Anna Kooiman: Watch Maria Molina & Me Sashay

“Down the catwalk at a celebrity fashion show.” With very short notice today, foxy FNC correspondent Anna Kooiman so teased her and her comely colleague Maria Molina‘s appearance at Stage 48 tonight at “The Scottish Lion Meets the Asian Dragon” fashion fundraiser in NYC primarily for the Wounded Warrior Project. Apparently, Anna and Maria’s modeling on stage will be delicious lagniappe for the party goers: neither of their names appear in the From Scotland with Love’s “Event Information” nor its “Models and Judges.”

For those interested in attending the gala, cocktails are at 7:30 p.m. and the fashion show itself is at 9 p.m; it will be held at 605 West 48th Street; and the $88-$750 ticket details are available here.

Pics, please, Anna & Maria!

Update: Pic and vid of models Maria and Anna. (H/t J$P and Thomas Stewart.)

Awkward Carlson: Camerota’s “New Co-anchor”?

F&FW’s Aly cat: This is sort of a hazing process, Tucker.” Yesterday, Daily Caller co-founder Tucker Carlson returned to co-host Fox & Friends Weekend for the third week in a row. According to one J$P source (Hannity’s Hair) two weeks ago, “@TuckerCarlson [is] not just guest hosting…[but]…will assume full time role on @ffweekend replacing Dave Briggs“: However, Johnny Dollar himself indicated that he had heard that Tucker was simply a “temporary sub.”

Even though the author initially agreed with J$P‘s primary source since Tucker seems somewhat ill at ease on the curvy couch (a la another Carlson on the regular week day version), recent comments from Tucker and his F&F Weekend co-hosts seem to indicate otherwise.

Approximately, one week ago, F&FW‘s “After the Show Show: Hectic schedules” (January 13) featured Tucker in a seemingly introductory mini profile. As A.S.S. started, co-anchor Alisyn Camerota asked, “What is it like to do four hours of morning television?”* In answer, Tucker jested, “I really enjoyed it: It only seems like three hours and forty-five minutes to me.” Appearing to let the cat out of the proverbial bag, guest co-host Mike Jerrick interjected, “Save this tape, ladies and gentlemen. A year from now we will see if he still talks like that.” When, Tucker subsequently remarked, “I’ve loved it. I can’t believe it’s over. I feel sort of sad,” Aly, perhaps, rather revealingly, replied, “Well, we can arrange how to make you feel better next weekend and the weekend after that, etc.”

Yesterday (six days later), in the penultimate segment of F&FW Saturday, Tucker appeared in the “Fighting the Flu” segment where he would be “coughed on” by a medical school dummy.* Donning a black salon apron, blue surgical mask, and clear goggles as he awaited an unwelcome expectoration, he sported the look of a hapless fraternity pledge about to be spoofed. Introducing FNC’s “Medical A Team” member Dr. Marc Siegel report on how easily flu could be spread to her F&FW audience, Aly heartily laughed,  “And, this is what we do to new, new co-anchors who, when they come on the show.” Perhaps, more tellingly, she added, This is just sort of a hazing process, Tucker!”

If so, welcome to the show, Tucker!

*After the Show Show - 01/13/13 (0.15/5.44)

Tearful Briggs Leaves F&FW

Dave: “I’m not going away! Just going somewhere else in the New Year.” Today, Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Clayton Morris dropped a bombshell this morning by announcing that co-host Dave Briggs is leaving their popular FNC morning weekend show. After the final half hour began with the “Shot of the Morning,” Clayton turned to Dave and their fellow co-anchor Alisyn Camerota, remarking, “I want to take a moment here because this is going to be the last time that the three of us…are going to be on the couch together. Looking down, Dave replied, “Wow! I didn’t expect you to say that: But, yeah, I am. I will be moving on.”

Tearing up, Dave continued, “I will miss the two of you more than I can speak. You’ve made me better and you’ve made the show better. You’ve been my work family!”

Growing emotional, too, Clayton interjected, stammering, “Likewise, man! It’s like a, like losing, you know, having a brother leave, you know, with a family and move on.”

Chiming in, Aly exclaimed, “We will miss you so much, Dave!”

Sentimentally, Dave stated, “I will miss you both! It’s been the best show, best job of my life. I will never have a job I enjoy more, no matter where I go.” Looking into the camera at his fans, he assuring stated, “But, you will see me. I’m not going away! Just going somewhere else in the New Year but it’s been a wonderful experience here.”

As to Dave’s departure date, Aly explained, “Dave will be through here through the end of the year: But, I won’t be working during these shows.”

Sounding as if he may be leaving Fox News to boot, Dave declared, “But, I should say thanks to…Roger Ailes, and to Bill Shine, and Suzanne Scott, and some of the people who brought me here as well. And, all the producers who have helped me out for a couple of years. But, I just, I love you guys!” Then, as FNC meteorologist Rick Reichmuth appeared in a split screen shot, Dave added, “And, Rick, Rick has been my confidante and my office mate. And, you guys are, you’re my family: I’ve never had a work family….Damn, I’m gonna miss it!”

Nodding his head for emphasis, Rick replied, “We’re gonna miss you, Dave! But, you know, the good part is you’re not moving anywhere….This is Aly’s and this is my last day with you, Dave. So, it been wonderful to have you here: And, we will miss you a ton.”

So, where will Dave be? Before his big announcement, a Twitter follower asked, “What’s with the beard cutie?”: In answer to his avatar change, Dave cryptically Tweeted, “Explanation coming soon…”

Perhaps, much more telling, in the final segment of F&FW today, Aly gave Dave multiple pairs of hosiery as a parting present, saying, “So, Dave, I don’t know if your new co-anchor is gonna want to match her outfit to your socks: But, if so, I have gotten you some possibly anchor-friendly new socks to match with her outfits.” Seemingly, confirming that he will be co-hosting a new show with a new female co-host, he answered,”I think she’s gonna love them!”

Pleading with his fans for their continued loyalty in his future endeavor, Dave subsequently Tweeted, “I will miss our viewers almost as much as Clayton, Aly & Rick. I really appreciate every one of you and hope you stick w/me in 2013…”

Good luck, Dave!

[Author's aside: Notably, on this august occasion, Dave dutifully donned his connubial band today after approximately three weeks on F&FW sans it. Bravo, Brandi!]

Update: In the After the Show Show (via J$P), Aly more definitively verified Dave new gig, saying, “You new co-anchor is such a lucky woman!”

Update2: According to J$P, the “likely destination for @davebriggstv – NBC Sports Network.” Subsequently, he RT’d @SPORTSbyBROOKS: SbB has learned NBC Sports Network is planning a daily show hosted by @MichelleDBeadle & @davebriggstv.” As further evidence, he teased, “RT @MichelleDBeadle (yesterday): Cranked out promos for my new sports show and my last Access Hollywood of the year….”

Kiran Chetry: Way Too Early?

“With (M)NBC’s Willie Geist, a good buddy of mine.” Former CNN and FNC anchor Kiran Chetry announced today that she will give the keynote address on Pace University’s Financial Education Day (Pleasantville, NY) on November 17, 2012. On her Facebook page that asks her friends to “stay tuned for Kiran Chetry’s next move,” she also reveals that she will share the duty with NBC’s Willie Geist. And, perchance, in a Freudian slip, she nonchalantly calls Geist ” a good buddy of mine” in the video to which she links.

Kiran’s “very special opportunity” at hand? As long-time Kiran acolytes know, their Nepalese goddess had a stellar, approximately seven-year run on Fox News (2001-2007) as a reporter and an a.m. anchor on both Fox & Friends Weekend and F&F First. When her contract renewal talks with FNC in 2007 soured, she was summarily selected to be the femme face of  CNN’s American Morning. After more than four years of awakening her AM fans with her inimitable “ray of light,” she bid them an emotional “namaskaar” on July 29, 2011, with the promise to see them again soon. In 2012, Kiran finally reappeared on TV–but as a special E! correspondent in January and February: subsequently, she did return to news, albeit Internet news, as a guest-anchor on GVTV (April 20).

Perhaps, as the year draws to a close, Kiran is once again ready to arouse her fans in the early morn on yet another cable news network, MSNBC. N.B. Kiran’s “very good buddy” Pace keynote speaker Willie Geist will soon leave his MSNBC’s Way Too Early with Willie Geist post for greener pastures as co-host of the Today Show (third hour).

Kiran’s “very special opportunity”: Way Too Early with Kiran Chetry?

H/t, J$P.

Clayton Morris: “NY’s Funniest Reporter”?

F&FW’s “Rodney Dangerfield”: Really can’t believe I won.  Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor  Clayton Morris was crowned “New York’s Funniest Reporter”at the Comedy Strip Live Comedy Club on last Thursday night (September 27). bested his FOX fellows, Dr. Manny Alvarez (FNC) and Greg Kelly (Fox 5) and the foxy femmes, Lauren Lyster (RRTV), Michele Steele (ESPN); and Marianne Garvey (In Touch Weekly). After winning the laurel and proudly hoisting his trophy, Clayton Tweeted, “Really can’t believe I won.” Critiquing his routine, he joked, “I was like Rodney Dangerfield up there.*

Apparently, Clayton’s needed “pre-show cocktail” at Toloache 82 was just what the doctor ordered. Congratulations, Clayton!

H/t, J$P.

*Fox & Friends Weekend – 09/29/12 (@7:01 a.m. ET)

Update: In the After the Show Show Saturday, Clayton discussed his comedic approach with Dave and Aly. According to a review by the New York Comedy World, Clayton “did his homework and really came off as a stand-up.”

Gretchen Gets Punked: “Fun with Perverts”

Brian: “I think he was vacuous and drunk.” Fox & Friends co-host Gretchen Carlson got “punked” this morning by University of Texas at Austin student Max Rice, seemingly. In a segment ironically entitled “Boomerang Generation Votes,” Gretchen touted him as an unemployed college graduate who had moved in with his parents and portrayed him as an Obama voter who may have changed his mind on the President. Instead of hitting President Obama with this Boomerang voter, Gretchen herself got suckered instead by an apparent young wannabe comedian who styles himself as a gonzo journalist.

After Gretchen wished him a good morning, Rice animatedly answered, “Well, hello, Miss, Miss U.S.A.: It’s an honor!” Rolling her eyes at his misnomer, a slightly agitated Gretchen stammered, “Uh, Miss America [1989] but, but, but close enough.” Grinning, a goofy Rice replied, “Miss America! Miss Universe, in my book, in my book.” Smiling, Gretchen responded, “Oh, okay. Well, well thank you very much.”

Turning serious, Gretchen stated, “Now, tell me your story. You believed in the  “hope and change” of President Obama…so you voted for him….[T]ell me about the next three-and-a-half years.”

Grabbing his Starbucks coffee cup for an insouciant on-camera swig, Rice implausibly declared, “Oh, I was a huge Obama supporter in 2008. I met him in third grade. I met him when I was little.”

Arching her eyebrows, Gretchen asked, “Okay. And, why now are you supporting Mitt Romney?”

Shaking his head, Rice remarked, “Uh, why am I supporting Mitt Romney? It’s actually a funny story: I lost a basketball game to a friend of mine, Alex Dern, who’s a huge supporter of this show.”

Pursing her lips with apparent annoyance, Gretchen replied, “Okay, so it sounds like your not being very serious about this.”

Seeming to realize that his apparent gig was almost up, Rice quickly responded, “I’m also disappointed in the direction that Obama is taking this nation: But, yeah, I will be casting my ballot for Mitt Romney!”

Quizzically, Gretch queried, “And, is it true that you had to go back and live with your parents after you graduated from college?”

Cagily, Rice replied, “Oh, yeah. After I went to college for a bit, I had to absolutely go back and live with my parents this summer. I’m back on my own, independent. I’m on national TV….It’s an honor.”

Her skepticism renewed, Gretchen asked, “Okay. Well, are you being serious about this interview or not?” With a mischievous grin, he answered, “Yeah! I can’t see your face right now: this is so weird.” Smiling, Gretchen sweetly answered, “Alright, actually we’re going to wrap this up right now because I’m not so sure that you’re actually being totally serious about the interview.”

Reluctant to give up his proverbial “fifteen minutes of fame,” Rice demanded, “Oh, we are? I am. Wait, wait, wait, wait! Wait.” Chuckling, she responded, “I’m not so sure that you’re ready for prime time yet, with this interview.”

As a still hopeful Rice’s shot ended and before she teased the second hour, Gretchen charitably remarked, “Alright, we’re gonna give Max another chance, maybe, when he’s ready to do the interview.”

When Gretchen and her co-hosts Brian Kilmeade and Steve Doocy returned from commercial break, Gretchen laughed, “Usually, Brian gets assigned those interviews….I remember the interviews that you’ve done with kids who didn’t have much to say: In this case, I got a big kid that didn’t have much to say in that last [block].” Sweetly, she added, “I feel sorry for this guy; I don’t know him; [and] maybe, he didn’t get much sleep last night.”

Acerbically, Brian remarked, “I think [that] he was vacuous and drunk, personally. He probably doesn’t have a lot to say on his best day! And, this was probably his worst day.”

Author’s aside: It F&F had vetted Max Rice a mite more, Brian, he does have a lot to say. And, to put it politely, some of it is not very nice. The 2010 Senior Class President at New Trier High School‘s graduation speech (1,2) and stand-up comedy routines (1,2) would have provided a clue. Not to mention, a simple perusal of younghotmeat‘s cruel YouTube video series “Fun with Perverts”  should have put an immediate kibosh on any thought of such an interview with Rice.

*Fox & Friends – 09/17/12 (@ 6:54 a.m. ET)

Update: Vid via TVNewser (within article by Alex Weprin).

[Author's aside: Weprin gives Mediaite a "hat tip" in his main article for noting that Rice was "snarky." But, he fails to give another to Carpe Diem in his later update for noting that Rice is a "wannabe" stand-up comedian [supra]. He nonchalantly claims, “After about three minutes of Googling, it looks at though Rice is a (wannabe?) stand up comedian.” Guess Weprin should Google before his writes a piece or just check “Carpe Diem” for the rest of the story.]

Update 2: According to the Washington Examiner, FNC Executive VP of Programming Bill Shine addressed Gretch’s punking, saying, “We are still examining the situation but it will be addressed with the appropriate parties involved.” In genteel terms, someone is going to the woodshed at best for that inexplicable blunder.

Update 3 (correction and addendum): As the author indicated, supra, Rice is no college graduate: However, he is no longer enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin. Rather, he is now a matriculate at Columbia College in Chicago according to the Washington Post. Of his dubious brush with fame, Rice remarked, “Anyone can say what they want as long as they realize that [Fox & Friends is] a sham and it’s wrong….I’ve always hated Fox & Friends.” H/t J$P (and Chicago Sun-Times).

Brian: Kooiman, I’m Better at Screwing Than You!

Blushing Anna Kooiman: “Get out! Get out!” Today, Fox & Friends co-host Brian Kilmeade may have taken his James Bond fantasy a bit too far on air. Yesterday, he proudly proclaimed himself a virtual 007 with “the fancy car” and “the beautiful women, ” not to mention a newly acquired  jet-pack expertise [on his Tampa vid (via J$P) during RNC last week]. Hoping to prove his Irish/Italian machismo anew during the DNC this week, Brian challenged his beautiful blond FNC colleague, Anna Kooiman, to a drag race on the Charlotte Motor Speedway in her hometown: But, that sweet Southern belle was not about to let him have a victory on her turf. Nevertheless, in true Fleming fashion, the boy got the girl in the end–in a fashion, to her chagrin.

In Anna’s first-hour visit on the curvy couch with the F&F co-hosts, Brian teased her report on NASCAR, saying, “They [NASCAR] even gave us the keys to their cars at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.” Subsequently, Anna aired footage of her interviewing CMS CEO and President Marcus Smith; of her taking a scary ride with a driver on the track; and of her beginning to race a cocksure Brian (adorned in full NASCAR regalia).

When Anna’s video ended with Anna and Brian’s speeding off into the distance, co-anchor Steve Doocy asked, “And, who’s the winner?” Raising her arms in triumph, a chuckling Anna chimed, “Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding! Reddening, Brian admitted, “Alright, she definitely beat me!…She averaged 89 miles an [sic] hour: I averaged 75 miles an [sic] hour.” Elaborating, Anna said that she thought Brian was playing a joke on her and that she offered him a rematch but a sudden pouring rain precluded one.

But, Brian did get, at least, a measure of revenge. In the final hour of F&F, he took Anna on in the NASCAR Hall of Fame Pit Crew Challenge (“tire change” which included unscrewing and screwing bolts).* After easily finishing first, Brian walked over to Anna and knelt down beside her as she tried vainly to complete the contest. Taunting her, Brian bawdily teased, “Kooiman, give it up! Face it: I am better at screwing than you!” Reddening in chagrin, Anna smilingly exclaimed, “Noooo! No!”

Subsequently, admitting defeat for the moment, Anna challenged Brian to a future rematch in New York City. After he agreed to a tie-breaker, he tossed back to his amused co-hosts, Steve and Gretchen Carlson. Almost flustered, Gretchen chortled, “Brian, the only thing I remember from that whole thing right there was just what you said just two seconds ago.” Feigning ignorance, a beaming Brian deadpanned, “That we’re one-and-one lifetime against each other.”

Blushing all the more, Anna interjected, “Right!” Shaking her head in disagreement, Gretchen laughed, “No!” Putting her hand frantically to her throat (as if cutting it repeatedly) in a hopeful plea to F&F‘s producer, a fully flushed Anna implored, “Get out! Get out!” When the cam mercifully began to pan out, Anna, embarrassed, pulled her head back in almost utter disbelief.

Welcome to Brian’s wacky world, Anna!

*Fox & Friends – 09/05/12 (@ 8:47 a.m. ET)

Update: Kilmeade/Kooiman Pit Crew Challenge video via J$P. H/t, Johnny Dollar!

FNC’s “Mean Girl”: Kirsten Goes Loco on Lolo

Today’s “Beast”? Anthony Weiner’s former girlfriend and erstwhile defender Kirsten Powers. Fox News’ self-professed Christian progressive must have forgotten all about I Corinthians 13 (“The Love Chapter”) today. In her Happening Now appearance this afternoon, the usually compassionate Daily Beast columnist defended New York Times sports columnist Jere Longman’s misogynistic attack against Olympian Lolo Jones, a born-again Christian who posed a la a shy pre-Fall Eve in ESPN Body Issue 2009, for her sensual allure to an appreciative media at the perceived slight to her competitors. [N.B. No mention from Longman that Lolo is the first woman who has won back-to-back World Indoor titles in the 60-meter hurdles and that she was a three-time national champion hurdler and an eleven-time All-American at LSU.]

In Kirsten’s HN segment, her fellow Fox News colleague, former NYT investigative reporter Judith Miller opined, “I think it was very unfair….It was so harsh on her. It was so unforgiving.”* Substantiating her point, Miller cited the criticism of the NYT‘s very own ombudsman Arthur S. Brisbane, who said, “I think the writer [Jere Longman] was particularly harsh, even unnecessarily so….[T]his piece struck me as quite harsh and left me, along with others, wondering why the tone was so strong.”

Shaking her head, Kirsten emphatically countered, “I don’t agree! I do not agree.” Clad in her low-cut, sleeveless, short black dress, FNC’s blond beauty, perhaps, ironically groused, “He [Longman] never called her the Anna Kornikova: he interviewed somebody who said that….The point that he was actually trying to make is that here are actually two other American athletes whose names we don’t even know really…[who] have gotten no endorsement deals, have gotten no media coverage even though they have medals when this person who didn’t even get a medal is getting all of this media attention….How did she become the victim?”

Then, Kirsten added, “In terms of him talking the stuff about her, she’s the one who put it out there….She’s a woman. She’s, at least thirty….She cannot complain about media coverage that’s critical of her.” Coming to Lolo’s defense, Miller exclaimed, “Oh, yes, she can. Yes, she can when she’s really being attacked.” Shrugging her shoulders, Kirsten replied, “I don’t think it was an attack.”

Miller answered, “It was an attack! The only two people quoted in the entire piece are negative quotes.” Smirking, Kirsten caustically queried, “You’re not allowed to write a negative article about an athlete?” Miller riposted, “Wait a minute! He left out the fact that she had spinal surgery the year before. Her own extremely back story left out.” After clenching her teeth as Judith spoke, an irate Kirsten argued, “But, hasn’t that been covered extensively.”

Miller responded, “But, not in his column! If somebody’s reading that column, you have no idea where [she's coming from]…Why beat up on this woman?” Unconvincingly, Kirsten replied, “He’s not beating up on her!” Immediately, Miler countered, “He was!” Appearing to contradict herself, Kirsten answered, “And, why he is not allowed to do that? I don’t understand.”

Interjecting, HN co-host Jon Scott remarked that while Lolo’s competitors may have won medals she was apparently the only woman to have won the national indoors hurdling championship twice. Cutting to the quick, he said, “Let’s show the photo that…aroused so much, I guess, ire, so much negative attention to her.” As the photo of a seated nude Lolo looked backed at the camera with all of her “lady bits” discreetly covered, Jon continued, “What doesn’t get noted is the small type there…a quote from her coach at LSU Dennis Shaver who writes, “She has the perfect core, which is where her horsepower comes from. Her abs are like a washboard, all muscle fiber and no fat. You don’t get like without proper diet and training: And, even then, you’d need Lolo’s determination.’ That gets lost in the coverage of that photo.”

“Exactly: it certainly did,” concurred Miller. As Kirsten laughed in derision, Miller chastened, “And, the back story gets lost. And, Kirsten, I’m really surprised.” Interposing, a bemused Kirsten queried, “What back story? I don’t even understand.”

Miller explained, “Wait a minute! You can make the point that the media likes some people and the companies choose to use some people without beating up on her, without demeaning her or her achievement. And, the fact that she’s a self-proclaimed Christian virgin and comes from this poor family. I think it’s an amazing story.”

Gesticulating animatedly, Kirsten interrupted, “As one of the other girls comes from a very poor story [sic]. And, it’s an amazing story that been covered ad nauseum.“

As Kirsten ranted, a smiling Miller interposed, “She’s beautiful. Why should we hold that against her?”

In a seemingly disingenuous response, Kirsten said that “we shouldn’t” but then echoed Longman’s plaint that Lolo was getting a disproportionate amount of attention. Then, baring her claws, Kirsten caustically exclaimed, “And, I’m sorry, but, you know, the whole born-again Christian thing and posing naked, I don’t think they really go together. Call me crazy!…I talk about my faith all the time, and if I posed like that I would expect to hear about it!”

Conversely, if Kirsten posits like that, she should certainly expect to hear about it.

Happening Now – 08/10/12 (@ 12:45 p.m. ET)

Update: Video via J$P.

“Free P*ssy” Penalty: Bob Beckel Apologizes

“I’m very sorry….I’m gonna be quiet now.” Today, The Five co-host Bob Beckel apologized for his “foul” mouth and announced that he would be having the day off tomorrow because of it. As Carpe Diem reported Monday, an apoplectic Bob incoherently stammered “free, pre p*ssy” when he was defending President Obama’s purported disdain for his GOP opponent Mitt Romney. (A day later, after reviewing Johnny Dollar’s video of the incident, HuffPo aptly opined that Bob was “referring to…Reince Preibus,” the GOP National Chairman.)

This afternoon, during the final Five segment, a chastened Bob declared, “My ‘one more thing’ is to say, ‘I’m off tomorrow and that’s going to make me happy and…a lot of conservatives out there happy. I need a break because lately on this show…my mouth has been moving a little bit too much and sometimes dumb things–which is surprising for a MENSA guy–comes [sic] out of it.”

As his co-host Eric Bolling laughed off camera, Bob continued, “Last night when I was checking Twitter, I saw that some people out there were offended by something I said.”

Then, raising his palms in a mea culpa, Bob declared, “Now, I’m not going to say it again but I want to say to those who were offended, ‘I’m very sorry.’ That’s the last you’re going to hear that. I’m going to be quiet now.” Announcing anew Fox News’ apparent one-day sanction, Bob added, “I’ll see you on Friday.”

Apoplectic Bob Beckel: “Free…P*ssy”

Eric Bolling: “Let’s move on.” Let’s not: If it were free, The Five co-host Bob Beckel might make for a much less colorful “Smoking Gun” Democratic rogue. But, fear not! The bad boy of FNC can not or will not keeps his wild ways under control.

Less than four months ago, Bob went off with an “f” bomb inadvertently on Hannity. In what he deemed an off-air moment, he lambasted a conservative panelist, saying, “You don’t know what the f**k you’re talking about.” When host Sean Hannity apprised him that they were live, Bob appeared to be in a state of disbelief. Finally, coming to his senses, Bob groused that he was going to be fired after the show.

Bob was not. But, today, he pushed the envelope even further. In a segment including President Barack Obama’s purported disdain for his GOP opponent Mitt Romney (“no g**damned war hero”) as noted by Politico‘s Mike Allen, co-host Eric caustically queried, “Bob, should President Obama be taking shots at Mitt Romney’s military service when…the guy never picked up a gun, pulled the trigger of…blew anyone away? Oh, wait a minute, that’s right, he shot bin Laden, right!”*

After initially calling into question Allen’s assertion, Bob remarked, “Does he [President Obama] not like Mitt Romney?…When he started out, he said [that] he was neutral about Mitt Romney. And, frankly, so was I. I thought he was a nice guy.”

Elaborating, Bob remarked, “I’ve come to believe [that] he is a terrible, uh, a terrible–I won’t say liar because I won’t, because I don’t want to diminish myself down where Republicans [are].

Unfortunately, continuing, a suddenly incoherent Bob stammered, “Or, free, pre p*ssy, for proof of pre pro puss. Excuse me! Pre puss.”

Throwing him a lifeline, Eric mercifully interjected, “Let’s move on.” Bemused, co-anchor Andrea Tantaros beamed broadly and shook her head at Bob latest blooper. Meanwhile, co-host Kimberly Guilfoyle laughed heartily as she hid her face in her hands.

Babbling Bob: a sight to behold–for better or for worse.

*The Five – 08/06/12 (@ 5:07 p.m. ET)

Update: Vid (courtesy of J$P).

F&F “Flipped Off” by Thompson Square Fan

An “All-American Summer” M.I.A. Salute. Yesterday, Fox & Friends may have got more entertainment than it bargained for during its 2012 summer concert series from Thompson Square. As the Academy of Country Music Awards’ “Vocal Duo of the Year” opened the final hour of the show with their hit “I Got You,” one fan provided the F&F co-hosts and their viewers a little extra excitement: When the camera panned the enthusiastic audience in the plaza, that overly exuberant fan, a Jack Osbourne Mini Me or wannabe, gave it a “double-birded” salute.* Rather than be offended, F&F guest co-host Dave Briggs and regular co-anchors Brian Kilmeade and Gretchen Carlson seemed to relish the miscreant munchkin’s irreverence unlike Madonna’s derisive reaction to M.I.A. after her similar Super Bowl mid-show hijinks.

As Thompson Square’s began to conclude their Top 10 hit, Dave, trying to contain himself, chuckled, “That is your 2011 Country Music Duo of the Year.” In reply, Brian jested, “And, that family [with the bad boy] thought they were number one.” After howling with laughter, Gretchen rejoined, “Doubly, they thought that they’re number one.” Tying in aptly to a prior segment, an amused Dave declared, “Earlier, we talked about the most annoying hand gestures: Uh, that should have been two of ‘em!”

Annoying? Perhaps. But, hilarious!

Update: Vid (courtesy of Johnny Dollar via his J$P).

Fox & Friends – 07/06/12 – (@ 8:01 a.m. ET)

Steve Doocy: “Our Dirtiest Show EVER!”

Anna Kooiman: “A little nervous!” “Mudder” Fox & Friends co-anchors Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade (weekday), Clayton Morris and Dave Briggs (weekend), Anna Kooiman (weekday First), and FNC meteorologist Rick Reichmuth all got down and dirty for a great cause yesterday and today. The six braved a Tough Mudder abbreviated obstacle course on the sidewalk outside their studios to promote the Wounded Warrior Project.

On Thursday, Steve teased, “Friday on FnF, our dirtiest show EVER!” True to his word, he and his younger co-host Brian Kilmeade proved their Mudder mettle Friday while co-anchor Gretchen Carlson was not up for the muddy wet T shirt contest. After his brave run, Brian remarked, “Most nervous I ever was for a segment.” Subsequently, Steve somewhat more tentatively tackled the physical endurance test: Later, seemingly still winded, he Tweeted, “Brian & I survived the @toughmudder, thanks 2 the INSPIRING #woundedwarriors guys.”

Today, Rick began his FNC Mudder trial with his usual intensity as he enthusiastically went full throttle in the mite too cool early morning. Later, buff fitness femme fatale Anna ran the course at a somewhat slower rate as she tried to not to be a “YouTube sensation for busting [her] booty going over the wall.” Approximately, an hour later, Dave athletically scaled that wall without any apparent assistance as Clayton gamely followed suit with some well-timed help from his hero friends.

Fox & Friends fun: Showing how it’s done!

H/t to Johnny Dollar: F&F “Mudder” vids via links, supra, courtesy of J$P.

Fox & Friends First: Bringing Sexy Back!

Ainsley Earhardt: Happy to be part of making history with you. Hyperbolic? Probably, but, Ainsley and her Fox & Friends First co-host Anna Kooiman certainly delivered on their promo “promise” to be “a shot of espresso” this morning. True to their word, the sexy Southern belles sensually roused their FNC viewers with a smile as they delivered the news and entertainment in the very early morn.*

Yes, the blond beauties may have initially awakened their audience with their brand new sleek studio with its bright morning colors, matching tall chic chairs, individual glass computer tables, and dual screens. However, it was the camera’s frequent lingering looks at the short “skirts” of the comely Carolina charmers, subliminally shouting, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” that probably finally aroused their viewers from the comfort of their beds. After all, the former fitness phenom Anna was assuredly in fine form in her sexy short fuschia dress and, the former F&FW co-host Ainsley, appeared ready to rival her in her even shorter royal blue one.

Making history? Not really: Fox & Friends First had an earlier incarnation just as sexy, or, actually, even more so, in the ’00′s with Kiran Chetry, Alisyn Camerota, and Juliet Huddy among others. But, it is history worth repeating.

Kudos, AK and Ainz, for bringing sexy back!

*Vid (courtesy of J$P).

Fox & Friends First Returns

Starring Anna Kooiman and Ainsley Earhardt–Monday. Fox & Friends First returns to the FNC morning line-up Monday according to a Hollywood Reporter exclusive. Reportedly, F&FF will begin at 5:00 a.m. ET, an hour earlier than the regular weekday edition of Fox & Friends. Furthermore, it will feature a cast of rotating anchors including FNC beauties (Anna, Ainsley, Juliet Huddy, Patti Ann Browne, Arthel Neville, Heather Childers, Heather Nauert, and Jamie Colby) and F&F Weekend “beasts” (Dave Briggs and Clayton Morris).

On the first show Monday, Fox News newbie Anna Kooiman joins her more experienced colleague Ainsley Earhardt (a former F&F Weekend co-host). Announcing the news to her Twitter followers, Anna excitedly Tweeted a photo of the “Fox & Friends First Gang Prepping for Monday!” In a follow-up only a minute later, she implored, “Wake up with Ainsley and Anna Monday Morning at 5am for Fox & Friends First!!!” To make sure that her admirers would, the very fit fitness expert included a pic of her and Ainsley prettily posing together.

Tune in, F&FW viewers, blond vixens Anna and Ainz will be ready to rouse you from your slumber!

[Author's aside: The original version of Fox & Friends First debuted in 2001 and ended in 2008 (when F&F weekday was expanded to three hours). It, too, had a rotating cast of anchors including lovelies (Alisyn Camerota, Kiran Chetry, Juliet Huddy, and Lauren Green) and less-than-lovelies (Judge Andrew Napolitano, Steve Doocy, and Brian Kilmeade). For a look back at the original F&FF, cf.  Aly (2007 promo) and Kiran and Brian (2004 footage).]

Update 1: Today (Sunday), as Anna and Ainsley promoted their upcoming show on F&F Weekend, Ainsley said that the two of them would be on together this Monday through Wednesday.* During their segment with F&FW co-hosts Dave, Clayton, and Alisyn, Dave declared that he and Clayton would be a part of the F&FF anchor rotation this month: Seeming to indicate that she would not be a near futureF&FFco-host, a smiling Aly simply nodded her head at his obvious omission of herself and subsequently wished the co-hosts good luck with their new show. Later, in a Tweet, Dave clarified that he would be co-hosting F&FF this Thursday and Friday.

*F&FW – 03/04/12 (@ 8:42 a.m. ET)

Update 2: For vid of Anna and Ainsley’s F&FF promo on F&FW, link here. (H/t J$P.)

T. J. Holmes: BET Bound

“Simply ecstatic.” CNN Newsroom weekend host Loutelious Ann “T. J.” Holmes indeed had “another gig lined up” before he bid his CNN colleagues adieu, apparently. According to Deadline Hollywood, CNN’s ebony Adonis has inked a “multi-platform” deal with BET Networks: I.e., T. J. will anchor a new television program for BET and “contribute” to its website.

In a BET.com report, Music Programming and Specials Prez Stephen G. Hill declared, “We are simply ecstatic to have T. J. Holmes coming to our fold. He’s been an outstanding news anchor and we look forward to working with him in a variety of ways on BET.” Perhaps, waxing a whit hyperbolic about his prized new catch, Hill elaborated, “It’s now upon us to develop vehicles that capture his intelligence, curiosity about the world, warmth, humor, and compassion. It’s a challenge that we are happy to have.”

T.J, you and your better half should be proud. Congratulations!

H/t J$P.

The Five’s Beckel: Bolling Saved My Life

“You’re a reluctant hero, my friend.” A grateful The Five co-host Bob Beckel revealed yesterday that his conservative co-anchor “nemesis” Eric Bolling saved his life shortly before the show. After Bolling opened the program with a query about the latest GOP jobs bill, he turned to co-anchor Greg Gutfeld for his opinion. Grinning as if on cue, Gutfeld replied, “I can’t discuss this story until we acknowledge what happened this afternoon”: then, pointing to Beckel for the obligatory explanation, he said, “Bob.”

Looking down at the table soberly, Beckel replied, “I guess you can’t make these things up….I have a couple of people to thank. We were having a celebratory lunch for The Five, the kickoff of The Five, and I choked. Literally choked, I mean I couldn’t breathe at all.”

Continuing somberly, Beckel remarked, “And, the boss of bosses here at Fox, Roger Ailes, stood up and gave me the Heimlich [maneuver]….He couldn’t get his arms all the way around me but he loosened it up enough.” Putting his hand on Bolling’s shoulder, an appreciative Beckel stammered, “And, then my brother here saved my, my, my existence because he got it out.”

Then, as he added, “And, it’s been a long and rough day…but I want to thank everybody for what he did,” co-host Kimberly Guilfoyle tenderly carressed his arm. Subsequently, Beckel dutifully cautioned viewers not to eat too fast, particularly big shrimp as he had. Interjecting, Gutfeld exclaimed, “You scared the hell out of us!” Feeling “the love,” Beckel replied, “I know I did, and I apologize for that. But, anyway, let’s get moving on.”

However, before they did, Bolling got the crew to declare the day “Bob Day” and maternal co-anchor Dana Perino reminded Beckel that it is not so smart to cry “wolf.” Pointing her pencil at him and arching her eyes, she gently chided, “Remember…it was just a week ago when you and I were in Atlanta together where you faked a heart attack and I thought it was real. So, today I was like, ‘Uh, okay, what is he doing now? Okay.’ And, then I kept talking to the neighbor on my left, and then I realized it was real.” Adding a little levity, Perino declared that had Bolling not been there, she would have had “to drop the atomic elbow” on him.

Chuckling Bowling interposed, “Can we get back to jobs now?”" Looking over at Bowling thankfully, Beckel declared, “You’re a reluctant hero, my friend. You a reluctant hero.” Seemingly somewhat embarrassed, Bowling replied, “God bless. Thank God it all worked out great.”

Indeed. Glad you’re still with us, Bob! And, kudos, Eric, for saving the day–and Bob’s life!

Author’s aside: For The Five footage, cf. J$P Video.

Aly: “My Work Husbands, Dave and Clayton”

Dave: “I don’t know if we’re still married.” Friday Fox & Friends guest co-host Alisyn Camerota introduced her seemingly estranged Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchors for their weekly promo. As the show approached its final twenty minutes, Aly said, “[L]et’s check in with my work husbands, Dave and Clayton, for what’s coming up tomorrow on Fox & Friends.”*

Laughing to himself, Dave turned toward Clayton with a mischievous glint in his eye. Then, he declared, “I don’t know if we’re still married.” Before Clayton could reply, Aly interjected, “It is strange.” Shaking his head, Clayton answered, “Yeah, I don’t know what’s going on Alisyn. You put us outside in the heat.” Then with a smile and an awkward wink, he added, “Something’s up and fishy.”

Indeed. As F&FW viewers continue to mull over the uncertain future of this “strange” marriage of Aly, Dave, and Clayton, they may have something new to add to consider. According to a J$P source, Juliet Huddy returns this Saturday and Sunday to guest host Fox & Friends after no-showing over two months ago on F&FW and her unexplained disappearance from Fox News since then.

The plot thickens.

Fox & Friends – 07/22/11 (@ 8:39 a.m. ET)

H/t to J$P.

FNC’s Sweet Schadenfreude?

Christine Romans, “you’re just carrying the water for Mr. Obama.” Last night, FNC ratings juggernaut, the O’Reilly Factor, led with this caustic charge against the CNN anchor by CIA counter-terrorism analyst Michael Scheuer. This morning, Fox & Friends Weekend ran it thrice and gave Scheuer himself another shot at the co-host of its CNN rival, American Morning.

As Carpe Diem first reported, Romans and her co-anchor Kiran Chetry’s interview of Scheuer on the CIA’s role in Libya Thursday turned rather testy as it concluded. When Scheuer bemoaned the U.S.’ “spend[ing] enormous amounts of money [where there are no U.S. interests at stake] at a time when we’re nearly bankrupt,” Romans lectured, “And that’s a whole ‘nother story….The economy and this mission in Libya are two separate issues.” Acerbically, Scheuer responded, “They’re not separate issues, ma’am. You’re just carrying the water for Mr. Obama.” Bristling, Romans riposted, “I’m certainly not carrying anyone’s water!”

Last night, O’Reilly opened with an abbreviated clip of that very scene with Scheur’s saying, “You’re just carrying the water for Mr. Obama!” and Romans’ responding, “I’m certainly not carrying anyone’s water”: Concomitantly, O’Reilly remarked, “Former CIA guy Michael Scheuer attacks CNN for what he sees as biased coverage of Libya. We’ll get into it.”

Shortly thereafter, during his first Factor segment titled “War and Money,” O’Reilly aired more of the caustic exchange as described, supra. After doing so, he declared, “Right now the Libyan action is estimated to have cost the U.S.A. more than a half  billion dollarsm and, of course, the figure will rise. Not mincing words, he confidently concluded, “The CNN anchor is wrong when she says the Libyan action and the American debt are separate. They are not!” Elaborating, he added, “Sad truth is every action America takes from now on will have to be evaluated from a cost standpoint: That’s what happens when you’re 14 trillion dollars in debt.”

Today, Fox & Friends Weekend appeared to more patently revel in their CNN rival’s plight as they aired the diss of Romans repeatedly (twice in promos for their interview of Scheuer and once during it) and provided a facile forum for Scheuer to sneer anew at Romans. During the segment, “‘Flickers’ of Qaeda [in Libya]“, co-host Alisyn Camerota aired the AM clip and “innocently” inquired, “Michael, what, what did you object to in how it was being depicted there?”*

Smiling sardonically, Scheuer answered, “I always get a little angry when people treat me as if I’m dumber than I look.” As Camerota chuckled at his jest, Scheur sniped again at Romans, remarking, “And, to argue at a time when the government’s belly up with finances and we’re spending a hundred million dollars a day…on a useless war in which we shouldn’t be involved and say there’s no connection between the two is just apologizing for the [Obama] administration.” [Italics added for emphasis.]

FNC sweet Schadenfreude? Nah. Just a Roman(s) holiday.

Author’s aside: Ironically, in the background of the AM clip and the controversy stands CNN’s Kiran Chetry, American Morning‘s Aphrodite. As Romans receives its fire, FNC may be more than happy if its erstwhile rising star (and former Fox & Friends co-anchor) suffers some of the collateral damage. Especially, if boss Rupert Murdoch deems her to have crossed his proverbial Rubicon.

Update: Fox & Friends Weekend Scheuer interview vid (courtesy of J$P).

*Fox & Friends Weekend – 04/02/11 (@ 9:19 a.m. ET)

Dreyfuss’ Diss: Dave’s Delight

“He seemed so grateful, guys!…Speaking of rude.” Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Dave Briggs perfectly and facetiously encapsulated Hollywood legend Richard Dreyfuss’ apparent utter disdain for F&FW and its co-hosts this morning. From the start when Dreyfuss barely offered co-host Alisyn Camerota a condescending “hiya” to the very end when he deigned not even bid her adieu, the interview was an amusing tango between the proud “I-am-not-a-liberal” guest and the “fair-and-balanced” F&FW co-hosts.

Before the colloquy commenced, Aly glowingly introduced the “Academy-award-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss” to her audience, cheerfully greeting him, saying, “Good morning, Richard!”* With an almost dismissive wave, an unsmiling Dreyfuss tersely replied, “Hiya.” After Aly then asked him what had happened to civics classes and why they had gone away, Dreyfuss pointedly retorted, “Well, if civics is the comprehension and maintenance of this republic and democracy, then what’s happened to it are these shows which are three minutes in length and you can’t get anything  said.”

Quickly, coming to the defense of F&FW, Clayton riposted, “This is capitalism, right? And, we, we put on a show every morning where we invite different viewpoints in here to have a civil discourse on Fox & Friends. You’d be hard pressed to find another show that allows different viewpoints to be able to share their thoughts about American society.” Conceding, Dreyfuss answered, “That’s true” but insisted that another approach would be gainful “monetarily” and “in cultural gratitude” (for the “advertising company or agency that breaks away from the herd and does it differently”).

Subsequently, as the interview neared an end (and Dreyfuss had further explained the virtues of his initiative to Clayton and Aly), Clayton touted Sri Chinmoy’s America the Beautiful: Reflections on Her Past, Present and Future audio book read by Dreyfuss. Then, Aly dutifully advertised Dreyfuss’ website, TheDreyfussInitiative.org and promised to put the address on her blog. After she did, she sweetly said, “Richard Dreyfuss, thanks so much for coming in to talk about all of this,” and Clayton echoed, “Thanks, Richard.” In response, a haughty Dreyfuss arched his eyebrows and smirked.

Then, when the camera shifted to F&FW co-anchor Dave Briggs (to read the previews for the next block), he clapped his hands animatedly together and heartily laughed. To his co-hosts, he chuckled, “Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! He seemed so grateful, guys!” Segueing to the promos, he sharply sniped, “Speaking of rude–what’s the rudest city in America?”

Fox & Friends Weekend – 01/22/11 (@ 6:21 a.m. ET)

Update: J$P features video of  “bizarre” Dreyfuss interview, supra.

America Live CatFIGHT: Megyn vs. Kirsten

FNC’s feral felines: The seven best minutes on cable news in recent memory!* Both America Live host Megyn Kelly and guest New York Post columnist Kirsten Powers had their nostrils flared and their teeth bared as they slashed each other mercilessly with their sharp claws. The a propos topic: New Black Panther Party voter intimidation.

If the reader did not have the pleasure or pain of seeing the polemic blood flowing with abandon today, J$P provides a video here. From one corner, Megyn ferociously cut Kirsten for not knowing what she was talking about, threatened to mute Kirsten’s mike for talking over her, accused her of lying (re watching whistle blower interview), and slapped her with a final suggestion that “it’s going to be more helpful to the viewers if the next time you come back on you have your facts.” From the other corner, a slightly more docile Kirsten responded that she did indeed know what she talking about, challenged Megyn to cut her mike, charged her with hysteria, and accused her of playing the race card (“the scary black man thing”).

Rowrrr! America Live became America Alive today.

*America Live – 07/13/10 (@1:37 p.m. ET)