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Look at Enormous Appeal of Fantasy Role-Playing Games;

Aired December 24, 2004 - 11:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Let's take a look at what's happening in the news. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld pays a surprise visit to troops in Iraq. His Christmas journey has taken him to Falluja, Mosul and Tikrit. He told the fighting men and women he wanted a chance to look them in the eye and tell them they are making a difference.
President Bush placed holiday calls to several U.S. service people early today. A White House spokesman says the president thanked members of the armed forces for their sacrifice and wished them a merry Christmas. We more on how the president is spending his holiday weekend in a live report. That's coming up in less than a minute.

Two people are dead, 20 wounded following an explosion outside a bank in southern Thailand. As of yet, there is no claim of responsibility. The Thai government has blamed the rise of violence in the Muslim region on domestic separatists.

Here in the U.S., General Motors recalling more than 700,000 minivans. U.S. safety regulators say passengers could hurt their arms or wrists on the sliding power doors. Vehicles affected include the Chevrolet Venture, the Pontiac Transport and Montana and the Oldsmobile, Silhouette. Model years range from 1997 to 2005.

Keeping you informed, CNN is the most trusted name in news.

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Been a good morning, Mrs. Daryn.

KAGAN: Oh, it's been good and busy morning.

HARRIS: Good and busy morning.

Hello, everyone, from the CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm Tony Harris.

KAGAN: And I'm Daryn Kagan. Good morning once again.

HARRIS: Ever heard of the game "Everquest?" It's a fantasy world that exists only in cyberspace, but that's not to say it isn't real. Every day, thousands of people log on to "Everquest" and similar games to pursue lives and adventures in an alternate reality.

CNN technology correspondent Daniel Sieberg is here to explain the enormous appeal of those fantasy role-playing games.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) CHRISTY BELL, "EVERQUEST" PLAYER: My name is Christy Bell. I play the Niami (ph) den mother, which is a small halfling shamanist. This version of Niami is shamanist, which means that she's one of the priestly types, she works more with the spiritual nature than the outright clerics and so forth.

DANIEL SIEBERG, CNN TECHNOLOGY CORRESPONDENT: Would you play a game that didn't involve winning or losing? The "Everquest" series is more about developing your character, working as a team and interacting with the online community, and sometimes that interaction goes a little further.

BELL: My character actually officiated at several marriage ceremonies. I and the players involved would sit down and actually write vows and plan out a whole ceremony.

SIEBERG (on camera): Does somebody who doesn't know anything about "Everquest" at all might think that was a little strange. They might think, character's getting married in the game?

BELL: It's just a part of the entertainment. I mean, it's fun. And if you have any sort of creative bent, it's a story; it's an interactive story.

SIEBERG (voice-over): Christy started with Dungeons and Dragons years ago, a precursor to many video games, then she stumbled across a similar world on her computer.

BELL: I like stories. I like fantasy. I like role playing. Being able to get in, run around in a fantasy world.

SIEBERG (on camera): This is where Sony Online Entertainment tries to keep about 750,000 people happy across all its different games. If someone has a problem, they can ask a question. One of these folks who are kind of like a demigod or a God, they can show up in the game and help them out. It's all part of keeping a virtual world running smoothly.

What's the most number of people you see online at one time who are playing one of these games?

ADAM JOFFE, CFO, SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT: Every night we fill two full football stadiums full of people playing our games, every single night.

SIEBERG: Every single night?

JOFFE: Every single night.

SIEBERG: "Everquest" is based in a mythological world of Morath (ph), while other games, like "The Sims," are based in modern reality. Even the mundane has a role here, like cleaning your house, going to the bathroom or acquiring furniture. Players can often get very attached to their so-called sims.

TIM LETOURNEAU, "THE SIMS 2" PRODUCER: The emotional connection the players have with the sims is a key part of the game play. So in "Sims 2," you have facial expressions. They laugh, they cry, you know, you experience their ups and downs, their joys, their sorrows. The player also projects so much more into that, because they're projecting experiences from their own life. So it magnifies anything you're seeing on the screen.

SIEBERG: Of course, these types of games may not be for everyone.

BELL: Everybody has a different idea of what is fun. In fact, a couple of my family members are perplexed about this game thing that I do. A lot of people don't understand, and that's fine. You know, I don't understand golf.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SIEBERG: Some people do wonder why people chase around a little white ball. Hundreds of thousands of people do enjoy playing online mutliplayer games like "Everquest."

Just one caveat or sidebar here, as with any other form of entertainment, it's possible to indulge in too much of a good thing. In the original "Everquest," there have been reports of real-life marriages breaking up, and at least one suicide was blamed on the game, because the person was so distraught about it.

So to end our video game series, some advice from the experts, have fun, just know when to walk away back here into reality.

HARRIS: You know what, it seems to me, there's probably a real social aspect to this, you get online, you can talk to one another.

SIEBERG: That's a huge appeal with these games, it really is, that you can get online and chat with these characters. You can escape from reality in a way. You can be a different type of character, or you can just be yourself and meet people. A lot of flirting going on with these games, too, where you're meeting somebody and chatting them up, and you may or may not end up meeting them in the real world or outside of the game. You have to be careful about that, too.

HARRIS: Daniel, thank you.

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: The weather forecast is particularly important for Santa.

HARRIS: Yes, he;s to have a nice little jet stream to fly in on. How is that weather terminology?

KAGAN: That's good, but Santa's going to make it no matter what. And look at our children, just more and more kids showing up today.

Santa, you got lots of kids over there with you.

SANTA CLAUS: Oh, I have indeed. I just got my earpiece in. I'm sorry I was delayed in hearing you.

KAGAN: That's all right.

HARRIS: Your hands are full.

SANTA CLAUS: Yes.

KAGAN: Anybody sitting on Santa's lap?

SANTA CLAUS: No, I was going to take -- there's a little young man over here, about 6 months old. I thought we'd try out with him. Here we go. Oh, happy face, how are you? Oh, boy. Well, that beard does pretty well. OK, it's attached.

HARRIS: What is this? Man, I'm going to have fun with this.

SANTA CLAUS: Look at that. There we go. What a pretty smile.

KAGAN: Oh, we got a smile. And with that, we're going to take a break. More with Santa and the kids and more news straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: How much fun has this been this morning, our second military family reunion this Christmas Eve is a direct line between Iraq and Michigan. Pam Colvin drove three hours to get to suburban Detroit from her home in East Tawas, Michigan. We should mention she is eight months pregnant and dad-to-be is Private First Class Joshua Colvin, with the U.S. Marines in Falluja.

Private, good morning to you. Good day to you.

PFC JOSHUA COLVIN, U.S. MARINES: Good day, Tony, how you doing over there?

HARRIS: Good, good. All is well here. I want you to say hello to your wife. What is it you'd like to say to her this morning?

J. COLVIN: I just want to tell her I miss her and I love her very much and I can't wait to come home. I want to wish her a merry Christmas. And I just love her a lot.

HARRIS: That was good, no that was good. That was good. Pam, what do you think? There he is. Can you hear him?

PAM COLVIN, WIFE OF PFC JOSHUA COLVIN: Yes, I can hear him.

HARRIS: What do you want to say to him?

P. COLVIN: Just that I miss him and I love him and hope he comes home soon.

HARRIS: Joshua, give us a sense of what it's been like for you? How long have you been deployed, how long have you been in -- where are you, are you in Falluja, Baghdad or Falluja, where are you? J. COLVIN: Right now I'm in the area of Falluja. We've been here for a few months. Right now -- morale is pretty high right now. We're doing all right, trying to keep our spirits up for Christmas as much as we can being away from our families and all, Tony.

HARRIS: Yes. Pam, let's put that split screen back up there and, Pam, I want you to talk to your husband. I know we're kind of eavesdropping here and that's not the most comfortable situation to be in. But you've got a couple of million people listening in on your conversation right now. What do you want to say to your husband? And talk to him about this baby you're about to have here.

P. COLVIN: Don't know. I just hope maybe he can come home before the baby's born and if not, then he'll be ready to see him when he gets home.

HARRIS: Joshua, make her feel a little better. She's all -- she's emotional. I can see it on her face. You know, reach out to her all these thousands of miles away and make her feel better.

J. COLVIN: It's all right, honey, you're doing a great job. I miss you and I love you. I hope I can be home in time to see the baby born, but if not, I know you'll be -- you'll do just fine. I love you a lot. Merry Christmas.

HARRIS: Pam, what are you having?

P. COLVIN: We're having a boy.

HARRIS: Does he know that?

P. COLVIN: Yes.

HARRIS: So how excited are you about your boy?

J. COLVIN: I'm very excited. I'm just happy -- I'm just hoping it's going to be healthy, I didn't really care it if it was a boy or girl, just want a healthy baby, that's what I'm looking forward to, that's what we're both looking forward to.

HARRIS: And Joshua, give me a sense of your plans. Do you know how much longer you'll be deployed? Do you have any idea of when you might get a chance to get home and visit with your wife and brand-new spanking baby boy?

J. COLVIN: It's hard to answer that question. We're not really sure. It's hopefully within the next few months here. I can't be exact on that, Tony, but hopefully it's -- the sooner the better.

HARRIS: Well, I got to tell you, we love that you're holding it down. Can I say that? We love that you're holding it down and taking care of your business over there. And Pam, give us a sense of what it's been like without this man that you married? Because you love him and you want to build a life with him. Can you share with us what it's been like not having him near you, home with you?

P. COLVIN: It's hard not having him here. I miss him a lot. I wish he could be here, but I'm proud of what he's doing, so.

HARRIS: How was the drive down this morning, was it tough for you? Did you -- were the roads OK for you?

P. COLVIN: The roads were OK, yes, it wasn't too bad.

HARRIS: What do you think of her there, what do you think of her, Josh?

J. COLVIN: I love her a lot and I miss her a lot. And I'm just happy she could make it down to do this. I know it's hard for her to ride, being eight months pregnant, but she did it for me and I really appreciate you guys giving us the chance to get to talk to each other, for her to be able to see me on Christmas.

HARRIS: Well, I know it's not the way you would like to have it, but I want to wish you both happy holidays, merry Christmas to you and we wish you the best, Pam, as you bring that healthy baby into the world. And we want that the reunion, we want to see a picture. Send it to us, e-mail us, let us know when you have that baby and the best of luck to you, Joshua. And keep your spirits up and good luck as you continue to fight this battle over there. We appreciate you. We really do.

J. COLVIN: I just wanted to say, merry Christmas to my family and to Pam and I love you a lot and hopefully I'll see you soon, honey. Bye.

HARRIS: Very good. And Pam, thank you.

P. COLVIN: Thank you.

HARRIS: All right.

We're going to take a break and when we come back, more with Santa Claus, including our wishes. Do we get a chance to make wishes, here.

KAGAN: Sure, I can introduce you to Santa. I have an inside connection.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LEROY CHAID, INTL. SPACE STATION COMMANDER: From the International Space Station orbiting high over you, we wish you a merry, merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: And that's the crew of the International Space Station. They'll have the ideal view tonight to watch Santa and his reindeer make their Christmas Eve journey around the world.

Speaking of Santa, we have the guy right here before he sets off. Now you know the Russians have sent off a huge cargo. Be careful when you're up there.

SANTA CLAUS: OK, well, the people from NORAD and the other organizations have always been very cooperate.

KAGAN: Good.

SANTA CLAUS: So we can avoid problems.

KAGAN: Everyone's going to be safe up there?

SANTA CLAUS: Oh, I'm sure of that.

KAGAN: Now we're talking to the kids, a lot of our CNN kids here. And this is Madison.

Hi, Madison. You want to tell Santa what you want for Christmas.

What do you want?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: A telescope.

SANTA CLAUS: A telescope, which fits in very well with the story you just led into.

KAGAN: Absolutely. And what else?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: A reindeer toy.

KAGAN: A reindeer toy. What do you think, Santa, maybe you can make that happen?

SANTA CLAUS: Oh, that's possible. You know, these last-minute requests, sometimes we just happen to have something waiting around.

KAGAN: Very good. And, Madison, how old are you?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Three.

KAGAN: Three.

Well, you have a good Christmas.

Can we have someone else sit with Santa?

HARRIS: Who else wants to sit with Santa?

SANTA CLAUS: How about this young lady right here?

OK, can you hop up there. Good. Big girl.

KAGAN: And so what are you going to ask Santa for Christmas?

SANTA CLAUS: That's all right. You can tell them. This is in public, but you can announce it.

KAGAN: You can't remember? SANTA CLAUS: Can't remember. Oh.

HARRIS: Can I sit on Santa's lap and make -- OK, Santa, hi. Hi. How are you?

SANTA CLAUS: I visited with two of your children a moment ago.

HARRIS: Oh, you did? Did they ask for a lot of...

SANTA CLAUS: No, they were conservative.

HARRIS: They were?

SANTA CLAUS: They were conservative in what their requests were. Your daughter has a serious request.

HARRIS: She does?

SANTA CLAUS: Yes.

HARRIS: Well, is that something you can share with me? Can I help you in making it happen?

SANTA CLAUS: Well, I asked her what dad and mother said about it, because it happened...

HARRIS: Let's get the Harris kids up here.

KAGAN: Kaitlin (ph) and Michael (ph), why don't you...

SANTA CLAUS: A kitten and a puppy.

HARRIS: You've got me stammering here, Santa.

KAGAN: Sit down on each knee.

HARRIS: A kitten and a...

KAGAN: There you go. OK, you tell Santa what you want him to bring. Go ahead.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Playstation 2.

Kaitlin, what do you want?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: A kitty cat and a puppy.

HARRIS: You have a -- hi, Kaitlin. You have a dog, don't you, Kaitlin?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, and I want another -- it's a puppy.

HARRIS: You want a puppy? OK, Santa, let's have a conversation.

SANTA CLAUS: That's exactly what I told her.

KAGAN: You guys can get up off. Let's get more kids up here.

OK, John, let's get you up here.

SANTA CLAUS: I haven't had a chance to visit with this young man.

OK.

KAGAN: OK, tell Santa what you want, John.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Playstation.

HARRIS: Playstation, that's a popular one, isn't it?

SANTA CLAUS: Oh, it is indeed, yes, yes.

KAGAN: With a particular game?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

KAGAN: Which game?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Football game.

KAGAN: Football.

HARRIS: Madden, what is it?

KAGAN: Madden 2004.

HARRIS: And 2005, OK.

KAGAN: OK, let's get one of the Christenson (ph) kids up here. Do one of you guys want to come up? Come on up.

SANTA CLAUS: Well, we have the two young ladies over there, sisters.

KAGAN: Come on up.

HARRIS: Wow.

KAGAN: Whoa, loving the dress.

Why don't you sit on the other knee. Sit on that knee.

SANTA CLAUS: There you go.

KAGAN: There we go. OK, and tell Santa what you want.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Am E-Z Bake Oven.

KAGAN: An E-Z Bake Oven, those are fun.

SANTA CLAUS: They have been popular through the years. They continue. No wonder we have such good cooks. KAGAN: What would you make in the E-Z Bake Oven?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I would make some cupcakes and stuff.

KAGAN: What about for your sisters? what do you think your sisters want?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: My little sister would probably want cake, and my big sister would probably want something...

KAGAN: Very good. OK, we hope that shows up for you.

Who else hasn't spoken to Santa?

Come on up. Come on up.

HARRIS: What's your name?

SANTA CLAUS: We haven't had a chance to chat here this morning.

HARRIS: How old are you?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Seven.

HARRIS: First grade I bet you.

KAGAN: First grade?

And what do you want to ask Santa for? Toys?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Brat dolls and a kitty cat.

HARRIS: They're brat dolls, they're popular, too.

KAGAN: Yes, they're kind of like Barbie, but not quite, right? They're cooler than Barbie.

SANTA CLAUS: There's another member of the family, I think, right back there patiently waiting.

KAGAN: Who else hasn't spoken to Santa?

Come on up, this is your chance. Santa's going to have to go very soon.

SANTA CLAUS: How are you? Good to see you.

KAGAN: What's your name?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Jasmine.

KAGAN: Jasmine, how old are you, Jasmine?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Six.

KAGAN: Six, and what do you want from Santa? UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I want a Brat doll.

HARRIS: Wonderful.

KAGAN: You guys have a -- go ahead, Santa.

SANTA CLAUS: Oh, I was just going to say, she's been very good most of the year according to the reports I've received.

KAGAN: Santa knows you've been good. That's good. That's good. Someone hasn't been telling stories, right?

That's going to do it. Santa, as we said, we are so appreciative that you were able to stop by. We wish you safe travels tonight, lots of work.

SANTA CLAUS: I'm looking forward to that.

HARRIS: But safe up there.

KAGAN: A happy, a healthy, a safe and a peaceful Christmas this year.

SANTA CLAUS: Yes, and one of things is I'm looking forward to Mrs. Clause trimming my beard a little bit right after Christmas. That way I don't get so much soup in it.

KAGAN: Yes, I know. Well, good luck with that.

SANTA CLAUS: Thank you.

KAGAN: And our best to Mrs. Claus as well.

SANTA CLAUS: Greetings.

KAGAN: Tony, thank you for coming on Christmas Eve. You and your family, have a great Christmas.

And All of you out there, from all of us here at CNN -- we're going to get to you in just a second. Here, come on up while we're saying goodbye. Come on, Leo (ph). We're going to take a break, and Betty Nguyen will be up for Wolf Blitzer, just ahead.

You guys have a great, great holiday. We'll see you on Monday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


Aired December 24, 2004 - 11:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: Let's take a look at what's happening in the news. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld pays a surprise visit to troops in Iraq. His Christmas journey has taken him to Falluja, Mosul and Tikrit. He told the fighting men and women he wanted a chance to look them in the eye and tell them they are making a difference.
President Bush placed holiday calls to several U.S. service people early today. A White House spokesman says the president thanked members of the armed forces for their sacrifice and wished them a merry Christmas. We more on how the president is spending his holiday weekend in a live report. That's coming up in less than a minute.

Two people are dead, 20 wounded following an explosion outside a bank in southern Thailand. As of yet, there is no claim of responsibility. The Thai government has blamed the rise of violence in the Muslim region on domestic separatists.

Here in the U.S., General Motors recalling more than 700,000 minivans. U.S. safety regulators say passengers could hurt their arms or wrists on the sliding power doors. Vehicles affected include the Chevrolet Venture, the Pontiac Transport and Montana and the Oldsmobile, Silhouette. Model years range from 1997 to 2005.

Keeping you informed, CNN is the most trusted name in news.

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Been a good morning, Mrs. Daryn.

KAGAN: Oh, it's been good and busy morning.

HARRIS: Good and busy morning.

Hello, everyone, from the CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm Tony Harris.

KAGAN: And I'm Daryn Kagan. Good morning once again.

HARRIS: Ever heard of the game "Everquest?" It's a fantasy world that exists only in cyberspace, but that's not to say it isn't real. Every day, thousands of people log on to "Everquest" and similar games to pursue lives and adventures in an alternate reality.

CNN technology correspondent Daniel Sieberg is here to explain the enormous appeal of those fantasy role-playing games.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) CHRISTY BELL, "EVERQUEST" PLAYER: My name is Christy Bell. I play the Niami (ph) den mother, which is a small halfling shamanist. This version of Niami is shamanist, which means that she's one of the priestly types, she works more with the spiritual nature than the outright clerics and so forth.

DANIEL SIEBERG, CNN TECHNOLOGY CORRESPONDENT: Would you play a game that didn't involve winning or losing? The "Everquest" series is more about developing your character, working as a team and interacting with the online community, and sometimes that interaction goes a little further.

BELL: My character actually officiated at several marriage ceremonies. I and the players involved would sit down and actually write vows and plan out a whole ceremony.

SIEBERG (on camera): Does somebody who doesn't know anything about "Everquest" at all might think that was a little strange. They might think, character's getting married in the game?

BELL: It's just a part of the entertainment. I mean, it's fun. And if you have any sort of creative bent, it's a story; it's an interactive story.

SIEBERG (voice-over): Christy started with Dungeons and Dragons years ago, a precursor to many video games, then she stumbled across a similar world on her computer.

BELL: I like stories. I like fantasy. I like role playing. Being able to get in, run around in a fantasy world.

SIEBERG (on camera): This is where Sony Online Entertainment tries to keep about 750,000 people happy across all its different games. If someone has a problem, they can ask a question. One of these folks who are kind of like a demigod or a God, they can show up in the game and help them out. It's all part of keeping a virtual world running smoothly.

What's the most number of people you see online at one time who are playing one of these games?

ADAM JOFFE, CFO, SONY ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT: Every night we fill two full football stadiums full of people playing our games, every single night.

SIEBERG: Every single night?

JOFFE: Every single night.

SIEBERG: "Everquest" is based in a mythological world of Morath (ph), while other games, like "The Sims," are based in modern reality. Even the mundane has a role here, like cleaning your house, going to the bathroom or acquiring furniture. Players can often get very attached to their so-called sims.

TIM LETOURNEAU, "THE SIMS 2" PRODUCER: The emotional connection the players have with the sims is a key part of the game play. So in "Sims 2," you have facial expressions. They laugh, they cry, you know, you experience their ups and downs, their joys, their sorrows. The player also projects so much more into that, because they're projecting experiences from their own life. So it magnifies anything you're seeing on the screen.

SIEBERG: Of course, these types of games may not be for everyone.

BELL: Everybody has a different idea of what is fun. In fact, a couple of my family members are perplexed about this game thing that I do. A lot of people don't understand, and that's fine. You know, I don't understand golf.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SIEBERG: Some people do wonder why people chase around a little white ball. Hundreds of thousands of people do enjoy playing online mutliplayer games like "Everquest."

Just one caveat or sidebar here, as with any other form of entertainment, it's possible to indulge in too much of a good thing. In the original "Everquest," there have been reports of real-life marriages breaking up, and at least one suicide was blamed on the game, because the person was so distraught about it.

So to end our video game series, some advice from the experts, have fun, just know when to walk away back here into reality.

HARRIS: You know what, it seems to me, there's probably a real social aspect to this, you get online, you can talk to one another.

SIEBERG: That's a huge appeal with these games, it really is, that you can get online and chat with these characters. You can escape from reality in a way. You can be a different type of character, or you can just be yourself and meet people. A lot of flirting going on with these games, too, where you're meeting somebody and chatting them up, and you may or may not end up meeting them in the real world or outside of the game. You have to be careful about that, too.

HARRIS: Daniel, thank you.

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: The weather forecast is particularly important for Santa.

HARRIS: Yes, he;s to have a nice little jet stream to fly in on. How is that weather terminology?

KAGAN: That's good, but Santa's going to make it no matter what. And look at our children, just more and more kids showing up today.

Santa, you got lots of kids over there with you.

SANTA CLAUS: Oh, I have indeed. I just got my earpiece in. I'm sorry I was delayed in hearing you.

KAGAN: That's all right.

HARRIS: Your hands are full.

SANTA CLAUS: Yes.

KAGAN: Anybody sitting on Santa's lap?

SANTA CLAUS: No, I was going to take -- there's a little young man over here, about 6 months old. I thought we'd try out with him. Here we go. Oh, happy face, how are you? Oh, boy. Well, that beard does pretty well. OK, it's attached.

HARRIS: What is this? Man, I'm going to have fun with this.

SANTA CLAUS: Look at that. There we go. What a pretty smile.

KAGAN: Oh, we got a smile. And with that, we're going to take a break. More with Santa and the kids and more news straight ahead.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: How much fun has this been this morning, our second military family reunion this Christmas Eve is a direct line between Iraq and Michigan. Pam Colvin drove three hours to get to suburban Detroit from her home in East Tawas, Michigan. We should mention she is eight months pregnant and dad-to-be is Private First Class Joshua Colvin, with the U.S. Marines in Falluja.

Private, good morning to you. Good day to you.

PFC JOSHUA COLVIN, U.S. MARINES: Good day, Tony, how you doing over there?

HARRIS: Good, good. All is well here. I want you to say hello to your wife. What is it you'd like to say to her this morning?

J. COLVIN: I just want to tell her I miss her and I love her very much and I can't wait to come home. I want to wish her a merry Christmas. And I just love her a lot.

HARRIS: That was good, no that was good. That was good. Pam, what do you think? There he is. Can you hear him?

PAM COLVIN, WIFE OF PFC JOSHUA COLVIN: Yes, I can hear him.

HARRIS: What do you want to say to him?

P. COLVIN: Just that I miss him and I love him and hope he comes home soon.

HARRIS: Joshua, give us a sense of what it's been like for you? How long have you been deployed, how long have you been in -- where are you, are you in Falluja, Baghdad or Falluja, where are you? J. COLVIN: Right now I'm in the area of Falluja. We've been here for a few months. Right now -- morale is pretty high right now. We're doing all right, trying to keep our spirits up for Christmas as much as we can being away from our families and all, Tony.

HARRIS: Yes. Pam, let's put that split screen back up there and, Pam, I want you to talk to your husband. I know we're kind of eavesdropping here and that's not the most comfortable situation to be in. But you've got a couple of million people listening in on your conversation right now. What do you want to say to your husband? And talk to him about this baby you're about to have here.

P. COLVIN: Don't know. I just hope maybe he can come home before the baby's born and if not, then he'll be ready to see him when he gets home.

HARRIS: Joshua, make her feel a little better. She's all -- she's emotional. I can see it on her face. You know, reach out to her all these thousands of miles away and make her feel better.

J. COLVIN: It's all right, honey, you're doing a great job. I miss you and I love you. I hope I can be home in time to see the baby born, but if not, I know you'll be -- you'll do just fine. I love you a lot. Merry Christmas.

HARRIS: Pam, what are you having?

P. COLVIN: We're having a boy.

HARRIS: Does he know that?

P. COLVIN: Yes.

HARRIS: So how excited are you about your boy?

J. COLVIN: I'm very excited. I'm just happy -- I'm just hoping it's going to be healthy, I didn't really care it if it was a boy or girl, just want a healthy baby, that's what I'm looking forward to, that's what we're both looking forward to.

HARRIS: And Joshua, give me a sense of your plans. Do you know how much longer you'll be deployed? Do you have any idea of when you might get a chance to get home and visit with your wife and brand-new spanking baby boy?

J. COLVIN: It's hard to answer that question. We're not really sure. It's hopefully within the next few months here. I can't be exact on that, Tony, but hopefully it's -- the sooner the better.

HARRIS: Well, I got to tell you, we love that you're holding it down. Can I say that? We love that you're holding it down and taking care of your business over there. And Pam, give us a sense of what it's been like without this man that you married? Because you love him and you want to build a life with him. Can you share with us what it's been like not having him near you, home with you?

P. COLVIN: It's hard not having him here. I miss him a lot. I wish he could be here, but I'm proud of what he's doing, so.

HARRIS: How was the drive down this morning, was it tough for you? Did you -- were the roads OK for you?

P. COLVIN: The roads were OK, yes, it wasn't too bad.

HARRIS: What do you think of her there, what do you think of her, Josh?

J. COLVIN: I love her a lot and I miss her a lot. And I'm just happy she could make it down to do this. I know it's hard for her to ride, being eight months pregnant, but she did it for me and I really appreciate you guys giving us the chance to get to talk to each other, for her to be able to see me on Christmas.

HARRIS: Well, I know it's not the way you would like to have it, but I want to wish you both happy holidays, merry Christmas to you and we wish you the best, Pam, as you bring that healthy baby into the world. And we want that the reunion, we want to see a picture. Send it to us, e-mail us, let us know when you have that baby and the best of luck to you, Joshua. And keep your spirits up and good luck as you continue to fight this battle over there. We appreciate you. We really do.

J. COLVIN: I just wanted to say, merry Christmas to my family and to Pam and I love you a lot and hopefully I'll see you soon, honey. Bye.

HARRIS: Very good. And Pam, thank you.

P. COLVIN: Thank you.

HARRIS: All right.

We're going to take a break and when we come back, more with Santa Claus, including our wishes. Do we get a chance to make wishes, here.

KAGAN: Sure, I can introduce you to Santa. I have an inside connection.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LEROY CHAID, INTL. SPACE STATION COMMANDER: From the International Space Station orbiting high over you, we wish you a merry, merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KAGAN: And that's the crew of the International Space Station. They'll have the ideal view tonight to watch Santa and his reindeer make their Christmas Eve journey around the world.

Speaking of Santa, we have the guy right here before he sets off. Now you know the Russians have sent off a huge cargo. Be careful when you're up there.

SANTA CLAUS: OK, well, the people from NORAD and the other organizations have always been very cooperate.

KAGAN: Good.

SANTA CLAUS: So we can avoid problems.

KAGAN: Everyone's going to be safe up there?

SANTA CLAUS: Oh, I'm sure of that.

KAGAN: Now we're talking to the kids, a lot of our CNN kids here. And this is Madison.

Hi, Madison. You want to tell Santa what you want for Christmas.

What do you want?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: A telescope.

SANTA CLAUS: A telescope, which fits in very well with the story you just led into.

KAGAN: Absolutely. And what else?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: A reindeer toy.

KAGAN: A reindeer toy. What do you think, Santa, maybe you can make that happen?

SANTA CLAUS: Oh, that's possible. You know, these last-minute requests, sometimes we just happen to have something waiting around.

KAGAN: Very good. And, Madison, how old are you?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Three.

KAGAN: Three.

Well, you have a good Christmas.

Can we have someone else sit with Santa?

HARRIS: Who else wants to sit with Santa?

SANTA CLAUS: How about this young lady right here?

OK, can you hop up there. Good. Big girl.

KAGAN: And so what are you going to ask Santa for Christmas?

SANTA CLAUS: That's all right. You can tell them. This is in public, but you can announce it.

KAGAN: You can't remember? SANTA CLAUS: Can't remember. Oh.

HARRIS: Can I sit on Santa's lap and make -- OK, Santa, hi. Hi. How are you?

SANTA CLAUS: I visited with two of your children a moment ago.

HARRIS: Oh, you did? Did they ask for a lot of...

SANTA CLAUS: No, they were conservative.

HARRIS: They were?

SANTA CLAUS: They were conservative in what their requests were. Your daughter has a serious request.

HARRIS: She does?

SANTA CLAUS: Yes.

HARRIS: Well, is that something you can share with me? Can I help you in making it happen?

SANTA CLAUS: Well, I asked her what dad and mother said about it, because it happened...

HARRIS: Let's get the Harris kids up here.

KAGAN: Kaitlin (ph) and Michael (ph), why don't you...

SANTA CLAUS: A kitten and a puppy.

HARRIS: You've got me stammering here, Santa.

KAGAN: Sit down on each knee.

HARRIS: A kitten and a...

KAGAN: There you go. OK, you tell Santa what you want him to bring. Go ahead.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Playstation 2.

Kaitlin, what do you want?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: A kitty cat and a puppy.

HARRIS: You have a -- hi, Kaitlin. You have a dog, don't you, Kaitlin?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, and I want another -- it's a puppy.

HARRIS: You want a puppy? OK, Santa, let's have a conversation.

SANTA CLAUS: That's exactly what I told her.

KAGAN: You guys can get up off. Let's get more kids up here.

OK, John, let's get you up here.

SANTA CLAUS: I haven't had a chance to visit with this young man.

OK.

KAGAN: OK, tell Santa what you want, John.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Playstation.

HARRIS: Playstation, that's a popular one, isn't it?

SANTA CLAUS: Oh, it is indeed, yes, yes.

KAGAN: With a particular game?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes.

KAGAN: Which game?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Football game.

KAGAN: Football.

HARRIS: Madden, what is it?

KAGAN: Madden 2004.

HARRIS: And 2005, OK.

KAGAN: OK, let's get one of the Christenson (ph) kids up here. Do one of you guys want to come up? Come on up.

SANTA CLAUS: Well, we have the two young ladies over there, sisters.

KAGAN: Come on up.

HARRIS: Wow.

KAGAN: Whoa, loving the dress.

Why don't you sit on the other knee. Sit on that knee.

SANTA CLAUS: There you go.

KAGAN: There we go. OK, and tell Santa what you want.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Am E-Z Bake Oven.

KAGAN: An E-Z Bake Oven, those are fun.

SANTA CLAUS: They have been popular through the years. They continue. No wonder we have such good cooks. KAGAN: What would you make in the E-Z Bake Oven?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I would make some cupcakes and stuff.

KAGAN: What about for your sisters? what do you think your sisters want?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: My little sister would probably want cake, and my big sister would probably want something...

KAGAN: Very good. OK, we hope that shows up for you.

Who else hasn't spoken to Santa?

Come on up. Come on up.

HARRIS: What's your name?

SANTA CLAUS: We haven't had a chance to chat here this morning.

HARRIS: How old are you?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Seven.

HARRIS: First grade I bet you.

KAGAN: First grade?

And what do you want to ask Santa for? Toys?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Brat dolls and a kitty cat.

HARRIS: They're brat dolls, they're popular, too.

KAGAN: Yes, they're kind of like Barbie, but not quite, right? They're cooler than Barbie.

SANTA CLAUS: There's another member of the family, I think, right back there patiently waiting.

KAGAN: Who else hasn't spoken to Santa?

Come on up, this is your chance. Santa's going to have to go very soon.

SANTA CLAUS: How are you? Good to see you.

KAGAN: What's your name?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Jasmine.

KAGAN: Jasmine, how old are you, Jasmine?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Six.

KAGAN: Six, and what do you want from Santa? UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I want a Brat doll.

HARRIS: Wonderful.

KAGAN: You guys have a -- go ahead, Santa.

SANTA CLAUS: Oh, I was just going to say, she's been very good most of the year according to the reports I've received.

KAGAN: Santa knows you've been good. That's good. That's good. Someone hasn't been telling stories, right?

That's going to do it. Santa, as we said, we are so appreciative that you were able to stop by. We wish you safe travels tonight, lots of work.

SANTA CLAUS: I'm looking forward to that.

HARRIS: But safe up there.

KAGAN: A happy, a healthy, a safe and a peaceful Christmas this year.

SANTA CLAUS: Yes, and one of things is I'm looking forward to Mrs. Clause trimming my beard a little bit right after Christmas. That way I don't get so much soup in it.

KAGAN: Yes, I know. Well, good luck with that.

SANTA CLAUS: Thank you.

KAGAN: And our best to Mrs. Claus as well.

SANTA CLAUS: Greetings.

KAGAN: Tony, thank you for coming on Christmas Eve. You and your family, have a great Christmas.

And All of you out there, from all of us here at CNN -- we're going to get to you in just a second. Here, come on up while we're saying goodbye. Come on, Leo (ph). We're going to take a break, and Betty Nguyen will be up for Wolf Blitzer, just ahead.

You guys have a great, great holiday. We'll see you on Monday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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