Aly’s RESOLVE: Back to NBC

To where she once belonged? Perhaps. Wednesday Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Alisyn Camerota excitedly promoted her upcoming infertility awareness interview–not on her current network, FNC, but on her old one, NBC. She Tweeted, “I’ll be on the @todayshow tomorrow at 8:08 am about my volunteer work with an infertility support group and my own story. Hope you tune in!” [N.B. Aly has since deleted this seemingly verboten Tweet made at “10:10 AM Feb 24 by web” but it is available as a true Twitter Retweet here.]

Somewhat surprised by Aly’s future appearance on another network, the author quickly and playfully Tweeted back, “What channel is that on, Aly? ;-) Will u also be talking about ur infertility support group work & ur personal story on F&F, too?”  Aly did not respond.

Nevertheless, Aly made sure that her Twitter followers, including the author, did not miss her interview on the Today Show Thursday. Soon after her appearance on the program, she excitedly Tweeted, “Here’s a clip from my @todayshow appearance this morning! http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/41755675#41755675.” Only forty minutes later, she linked to a related article that she had penned for Today’s Moms entitled, “Alisyn Camerota: Why I’m speaking out about my struggled with fertility.” However, this weekend, on her own morning news show (Fox & Friends Weekend), Alisyn strangely did not even mention her infertility awareness cause nor her NBC special appearance to tout it.

Or was it so strange? This February does mark the thirteen anniversary  of Aly at Fox News after working at NBC (WHDH-TV Boston). Perhaps, her contract is about to run out and she is considering a return to the Peacock Network. Not too mention, FNC Senior Veep of Programming Bill Shine may have been doing a Fox & Friends Weekend audition with two different gals, Dana Perino and Molly Line, substituting for Aly only last weekend.

Stay tuned. But, to what channel? Both.

[Author’s aside: Re “RESOLVE” in the rubric of this article, Aly serves as a volunteer for RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association. In fact, last year, Aly was a RESOLVE Peer-Led Support Group Leader and the Mistress of Ceremonies at RESOLVE’s 2010 Night of Hope Gala award show.

Roberts-Phillips’ Engagement: Off?

Roberts: “No plan for a wedding.” Is the thrill gone for FNC’s brand new senior national correspondent John Roberts and his “fiancee” CNN Newsroom anchor Kyra Phillps? It certainly seems so. Today, the Huffington Post reported that “Roberts says he doesn’t call Phillips his fiancee and that they have no real plans to get married anytime soon.” Interestingly, around the same time that article posted (10:22 a.m.) during her program CNN Newsroom, Phillips Tweeted, “A columnist has 6 possible reasons why single ladies aren’t married… it’s harsh & we’re talkin’ bout it in 10 mins.”

Only ten months ago to the day, TVNewser announced the engagement of Roberts and Phillips. It reported how a romantic Roberts had proposed on bended knee during a round of golf on the final hole at Greenbriar Resort (West Virginia). Accompanying the article was a photo of the happy couple posing on that 18th green with champagne glasses in hand as Phillips joyfully sported her new engagement ring.

Today, the Huffington Post seemed to suggest a shift in Robert’s and Phillips’ status. In a phone call yesterday with HuffPo, Roberts discussed his relationship with Phillips (among other topics, e.g., Fox News, CNN, and Roger Ailes). As to Phillips and himself, Roberts revealed, “No plan for a wedding.” Elaborating, he declared, “I call her my wife, she refers to me as her husband….[A]t our age, fiancee just doesn’t sound right.” Perhaps, portentously, he added, “And, when you call somebody your sweetheart, eventually that gets old as well.” Nevertheless, Roberts said that he does expect that they’ll get married “at some point.”

While Roberts and Phillips’ “engagement” may seem tenuous at best, they do have a certain and concrete connection. I.e., while Phillips may not be Roberts’ wife anytime soon, she is the expectant mother of their twins. They are due March 21.

“MIA” Kiran: “Two Days!”

Mediaite.com’s Christopher: Two Stories! Did American Morning‘s Valentine, co-host Kiran Chetry, make Mediaite columnist Tommy Christopher go weak in the knees–or, perhaps, mushy in the mind? During this month of Amor, Christopher has penned two articles on Kiran and her  “unusually devoted fan base” (“who had a little panic attack” when she took an unannounced five-day vacation in the Dominican Republic barely a month after her former co-anchor John Roberts was axed on Christmas Eve). Even though Christopher got his conclusion right about Kiran, unfortunately, he got the facts wrong about her and her fans–twice.

In his first column (February 1), “Fans of CNN’s Kiran Chetry Rejoice! She Will Be Back on the Air Wednesday Morning (February 2),” Christopher rightly declared that the “real story…is [Kiran’s] dedicated fans.” However, he erroneously elaborated that they were so worried about Kiran after her “two-day absence” from American Morning that they spiked traffic to a “four-month-old post” so high that it hit the number 5 position on Mediaite in a “very unusual occurrence.” [Underscoring added for emphasis.] In awe, Christopher marveled, “Such grassroots fandom is the stuff that superstars are made of.”

In his followup piece, entitled “CNN’s Kiran Chetry Talks American Morning, John Roberts, and Journalism with Mediaite,” Christopher interviewed Kiran about the reaction of her “unusually devoted fan base” to her absence. Perhaps, hedging on her time away, he began, “Your fans, you took a few days off and your fans”: Before he could finish, Chetry inexplicably and incorrectly interjected, “Two days!” Echoing her error, Christopher continued, “Two days and your fans got all worried about you. How did that make you feel?…I’ve never seen that before.” Kiran answered that “it was very flattering that people wondered where I was” and that part of the interest probably pertained to John Robert’s recent low-key departure from AM.

As Kiran seemed to suggest, her American Morning fans probably did wonder where she was and were concerned that she may have been canned like Roberts as she frolicked in the Dominican Republic with her hubby Chris Knowles. Also, undoubtedly, Christopher was correct that Kiran has “super-devoted fans” who may “have had a little panic attack when she took…off.” However, they did not have that “little panic attack” Tuesday after Kiran had been off for only the second day in a row as Christopher claimed: rather, they grew concerned after she had been gone for five straight days. (Apparently, Christopher, did not realize that Kiran had also been off the Friday beforehand.)

Nevertheless, Christopher can not necessarily be blamed for being a bit discombobulated by the allure of AM‘s Aphrodite. Others, including Kiran’s former AM co-anchor John Roberts (twice), her current interim co-host T. J. Holmes, and her guest Richard Simmons have swooned in her presence. In fact, even the author from afar.

[Author’s aside: Kiran was off January 28-February 1. Kate Bouldan substituted for Kiran on January 28 (Friday); January 31 (Monday) and February 1 (Tuesday).]

5 Straight Days: 5 Hot Hostesses!

A rehabbed Charlie Sheen’s schedule? No, it was Fox & Friends’ rotation from Friday through today. In quick succession, F&F fans were treated to hot and spicy Alisyn Camerota Friday, attractive brainiac Dana Perino Saturday, gorgeous girl-next-door Molly Line Sunday, sexy Southern belle Ainsley Earhardt Monday, and proud beauty queen Gretchen Carlson today. It was almost as if FNC Senior Programming Veep Bill Shine were giving his viewers the proverbial lady lineup from which to choose to spend some quality time in the near future.

Perhaps, it was merely a matter of Gretchen taking a few weekdays off and Aly vacationing over the weekend. However, it seemed to the author more as if Shine were potentially toying with the idea of changing up his F&F and F&FW casts. E.g., was he considering promoting Aly or Ainsley to F&F weekday and auditioning Dana and Molly for the center seat on F&FW? Or, maybe, Shine simply wanted to make sure that his F&F audiences did not fall victim to the Coolidge effect.

If so, he succeeded.

Molly’s Bottom Line

Rick’s secret advice: “break a leg” or “show some leg”? As FNC correspondent Molly Line made her virgin appearance on Fox & Friends Weekend as a guest co-host, she received some sage off-camera advice from her former WFXT-FOX 25 (Boston, MA) colleauge, F&FW meteorologist Rick Reichmuth.* And, F&FW co-anchor Dave Briggs let the viewers in on it. Sorta.

As F&FW began, Dave introduced Alisyn Camerota’s sexy auburn-tressed substitute, Molly. Clad in her short, sleeveless M&M-green dress, she partially obscured her long gams by putting her laptop screen up (unlike her co-hosts, Dave and Clayton Morris). However, she seemed to coyly tease her viewers with her hem hiked just high enough to reveal a scintilla of her apparent Spanx shorts.

And, perhaps, Molly’s distaff display was no accident. Less than ten minutes later, when it was time for the weather forecast, a smiling Dave segued saying, “Let’s get to Rick Reichmuth, who just had the best advice for Molly Line this morning. Unfortunately, we cannot repeat what he said to her just a few moments ago.”** As Molly tittered, a laughing Rick exclaimed, “Watch it, Dave! Watch it!” Then, offering her fans a hint, Molly rejoined, “It was right along the lines of good luck. Right?”

Right along the lines of “good luck”? In the theater, “Break a leg!,” is a traditional good-luck wish (according to  Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable). And, with little doubt, Rick’s unrepeatable advice was a racy take on that entertainment exhortation. Perchance, rather than “break a leg, Molly,” it was “show some leg, Molly!” And, did she ever! In fact, she did him one better: she generously showed both of them–with pluck and aplomb.

Molly: Keeping the “Fox” in Fox & Friends Weekend!

[Author’s aside: To keep up with Molly on Twitter, link here.]

*It was Molly’s first appearance on F&FW as co-anchor according to the author’s recollection.

**Fox & Friends Weekend – 02/20/11 (@ 6:09 a.m. ET)

Mr. Briggs: An “Unpoppable” Alpha Male

Clayton: “Dave’s nickname around here is “Princess.” Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Dave Briggs finally got some regal respect Saturday. I.e., F&FW‘s “Princess” Dave was dubbed an “Unpoppable” Alpha Male.

Yes, it may have been guest co-host and former White House Press Secretary Dana Perino’s day initially but even she had to give way finally to the real F&FW Princess. As F&FW began its final segment, Dave sat on the curvy couch with Dana and Clayton Morris, his co-anchors, and guest Addi Somekh, star and artist of TLC’s “The Unpoppables.” Initially, Dana briefly donned the balloon coronet newly created for her by Somekh but she summarily doffed it as soon as she could.

Immediately thereafter, Clayton grabbed it and impishly remarked, “I think this actually fits Dave better.” As he then began to place it near Dave’s head, a ductile Dave took it and started to crown himself with it. But, before he actually did so, Somekh interjected, “Actually, I made Dave a kind of an alpha male crown.”

As an appreciative Dave responded, “Thank you, thank you,” Somekh bestowed a purple phallic-shaped balloon coronet upon Dave. When Somekh explained, “This is more of…a conquering warrior crown, a self-deprecating Dave gritted his teeth and shook his head no. Meanwhile, Clayton drolly declared, “Although, Dave, Dave’s nickname around here is ‘Princess.'” Dutifully, Dave concurred, “Princess. Yeah, yeah. That’s right.”

Actually, Dave, rather princely.

[Author’s aside: N.B. The aforementioned episode occurred between the time that Dana had donned her diadem and Clayton invited F&FW fans to watch the After the Show Show. Cf. Carpe Diem‘s “‘Princess’ Perino: ‘Grandma America.'”]

Fox & Friends Weekend – 02/18/11 (@ 9:59 a.m. ET)

“Princess” Perino: “Grandma America”

Clayton Morris: Dana worried about looking like a fool. Fox & Friends Weekend guest co-host Dana Perino admitted to a fit of nerves the night before she began the show Saturday. When co-anchor Clayton Morris introduced co-host Alisyn Camerota’s fill-in, he revealed that Dana had arisen at 2:00 a.m. because she was not able to sleep. In response, she readily admitted, “I was so nervous!”*

However, in her first four-hour F&FW marathon, the former White House Press Secretary (2007-2009) seemed almost at ease as Clayton and co-host Dave Briggs joked goatishly about “sausage” during stories about a streaking sausage burglar and racily about eagerly getting “behind” the hot-models-get-visas proposal from NYC Mayor Bloomberg. In fact, as the final hour began, Dana seemed even more relaxed as she shared some of her personal life, declaring, “I just found out that my grandchildren, Rachel and Sebastian–my grand twins in Scotland, are watching. So, we’ll say a little ‘hi’ to them. They call me ‘Grandma America.'”**

Nevertheless, in the last half hour, Dana showed her more staid, stodgy side during a segment with TLC’s “The Unpoppables” artist Addi Somekh. After she and Clayton had interviewed him, Somekh created a crown for a rather reluctant Dana. When Somekh placed the tawdry tiara atop her head, an almost dour Dana exclaimed, “Oh! Well, this’ll look great on YouTube. This will be great.”*** As Clayton began to tease her, Dana gamely smiled and wryly remarked, “I’ve gone from White House Press Secretary to Poppable, Unpoppable balloon art wearer.”

Later, in the last F&FW block, Dana tried to get her groove on as she sat on the curvy couch with Clayton, Dave, and Somekh. As she held a Somekh’s freshly fashioned a pseudo “Star Wars bar” tiara in her hand, Dave declared, “We’re about out of time here on Fox & Friends. We want to thank Princess Dana Perino, former  [White House] Press Secretary.”**** Bravely donning her new headdress, Dana replied, “I know. He made this for me: So, I feel like I have to be a good sport and put it on. He says, ‘It’s a balloon cosmic princess.'”

Subsequently, as F&FW ended, Dana demonstrated that not only had she done her duty but also had almost enjoyed it. As Clayton invited viewers to the After the Show Show, he pointed to Dana’s crown (then atop his head) and teased, “Dana was worried about looking like a fool.”*****Dana stammered, “No, I, I feel perfectly comfortable now.” Clayton rejoined, “I don’t know what she was talking about. This is Fox & Friends!”

Well said, Clayton.

*Fox & Friends Weekend – 02/18/11 @6:01 a.m. ET.

**Ibid. @ 9:01 a.m ET.

***Ibid. @ 9:38 a.m. ET.

****Ibid. @ 9:59 a.m. ET.

*****Ibid. @ 9:59 a.m. ET.

Shep the Schlep

Shepard still wallowing in his own vomit. And, Fox News is still enabling the Ole Miss good old boy that failed to graduate–or mature. Friday, on Fox Report, Shep de Sade (er, Shep de Sad) once again exploited the black bear, ironically, the mascot of his beloved school, during yet another infamous “Bear Alert.”

After reporting on an Alaskan-black-bear-hibernation study, including video (more aptly, a “Cool Critters” segment), with potential benefits for astronauts on long missions, Shep seized the opportunity to air gratuitously yet again the cringe-inducing excerpt of the Trampoline Bear video. As he concluded his story, Shep jested that instead of aiding human astronauts, that “we could just bounce the bears into space.”* Of course, he simultaneously ran the repugnant eight-year-old footage of a tranquilized black bear’s horrific headfirst plunge into an unforgiving terra firma.

Most disconcerting was–and is–Shep’s ignoble glee in the black bear’s plight. If he treats animals so poorly on television, one may ask if he treats humans much better off of it. E.g., did Shep really stand up heroically for the Hurricane Katrina victims or did he simply Pharisaically pose for his Fox News fans.

It’s high time for FNC to tell Shep to shape up or ship out!

*Fox Report with Shepard Smith – 02/18/11 (@ 7:57 p.m. ET)

Aly’s F&F: “The Hardness Factor”

Camerota:  “Tempest in a ‘C’ Cup.” Before hitting the snowy slopes this weekend, Fox & Friends‘ alluring Alisyn Camerota heated up the F&F “lodge” Friday. To wit, she started the fires with her racy analysis of the Sarah Palin/Michelle Obama breastfeeding brouhaha, stoked them with her “Hardness Factor” promo, and later brought them to a roar with her handling of the fertility segment itself.

When F&F ran the Sarah Palin/Michele Obama story (in which Palin jauntily jested that new moms should follow the First lady’s advice to breastfeed their babies “because the price of milk is so high,” Aly asserted, I’m confused by this debate.”* Elaborating, she declared, “Everybody basically agrees that breastfeeding is best: So…they’re not in dispute. It’s good economically [and] it’s good nutritionally….I think that Michelle Obama is just…trying to cut down on obesity….First Ladies have often had advocacy of certain issues.” Defusing the partisan issue with her sexy spark, a smiling, suggestive Aly saucily concluded, This is a tempest in a teapot. Or, a teacup. Or, a ‘C’ cup.”

Subsequently, matters turned more sensual in the final hour as Aly’s co-anchor Steve Doocy teased the “Hardness Factor” segment. As Geraldo Rivera waited in the wings to promote his show, Steve ribaldly remarked that F&F was going to tell viewers how to have a baby on 11/11/11.** Amused, Aly animatedly clapped her hands and saucily tittered, “Not only that, Brian and I are going to eat libido-enhancing foods: Steve, you may want to wear some protective gear after that. That’s all I’m saying.”

As Steve cringed in mock disgust at Aly’s fresh comment, co-host Brian Kilmeade laughed heartily, declaring, “And, Geraldo is here weighing in on everything: there’s not a topic that he can’t handle. Meanwhile, the priapic anchor of his eponymous show Geraldo at Large appeared on split screen with the co-host trio, salaciously interjecting, “My head’s going to blow.” As a smiling Aly raised her eyebrows and a reddening Steve laughed heartily, a waggish Brian exclaimed, “So to speak!”

Later, Aly turned up the heat even more in her sexy food segment with Brian. Before she did so, Brian introduced Dr. Steven Lamm, author of “How to Achieve Your Best Health and Sexual Fitness at Any Age: “The Hardness Factor” and asked him to give a “clinical look at something people like to giggle about.”*** Complying with alacrity, Lamm asked what food should not be eaten before lovemaking. When an off-camera Steve interjected, “Garlic,” Aly correctly countered, “No…Oh, no! I know the answer. It’s this one [cheeseburger and “raw meat”].”

Subsequently, Aly showed that her apt answer was no fluke as Lamm went through his list of fertility foods by property (anatomic, aromatic, and chemical). As he began to explain, saying, “When you look at foods, they are either going to look phallic,” a lusty Aly arched her eyebrows, smiled suggestively, and nodded assuredly. Then, when Lamm explained that other aphrodisiacs emitted an aroma, a light-hearted Aly identified basil as one that Italian men loved. Subsequently, when Lamm elaborated that hot peppers, chocolate, and honey chemically charged the body for love, a naughty Aly dipped her index finger into the honey (at Lamm’s invitation), put it between her lips, and then sensually suckled it.

Seemingly, Aly was too hot for F&F‘s producers. As she stuck her finger into her mouth, the camera lingered for a few safe seconds on the honey jar. Not until she began to suck her finger clean, did it pan up to her face, and then–at a discreet distance.

Nevertheless, apparently, Aly felt just right. As she concluded the “Hardness Factor” with Lamm, she randily remarked, “Thank you. We’re feeling more fertile already. Thanks, doctor.”

Aly: F&F’s real Doctor Feelgood?

*Fox & Friends – 02/18/11 – @ 7:09 a.m. ET

**Fox & Friends – 02/18/11 – @ 8:01 a.m. ET

***Fox & Friends – 02/18/11 – @ 8:23 a.m. ET

CNN Reporter: “Russian Roulette: Give It a Shot!”

Living on the edge: Or, dying there? On American Morning today, CNN correspondent Deborah Feyerick certainly left her audience with a buzz. At mid-show with co-hosts Kiran Chetry and T. J. Holmes by her side, Feyerick reported on the the proliferation of “bath salts,” a misnamed substance that mimics cocaine and is legally available in most States.

During her segment, Feyerick ran an interview of DEA special agent Gary Boggs, who expounded on the availability and dangers of the over-the-counter drug. When Feyerick wrapped up her story, she declared that there was no medicinal purpose for the “bath salts” and that people who want to get high can use it: However, she cautioned that they are playing Russian roulette (as she said that Boggs had characterized it). Then, coining the worst AM tagline ever, Feyerick concluded, “Russian roulette: give it a shot!”*

Clever, Deb. But, what a dud. Hopefully!

*American Morning – 02/16/11 (@ 7:34 a.m. ET)

Clayton: “Another Happy Ending”?

Back in the saddle again! Fresh from France after his romantic honeymoon in Europe with his beautiful wife Natali Morris nee Del Conte, Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Clayton Morris got back on his mount Sunday as frisky as ever. During a Valentine segment, Clayton discussed the “fine points” of a love-in-the-office poll with his co-hosts Alisyn Camerota and Dave Briggs. Continental style.

With about an hour and half to go in the show, Dave introduced the F&FW segment and Aly read the Careerbuilder.com poll statistics on workplace romance (i.e., the percentages of people who had dated and married a co-worker).* Subsequently, Clayton read a viewer e-mail from “Harvey” that indicated that relationships merely caused difficulties for the other employees: Then, opining, Clayton commented, “It only feels uncomfortable for other employees when they don’t tell people.” Racily, Aly added, “Or, or, when they’re caught making out in the broom closet or something like that.”

Thereafter, Dave read another audience email from “Cheryl” who said that she had dated someone at work, got married to him, and was still married after thirty-one years. Then, Dave declared, “Good to know there are some happy endings in all of these relationship[s]. In response, Clayton, looking at Dave, salaciously smiled, and arrantly arched his eyebrows.

Subsequently, Aly read still another viewer email, from “James,” that said that he and his wife were co-workers, started dating on Valentine’s Day, and had been married for eleven years. As she did, Clayton priapically deadpanned, “Congratulations. Another ‘happy ending.'” Abruptly stopping mid-sentence, a lusty Aly rolled her eyes at Clayton, bowed her head, and licked her lips. Meanwhile, Dave’s eyes widened as he burst out in laughter and then looked down in disbelief. Reveling in his success, a goatish Clayton slightly smiled and nodded his head in satisfaction.

This F&FW story a little late: But, another“happy ending”?

Fox & Friends Weekend – 02/13/11 (@ 8:32 a.m. ET)

Paul Whacks Trump Back

Rep. Ron Paul struck back at real estate mogul Donald Trump during an interview Sunday on Fox & Friends Weekend. When asked by F&FW co-anchor Alisyn Camerota for a response to Trump’s scoffing, “Look, we all know Ron Paul can never win,” (Thursday at the Conservative Political Action Conference) ” Paul derisively laughed, “I don’t know whether anybody who’s never run a race or won a race is going to be the judge of whether or not an individual can win.*

GOP Presidential polemics: the fun has begun!

Fox & Friends Weekend – 02/13/11 (@ 9:05 a.m. ET)

*Camerota actually paraphrased Trump’s saying, “By the way, Ron Paul cannot get elected, I’m sorry to tell you….Honestly, he has just zero chance of getting elected. You have to win an election.”

Update: Ron Paul repeated his slam of Trump again today on American Morning in an interview with AM co-host Kiran Chetry. When Chetry asked Paul about Trump’s slam at CPAC, he replied, “I’ve won eleven times….I don’t know whether he has earned the right…to criticize somebody for not winning an election when I don’t know how many elections he’s won himself.” (Vid via Mediaite.)

ANHQ: Who’s the New “Girl”?

Heather Childers. When a Twitter follower asked Julie Banderas yesterday about not seeing her on with Gregg Jarrett on the weekend [America’s News HQ], she tersely Tweeted, “Yeah, he got a new co-anchor.” And, just who is that co-anchor? Her name is Heather Childers, a recent Fox News hire.”

According to her hometown paper Charlotte Observer, Heather was reared in Charlotte, North Carolina; graduated from UNC Chapel Hill; and worked for eight years at Time Warner Cable’s News 14 Carolina (a 24-hour news channel). The Observer reported that Heather left News 14 Carolina last year in search of “bigger things” and finally landed a job at Fox News. It quoted an apparently ecstatic Heather as saying, “Now my dreams have come true.”

At FNC, Heather co-anchors America’s News Headquarters with Gregg Jarrett on the weekend generally from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET. She also Tweets her Twitter followers almost daily with a truly personal touch. (Cf. link here.)

A belated congrats, Heather!

Janice Dean: “The Baby Machine” Delivers

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

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

Congratulations, Janice and Sean!

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

T. J.’s Secret: Telious Jr.?

“I could tell you but then we’d have to take your camera.” Yesterday American Morning co-host T. J. Holmes seemed somewhat embarrassed when his CNN colleague and personal doctor, Sanjay Gupta, revealed his first name “Loutelious” to the AM audience. In an undated Blip TV “My Urban Report” interview, T. J. had a similar reaction when asked what the “T.J.” stood for and whether it was a secret.”  Breaking into a huge grin, T. J. put his right index finger to his lips, bowed his head and closed his eyes: sounding like a Southern gentleman mafioso, he replied, “I could tell you but we’d have to take your camera….It’s kind of a family nickname. So, yeah.”

As Sanjay indicated, apparently, T. J.’s first name is Loutelious. If the reader distrusts Sanjay (or the author), please consider the following facts. Less than five months ago, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that T. J. and Marilee Fiebag would “tie the knot in March in Memphis: Later, according to the Commercial Appeal (dated March 2, 2010, at midnight), a certain Loutelious Holmes, Jr. and Marilee Fiebig obtained their marriage license. And, for that lingering doubting Thomas, remember, T. J.’s hometown is West Memphis, Arkansas (just across the Mississippi River from the aforementioned Memphis, TN) and T.J. said that his father was the principal of his hometown high school: the principal of West Memphis High School was Loutelious Holmes, Sr.

As to T.J.’s middle name, it is Ann according to Wikipedia (and T.J.-following sites such as the Black Snob and Black America Web appear to confirm that fact).

Pertaining to the “secret” of T.J.’s sobriquet, did Black Snob commenter Karen H. provided the answer? She claimed that she attended college with “Loutelious Ann Holmes, Jr., of West Memphis, Arkansas, [who was] better known as TJ or Telious Jr.” T. J. said that his monikner was a “family nickname.” Sounds like Karen H. may have well nailed it.

Sanjay: “Loutelious [T. J.] Holmes”

T.M.I. for T.J.? On American Morning yesterday, CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta may have disclosed a bit too much information for the comfort of his colleague and his patient, AM co-host T.J. Holmes. I.e, Sanjay revealed T.J.’s rather unusual first name.

During a segment on strokes with T.J. and co-anchor Kiran Chetry, Sanjay had T.J. demonstrate for the AM audience the technique F.A.S.T. (an acronym for face, arms, speech, and time) used to evaluate a possible stroke victim.* When Sanjay got to the element speech, he mischievously said, “So, for example, T.J., you’d say your full name, and I’d make sure you’re not slurring your words or anything.” After T.J. responded, “T.J. Holmes,” a smiling Sanjay said, “Loutelious, Loutelious Holmes, right?”

Grinning, T.J. countered, “T.J., T.J. Holmes. Yes.” Cocking his heading in mock concern, Sanjay replied, “I don’t know, T J.” Somewhat chagrined, T.J. answered, “I think I’m okay.” Teasing, Sanjay retorted, “I’m not sure you’re saying you’re real name. I’m a little concerned now. [I need to] check you out when I get up there.” As Sanjay smiled from ear to ear, T.J. laughed heartily. Then, as Kiran tried to the next question, saying, “He’s fine: it’s these other,” Sanjay got in one last puckish prick at T.J., interjecting, “Loutelious!

Subsequently, as the segment concluded, T.J. declared, “I think I have an appointment with you this weekend, Doctor.” Jesting, Sanjay replied, “As usual. Keep it this time.” Subsequently, Kiran turned to T.J. and queried, “He’s your doctor?” Nodding, T.J. affirmed, “He is my doctor.”

Of course, today, T.J. may well be reviewing his medical release agreement with the good doctor.

*American Morning – 01/10/11 (@ 8:16 a.m.)

AM Live Mike: Rob’s Ironic Rant

T. J. Holmes: “Can we get Rob’s mike off?” Today American Morning meteorologist Rob Marciano had his own “Kyra Phillips moment” today–to a degree. As Rob concluded his final AM weathercast this morning, he appeared in good humor (jesting about a frozen-banana-turned-hammer video) as he segued to AM co-hosts Kiran Chetry and T. J. Holmes. However, when the shot switched to the co-anchors and T.J. began a promo for the next block, a testy off-camera Rob could be heard ironically ranting, “Kelly, what! Do you not work in live television?”*

In response, T. J. stopped reading and incredulously exclaimed, “What? What? Wait! What?” As Kiran bent over in laughter, Rob continued, “You were like raising your [Rob’s feed ends].” Coming to his friend’s aid a tad too late, T.J. pleaded, “Oh, wow! Could we get Rob’s mike off?” Then, on behalf of himself and, perhaps, his AM audience, he rhetorically queried,  “What is he talking about?”

Fortunately, for Rob’s AM fans, they got a hint. And, fortunately, for Rob, he (or his producer) cut his mike before he could rip into his coworker even more on national television (a la now former AM co-host John Roberts). Furthermore, Rob can take no small comfort in the fact that, at least, he was not caught in the CNN bathroom spilling family secrets (a la CNN Newsroom anchor Kyra Phillips).

American Morning – 01/09/11 (@ 8:52 a.m. ET)

Aguilera Gaffe: F&F Flubs Snub

Brian’s karma? After blasting Christina Aguilera for the second day in a row for blowing the national anthem at the Super Bowl Sunday, Fox & Friends co-host Brian Kilmeade experienced his own embarrassing moment on live television. Ironically, it occurred as he was attempting to slight Aguilera during a segment with Simon Cowell, former American Idol judge this morning.

When introducing Cowell’s interview, Brian declared, “Hey, it was the hiccup heard around the world–Christina Aguilera, national anthem: well, she flubbed it.”* Then, instead of showing footage of Aguilera’s blunder, F&F producers erroneously aired an unrelated clip of the new American Idol which was followed immediately (without a segue) by footage of Aguilera singing perfectly the lyrics at the end of the national anthem. Recovering from that bungled beginning, Brian smoothly stated, “Alright, that was Christine Aguilera trying to end on a high note but it ended on a low note.”

Subsequently, after having welcomed Cowell back to F&F, Brian asked, “First off, did you watch and listen to Christina Aguilera sing the national anthem. What are your thoughts?” Seemingly, caught unawares, Cowell’s eyes widened and then darted back and forth as he searched for an answer. As he looked off-camera, Cowell artfully responded, “Well, I just heard it then. It sounded like a hundred thousand people in a stadium had just sat on a cat.”

Apparently, realizing that Cowell still had no idea about Aguilera’s mangled rendition, producers began to run the right clip (in a split screen with Cowell). Unfortunately, not catching their cue, Cowell caustically commented, “No, don’t play me any more.” Sensing that he needed to save the segment by adequately apprising Cowell, Brian began, “Alright. Yeah, we’ll, we’ll just lower it in the background.” Then, Brian finally explained, “Is it her responsibility to get it right, or is that just a human being? She messed up the words which is worse than anything you really could do in terms of a singer in America’s number one game.” [Italics added for emphasis.]

At last, informed him of Aguilera’s actual “transgression,” Cowell  responded, “Well, look, obviously, you know, she is regretting it now….It didn’t sound great to me. Uh, but to mess the words up, I mean, not great. More sympathetically, he added, “This is what happens when you perform in front of an audience. You know, even someone as experienced as Christina, you [sic] can get it wrong.”

Indeed, Simon. For F&F, a slight Super Bowel hangover. And, for Brian, a portion of poetic justice.

Fox & Friends – 02/08/11 (@ 7:37 a.m. ET)

Naughty Gretchen: Fetchin’?

Carlson’s momcave, nipple clips, and licked thighs: waking up Fox & Friends her way. Last week F&F co-host Gretchen Carlson salaciously coquetted anew with Fox News Sunday co-anchor Chris Wallace (during his usual Friday promo), assuring a chagrined but appreciative Chris that he was always welcome in her momcave. Yesterday, Gretchen saucily jested with Larry the Cable Guy about his nipple clip, saying that she would be thinking of him [wearing them] during the Super Bowl half-time.

Today, Gretchen teased her fans with an Animal Planet Puppy Bowl VII  segment promo before a break, carnally cooing, “It’s not every morning that I have somebody licking my thighs, mmhm–and my ankles.”* When a crew member whistled with Dionysian delight, ” Gretchen feigned indignation and pointed to the potential shelter adoptee, harrumphing, “It’s a puppy! Okay?” Then, as Gretchen concluded her upcoming previews, a tarty Gretchen laughed, “I’m just trying to wake everyone up. Okay! You’re awake now, aren’t you?”

Cute puppies and Gretchen: fetchin’ for Fox & Friends.

*Fox & Friends – 02/04/11 – (@ 7:27 a.m. ET)

Update: Vid of Gretchen’s racy promo, supra (via Chicaboomer).