PAB: The Beck Girl

Is a sexier side of Patti Ann Browne, Glenn Beck’s headline reader, being revealed for the FNC viewer? The summa cum laude NY Institute of Technology of NY alum has seemed to shed her modest, mousy mien and embraced a saucier, edgier aura–at least, at night on Red Eye. With her ribald commentary and more daring wardrobe, she, FNC, or both appear to be trying to raise her profile.

If so, it appears to be working. As she continues to develop a faithful Red Eye and Internet fan base, she is enjoying success with the Glenn Beck Show. In fact, it won the cable news key viewer demographic (25-54) last Wednesday and last Thursday (including the O’Reilly Factor even though it is not in prime time: Perhaps, she is helping spike those ratings somewhat.* As an aside, her most recent appearance on Red Eye was such a hit that host Greg Gutfeld gleefully replayed footage of her daring display of decolletage the very next night.

Today, Patti Ann filled in as co-host of America’s Newsroom for the gorgeous gravid Megyn Kelly. Perhaps, she is being groomed to take Megyn’s place during her maternity leave. Or, even longer on AN if Greta Van Susteren’s contract is not renewed.**

*http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/08/27/big-beck-goes-over-3-million-viewers-beats-oreilly-in-demo-cable-news-ratings-for-wednesday-august-26-2009/25541

**http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/25/business/media/25greta.html

“Dissed” Dave Defensive

Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Dave Briggs did not appear to overly appreciate one follower’s Tweet yesterday. After Dave and fellow co-anchor Clayton Morris were preempted by their weekday counterparts, Twitter’s depochick asked, “Why can’t you guys handle Kennedy coverage?”* Whereas Clayton did not respond, Dave replied,” We can certainly handle it & more, just a station wide decision, heck Shep is in too. CNN did the same and I got to sleep in!”** (Dave failed to mention that CNN does not have an American Morning weekend program.)

One certainly can certainly understand Dave’s feeling dissed. However, F&F & F&FW co-anchors have regularly referred to the weekday crew as the “A” Team and weekend cast as the “B” Team. As such, one should not feel surprised nor snubbed when Bill Shine, FNC Senior VP of Programming, brings in the “A” Team to cover this special event (as he did during the pontiff’s 2008 U.S. visit and the presidential 2009 inaugural affairs).

For the reader who wonders why Alisyn Camerota, F&FW’s co-host, was on the curvy couch yesterday, cf. Carpe Diem’s “F&F’s A(ly)-Team.”***

*http://twitter.com/depochick

**http://twitter.com/claytonmorris

**http://twitter.com/foxdavebriggs

***https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2009/08/29/ffs-aly-team/

Obama: “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Repeal?

As President Barack Obama delivered an eloquent eulogy to the liberal lion of the Senate, he seemed ready to embrace not only Ted Kennedy’s health care cause but also a more controversial one. According to Politicsdaily.com, the deceased senator had begun and intended to champion the repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” military policy before he succumbed to his malignant malady. During his melancholic encomium, President Obama praised Kennedy for becoming more alive to the plight and suffering of others: Particularly, he cited “the young soldier denied her rights because of…who she loves….“* [Underscoring added for emphasis.]

If Obama truly deems the soldier to have the right to love whom she wants, the implication seems crystal clear. The Obama administration is actively looking at the repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy adopted during the Clinton administration. Will Kennedy’s legacy ultimately include this expansion of gay rights?

*http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/08/28/without-kennedy-dont-ask-dont-tell-foes-look-for-a-champio/

**After comparing Kennedy to William Wordsworth’s “happy warrior,” Obama declared, “Through his own suffering, Ted Kennedy became more alive to the plight and the suffering of others. The sick child who could not see a doctor, the young soldier denied her rights because of what she looks like or who she loves or where she comes from.”

F&F’s A(ly)-Team

Today, Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Alisyn Camerota once again showed that she is first femme on F&F’s real A-Team. As she did last year when Pope Benedict XVI arrived and this year during the Barack Obama inaugural coverage, Aly took the center seat on the latest F&F special, the Ted Kennedy funeral edition.* Not surprisingly, she performed par excellence.

Yesterday, go-to-cable-news-blog TVNewser, apparently, assumed that F&F co-host Gretchen Carlson would join her weekday co-anchor Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade as usual.** However, it was not to be. In fact, F&FW co-anchors Dave Briggs, Clayton Morris, and Alisyn Tweeted otherwise.*** E.g., after Clayton said that Brian and Steve would be in for the Kennedy funeral coverage, he obliquely commented, “Gretchen had a prior commitment.”

Today on F&FW, Steve simply said, “That’s why Brian and I are here this morning for Dave and Clayton with our special coverage of the [Kennedy] funeral, mass, and burial….” Conspicuously, he made no mention of Gretchen’s absence. Perhaps, he realized that he need not do so.

*https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2008/04/19/ff-a-team/

*https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2009/01/17/ffs-real-a-team/

**http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/obits/kennedy_funeral_coverage_cable_network_plans_129534.asp

***http://twitter.com/foxdavebriggs

***http://twitter.com/claytonmorris

***http://twitter.com/alyatfox

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Bad Boy Briggs?

Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez had Fox & Friends guest host Dave Briggs at her beck and call this morning. And, she knew it. Apparently, unable to contain his excitement, the ever ring-less Dave Tweeted about her three times* and posted their pic together.** (Speaking of, watch that right hand now, Dave!) In return, the Venezuelan beauty queen seemed not to mind: in fact, she seemed somewhat to revel in his obvious obsequience.

As the segment began with a beaming Dave quite close to the leggy, brunette beauty on the couch, Gretchen said, “I’m going to let Dave do this because he gets to sit right next to her.” Before introducing the Latin lovely, Dave declared, “Right. I’m so glad that Steve’s off: I’m going to e-mail Steve Doocy this morning.” Then tenderly touching her shoulder, he teased her about her tiara falling off during the post-crowning celebration.

Throughout the interview, Dave could not seem to keep his eyes off of her or to restrain his grinning. As he concluded the segment, he simply said, “Stefania Fernandez, congratulations!” Coquettishly, tilting her head toward him, she gave him an audible air kiss, cooing, “Muuah!”  When Gretchen, in response, exclaimed, “Ooh!” Dave beamed broadly and turned toward Stefania with randily raised eyebrows: Stefania coyly turned away and giggled.”

Dave, Dave!

*http://twitter.com/foxdavebriggs

**http://twitpic.com/fk35w

Tomorrow’s A-Team: Aly or Gretch?

TVNewser said, “Gretch.” Aly appears to aver, “Me!” Which Fox & Friends fox will co-host F&F Saturday’s special Kennedy funeral edition tomorrow with the A-Team boys? At 7:36 a.m. today, TVNewser reported Gretchen Carlson would be joining Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade.* However, about 10:00 a.m., F&FW’s Alisyn Camerota seemed to indicate that it would be she, not Gretchen. She Tweeted, “Sitting in my morning planning meeting, hammering out tomorrow’s show. Tune in at 7am…“

Who will it be? There certainly is precedent for Aly co-anchoring special editions with Brian and Steve on F&FW. When Pope Benedict XVI visited the United States last year, she excelled on the curvy couch betwixt the two on F&F Saturday.**

As Aly said, “Tune in at 7 a.m.” tomorrow to see for sure.

UPDATE: F&FW co-host Dave Briggs appears to disclose that it will indeed be Aly tomorrow. At approximately 6:40 p.m. ET, he Tweeted, “@sdoocy & @kilmeade filling in tomorrow.” N.B. Dave made no mention of Gretch’s doing likewise.***

UPDATE2: It’s Aly! Clayton Tweeted, “Steve and Brian are in tomorrow for Kennedy funeral coverage. Gretchen had a prior commitment.”**** Aly confirmed, “See you [Twitter followers & F&FW fans] bright and early tomorrow…”*****

*http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/obits/kennedy_funeral_coverage_cable_network_plans_129534.asp

**https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2008/04/19/ff-a-team/

***http://twitter.com/foxdavebriggs

****http://twitter.com/claytonmorris

*****http://twitter.com/alyatfox

Rob Unleashed: “Pimp” & “B-i-t-c-h’s”

American Morning’s meteorologist Rick Marciano treated viewers to a salty version of Rob’s Road Show this morning. Covering the Dog Day’s Festival in Mystic, Connecticut, Rob praised Rufus, the 2006 Westminister Best in Show Champion, as a “pimp” in the “puppy world.” As he was concluding his segment, guest co-host Carol Costello asked, “Rob, you called Rufus a ‘pimp’: why is he a pimp? Rob ribaldly replied, “Well, look at him: come on. Just the way he carries himself and, I’m told, the b-t-i-c-h’s [sic] treat him well.”

As Carol and AM co-anchor John Roberts roared with laughter, Rob added, “That’s what they’re called in the dog world.” Carol riantly replied, “I’m sorry I asked.” Rob jested, “Hopefully, I’ll be back with you in another hour.” Carol playfully commanded, “Go back on that leash, Rob: You need it.” Rob agreed, “Yeah, I do. And, a gag.”

Maybe, AM’s executive producer Jamie Kraft should rename Rob’s Road Show, “Rob: Unleashed!” He might begin to give FNC’s Fox & Friends a real run for the money. Especially, if he lets John and co-anchor Kiran Chetry follow Rob’s lead.

Gretch Gets Dave’s Goat

Fox & Friends guest co-anchor Dave Briggs was not amused with F&F co-host Gretchen Carlson’s characterization of him this morning. As the show first began with a voice-over intro, Gretchen commented, “That was Clayton Morris…the other gentleman who hosts the weekend edition of Fox & Friends. And, his sidekick, Dave Briggs is with us today.”

Taking obvious umbrage, slightly smiling and shaking his head up and down, Dave retorted, “His sidekick! Good to be here.” Realizing that she had hit a nerve, Gretchen replied, “Sorry for the description!…The guy who sits to the right on the couch.” Dave responded, “Co-host would work BUT sidekick, I guess, will have to work for now.”

Defensively, Gretchen answered, “I could think of worse!” Then, patting Dave on his knee reassuringly, she declared, “We’re glad to have you, obviously.”

Gretchen, remember Dave can be quite sensitive.

Happy Birthday, Kiran! Really.

Today American Morning co-host Kiran Chetry seemed to be in mourning not only for the liberal lion of the Senate but also for herself. Clad in a modest green top and a dark dreary jacket, the somber Nepalese beauty appeared not quite ready to celebrate her sixth anniversary of her 29th birthday. In fact, the only Twitter well-wisher she acknowledged was one who said, “Happy 21st birthday, Kiran!”* Appreciatively, she simply answered, “Thank you!”**

Kiran, fear not! Mother Nature has been very kind to you. You are not merely getting better with age: You are ageless.

*http://twitter.com/dreamcast65

**http://twitter.com/kiranchetrycnn

Gravid Megyn Slacks

America’s Newsroom co-anchor Megyn Kelly is proudly preggers today. Instead of jauntily displaying her gorgeous gams as she is wont to do, she has donned her drabbest of gray slacks. Whether her ankles are swollen or she just feels blah, she surely sends a less than subliminal message that she feels “yucky.”

No worries, Megyn. Gravid or not, you are a beauty!

“I Am Very Happily Married”

That pesky wedding ring. Until Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Dave Briggs treasures his wedding band as much as he does his cell phone, he is going to keep getting grief from F&FW fans and Twitter followers. E.g., after his return from his Turks and Caicos vacation, Twitter’s tnr4evr stated, “We noticed you didn’t have a tan line on your ring finger!!!!”*

In response, Dave declared, “[A]hh yes my wedding ring, I did lose it a few weeks ago and have been scrambling around looking for it. I am very happily married.”** Regrettably, his “ringless” state is nothing new. In fact, Dave has admitted, “I forget where I put my wedding ring all the time.”***

In this sense, the F&FW sports guy seems like the stereotypical jock, i.e., albeit popular, too oft clueless. In the past month or two, FNC’s audience heard of an unfaithful man allegedly having a certain body part Super-glued to his abdomen by his piqued paramours: As a “very happily married” man, Dave should not object too much if his wife Brandi, understandably, Super-glues his wedding band to his ring finger. Go for it, Brandi!

*http://twitter.com/#search?q=foxdavebriggs

**http://twitter.com/foxdavebriggs

***https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2009/07/28/daves-missing-ring-my-wife-knows/

Dave on Mute

Today Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Dave Briggs returned from his family vacation to the show tight-lipped. Other than Tweeting an announcement that he was back from the Turks and Caicos islands and a lone landscape beach Twitpic, he said very little. No mention was made of his wife Brandi at all; of his daughter Emerson or son William specifically; or anything that he and his fam did.

As F&FW fans know, Dave generally gushes garrulously when it comes to his wife and kids. However, of late, he seems to be more guarded in his remarks. Even his colleagues seem to have got the message. E.g., when Mike Jerrick, F&FW Dave’s substitute last weekend, asked, “Where is Dave, again?,” co-anchor Alisyn Camerota replied, “He’s on a fabulous vacation:  That’s all you need to know!” In fact, today, when meteorologist Rick Reichmuth mentioned Dave’s holiday in the Turks and Caicos, he then haltingly said, “I don’t know if you’ve announced that’s where you went”: Reassuring him that he had not crossed the line, Dave declared, “That’s where I was, my friend.”

Dave, your most manifest asset has been your apparent love, appreciation, and enjoyment of your family. Even  though the author may pique you on occasion in this regard, do not be afraid to share it with your audience. All in all, you won’t be sorry.

*https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2009/08/16/ffw-daves-really-on-vacation/

Christine’s Ring: Good News?

Today American Morning biz correspondent Christine Romans sported a big ring on THAT finger: No, she was not wearing a band on the middle finger of her left hand a la an earlier “Crafty Christine.”* However, it may not be too serious. When co-host Kiran Chetry said that a “Money, Money, Money” intro song reminded her of Donald Trump and Christine, Christine chuckled. Twisting Kiran’s words a whit, John jested, “Together? As a couple?” Then blushing and beaming, Christine bent over in ebullient laughter.

Any good news you want to share, Christine?

*https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2009/07/25/crafty-christine/

NYT’s Aly: Profile in Beauty

Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Alisyn Camerota is getting the eye, and not just from her red-blooded male admirers. In fact, the Old Gray Lady will be watching her intently this Sunday. According to Aly (on Red Eye this morning), New York Times photogs will be following the hottie host around on the F&FW set and taking pics of her for an upcoming profile.

Laurels, Aly!

“Old” E.D.: New View

Former Fox & Friends co-host E.D. Hill may have been too old and controversial for FNC but she will be right at home on ABC’s The View.* According to the Washington Post, E.D. will be one of the substitute co-hosts for Elisabeth Hasselbeck (on maternity leave) this fall on the all-femme gabfest.** (As an aside, reportedly, another guest co-host will be the equally confident and assertive Meghan McCain.)**

As F&F fans may remember, E.D. was famous for her opinionated soliloquys on F&F. In fact, so much so, that the producers often would air a flying flag vid with accompanying patriotic music to give her the humorous “hush” hint.*** On the View, she will be in her element, where Silent Cal is seen as Satan. This conservative, brassy Texas beauty will be more than able to hold her own against her more lib counterparts, e.g., Joy Behar, Barbara Walters, et al.

Tune in: The sparks should be fun to watch.

*https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2008/11/19/ed-out-over-fncs-hill/

**http://www.nypost.com/seven/08202009/tv/meghan_mccain_liked_view_185476.htm

***https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2009/03/30/carlsons-carping-unfurl-eds-flag/

John: Sex or Sleep, Kiran?

Sex in the A.M. American Morning co-hosts John Roberts and Kiran Chetry appeared rather interested this morning in their story, “Sleep or Sex,” (in the 6:00 a.m. ET “A Block”). Introducing the Westin Hotel chain/National Sleep Foundation survey question, John asked, “If you had to choose between a good night sleep or great sex, which would you take?” Randily, he then looked expectantly at Kiran.

In her presumed sexual prime at the age of thirty-four, the comely Kiran batted her lashes, smiled, and coquettishly queried, “You’re asking me?” When he realized that she would not respond more forthrightly, John continued, “The results might surprise you.” Kiran replied, “Maybe, not: depending. But 51% of people…said they’d rather have a perfect night’s sleep over the sex.” Looking into her Canadian/American co-anchor’s eyes, Kiran cooed, “Canadian travelers, they’re the ones that are much more likely to say sex.”

Turning toward the camera, John replied, “They’re a fun bunch of people. Heartily concurring, Kiran exclaimed, “Yeah!” Then, laughing lustily, she tried to catch his eye again. However, he successfully averted her gaze, and merely beamed.

After Kiran’s vacation in Negril (nineth-anniversary), maybe, hubby Chris will let the cat out of the bag.

Scrooge McKilmeade

Brian, you wanted lemonade money back from Clementine, a ten-year old little girl? It’s one thing to tend to “welch” on lost wagers with your Fox & Friends co-hosts:* However, today was another thing altogether. Like Scrooge, it seemed a little too rich.

In a sympathetic story on Clementine Lee, who was ticketed for selling lemonade (fifty cents per cup) at Central Park in New York City, to the small lass, Brian effused, “You’re an entrepreneur, and we’re a capitalistic society.” At the end of the segment, co-anchor Gretchen asked, “Can I have some lemonade this morning.” Co-host Steve Doocy said, “I’m buying! How much is it per glass?”

When Clementine responded, “Fifty cents,” Kilmeade, pulling a dollar from pants pocket, asked, “Can I get two, one for me and my friend? Anybody else?” Then, giving Clementine another, apparently, also from Brian, Gretchen stated, This is the tip.” Clementine softly and sweetly replied, “Thank you.” Handing her another two dollars, Brian remarked, “Don’t let the government stop you.” As the segment concluded, he laughed, “[Clementine, you’re] taking all of my money.”

Off camera, as the promos ran, Brian exclaimed, “I’m not getting my money back.” Perhaps, regarding the tip, Gretch answered, “I’ve got one.”

Maybe, it should have been “Hush!”

*https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2009/02/01/briggs-brian-welcher/

F&FW Truncated: No Explanation

What happened to Fox & Friends Weekend’s first hour today? Instead of starting at 6:00 a.m. ET, F&FW began at 7:00 a.m. ET. Not surprisingly, no explanation was offered to the viewer. It appears that F&FW may have returned to its three-hour format the very same way that it expanded to a four-hour one, i.e., without bothering to tell its fans.

F&FW: Dave’s Really on Vacation

Fox & Friends Weekend practically screamed to its viewers that Dave is still around. With the return of the popular former F&FW co-anchor Mike Jerrick to guest host the show, F&FW seemed to want to tamp down speculation that his stay may be more permanent. As long-time F&FW viewers may remember Page Hopkins was once, too, on “vacation” and famously did not return to host the program.

In fact, Mike Jerrick brought up the subject as the program opened: He asked, “Where is Dave, again?” As co-host Clayton Morris began to answer, colleague Alisyn Camerota cut in and said, “He’s on a fabulous vacation:  That’s all you need to know!” Mike laughed, “That’s all I need to know?” Aly riposted, “Yeah!” Since then Dave has been mentioned five more times and Mike’s being in for him thrice more.

Ergo, viewers, the message appears clear: Dave is really on vacation.

Hottie Huddy Reappears

FNC’s Juliet Huddy dumped her frump front last night in her return to Red Eye. Perhaps, responding to the author and her Twitter followers, she jettisoned her “priggish schoolmarm” attire (e.g., Live Desk Tuesday) and her very caz jeans-and-shoes style (a la an earlier RE appearance).* In their stead, the blond beauty re-embraced her hottie look: Juliet sported a sexy short, sleeveless golden dress and matching chic tall, strappy stilettos.

Perhaps, not so ironically, Juliet appeared on Red Eye just hours before her former FOX Morning Show with Mike and Juliet co-star Mike Jerrick made his triumphant return to Fox & Friends Weekend. Apparently, she wanted to remind her fans that she’s back, too. And in rare form.

*https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2009/08/12/bad-juliet-detention/

*http://twitter.com/#search?q=juliethuddy