Maria Molina: Tart Tatt or Beauty Birthmark?

Pretty in pink. Hottie FNC meteorologist Maria Molina is on a new schedule and is sporting a new look. Cosmo‘s caliente Latina announced a few weeks ago that she will be on Fox News from 5 a.m. to 12 noon E.T. Mondays through Fridays: Apparently, Maria has replaced Janice Dean on Fox & Friends First on Thursdays and Fridays.

As to her new look, Maria eschews her nubial naked appeal re jewelry: Instead, the Nicaraguan nymph now not only wears her de rigeur earrings but also she “dresses to kill” (vid) as she dons a bracelet on her left wrist and a watch on her right one. Consequently, her fans rarely espy that pink ring with two barbs on the bottom of her left wrist hidden that seemed to whisper naughty nothings to her fans.*

Still, tatt or birthmark? ‘Fess up, Maria!

[Author's aside: Whether her beauty barbs are a tatt or a beauty mark, she has failed to disclose when asked.]

*Fox & Friends First – 04/09/13 (5:38 a.m. ET)

Nicoles’ Sexy “Stalk”: Janice’s Breathy Walk!

Saucy Dean apes sultry Petallides: Fox-y catwalk catfight? Playful FNC meteorologist Janice Dean made racy sport of her colleague FBN correspondent Nicole Petallides‘ “stalk walk” this morning to the great delight of Fox & Friends‘ co-hosts and its fans.

Less than five minutes after the always sensual Nicole gave her usual “walk-and-talk” business report (from the floor of the New York Stock exchange), a playful Janice appeared for her weather report outside the studio.* After her intro from F&F co-host Steve Doocy as the “Snowball Machine,” Janice remarked, “Now, Steve, Gretch [Carlson], and Brian [Kilmeade], I’m a big fan of Nicole Petallides’ stalk walk, you know when she walks and she talks about the stock. So…I think I’m going to do a weather walk: So, I’m going to talk about the weather while I walk.”  Raising her eyebrows wantonly, she purred, “Are you ready? Are you ready for this?”

Excitedly, Gretchen interposed, “Oh, my gosh!”

Pulling back her shoulders, Janice began to sexily sashay down the F&F veranda. As Steve giggled and Gretchen cackled, Janice breathily began to give her weather report. Joining in the bawdy fun, producers suddenly started to play stereotypical sexploitation music (a la Shaft‘s theme): Naughtily, an off-cam Steve teased, “Janice, how would you describe the voice you’re using right now?”

Staying in character, an undaunted Janice continued her rutty strut, cooing, “It’s my weather walk voice!” As an appreciative Steve laughed, an even more impressed Gretchen intoned, “Oh, my gosh! This is fantastic!” As Janice beamed broadly, a randy Brian interjected, “By the way, Ted on camera is going to need a shower after this segment!”

Bowing after her bravo performance, Janice declared, “There’s my weather walk everybody!” Smiling, Steve said, “Very nicely done! Pioneering a new aspect on Fox & Friends!” Chiming in, Gretchen added, “Janice, you realize [that] we’re going to expect that everyday now!”

Enthusiastically, Janice answered, “Fantastic! It’s the only time I’m going to get exercise.”

As the segment ended, Brian pronounced, “So, that’s the weather walk. Nicole will have her answer at some point, I’m sure.”

Indeed. And, assuredly, the gammy Greek goddess’ votaries eagerly await that answer to the cheeky Canadian’s challenge.

Until then, kudos, Janice! And, encore! Encore!

*Fox & Friends – 02/28/13 (@ 8:38 a.m. ET)

Megyn & Janice: Brunt Snuggle Bunnies?

FOXes and friends: “You should have seen the two of us this morning with our coffee in our little queen-sized bed.” Fox News gal pals, America Live anchor Megyn Kelly and FNC meteorologist Janice Dean, saucily shared a few details of their earlier night together with their AL audience yesterday. But, don’t try to read too much into it unless Megyn’s hubby, New York Times best-selling author Douglas Brunt (“Ghosts of Manhattan”), includes more about his “GQ Intelligence…Hot” wife and fun, frisky Janice “I Was at a Strip Club” Dean in his second novel.

When Janice concluded her weather report yesterday about Hurricane Sandy’s lingering effect (at the bottom of the first hour), Megyn remarked, “Well, there’s…some silver linings to a big storm like this….This kind of thing [does] have a way of bringing people together–including the two people you see on your screen right now.”*

As a chuckling Janice reddened, Megyn mischievously recounted, “Janice and I doubled up in a hotel room last night ’cause they were scarce and few and far between here in New York.” Giggling, she racily continued, “And, we had a little, you know, sleepover, a girl’s sleepover: The first time in twenty years I had…a sleepover.”

Before responding, Janice lauded their respective hubbies for tending the children in their absence: then, she sweetly answered, “I love you, Megyn! You’re the best roommate a girl could ever have.”

Laughing, Megyn replied, “J. D., right back at ya!” As Janice blew her a kiss, Megyn teased, “You should’ve seen the two of us this morning with our coffee in our little queen-sized bed!” Spicing up their tale, Janice exclaimed, “Oh! Snuggling!”

Grinning, Megyn concluded, “Alright, see ya, Hon!”

Another Brunt bestseller in the making?

*America Live – 10/31/12 (@ 10:28 a.m. ET)

Ainsley’s Bridal Shower: Updated!

[Earhardt's tiger revealed, infra.] Seventh heaven: Ainsley and six other Ailes’ angels celebrate a new beginning. Yesterday, Fox & Friends First co-host Ainsley Earhardt‘s hump day was extra special. The sweet Southern belle was honored with a bridal shower by her Fox News family and friends, including fellow FNC femmes, Patti Ann Brown, Heather Childers, Maria Molina, Janice Dean, Heather Nauert, and Anna Kooiman (photo).

Seemingly, the die is now cast: Ainsley’s bridal shower has been thrown. And, yesterday, Janice signaled her hearty approval to her Twitter followers with Tweets about the festive affair. In one missive, she sent a photo of Ainsley and the FNC femme fatales, writing, “From beautiful @ainsleyearhardt bridal show this afternoon @FoxFriendsFirst pic.twitter.com/sHeija7K. In another, she sent a pic of a radiant solo Ainsley sipping an apparent mimosa, proclaiming, “Beautiful bride to be! @ainsleyearhardt.” This morning, an appreciative Ansley laconically replied, “Janice – thanks for the tweet.”

Apparently, Ainsley was a wee bit overly eager last week when she alluded to her “husband.” Perhaps, she already felt secure in his arms at her “Home Sweet Home.” Cheers, Ainsley!

Update: Subsequent to the posting of the author’s article, Janice Tweeted, “A Bridal Shower for our beautiful @ainsleyearhardt @FoxFriendsFirst (plenty of pictures!) weather.blogs.foxnews.com/2012/09/27/ainsleys-bridal-shower. In her post, Janice shares fabulous photos of Ainsley, six more Ailes Angels, and other FNC colleagues partying at Sarabeth’s restaurant in Manhattan. To boot, she reveals the name of Ainsley’s hubby-to-be–Will Proctor (former Clemson quarterback).

F&FF: Maria Molina M.I.A. [Updated]

One less fox on Fox? Fox & Friends First meteorologist Maria Molina has been missing from her FNC early morning show for the last two days without any explanation from F&FF. Yesterday, her “First Degree” forecasts were omitted yesterday entirely. Today, they were replaced Spartanly with “Extreme Weather Center” graphics and maps without so much as a voice-over to accompany them.* Bizarrely, F&FW co-hosts Ainsley Earhardt and Patti Ann Browne gave no reason for F&FF‘s changes yesterday or today: In fact, they both failed to even mention Maria’s name.

Stranger yet, Maria did give a weather report yesterday–on Twitter. She Tweeted, “Warm, sunny day in NYC… Made it out to the Central Park Zoo earlier today, seals staying cool in the water :) http://fb.me/1V6IbRODD.” But, F&FF‘s weather beauty offered her followers not a clue as to whether she was playing hooky or whether she had been expelled.

Maria: M.I.A.? Hopefully, she’s just A.W.O.L. for awhile. Regardless, her F&FF fans are ready for her to report for duty immediately.

F&FF – 07/13/12 (@ 5:10 a.m. ET and @ 5:39 a.m. ET, respectively)

Update: Mea culpa! CD reader Motownman was right: cf. comment #1, infra. The author had incorrectly inferred from watching F&FF that Maria was the official F&FF meteorologist and that Janice Dean, “The Weather Machine,” filled in for her. When the author inquired of Maria (with links to Janice & F&FF) whether that were the case, Janice kindly responded, “Hey Jakeho! Maria does Mon-Wed FFF, and I do Thurs/Fri. I’m off for a few days. Maria is back on Sat afternoon! :)” She sweetly added, ” I know it can be confusing! :) Thank you for caring tho! We both appreciate it!”

Alisyn Camerota: Waiting for “Our” Rack

Clayton Morris: “Your form’s always good.” Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Alisyn Camerota is “sexy and [she knows] it.” Yesterday, when her co-host Clayton Morris ribbed her about her “terrible [Bass Pro] archery session” from a few years ago, Aly confidently cooed, “I thought my form was good”: Taking no exception to that certitude, Clayton aptly answered, “Your form’s always good–if I do say so.”* Sounding a mite like a bawdy Mae West, Aly proudly purred, “Thank you!”

Today, Aly naughtily played with her other co-host Dave Briggs after his 10th Annual Big Apple barbeque segment (with four racks of ribs on the grill). As he segued back to her and Clayton, Aly raised her eyebrow suggestively and randily remarked, “Okay, we’re waiting on ‘our’ rack in here. I’m on it!” [Single parenthesis added for emphasis.] Perhaps, remembering his infamous faux pas almost three years ago (lampooned by Jay Leno for checking out the derrieres of his comely FNC colleagues Ainsley Earhardt and Janice Dean), Dave chuckled, “No comment.”

While Clayton sheepishly grinned, a beaming, breathy Aly batted her eyebrows, riposting, “Yeah.” As if to say, “You don’t need to say a word, Dave: I already have my own. And, as Clayton said yesterday, my form is always good!”

Indeed.

*Fox & Friends Weekend – 06/09/12 (@ 8:32 a.m. ET)

**Fox & Friends Weekend – 06/10/12 (@ 7:41 a.m. ET)

Dave’s Nervous Cough: Petallides’ Allure?

 Nicole: “You did a great job getting through that.” This morning, Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Dave Briggs seemed somewhat nervous as he interviewed FBN beauty Nicole Petallides. Introducing her business segment (“Another One Bites the Dust: Gov’t-Backed ‘Green’ Co. Goes Bankrupt”), Dave abruptly began to cough repeatedly.* When he did so the second time, he laughed, “Not going to get through this one.”

When the comely Nicole appeared on camera, Dave joked, “Green jobs makes [sic] me cough, apparently.” Clad in her low-cut blue top and a short black skirt, the chuckling Greek lovely cooed, “It makes other people do other things, even worse.” Glancing down at her gorgeous gams and putting his hand to his mouth (as if to suppress yet another cough), a smiling Dave replied, “Right. That’s where I was going with that.”

Subsequently, the brainy beauty tutored an attentive Dave (on the millions of taxpayer dollars being lost on green projects of “Friends of the President”). When barely a minute had elapsed, Dave looked down at Nicole’s sexy stems anew and coughed once more. After an intervening query and,  yes, still another cough, Dave concluded his interview, “earnestly” asking Nicole a follow-up question (on private sector investment): as his luscious lecturer began to opine in her dulcet tones, Dave looked at her almost lovestruck and then dreamily turned away with a goofy grin.

When Nicole had finished, Dave more soberly remarked, “Nicole Petallides from the Fox Business Network. We appreciate it.” Smiling sweetly at Dave, Nicole responded, “Thanks. You did a great job getting though that.” Aptly, Dave answered, “Trying to get through this, right?”

Poor Nervous Nelly. Perhaps, the F&FW co-host that The Tonight Show host Jay Leno lampooned for having an appreciative eye for his FOX-y colleagues (or, to be more exact, the bonny bums of Ainsley Earhardt and Janice Dean) should be given a pass today. After all, it’s the birthday of Dave’s beautiful wife Brandi.

Fox & Friends Weekend – 01/28/12 (@ 6:46 a.m. ET)

Dave: “We Love Molly” But Ainz “Hot Mama”

Briggs/Earhardt’s “Heat and Meat” II: a Fox & Friends [Memorial] Weekend sequel. In 2009, a frisky, ringless Ainsley Earhardt co-hosted Memorial Day with co-anchors Dave Briggs and Clayton Morris: Yes, she racily commented on Dave’s “meat” but, more infamously, she–or, more specifically, her rump (and Janice Dean’s arse) was ogled by the appreciative eye of Dave. While Carpe Diem reported the bawdy humor, Jay Leno lampooned Dave’s eyeing of the delightful derrieres of Ainsley (and Janice). Not too surprisingly, in 2010, FNC Executive VP of Programming Bill Shine put in a somewhat more boring beauty, Courtney Friel, to co-host the F&F Memorial Day edition.

However, this year, Shine gave the buxom blonde another chance as he let Ainsley once again co-host the F&F Memorial Day special (and the prior Sunday for good measure). Even though she did have to share her holiday-weekend-center-seat-curvy-couch duties with the “new girl” Molly Line (who subbed for regular co-anchor Alisyn Camerota on F&F Friday and Saturday), she did get more air time as she saucily celebrated the early beginning of the holiday weekend as F&F’s Fleet Week NYC 2011 troop correspondent aboard the U.S.S. Iwo-Jima Friday.

Before her first segment Friday, Ainsley appeared live in a preview excitedly waving to the F&F audience as she happily posed with the sailors on deck the U.S.S. Iwo-Jima.* As she did, Ainsley’s belly button was bared and producers simultaneously aired Trace Adkin’s “Hot Mama” paean. When F&F returned from break, Dave introduced Ainsley, saying, “It is Fleet Week in New York City, and our own Ainsley Earhardt on a very tough assignment today aboard the U.S.S. Iwo-Jima.”**

Flirtatiously, Dave continued, “Ainsley, I don’t know if you heard but the song introing [sic] you was “Hot Mama,” we played earlier: I’m guess the troops there share the sentiment.” As Clayton gave a thumbs up in ardent agreement and Molly chuckled, Ainsley cooed, “Awww….You are so sweet!” In response, Dave boyishly ducked his head and grinned.

A few days later, on Memorial Day, Dave, Clayton, and Ainsley reprised their ribald “meat” revelry in spite of the fact that the only cooking segment included only Dave and three other males. When the Monday program commenced, Clayton jested, “Can  you handle more meat this morning, Dave?” In answer, Dave retorted, “Clayton, no, I cannot. I am maxed out, man!”

Unfortunately or not, Dave was assuredly not completely”maxed out”: perhaps, it was the “hand holding” less than ten minutes later by Ainsley.*** After Ainsley had read the headline news stories, Dave placed his left hand on the curvy couch. Shortly, thereafter, Ainsley put hers down next to Dave’s and touched it briefly and then moved her hand forward. When she did, Dave tapped her hand thrice and she began to respond in kind. As she did, Clayton joked, “You guys holding hands over here?” Smiling sheepishly, Dave retorted, “We are holding hands.” Laughing, Ainsley, added, “Kumbayah!”

Approximately, twenty minutes later, when F&F returned after the first half hour break, Clayton comically commented, “[T]his morning, we asked you earlier in the show–Dave put out the call: Please send us photos of your meat.”**** Dave interjected, “And, no, that does not include you, New York Congressman [Anthony Weiner]. We don’t want your photos!” Shaking her head with a naughty smile, Ainsley guffawed, “You did not just say that!”

Yes, he did, Ainsley. Even if Molly turns out to be the new F&FW siren that Dave loves, he does not seem to be able to shake you, his first F&FW wife. But, who knows? Maybe, he won’t have to after all.

* Fox & Friends - 05/27/11 (@ 6:38 a.m. ET).

** Ibid at @ 6:43 a.m. ET.

*** Fox & Friends - 05/30/11 (@ 6:09 a.m. ET).

**** Ibid. at @ 6:32 a.m. ET.

Janice Dean: “Out of My Pajamas”

And, missing her Teddy, too. FNC meteorologist, Janice Dean, may have left her bed even more reluctantly than usual this morning. Today, the “Weather Machine”  had to “get out of [her] pajamas” and leave her new baby Teddy (and his two-year-old brother Matthew) at home as her maternity leave ended. Bearing photos of her beautiful little boy to work, the tearful mommy was amicably welcomed back by Happening Now co-anchors, Jenna Lee and Jon Scott.

As HN returned from its penultimate ad break, Jon and Jenna stood on each side of a beaming Janice as she tightly embraced them both. Then, as she recounted that she had signed off with them on HN right before her maternity leave, she proudly displayed three pics of her “Theodore Patrick Newman” for the HN audience.

When Jenna asked how her Teddy’s older brother was doing, Janice jested, “Matthew is okay. [But], he’s not the king of the hill anymore.” Segueing to a photo of Jon with Teddy on his lap, Janice related that Jon had visited both Matthew and Teddy and had brought “beautiful gifts.”

Likewise, Janice expressed her appreciation to her FNC fans, too. As she started to cry, Jon and Jenna ribbed her good-naturedly. Janice declared, “This is first day back so I’m allowed to get emotional and they’re all watching right now.” Tugging at her left ear lobe, Janice continued , “So, what does Carol Burnett do? She goes like this just to tell everybody that they’re loved. They’re loved, and mommy has to earn a paycheck.”

After the show, Janice elaborated, “It’s going to take a day or two to get my ‘footing.’ I have been missing my boys.”

Actually, the aptly self-dubbed “Dancing Weather Machine” doesn’t seem to have missed a step. Or, even a beat.

Janice Dean: “The Baby Machine” Delivers

Her latest collaborative work, Theodore Patrick Newman. Fox meterologist Janice Dean and hubby Sean Newman welcomed their second son into the world Wednesday according to America Live anchor Megyn Kelly, an FNC colleague and good friend of Janice. As Megyn concluded her show yesterday with a live shot of a Cairo child representing the future of Egypt, she segued to four close-up photos of Janice’s beautiful little boy and announced his birth.

In her joyful account, Megyn reported that little Theodore weighed in at seven pounds ten ounces. Also, she disclosed that she had visited both mom and babe Thursday and that they both were doing great. Elaborating, she added, “Theodore could not be sweeter and Janice looks amazing.”

Congratulations, Janice and Sean!

[Author's aside: Janice and Sean now have two children, Theodore and his two-year-old brother Matthew.]

Janice Dean Takes Maternity Leave

Tomorrow. Fox News meteorologist Janice “Dancing Machine” Dean Tweeted yesterday that she will begin her maternity leave this Friday in a flurry of Tweets to her followers. (As Carpe Diem previously reported, Dean and her fireman hubby, Sean Newman, are expecting a second son early next month.) When one fan joked that the birth would be “great TV, Dean joked, “Look out utube!” On a more serious note, Dean disclosed that her good friend and America Live host, Megyn Kelly, “will have the exclusive baby pics when he comes on her show!”

Janice, may you be blessed with a safe delivery and a healthy child!

Courtney: Happy New Year, Baby!

At last, Cash Arrives! Fox News entertainment correspondent Courtney Friel and hubby CNN biz correspondent Carter Evans celebrated the joyous new year with the birth of their son, Cash Hudson Evans. Their beautiful baby boy was born at 6:08 a.m. ET this morning and weighed in at 9 pounds.

Congratulations, Courtney and Carter!

[Source: At 8:33 a.m. ET today, Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Dave Briggs tersely announced the happy occasion to viewers and meteorologist Janice Dean happily filled in the details for viewers.]

Megyn Preggers Again

With her “little buddy.” Only two and half months after her friend, FNC meteorologist Janice Dean, proclaimed her pregnancy to viewers during an America Live weather report, AN anchor Megyn Kelly followed suit today. After teasing her Twitter followers that there was “big news to break today–news you won’t hear anywhere else but America Live…in our 2p hour,” Megyn waited until the last five minutes to share the good news.*

After Megyn segued to the weather segment, a gravid Janice began her report and stopped suddenly, saying, “Before I get to the next part of the forecast, Megyn, I just want to take this opportunity real quick to say what a fantastic job you did on Election night. You were like the Energy bunny, the Energizer bunny….You did your show and then you were on for hours and hours and hours with all of the voting taking place. You did just an amazing job!”

Slightly smiling, Megyn replied, “Thank you very much, Janice. And, you know, if I do say so myself, it was even more amazing because I did it on no caffeine. As Janice feigned ignorance with her jaws agape and mouthed why, Megyn began to explicate, stating, “And the reason I did it without any caffeine is because.” Then, pausing for effect and turning sideways to show her protruding belly to the viewers, a beaming Megyn continued, “I, too, am expecting a little baby!”

Pumping her fists in celebration, Janice exclaimed, “Fox News Alert: Forecast calling for babies!” Before she read it onscreen, Janice disclosed, “I have to admit that I, I kind of new about this [inaudible].” After Megyn responded, “Yeah, you were in on the secret early,” Janice announced, “April 2011, clear skies. We’re hoping for delivery. Congratulations, Megyn, Doug, and big brother Yates!” Then, turning into the uninhibited Dancing Machine again, Janice began joyfully gyrating, explaining, “I’m doing a belly dance for you.”

With a prefatory aside to the AL audience, Megyn remarked, “Janice’s baby is due in February, and mine is coming in April. So, we should have, at least, a month of shared maternity leave, JD.” Janice earnestly replied, “I can’t wait, Megyn. I’m so excited, so excited for you guys. This is such great news.” An appreciative Megyn answered, “Thank you, thank you so much, Janice. Throwing her a double-handed kiss, Megyn added, “Mmwhah. I love you. I love you.”

Concluding, Megyn commented, ‘She has been so supportive and such a great friend to me. And my husband Doug and I are very, very excited. So, we’ll take a brief maternity leave after this little buddy comes. And, then, I’ll be back.”

“Little buddy”: hmm. A little brother for Yates, Megyn?

[Author's aside: Megyn is married to Doug Brunt, an Internet security executive, and the father of their thirteen-and-half month old Edward Yates.]

America Live – 11/08/10 (2:55 p.m. ET)

Update: Megyn’s pregnancy announcement (vid via Mediaite.com).

Briggs: Welcome Aboard, Maria

Former Accuweather beauty Maria Molina made her debut on Fox & Friends Weekend Sunday. After making her virgin appearance as FNC’s new weather hire on the Fox Report Saturday evening, the busty brunette was introduced to F&FW audience by co-anchor Dave Briggs. As the first weather report was about to begin, Dave declared, “Rick Reichmuth [meteorologist] is out today: In his absence, we are very happy to welcome Maria Molina to the team….Glad to have you aboard.”*

Unfortunately, Dave did not give any real details about the approximately five-foot, long-locked lovely, who finally fills the vacancy left by Domenica Davis’ unceremonious departure. Neither did the other co-hosts, Alisyn Camerota or Peter Johnson, Jr., nor Maria herself. In fact, Fox News has yet to put her bio online.

The available information about Maria online seems scant thus far. The author has found that she is a bilingual broadcaster that gave both Spanish and English Accuweather reports and that she heralds from Miami Beach, Florida. FNC viewers should learn more as Maria fills in for FNC’s Janice Dean, “The Weather Machine,” this week.

Stay tuned.

Fox & Friends – 10/24/10 (@7:07 a.m. ET)

FNC: Missing Mike?

From Gretchen’s “secret” to Janice’s plea, Philly Fox 29 host Mike Jerrick was back–or, perhaps, well on his way back. The former Fox & Friends Weekend co-host received an extra tight embrace from his former colleagues, especially, F&F femmes, anchor Gretchen Carlson and meteorologist Janice Dean today. The bad boy was back and the girls were loving every minute of it.

Welcoming Mike warmly as the show began, co-anchor Gretchen Carlson turned to him and cheerfully announced, “Mike Jerrick [is] back!” As Mike exclaimed, “Good to see you!” and eagerly kissed her cheek, Gretchen continued, “We haven’t seen each other for so long. Or, well, we see other but [have] not worked together.” When Mike then animatedly answered, “Yeah, yeah. It’s been three, four years, I think,” Gretchen turned to the audience and teased, “Coming up sometime during the show, I’m gonna share a secret about Mike Jerrick.” As Mike playfully tensed up and an off-camera floor crew member muttered, “Uh, oh!,” Gretchen added, “There’s many but I’m gonna share one secret.”

Apparently, Gretchen was right. When she segued to FNC meteorologist Janice Dean for her Hurricane Earl story, Janice laughed, “And, can I just say that most women around here have secrets about Mike Jerrick.” Chortling, Gretchen exclaimed, “No kidding!” When Janice concluded her report and tossed back to the co-hosts, Gretchen declared, “Mike’s speechless ’cause he’s wondering what your secret is.” Not quite so, Mike interposed, “I’m very scared about Janice’s secret.” Smiling and shaking her head, Janice sweetly responded, “We love Mike so much! It’s such a pleasure to see you.” Nodding her head, Gretchen concurred, “Very true.”

The lovefest continued unabated. Later, when Janice finished her final weather segment of the program and tossed to the co-hosts, Gretchen stated, “Earlier, I said there’s a secret about Mike Jerrick….I just want to say real quickly that when I started at Fox, you were the nicest person in the world to me. And that’s my secret.”* Seemingly incredulous at her innocuous revelation, Mike queried, “That was the secret?” Gretchen replied, “That’s my secret. And, I, I miss you not being here anymore but I still love you.” Interjecting, Janice pleaded, “We love you. Come back!” Chuckling appreciatively, Mike succinctly answered, “Okay.”

Perhaps, Mike shall–if Juliet Huddy, his television wife (FNC’s F&FW & FOX’s The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet), gets her wish, too. When the author Tweeted, “Would be fun to see Mike [Jerrick] back on w/ you sometime, too, Juliet replied, “Would love to be back on with Mike! Miss him terribly.”

Apparently, Juliet is not alone. And, perhaps, FNC had put out the word to F&F today. Welcome back, black sheep?

[Author's aside: Today, even one of Mike's most macho whilom colleagues was showing him the love this morning. During a segment promoting a retrospective on his journalistic work, Geraldo Rivera playfully slapped Mike on the the thigh repeatedly and remarked, "Nice to see you from Philly!" When Mike fondly recalled their spending time together on Fridays, Geraldo replied, "I miss that." When he added that he had "stopped drinking, though," Mike jested, "You did? Oh, we can't hang out." At least, not during off hours.]

*Fox & Friends – 09/03/10 (@8:42 a.m. ET)

Janice Dean: “I Was at a Strip Club”

“Yes, I’ve been to strip clubs.” Fox News weathergal Janice Dean, the Dancing Machine, defended the IQ’s of exotic dancers on Red Eye in the wee hours of Saturday morning.* After RE host Greg Gutfeld derided the mental acumen of ecdysiasts (during a segment on a British study showing that 25% of striptease artists have a college degree), Janice remarked, “Listen, I’m the one here to dispel the myth that strippers are dumb because I, I have met smart strippers in my lifetime.” Laughing lubriciously, she added, “Last night, for instance.”

Elaborating, Janice remarked, “This is a true story. It didn’t necessarily happen last night. But, I was at a strip club and the person next to me was getting a lapdance. The stripper was very nice. She was kind of looking at me a little bit funny, right? But, then…she kind of leaned over–this is a true story…yes, I’ve been to strip clubs–[and] she said, ‘I know you: you’re Janice Dean, the Weather Machine. I watch Fox all the time.’” Smiling, Janice concluded, “They are smart!”

Enjoying Janice’s bawdy banter, Greg comically queried, “Janice, when you go in your condition, do you have to pay twice for the lapdance? And, can pregnant women have a lapdance because I think that might be problematic?” Janice answered, “I will tell you this. I have not been to a strip club pregnant.” Goatishly, Greg jested, “Really? Have you left one pregnant?” Giggling, Janice racily responded, “No comment!”

First, Domenica Davis. Now, Janice Dean. Fox News Weathergirls Gone Wild!

*Red Eye – 08/28/10 (@3:32 a.m. ET)

Janice Dean: “Baby Machine 2.0″

“Hurricane Mama” returns! Fox News meteorologist Janice Dean announced that she is doing a sequel to her successful 2008 opus on America Live* Monday.* During her weather report on then Tropical Storm Danielle, Janice slyly said, “I just want to go over the Atlantic Basin names. Of course, we’ve gone through Alex, Bonnie, Colin, and Danielle. And, I just want to point out Matthew. My son’s name is Matthew.” Then, teasing her fans (who may have remembered that she had proclaimed her pregnancy with Matthew using a virtually identical Happening Now “hurricane” names backdrop),  she commented, “And, you know, Megyn, I’m just wondering. Do you see any other good boy names?” Less coyly, she continued,  “I think I’m gonna need another good boy name in the next couple of months.”

Feigning surprise, AL anchor Megyn Kelly asked, “Aw. Yay! Wait a minute. Are you just outing yourself right now?” Joyfully, Janice answered, “There, I just buried the lead. News flash for Megyn. Yep, I’m gonna have a little baby boy.” Jesting, she exclaimed, “This is not a beer belly! Okay? It used to be! Not any more.” Without prodding, Janice added, “February. Early February.”

As an aside to her audience, Megyn declared, “Now, I confess. I knew that secret but our viewers did not know our secret.” Then, in response to Janice’s initial query about a “good boy name,” Megyn joked, “I’m gonna go with Igor.” Recoiling with mock horror, Janice queried, “Can we rethink that, maybe?” Amused, Megyn riposted, “How about Earl?” Janice retorted, “Maybe, not!” Then, pointing at the AL viewers through the camera, Janice requested, “But, send us your suggestions.”

Congratulations, Janice, to you and hubby Sean!

[Author's aside: Janice has long fostered a personal connection with her Fox News fans. She has done so successfully by readily sharing her joys (family, e.g., wedding to hubby Sean Newman, their honeymoon together, and their son Matthew's advent birth) and her challenges (e.g., living with muscular sclerosis) with them.  As a result, the "Weather Machine," the "Dancing Machine" and the "Baby Machine" appears to be not just a TV talking head but a real, sweet, down-to-earth Canuck.]

H/t to J$.

*(Vid via J$.)

What’s “Happening Now”?

N’awlin’s Chocolate: a new morning flavor for FNC’s ice cream parlor? Something seemed slightly amiss today as Happening Now co-host Jane Skinner announced her sudden departure from the show while citing the, yes, “spend-more-time-with-the-family” reason. While her co-host Jon Scott was rather tearful and her colleague Janice Dean was exceedingly dolorous at the news, Jane remained studiedly stoic like a good soldier who had received her walking papers. And, maybe, she had.

One month ago today, InsideCableNews.com stated that FNC honcho Roger Ailes and his top FBN suits had “convened in a room [about a week earlier] to watch the network’s broadcast…to examine the programming in detail and see what was working and what might need changing or tweaking.” Apparently, Ailes and his top people may have looked at their golden goose FNC, too, and watched its most boring morning hour. Approximately two weeks later, Mediaite.com reported that Ailes was bringing back the sassy, sexy ebony beauty Arthel Neville (daughter of the founder of the Neville Bros.) back to FNC. Today, as to Jon’s new co-host, Mediaite.com mused, “Maybe a non-white anchor?”

Perhaps, Fox News SVP of Programming Bill Shine will use this opportunity to add some much overdue figurative and literal color to FNC’s most boring morning news show. As Carpe Diem readers may remember, the author has long felt that Happening Now needed a major shake-up. E.g., over six months ago, in an article entitled “Jon & Jane: Happening Not,” the author opined, “[T]he show with David Asman’s ‘tv twin’ and Roger Goodell’s gal seems to be an ill-conceived paean to America’s bourgeois best. After an entertaining and edgy Fox & Friends…FNC seems to have plopped the vanilla couple in the middle of the morning when the majority of their more adventurous audience is apt to roam….Bill [Shine], you surely need to do something to make Happening Now actually happen soon.” Even Jane seems to agree that she was not necessarily the most charismatic media figure on FNC: in an interview with Mediaite.com (after telling HN viewers good-bye), she stated, “I worked for five bosses before Roger, not one, including all of my professors at journalism school, said, ‘you have a personality, you should use it.’”

Hopefully, Shine will add some real color commentary to Happening Now–from a person of color. Over two years ago, the author similarly bemoaned the incredible lack of diversity on another FNC morning show in a May 4, 2008, post entitled, “Lily White F&F” to no avail. Hopefully, times have changed.

Skinner Skedaddles: Dean Dolorous

Adieu, audience! Happening Now co-host Jane Skinner shocked her viewers with a short, sweet farewell this morning. As her show was about to end, Jane remarked, “Before we go today, I want to take just one minute and nine seconds of your time to let everybody know this is my last day on the air at Fox….[I]t’s been a thrill to have been a part of this incredible success of this place over the past twelve years that I have been here.”* She continued, “However, my life in those twelve years has changed pretty significantly in wonderful ways, and they’ve created a lot of new responsibilities. I added a husband [NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell]….I have twin daughters….So, to do justice to this new life, I’ve decided to take a break from this business.”

Subsequently, as Jane thanked boss Roger Ailes, co-host Jon Scott, and colleague Janice Dean (the “Weather Machine”), Jon’s eyes began to well up with tears. Then, with a quivering voice, Jon replied, “We are going to miss you like oxygen….I had a little ‘heads up’ on this–very little ‘heads up–and I thought it was going to keep me from getting all emotional. But, it didn’t!” With tears beginning to stream down his face, Jon continued, “Your girls and your husband are very lucky that you’re making a decision like this because there aren’t many women in this business who would do what you’re doing. And, I really admire you for it.”

Meanwhile, out of nowhere, Janice leaned into the shot and planted a mournful kiss upon Jane’s cheek. After cupping Janice’s face affectionately in her hand, Jane declared, “They’re pretty amazing. And, we have a lot of opportunities in our life to do a lot of great things, and I just don’t want to miss out on ‘em. So, but, thank you everybody, and thanks everybody for watching. It’s been so much fun!”

Then, looking back at Janice who was clenching her hands tightly together and weeping greatly, a slightly uncomfortable Jane laughed, “Do not cry! Don’t cry!” Interjecting, Jon remarked, “Somebody get the Weather Machine a tissue. We got a hurricane erupting on stage here.” Jane answered, “Oh! The emotional Weather Machine. Now you know why I love her. See, everyone else loves her, too.”

Shortly thereafter, Jane stoically concluded, “But, anyway, thanks everybody for watching. And, we will see you down the road. We will see you at the Super Bowl, for sure….And, Jon’ll see you tomorrow!”

*Happening Now – 06/24/10 (@12:56 a.m. ET)

Update: Vid (courtesy of J$P)

Dave: “Pardon Me, Courtney”

“I wasn’t paying attention.” Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Dave Briggs appeared to channel the author this morning as he shared headline news reading duties with Courtney Friel. After over 2 1/2 hours of a forgettable “special edition” Memorial Day edition, Dave seemed to succumb to the tedium. After Courtney read the first story and a concomitant vid ran, the camera focused upon Dave who was peering downward: looking up suddenly, he turned to Courtney and apologized, “Pardon me, Courtney: I wasn’t paying attention.”

You were not alone, Dave. Of course, F&F viewers who were celebrating the start of their Memorial Day by firing up the grill, grabbing a few bloody Mary’s, and preparing the food may have also had less than an eagle eye on their TV. However, some of those who were actually gathered around the set could be forgiven for suffering from a similar malady.

Readers of this blog had ample warning that FNC SVP of Programming Bill Shine seemed to have plans for a Memorial Day much less memorable than the one last year. (Of course, the 2009 was notable primarily for Dave’s apparent appreciation of the rumps of his female colleagues, Ainsley Earhardt and Janice Dean, as captured and lampooned by Jay Leno.) Notably, Shine did not bring Ainsley back for the celebrations this year and both Dave and Janice were conspicuously absent from the obligatory meat segments. Interestingly, both of them were needled by Clayton: Before his Johnsonville sausage segment with Courtney, Clayton teased a “hungry” Janice that they were “gonna have to keep [her] off the platform” of the weiner mobile and, afterwards, kidded an in-studio Dave about being stuck without eating the brats.*

F&F Memorial Day 2009: a day to remember. F&F Memorial Day 2010: a day to forget.

Fox & Friends – 05/31/10 (@8:39 a.m. ET)