Cooper threw beads and other trinkets from his float to the crowd below. And what better way to flaunt it with a shiny CNN medallion.  Pretty.  More pictures in the gallery!