Page Appears!

Page Hopkins, a favorite co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, has been resurrected. According to a reader (thanks, Brendon) and Johnny Dollar’s Place, the flaxen-haired beauty has finally “called in.” At approximately 11:13 a.m. ET, the long-lost lovely appeared on FNC’s What’s Happening Now co-anchored today by Jon Scott and Harris Faulkner. The author is not sure of her status or the circumstances of her appearance.

For approximately a month, Page has been below the radar. FNC has failed to fully answer the many questions about where Page was, whether posed by e-mail, on Alisyn Camerota’s greenroom blog, or by radio callers to Judge Napolitano and Brian Kilmeade’s show. FNC’s cavalier manner of changing co-hosts without apprising the audience has shown little regard for its loyal viewer base.

Maybe, Fox News is changing its stripes. Rick Reichmuth called in yesterday and proved that he was indeed on vacation. Today Page appeared seeming to indicate that she is still with FNC in some capacity. Will Fox & Friends Weekend finally announce whether Ainsley Earhardt and Clayton Morris have replaced Page Hopkins and Kelly Wright permanently and that Greg Kelly has retained his position? Hopefully, Fox News has seen the light.

Link: http://homepage.mac.com/mkoldys/blog/jdp.html

Rick Calls In: Will Page?

Rick Reichmuth actually called in today. In the first hour of Fox & Friends today, Rick phoned in and said that he will be gone for two weekends. At the wee hour of @1:30 a.m. HT, he phoned into the Fox & Friends Sunday from Hawaii to talk with fellow weatherperson Domenica Davis and co-hosts Ainsley Earhardt, Clayton Morris, and Greg Kelly. Now that FNC has reassured the viewers that Rick is actually on holiday, when will it do the same as to Page Hopkins? Will Page call in?

Wright Like OJ?

In the last hour of Fox & Friends Saturday, Greg Kelly compared Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Obama Barack’s pastor to O.J. Simpson when discussing Wright’s attendence of Maya Angelou’s birthday bash last night. Clayton Morris initially observed, “As he [Wright] took the stage [at Angelou’s party], he got a standing ovation.” Greg opined as follows:

“He still has alot of support in the African American community. Folks look at this man differently. It’s not unlike the O.J. Simpson verdict, to be honest. You know what I mean? Alot of folks think he’s guilty: alot of folks think he’s, he’s innocent. Similar views on this man in terms of [trails off]. I think I should stop right there.”

[Sorry, reader, I could not get this long quotation properly inserted.]

Observing Greg’s discomfort, Ainsley Earhardt said, “Alright, we’ll move on to the next pastor that’s causing some controversy.”

FNC has played the Wright scandalous sound clips in a virtual loop day after day. Its night-time co-hosts and stars, Bill O’Reilly and Sean Hannity, have completely covered the comments and have marveled at the resliency of Obama’s popularity in the onslaught of the attention to the eristic comments of Wright. Today, on Fox & Friends Saturday, Greg seemed to explain the this “enigma” by alluding to disparate reactions delineated largely by race. Is this the path that Fox News walks?

Rick on Vacation, Too

On this morning’s Fox & Friends Saturday, weather hottie Domenica Davis said that Rick Reichmuth, F&F Weekend’s regular meterologist, is on vacation for a few weeks. Greg Kelly said that he is in Hawaii. Maybe, Rick will meet up with his office mate Page Hopkins. Or is she on holiday in the Bermuda Triangle?

Courtney Friel looks more like Barbara Bush than Barbie this morning. Judging from his first toss to Courtney, G.I. Ken’s seemed to have lost his overt ardor for her. However, in the second hour, Courtney’s comment that she would read the news in a live shot from her bed because she likes to do everything in bed reawakened the sexual tension on the set and latent desire in her many male admirers.

At the end of the show, ironically, the dance-challenged Greg Kelly and Clayton Morris interviewed the Planet B-Boy segment featuring break dancers. Ainsley Earhardt saved them from too much embarrassment by inducing Courtney and Domenica to be B-Girls: the bronzed blonde and the buxom brunette frolicked as the camera lingered over the lovelies.

Quiet Restored

After last week’s donnybrook on Fox and Friends, Chris Wallace made nice with F&F co-hosts Steve Doocy, Gretchen Carlson, and Brian Kilmeade. F&F hyped Chris’ upcoming promo in both yesterday and today’s shows. In that regard, at the end of the program yesterday, Brian sarcastically said, “[I] hope he likes our show leading up to his appearance.”

Today at the beginning of the final hour of F&F, Greta commented on fight video and said that some people might think it was they and Chris Wallace in costume. Brian said, “No, we didn’t have a fight: we were mugged.” He added, “Usually, you have an idea what’s happening before it happens.” Greta chimed, “Next time…I’m definitely going to wear my helmet when I know Chris Wallace is coming after me.”

In the last half hour of F&F, Steve introduced Chris for the anticipated sequel to the previous set-to. Chris stated, “Good morning, guys, and I just want to say that I’m looking forward to this segment with about the same sense of emotions I felt the first time I had a colonoscopy: so, please, please begin the procedure.” Then he went on to to mention a blog poll that said he would best Brian in a fight but that it showed that people have no idea what they’re voting on. He further self-deprecated, saying, “Despite the dimples, Brian would kick my hindquarters.”

After Chris finished his promo, Steve ask Chris about the Obama countdown and gave him a not-so-subtle dig, indicating that he was surprised that Barack had not agreed to be on Chris’s show after last Friday’s hubbub. Chris responded, “No, it didn’t work.” Greta ribbed Chris that he could submit questions for Obama to F&F since it had had Barack on twice earlier: Chris good-naturedly replied that he could do that or go to the View. Then he queried, “We’re all ok?” He told Steve that he had heard that he was “ticked” and Steve denied the obvious. Greta left Chris with “hugs and kisses only.”

All is well again on the FNC front. Chris Wallace (and Ainsley Earhardt) are safely back in the fold. Quiet has been restored.

FNC: Hush, Hosts!

After Chris Wallace flailed Fox & Friends co-hosts for “Obama-bashing” last Friday, he was chided for his “faux pas” by a Fox exec via email according to TV Newser. Chris said, “It was in the sense that, isn’t this the kind of thing we should be talking about off camera, not on camera?” He added, “I emailed him back and said, ‘I think you’re generally right, and I’m not going to make a habit of it.'” According to the HuffPo, he contritely called in to Brian Kilmeade’s radio show and indicated that he still believed the substance of his criticism but that he might do if off camera if he had it over to do again. Chris will address the intramural row for the first time with Steve Doocy and Gretchen Carlson, the Barack “bashers,” during his weekly show promo this Friday according to TVNewser.

Fox News should embrace anew its motto, “We Report: You Decide.” FNC should report its personnel changes on Fox & Friends. (I.e., when will it announce who its new co-hosts on Fox & Friends are and where Page Hopkins is?) To silence Ainsley Earhardt as to her benign, kind correspondence with viewers and Chris Wallace as to his frank, honest on-air exchange with colleagues seems to show FNC as a smug, self-satisfied, secretive cable news network. It rose in record time to the top of the heap by being fan-friendly, spontaneous, and self-deprecating: if it continues to lose these attributes, it can expect to commensurately lose its audience.

Links: http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/26/chris-wallace-regrets-spe_n_93448.html

Alisyn Answers Update

After posting my “Alisyn Answers” (referencing Fox & Friends greenroom blog) entry, I noticed that, apparently, TVNewser and Johnny Dollar’s Place provided similar posts later. I am honored to be in such company–even if only for a day or so. The Johnny Dollar’s Place F&F greenroom link quoted Alisyn Camerota as saying, “Page [Hopkins] is on vacation [and I] have no idea about Ainsley [Earhardt] being in trouble.”

Links: http://greenroom.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/03/25/mesmerizing/#comment-12396;
http://homepage.mac.com/mkoldys/blog/ler228111787.html; and
http://mediabistro.com/tvnewser/fnc/default.asp

Alisyn Answers

As readers of this blog may know, Ainsley Earhardt, a “temporary” co-host of FNC’s Fox & Friends, was reprimanded for disclosing the uncertain status of the cast of co-hosts on the morning cable news show to this author. Will research I did today get Alisyn likewise spanked for a similar and earlier revelation on F&F’s greenroom blog? On March 10, 2008, in response to a question about whether the “new folks over the weekend” would be around for awhile, Alisyn answered, “I don’t know the plan for the weekend show yet.” Sounds like she let the cat out of the bag first.

Further, responses to questions about the missing Fox & Friends Weekend co-hosts were forthcoming on the 3/10/08 greenroom blog. In her answer to a comment about missing Page on F&F Weekend and wondering where she was, Alisyn responded, “Try sending an email to viewer services at foxnews.com about page. they [sic] might get a messagea [sic] to her or have some answers.” In reply to a query about Kelly Wright’s whereabouts, Alisyn declared, “I’m told that he’s doing another show on the weekends, maybe the noon hour? I’ll find out for you.”

It appears that FNC has ushered Page Hopkins and Kelly Wright from their seats of the set on F&F Weekend. Page is ensconced in a more secluded area than Chaney is during a national crisis. Meanwhile, Kelly serves as a FNC correspondent and as a co-host on America’s Election Headquarters (AEHq). For now Greg shuttles back and forth between F&F Weekend and AEHq. Will Ainsley, Greg, and Clayton Morris be given officially the reins to F&F Weekend, or will they be hired a la Craig Livingston?

An aside for John Gibson fans: Alisyn said, “[G]ot the answer about the Big Story…Gibson will be back-not sure exactly when.” She added, “Until then fans can catch him at Sirus [sic] Radio, from 6 to 9, at XM 168, Sirius 145, and also Foxnews.com.”

Link: http://greenroom.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/03/10/hosting-fox-friends/

Barbie & G.I. Ken

From the time Greg Kelly laid eyes on Courtney Friel when she first guest-hosted FNC’s Fox & Friends for the then recently departed “hard body”* Kiran Chetry, Greg has been like the flustered school boy around the head cheerleader. He’s lavished the former Maxim model with smiles, hyperbolic compliments, and lusty looks.

On Fox & Friends Saturday Greg continued his on-air flirtation with Courtney. In his first toss to her on F&F Weekend, he said, “Well, we should have a drum roll or something because our next newscaster is spectacular.”

On Fox & Friends Sunday Courtney returned his attention with her adoration of his father, NYC’s Police Commissioner. Before her first news reading, Courtney cooed, “Guess who I got to meet last night–Greg Kelly’s dad: I was a little starstruck I must admit.” Later Greg tossed to Courtney blandishingly stating, “By the way, folks, I got a treat for you because Courtney Friel is in her Sunday best, her Easter Sunday best: she looks terrific.” Co-host Ainsley Earhardt interjected, “He loves you, Courtney.” Greg continued, “Well, look at that outfit.” On his second introduction, Greg further flattered, saying, “Courtney Friel is standing by and looking ravishing once again.” After being teased by his co-hosts, Ainsley and Clayton Morris, he added, “I’ve been told to tone it down a notch: you look very nice.” As the show ended with the co-hosts and Courtney dancing as Rebecca St. James, an award-winning Christian singer, sang “Alive,” the married Barbi flirted with her single clearly appreciative G.I. Ken by giving him the booty bump thrice.

*Term used by Greg three times in one F&F show to describe the comely Kiran Chetry.

Musical Chairs at FNC

This Saturday morning, FNC’s maddening musical-chairs approach to programming was manifest. Greg Kelly rejoined the still “temporary” F&F Weekend co-hosts, Ainsley Earhardt and Clayton Morris. Further, Courtney Friel, swimwear model and entertainment correspondent, reappeared and read the headlines. (As an aside, Courtney alluded to online gossip about the co-hosts but did not want to discuss it further.*) Two hours after F&F Saturday, Greg Kelly filled in for Kelly Wright as co-host with Bridget Quinn on FNC’s American Election Headquarters (AEHq).

With Greg Kelly’s ubiquitous presence on Fox News, this son of the NYC Police Commish appears to be the newest Shep-in-grooming. He seems to be more at ease on AEHq and other programs where he is paired with one other co-host or where he is the sole anchor. Otherwise, he seems ill at ease when having to ad lib and banter with multiple co-hosts and guests. E.g., in his unguarded moments on F&F, the camera often catches him fidgeting, smirking, or otherwise having a malappropos media moment. Nevertheless, the G.I. Ken has potential.

As to Page Hopkins, one wonders whether FNC is giving her time off with pay. Her page still appears on the Fox News website but any mention of her seems verboten. FNC’s modus operandi tends to keep the viewer in the dark about personnel changes. It’s motto: we decide, you, the bogs, report.

*7:34 ET (03/22/08)

Gretch Grates

Gretchen Carlson, co-host of Fox & Friends, had a blond moment when she criticized Obama for using the term “typical white person.” As Steve Doocy, the blond-haired guy who is not Brian Kilmeade, opined that Hillary could not get away with calling one, “a typical Irish person” or “a typical black person,” his Swedish co-hort apparently thought that Obama had used this appellation in his well-received race relations speech after the Rev. Wright brouhaha. Gretchen indicated that Obama and his advisers must have considered various terms and decided on this controversial rubric for a reason: she went on and on in an embarrassingly emotive fashion to the chagrin of her knowing co-hosts. (In reality, Obama had compared his beloved grandmother to a “typical white person” extemporaneously in an interview on a Philly sports show when explaining his much-maligned reference to his nana in his earlier oration.)

At the end of one Obama segment, Brian Kilmeade walked off the set. HuffingtonPost.com reported that he did so in a serious row with his co-hosts. However, any faithful viewer of F&F knows that Kilmeade does this for entertainment value on a regular basis.

However, the HuffPost was right when it related how Chris Wallace chastised the F&F co-hosts for “Obama-bashing.” He did so seriously and at length. Brian Kilmeade defended himself and accurately stated that he had gone to bat for Obama. Chris Wallace said that he had not heard Brian’s comments in that regard. As the segment ended, Steve asked Chris if he were going to tell people not to watch F&F again, and Chris replied that he would not but that he had been unhappy with F&F’s take on Obama. Then he added that he still loved F&F. Doocy icily responded that Chris had a funny way of showing it.

FNC Dresses Ainsley Down

According to TVNewser, Ainsley Earhardt, apparent co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend was given a “dressing down” by the suits at FNC for missives to me. Apparently, the Fox News brass think that informing the viewer is a vice, not a virture. In the past, when Fox & Friends replaced the smug, egocentric Julian Phillips and the luscious, leggy Kiran Chetry (Fox & Friends Weekend hosts), FNC did not inform the viewer of the changes. (Not too surprisingly, perhaps, since Kiran moved to CNN and now co-hosts its morning news show, American Morning, in direct competition with the week day Fox & Friends program.) Now that Kelly Wright, Greg Kelly, and Page Hopkins have been absent for over a month without an explanation on F&F, Ainsley’s responsiveness has now been denigrated vis-a-vis praised. Laurels, Ainsley! Brickbats, FNC Brass!

By the way, the Kelly Boys are still on FNC’s air but Page Hopkins is still missing in action. Cf. Carpe Diem articles in re the Kelly Boys At America’s Election Headquarters and Page Hopkins: Still at FNC.

For TVNewser’s complete article, including its admonition to TV news anchors and its quotations of this blog, check the link which is as follows: http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/fnc/when_not_to_meet_the_press_80371.asp

Ainsley: “Please Be Patient”

One hour ago the lovely and sweet Ainsley Earhardt responded to a missive of mine as to the cast of F&F Weekend. She said, “Please be patient with us, while the bosses decide who will be the best fit for the Fox and Friends weekend show: I’m sure they will make the right decision and you will be happy with the final selection.” She added, “But your guess is as good as mine.” Ergo, those who are yearning for the return of Page Hopkins, Kelly Wright, or Greg Kelly still have a chance. However, as I mentioned earlier, in my opinion, the injection of Domenica Davis or Rick Reichmuth with Ainsley and Clayton Morris would add some delightful fun, flavor, and color to the F&F Weekend team.

Page Hopkins: Still at FNC

With FNC’s odd maltreatment of its viewers by changing co-hosts of shows with no announcements to its audience, it seems to assume that its viewers will faithfully continue watching its various programs. Apparently, Fox & Friends has once again changed its weekend team with little regard to its viewers. Page Hopkins and the Kelly boys (Kelly Wright & Greg Kelly) have apparently been replaced by Ainsley Earhardt, Clayton Morris, and a to-be-named co-host. Kelly Wright appears on America’s Election Headquarters (AEHq) and as a correspondent, and Greg Kelly appears on the Fox Report and AEHq. FNC has not explained the salient absence of Page Hopkins. On Fox radio’s “Brian and the Judge,” a caller asked where she was: Brian said, “I’m not sure.” Judge Napolitano added, “I don’t know the answer to that.” TVNewser explicates the enigma by stating that Page is supposedly still on the payroll of FNC. This “we report, you decide” network needs to quit playing around with its faithful viewers and tell them what’s going on. Enough is enough!

Cf. http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/?page=2

Obama Smeared by Bush/Clinton Cabal

As Barack Obama rode high in the polls against Hillary and threatened the maverick McCain, one could hear the incestuous dual dynasties of Bushes and Clintons sharpening their swords. The first black presidential candidate with a real chance of success has been soaring with our national bird lately and threatening the two families’ control of the White House. He leads in the popular vote, the pledged delegates, and total delegates and appears poised to take JFK’ and MLK’s mantles. Now Fox News’ unlikely pair, GOP cheerleader Hannity and Clinton shill Geraldo, are slamming Obama and questioning his presidential bid because of the ramblings of Obama’s pastor. Respected NPR and FNC contributor Juan Williams, a seeming supporter of Hill, is piling on albeit in his suave, sophisticated, and mellifluous manner. On this St. Patrick’s day, Obama must beware the snakes that may threaten his bid.

Dhue Point Evaporates

According to TVNewser, Laurie Dhue will no longer be employed by FNC. The cable news company and the blonde starlet were unable to come to terms on a new contract. Even though she was easy on the eyes, viewers of the O’Reilly Factor will be spared her obsequious fawning on the Dhue Point, Bill O’Reilly’s self-professed favorite show segment. The purpose of this part of the Factor was ostensibly to hold O’Reilly accountable to his viewers: however, it tended to be a lovefest where Dhue would conclude that O’Reilly was right once again.

F&F Weekend Co-Host Out?

Greg Kelly co-hosts America’s Election Headquarters again today with Jamie Colby. If he’s left Fox & Friends Weekend, who will FNC team with the apparent new co-hosts, Ainsley Earhardt and Clayton Morris? If it follows its usual two male/one female tack, then F&F Weekend weatherman Rick Reichmuth might be a good choice: in his now limited role, he counters Clayton Morris’ silly histrionics with his winsome manner and calm demeanor. (Rick could be replaced with weather dish Domenica Davis.) However, if FNC opts for a two girl/one boy team, Domenica would be a delicious ingredient: she’s a no-nonsense, hot, and spicy senorita that would put Clayton in his place and balance Ainsley’s Southern sweetness.

Kelly Boys at FNC’s AE Headquarters

It seems that F&F Weekend has settled on Ainsley Earhardt and Clayton Morris as permanent co-hosts and has vacated the third position. Both Greg Kelly and Kelly Wright appear on FNC’s America’s Election HQ (AEHq) today. FNC TV’s AEHq Saturday schedule includes both “former” F&F Weekend co-hosts. In its 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. ET segment, “Kelly Wright and Jamie Colby bring you the most up-to-date political news!” At 4:00-6:00 p.m. ET, “Join hosts Greg Kelly and Julie Banderas for the insight you need in 2008!” Page Hopkins continues to elude her fans.

By the way, Greg Kelly also hosted Friday’s Fox Report With Shepard Smith yesterday. At the half hour, Greg said, “I’m Greg Kelly: this is the Fox Report.” Is he FNC’s next Shep, its Scud Stud II, or, at least, its G.I. Ken?

Ainsley Hints at Permanent Change

Fox & Friends Weekend opened Saturday with the triad of Ainsley Earhardt, Clayton Morris, and Eric Shawn. Eric introduced himself as sitting in for the weekend. Ainsley responded, “You know we’re the veterans here: we’ve only been doing this a few weeks, too, so we’re all in this together.” Is Greg Kelly ensconced in some hideaway with Page Hopkins and Kelly Wright? Or is he is merely holidaying while Eric Shawn substitutes and a new team of F&F Weekend is in place?

Spitzer’s Sins: Hubris & Hypocrisy

NY Gov. Eliot “Steamroller” Spitzer resigned in disgrace yesterday. Time’s Crusader of the Year and Wall Street’s Elliott Ness brought his promising political career to a premature end. He faces possible Mann Act, “structuring,” and prostitution felony charges. (In D.C., the normally misdemeanor prostitution charge is a felony.) Is he in trouble for the underlying morals charge? No. However, Spitzer prosecuted two call-girl services similar to the one he frequented and did so with strident and acerbic denunciations: ergo, the feds have an extra incentive to make this hypocritical highest law enforcement officer in New York accountable. In his take-no-prisoners white-collar prosecutions and his arrogant strong-arm tactics, he gained favorable media headlines but no faithful friends. Now the emperor has no clothes. In the bedroom or in the pressroom.

As Spitzer fizzles, his alleged courtesan, Ashley Alexandra Dupre a/k/a Kristen can now afford to retire from the world’s oldest profession. The comely chanteuse can now exploit the situation as she contemplates offers to pose for Penthouse (unknown amount) and Hustler ($1,000,000), to give an exclusive to the entertainment show Extra for $100,000, a probable one to write a book, etc. According to FNC, Conde Nast Portfolio reports that her song, “Can You Handle Me, Boy? Sex, Money, Drugs Is What I’m All About,” has been downloaded one million times already and presages that she will earn a million dollars by next week by virtue of her downloads. Further, the New York Post said that Ashley’s MySpace page has had 5 million hits. The Emperor’s Club VIP has been linked to the Duke of Westminister (one of the richest men in the world and the godfather of Prince William), has been seen with P. Diddy’s posse, and has performed in a video with NY rapper Mysterious.

Did Spitzer give us the new Paris Hilton?