“Forgotten” Gretchen Returns–Early!

“I’ve been on vacation.” Fox & Friends co-host Gretchen Carlson must have felt indeed neglected yesterday when her substitute Alisyn Camerota and her co-anchor Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade failed to mention her name or her absence: today, she decided to return to the curvy couch this morning, apparently, at least, a day early.

Yesterday, Gretchen’s seemingly scheduled sub for today, Fox News correspondent Anna Kooiman, Tweeted, “I’ll see you tomorrow again on Fox and Friends! I’ll be hosting with two of the funniest-sweetest-smartest guys.”

Subsequently, the author penned “F&F: Gretchen Carlson Forgotten?” In the article, he noted Gretchen’s increasingly frequent absences from F&F and her fill-in Aly’s thrice-fold introduction of herself yesterday without mentioning Gretchen at all: Furthermore, he mused whether Anna would follow Aly’s lead or whether she would mention that she was substituting for Gretchen (and thus “tamp down down any rumor that all may not be well with Gretchen’s reign on the curvy couch”).

Apparently, Gretchen wanted to do the tamping down herself ASAP. Rather than Anna hosting Fox & Friends as promised this morning, Gretchen appeared in the center seat instead. And, as the show began, she announced, “I’ve been on vacation.” Interestingly, Gretchen did not say where nor did the boys ask.

Gretchen back–today.

Ali: “Miss You” Still, Kiran

Velshi (August 2011): “Miss @KiranChetryTV every morning.”  Today, CNN anchor Ali Velshi almost echoed those very words that he had shared with his former American Morning co-anchor Kiran Chetry‘s hubby Chris Knowles after Kiran left the show almost a year ago. And, in his sweet missive to Kiran, he said what many CNN morning viewers assuredly have been thinking lately, i.e., “Miss you.”

Earlier, Aly had received a Tweet from a former AM viewer yesterday, fondly reminiscing, “Those were the days I used to watch @cnn in the morning cc/ @AliVelshi @kiranchetrytv pic.twitter.com/6wkzOPSx. Somewhat awkwardly, Ali answered, “Ahh, memories of my old friend!” Not surprisingly, a “piqued” Kiran playfully interjected, “@AliVelshi hey who are you calling old mr??” Aptly apologetic, Ali responded, “Long time! I meant my ‘long time’ friend!’ Miss you.”

Indeed. If the paltry ratings of Early Start and Starting Point are any indication, so do many more of Kiran’s American Morning fans. Without doubt, TV cable news needs its “ray of light” again.

Brian’s “Fred Claus” Obsession: Secret Revealed

Elizabeth Banks: I wear a very short skirt. Today, fans of Fox & Friends co-anchor Brian Kilmeade‘s finally learned the reason for his odd obsession with the critically-panned Christmas movie Fred Claus. And it was not the holiday spirit–or spirits.

This morning, Brian and his co-hosts, Alisyn Camerota and Steve Doocy, interviewed actress Elizabeth Banks as she promoted her new film People Like Us. As the segment drew to a close, Aly asked, “You know what Brian’s favorite movie is?” With the hint of a smile, Banks answered, “I heard it’s Fred Claus.”

Grinning sheepishly, Brian interjected, “It’s Fred Claus! It’s the best movie ever. You were genius in it!” After chuckling heartily, she replied, “Well, I wear a very short dress. Thank you for noticing.” As Brian laughed, a smiling Aly nodded her head knowingly and pointed accusingly at him. Turning to Brian, Steve aptly jested, “Oh, no wonder! Fred who?”

*F&F – 06/27/12 (@ 8:56 a.m. ET)

F&F: Gretchen Carlson Forgotten?

“I’m Alisyn Camerota.” Three times, Fox & Friends guest co-host Alisyn Camerota so introduced herself this morning to her audience–without a word of regular co-anchor Gretchen Carlson.* Simply an oversight? Perhaps, but Gretchen’s absences seem to occur more and more often lately: in fact, she has not graced the curvy couch in approximately two weeks with little apparent concern from her co-anchors Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade.

However, yesterday, F&F guest co-host Anna Kooiman did repeatedly say that she was in for Gretchen. Even though Aly uttered nary a peep about the former Miss America today, perchance, Anna will do so again tomorrow (when she “subs” again). If so, perhaps, Anna’s assertion may help tamp down any rumor that all may not be well with Gretchen’s reign on the curvy couch.

Gretchen: forgotten today. Her tomorrow?

*Fox & Friends – 06/27/12 (@ 6:00 a.m. ET; 7:00 a.m. ET; and 7:59 a.m. ET)

Ashleigh Out: Zoraida (& John) In

Early Start: a new start–a more mellifluous one? ES co-host Ashleigh Banfield, the early morning cacophonous Cannuck, will soon no longer awaken CNN viewers with her virtual fingernail-on-the-chalkboard reveille: rather, she will greet them long after they have left Morpheus’ embrace.

Today, CNN EVP Ken Jautz announced that Ashleigh will anchor her own CNN hour at 11:00 a.m. ET later this summer. She will replace CNN Newsroom host Kyra Phillips, who is moving to HLN to “lead a new daytime program.” In her stead will be new CNN hire John Berman, a former ABC News reporter and Good Morning America contributor.

Almost in tandem with Jautz, Early Start senior producer Christina Ginn subsequently subtly heralded the news. She Tweeted, “Caught @JohnSBerman and @ZoraidaCNN in the @EarlyStartCNN newsroom today: pic.twitter./7TOlhdiU.” In Christina’s included pic, a beaming Zoraida Sambolin embraces a sheepish John, her new ES partner-to-be.”

Early Start: less Red Bull and more cafe au lait.

Mike Jerrick: “Debby Does Tampa”

The boy can’t help it.  Fox & Friends Weekend guest co-host Mike Jerrick had to go there: Heboken Now’s randy rake who “will jump at every opportunity to make a double entendre” could not resist the one virtually served up to him today on a platter by his co-host Alisyn Camerota (and the WMO).

As the third hour of F&FW began, Aly announced, “We have an extreme weather alert for  you because a storm is brewing and it has its eyes on the Gulf Coast and parts of Florida. Debby is gearing up to become a tropical storm: We’ll tell you what’s in store straight ahead.”

Segueing to his intro of an upcoming segment (ironically subtitled “Bottom Up Economics”), Mike, “F&FW’s Golden Goat,” bawdily deadpanned, “Debby does Tampa.”

In other words, Mike does F&FW. But, not in the same way. Happily.

Kyra Phillips: I Have a Canuck Husband

John Roberts: “At some point.” Apparently, that point has arrived for CNN Newsroom anchor Kyra Phillips and FNC senior correspondent John Roberts. Even though Kyra recently claimed that she had a Canadian hubby on CNNN, her long-time fiance belied that assertion by eschewing any connubial band. However, Kyra’s “J.D.” decided to don it Monday when he guest-hosted on Special Report with Bret Baier.

Over two years ago, Kyra and John became engaged in grand fashion at Greenbrier Resort on the greens at the 18th hole (bended-knee proposal, champagne, and Tom Watson’s pin-flag congratulations). However, approximately ten months later, with their twins almost due, John seemed to cast doubt on any future nuptials in an interview with HuffPo: He remarked that there was “no plan for a wedding” but that he did expect that he and Kyra to get married “at some point.” Monday, John seemed to signal that “point” has come and Kyra does now indeed have her Canuck hubby as he dutifully wore his wedding band on Special Report.

Congratulations, Kyra and John!

Ainsley Earhardt “in Shape”: Blushing Bride 2B?

Ainz proudly rocks the rock–on her left ring finger! Early this morning, Fox & Friends First co-host Ainsley Earhardt seemed to signal to her fans the apparent news that she is off the market anew. Before the show started, the usually “ringless” Ainsley Tweeted her followers the upcoming headlines stories and included a photo of herself and co-anchor Heather Nauert together: Both had extra large smiles as Ainsley displayed her hands side by side with a single ring, seemingly, an engagement ring (on her left ring finger).

Perhaps, F&F fans should have suspected nuptials for Ainsley again might be in the offing exactly two weeks ago today. On June 4, she had Nikki Glor a/k/a Nikki Fitness on F&FF for a fitness segment entitled “Wedding Workout: Exercises to Get You Ready for the Big Day.” Dressed in white and ringless as usual, she had Nikki put her through the paces: But, before she did so, Ainsley seemed to have a Freudian slip: exhorting Nikki, she exclaimed, “Alright, get us in shape!”

Ironically, Ainsley may have got the sly idea from her FNC colleague Molly Line who did virtually the same thing almost a year ago to the day (June 5, 2011) as guest co-host on Fox & Friends Weekend. On that show, a single Molly enthusiastically worked out with Nikki in a “Bridal Boot Camp” segment. Only four days later on Fox and Friends (weekday), Molly announced that she was engaged and proudly showed off her new stone.”

Ainsley, your own announcement soon? If so, congratulations!

[Author’s aside: More irony. Nikki rejoined Ainz today on Fox & Friends First on a “Summer Fitness Products” segment: Even though the cameraperson caught some indirect close-ups of Ainsley’s new bling, neither she nor Nikki uttered a word. F&FF – 06/18/12 (@ 5:52 a.m. ET) ]

Juliet: Dave & Clayton’s “Babelicious Wives”!

Brandi Briggs & Natali Morris: The wives of Fox & Friends Weekend. Just who are these “babelicious wives” of F&FW co-anchors Dave Briggs and Clayton Morris that F&FW guest co-anchor Juliet Huddy so animatedly dubbed this morning (after Brandi called in to wish Dave a “Happy Father’s Day with an an accompanying fam photo)? Dave’s better half is blonde beauty, Brandi nee Moreland, and Clayton’s lovely is raven-haired lovely, Natali nee Del Conte.

First, Dave’s beloved Brandi is one of four children of “Dealin’ Doug” Moreland (2011 TIME Dealer of the Year) and his wife Carol of Colorado. She got her B.S. from Boston College and a law degree from the University of Colorado School of Law. While a law student, Brandi ran in 2002 as the Republican candidate for the Colorado State House of Representatives District in an unsuccessful bid. After graduation, Brandi practiced law in Boston. Now she lives in Connecticut with her and Dave’s three children (Emerson, William, and Logan). [For a sweet pic of Brandi with Dave, link here.]

Second, Clayton’s love Natalie hails from the San Francisco Bay Area. She received her California State University (Hayward) bachelor’s degree in journalism and her USC master’s degree from USC in sociology. Before venturing off into the geeky tech world and social media, Natali explored her more sensual self as a yoga instructor. Subsequently, she has written for WIRED, MarketWatch, Variety Magazine, etc.; appeared as a contributor/regular guest BBC, FNC, Univision, etc.; served as a CNET TV news network. Now, Natali is CNBC tech contributor, “mommy blogger,” and, more importantly, mother of two (Miles and Ava). [For a pic of “mommy” Natali with Clayton (and Ava), link here: But, for a few photos of “media personality” Natali (including one of her as sexy Lara Croft), link here.]

The wives of F&FW: Brainy–and babelicious!

*F&FW – 06/17/12 (@ 8:35 a.m. ET)

[Author’s aside: In reply to Juliet’s saucy assessment of their mates, an Dave understated, “We did okay. We did okay.” Before biting his lip, Clayton jested, “That’s how we roll!”]

Aly Teases: “I’m Bi”

“–partisan.” Today, Fox & Friends Weekend Alisyn Camerota playfully “came out.” And, her co-anchors Clayton Morris and Dave Briggs reveled in the very thought. As a segment about how one’s purchasing habits indicate whether one is a Democratic or Republican ended this morning, Aly racily remarked, “I’m bi.”* After a pregnant paused, she added, “Partisan.”

In response, Clayton and Dave were more than receptive to the idea. As Aly began her tease (“I’m bi”), Clayton turned immediately toward her in apparent surprise: when she added “partisan,” Clayton looked down at his papers with a knowing grin. Similarly, Dave looked at Aly with widened eyes as he arched his eyebrows and grinned goatishly.

As Aly beamed naughtily, Dave wheezed loudly and Clayton breathlessly queried, “Hunh?” When Aly glanced over at an off-cam Dave in delight, he exclaimed, “Uh, wow!” Suggestively, Aly riposted, “It’s true. Bipartisan with all those choices. Let us know what you think, please.” Still excited by Aly’s ribald “revelation,” Dave stammered, “Alright. Yes! Okay.”

Aly: what a tease!

*Fox & Friends Weekend – 06/16/12 (@ 7:36 a.m. ET)

F&FF Acknowledges Williams/Malkin Dustup BUT

Fox & Friends ignores it altogether. Last night, conservative FNC contributor Michele Malkin and liberal Five co-anchor Juan Williams got into a fiery debate last night on Hannity: this morning, Fox News’ earliest morning news show Fox & Friends First showcased the two going after each other (albeit a bit bowdlerized to exclude the more acidic comments) whereas the regular Fox & Friends did not mention the dust-up even though both Williams and Malkin both appeared on the show in different segments. Perhaps, FNC did not want to throw too much gas on those smoldering embers.

Apparently, according to Mediaite, the verbal fisticuffs began when Malkin mocked Williams and other liberals for blaming former POTUS Bush 43 for President Obama’s shortcomings during a debate segment about Attorney General Eric Holder. During their polemics, Malkin taunted Williams, saying, “All you can do, Juan, is say Plame, Plame, Plame, and blame, blame, blame, Bush, Bush, Bush.” Caustically, Williams exclaimed, “Listen, I tell you what. I tell you what, Michele. I’m a real reporter. I’m not a blogger out in the blogosphere somewhere.”

Then, as Williams began to make his case that the White House had not leaked any classified information, an irate Malkin interrupted, “Right…I’m not a real reporter and you are!” Subsequently, after Williams and eponymous host Sean Hannity had argued about the matter further, Hannity gave Malkin the “last word.” Still fuming, Malkin acerbically remarked, “The American people are sick of the kind of snotty condescension from liberal elite journalists like Juan Williams who tell us that the rest of us are not doing our jobs, when the point is that…when Eric Holder was shamefully…nominated and approved to be Attorney General, he already had a long record of bastardizing national security and the rule of law.”

Unamused, Williams responded that she was way off topic; that she and Hannity were just beating up Holder and that the matter did not even include classified documents. In a parting shot, a still fuming Malkin sniped, “So, real journalists are apologists for corruptocracy? We got it!” Derisively, Williams exclaimed, “Oh, my gosh!” as he put both his hands to his head and rolled his eyes.

It was must see TV: Or, it should have been. However, unfortunately, Fox & Friends producers decided not to share the testy exchange between FNC colleagues Williams and Malkin. Happily, for F&F fans who may have missed it, Mediaite columnist Frances Martel did so in an article and via a concomitant video (link).

Update:  Williams’ co-host Five co-anchor Bob Beckel blasted Malkin with almost ominous rhetoric in his appearance on Imus today. Opining on the purported White House leaks, an enraged Beckel declared, “The idea that Barack Obama would leak that stuff is absolutely obscene. And, anybody who’d suggest that like that Michelle Malkin who…if I were Juan…I’d wake up next to her with a shotgun. She’s a, what a waste of time!” [@2:17 in J$P video] H/t, Johnny!

Five’s Dana Perino: Greg Gutfield “A**hole”

She did a bad, bad thing. The Five‘s co-anchor Dana Perino is not necessarily quite as prim and proper as she may appear on air: Apparently, the former Bush 43 White House Press Secretary learned a certain coarse epithet from her former boss. As politicos may remember, then candidate George W. Bush infamously called a New York Times reporter an “a**hole” in an overheard whisper to his running mate, Dick Cheney: Today, Dana picked up the torch on The Five as she flung the scatological appellation at her co-host Greg Gutfeld with no regrets.

During a segment titled “America’s Shrinking Wealth,” Greg illustrated the sharp decline in American family net worth over the last six years with a photo of a very diminutive Dana juxtaposed to a towering Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. As her co-hosts laughed at the strange sight, a smiling Dana self-deprecatingly said, “I have to say ‘Somebody put me in a dryer when I was little.'” Adding his usual color commentary, co-anchor Bob Beckel remarked, “You [Greg] don’t have the courage to say this, in the break, Dana said–who I’ve known for years, never says a swear word–called you an a-hole.”

Animatedly unapologetic, Dana exclaimed, “And, America agreed!” Interjecting, co-host Andrea Tantaros jested, “And, if you were in Massachusetts, we would fine you $20.” Without a hint of remorse, Dana riposted, “Gladly!”

Blame Bush, Greg.

The Five – 06/12/12 (@ 5:17 p.m. ET)

Gretchen Gets “Cheeky” with Brian

“As much as I like your back end.” Fox & Friends co-host Gretchen Carlson missed her boys, especially Brian, apparently, or, at least, his behind. After taking off on F&F Monday to guest co-host on the all-woman The View, Gretchen rejoined her co-anchors Brian Kilmeade and Steve Doocy this morning with a new-found appreciation of her boys. As the F&F started, Steve mentioned Gretchen’s ABC appearance on The View and Brian waggishly noted that there were “a lot of women” on that program: In response, Gretchen joyfully exclaimed, “I miss the testosterone: I miss double testosterone!”

About a half hour later, apparently, the male hormone was beginning to have an effect on Gretchen. As she read a headline news story subtitled, “Fighting Voter Fraud,” she began to stutter. Off camera, Brian teased, “Why are you hesitating?” Chuckling, Gretchen replied, “Well, it’s pretty tough to read a teleprompter with you standing in front of it–as much as I like your back end.”*

Somewhat inaudibly, Brian apparently riposted, “Oh…[you] can always blame [me].”

Or, this morning, Gretchen can blame her hit of F&F‘s “double testosterone.” Not to mention, a shot of estrogen espresso.

Good morning!

*Fox & Friends – 06/12/12 (@ 6:33 a.m. ET)

Alisyn Camerota: Waiting for “Our” Rack

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

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

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

Indeed.

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

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

Kiran Chetry: “I’ll Never Forget My 1st Time!”

“I banged it out. Here was my masterpiece.” Yesterday, former FNC and CNN anchor Kiran Chetry reminisced about losing her virginity-sorry, guys and gals–her news virginity. Teasing her article on her friend Nicole Lapin‘s site, Kiran saucily Tweeted, “I’ll never forget my 1st time! [C]heck out my post on recessionista.com brainchild of my great buddy….”

In her piece, Kiran recalled her first news “hit” as an intern at “News 21,” her local cable news channel in Rockville, Maryland. In an era “before the Internet, BBS, iPhone, [and] GPS,” Kiran recounted the challenge of covering the local school board budget fight: doing her interviews, cutting her “stand-up,” and then “racing back to the station” to write her story with a twenty-minute deadline.

In so doing, Kiran remembered thinking to herself, “Do or die time Chetry!” Kiran proudly proclaimed, “I didn’t die. I banged it out. Here was my masterpiece.” Then, self-deprecatingly, she added that  the “local news cliches,” the “generic introduction to a soundbite,” and “nervous standup with awkward gesturing and holding the mic like an ice cream cone” were all there.

Kiran’s “1st time”: she won’t forget it. Nor will her fans. Stay tuned for the video!

Bill Presses On: Remove Mississippi Star from Flag

Staying current? Current TV’s Full Court Press host Bill Press “[brought] his agenda for a liberal way” to yet another American icon, the U.S. flag yesterday. Two days before Americans celebrated D-Day, Press announced his “major crusade” to “junk the Star-Spangled Banner” as the national anthem (deriding it as “unsingable,” “an abomination,” and an embarrassment): Yesterday (day after D-Day anniversary), Press took aim at the “The Stars and the Stripes.” To whit, he sniped that Old Glory shines just a little too brightly: I.e., it has one too many stars.

In an interview with his friend Mediaite columnist Tommy Christopher via e-mail, Press declared that he “absolutely [did] not” have “any second thoughts about hating the anthem” and added that he thought it was a “horrible song” that was “militaristic” to boot. After a series of queries about the national anthem (e.g., rewriting “the home of the brave” to “a home of MANY brave”), Christopher asked, “What changes would you make to the actual flag?” Smugly, Press snarked, “Remove one star, for Mississippi.”

Perhaps, the talented former Crossfire co-anchor is simply trying to stoke the ratings for his new show by stirring up controversy. But, it seems somewhat strange for the talented former CNN Crossfire co-host who once deftly debated actual issues now to attack America’s revered symbols instead to stay current. Instead of “Pressing” on, perhaps, he should move on.

If not, Lady Liberty next, Bill?

More “Garbage”? FNC’s Odd Edit

AN’s freeze frame: Hero honored but heroine dissed anew. America’s Newsroom guest co-anchor Heather Childers reported the runaway stroller story once more this morning with a new unusual twist. Saturday, Fox & Friends Weekend twice ran the story of the garbage truck driver who helped save a baby in a runaway stroller: twice, it ran the video but ignored the lady in it who actually caught the child. Carpe Diem reported the strange omission in “F&FW ‘Garbage’: Blithely Blind Reportage?” Today, when Heather told the tale again, she recounted the same story of the gallant garbage truck driver but expurgated the heroine’s dashing deed.

Reading from her script, seemingly, with a soupcon of color commentary, Heather said,  “Take a look at this video. A hero garbage truck driver saving a baby in a runaway stroller….The driver was on his route when he saw a woman jogging with a baby. Well, apparently, she decided to park the stroller [and] went to a group of friends: And, that’s when the stroller took off. Look there–straight through the intersection. The driver using his truck to block traffic and then he ran to save the baby.”*

Strangely, the clip was freeze-framed (for @ 13 seconds) as the stroller headed toward the curve and before the hero got out to “save the baby” and as the heroine ran toward the baby in the stroller to catch it as it hit the curb. Apparently, unaware that producers had paused the film in progress, Heather continued, “The frantic mother, watch here, arriving seconds later. The baby, we can tell you, is okay.”

And, just why was that baby okay? Yes, the hero garbage driver alerted traffic and pedestrians that the baby in the errant stroller was in imminent danger. But, the heroine who actually caught the baby in the stroller before the garbage driver could get there deserves credit, too. Apparently, her heroism did not fit into FNC’s narrative Saturday nor today: And, the offending video was omitted.

Bizarre, at best.

*AN – 06/04/12 (@ 10:13 a.m. E.T.)

F&F Folly: AFLAC!

Perhaps, the only thing more annoying about AFLAC than the quack of its iconic duck is its Fox & Friends’ “AFLAC Trivia Question of the Day.” For some odd reason, F&F treats the AFLAC question as some print publications still do their daily crossword puzzles, i.e., without any regard to its consumers’ convenience, it reveals the answer later without repeating the question–as if the casual viewer knew it even if s/he were watching earlier.

For example, today, co-host Steve Doocy read the “AFLAC Trivia Question of the Day,”i.e., “Born on this day in 1975, this actress’ father is academy award winner Jon Voight: Who is she?” Ten minutes later, co-anchor Brian Kilmeade declared, “The answer to the AFLAC Trivia Question of the Day [is] Angelina Jolie.”And the question was?

Apparently, F&F‘s attitude is “Missed it? Get over it!” Minor F&F gripe? Yes, but, a daily irritant.

*Fox & Friends – 06/04/12 (@ 7:43 a.m. ET)

F&FW “Garbage”: Blithely Blind Reportage?

Hero praised: But, heroine ignored. Still on holiday! Fox & Friends Weekend co-hosts Dave Briggs, Alisyn Camerota, and Clayton Morris‘ seemed to be a little off their game this morning: at least, as to the three’s odd oblivion to the patent heroism of the “fairer sex” in the rescue of a baby on a runaway stroller (video). Twice, the story played: twice, the guy who helped save the child was applauded but the gal who actually caught the little one was ignored completely. Crazy!

Five times, producers played the video or a portion thereof: thrice (one promo and the two reports), they aired the footage that not only included the garbage truck driver who chased the stroller and honked to alert others but also a nameless lady with a large dog on a leash who ran to rescue the baby as it hit the curb. It was not as if the three co-hosts were unfamiliar with the video. But. strangely, they seemed blithely blind to the anonymous heroine thereon.

After Clayton teased the tale at the very beginning of the show, Dave reported it almost an hour and half later during a headlines segment.  As video played of the wayward stroller, Dave intoned, “The garbage truck driver turned hero quickly coming to the rescue: He began honking his horn and blocking traffic [and] running out after the stroller. The baby’s frantic mom catching up soon after. Looks like no harm done: Unbelievable!” Heroine ignored.

Consequently, the author notified Dave of his overt omission, Tweeting, “Dave, re garbage truck driver hero story, u failed to mention the lady who actually stopped the runaway stroller w/ the baby.” Nevertheless, Dave did not take note of the author’s alert even though Dave made six more Tweets before the report ran again.

About two hours after Dave’s reading of the headline story, Aly did the honors with the same clip, supra, almost verbatim, stating, “This garbage truck driver turned hero quickly coming to the rescue. He began honking and  blocking traffic [and] running out…after the stroller. The baby’s frantic mom catching up to him.” Ad libbing, apparently, Aly continued, “She appears to be so freaked out [that] she grabs the stroller and just runs off. He [the driver] deserves a ‘thank you.’ That hero!” Heroine unnoticed–again.

Subsequently, all three co-hosts discussed the stroller story. When Clayton marveled, “There’s multiple cameras on this,” Dave castigated the cameraman for not helping out. A mite more skeptical, Aly mused that the vid may have been from a dash cam. Ironically, with all of the angles, Clayton, Dave, and Aly failed to espy the special lady who rescued the baby with her dog in tow.

F&FW: Wake-up!

CNN A.M. Future: Miles O’Brien? [Updated Anew]

Zoraida: Miles…in these parts, you are a rock star! Yesterday, Early Start co-host Zoraida Sambolin greeted former American Morning anchor Miles O’Brien to the CNN a.m. like a returning hero. During a space segment with the whilom point man for NASA coverage, Zoraida reintroduced the once canned anchor of the low-rated American Morning to CNN’s early morning shrinking audience. Before his report (on the return to earth of the NASA-sponsored Space X Dragon), Zoraida gushed, “Miles, I got to tell you, in these parts, you are a rock star! Everybody absolutely loves you! Very excited to talk to you this morning.”*

The moment seemed surreal: Miles O’Brien, a “rock star”? Almost five years ago, he and his American Morning co-host Soledad O’Brien unceremoniously got the Klein boot because of low-ratings (in favor of John Roberts and Kiran Chetry). When John and Kiran could not right the AM ship nor their interim successors Christine Romans, Carol Costello, and Ali Velshi, CNN replaced AM with their even more ratings-challenged shows Early Start (with anchors Ashleigh Banfield and Zoraida) and Starting Point (solo host Soledad): With ES and SP listing even lower than AM ever had, perhaps, Miles O’Brien “in these parts, is a rock star” and everybody does love him again.

So much so, that CNN brings Miles back to its early mornings?

*Early Start – 05/31/12 (@ 6:04 a.m. ET)

Update 1: Turner Broadcasting CEO Phil Kent may have much more drastic measures planned for CNN’s a.m. than possibly adding Miles to the cast. After defending his prime-time line-up on the very day of Miles ES appearance, Kent admitted that “we have some other shows that probably need to be replaced.” If recent ratings are any indication, Early Start and Starting Point may well be among those very CNN shows.]

Update 2: According to the New York Daily News, veteran ABC reporter John Berman has now enlisted with CNN and will become an Early Start anchor. If Berman were to join the gals Ashleigh and Zoraida, he would add some much needed male perspective: But, if he teamed up with Miles instead (and the ladies exited), ES would become an all-boy’s club, perhaps, no more attractive than the current all-gal gala. Perhaps, on the bright side, Berman may simply serve as the last captain of CNN’s wee-hour Titanic and Kent will finally get a seaworthy ship.]