Aly: Dave’s “Classy Way to Say Goodbye”

Dave’s odd adieu: “My path is unclear but I will search for common ground in 2020.” [Link including vid.] Even more bizarre than his former Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Clayton Morris’ exit from F&FW [link including vid], now former Early Start co-anchor Dave Briggs said farewell to his audience with little-to-no eye contact with his then co-anchor Christine Romans.

As Dave closed Early Start this morning, he said, “Today I say goodbye to CNN, to Excedrin, Visine, & 1:30 alarms [groaning emoji]. Thank you to my incredible family, awesome audience and my talented staff. My path is unclear but I will search for common ground in 2020. ‘That which unites us … is far greater than that which divides us.'” Making things somewhat awkward, Christine patted him on the shoulder and smiled at Dave as he studiously avoided her gaze.

To make things even more awkward, New Day opened with his former FNC F&FW co-host and current CNN New Day co-anchor Alisyn Camerota abruptly remarking, “We will miss Dave Briggs. And, that was a beautiful, classy way to say goodbye.”

Looking down and shaking his head, Aly’s co-host John Berman responded, “He’s a lovely, classy human being. And, I know that we are going to stay friends.”

Before moving on, Aly added, “As are we–since he lives a block away from me.”

Notably, Dave departure from Early Start was icier today than his emotional one in 2012 from F&FW.

Caio, Dave, for now. You had a great run with Aly and Clayton on F&FW. You had a good run with Christine. Hopefully, you’ll have another great run in the near future!

 

 

Clayton’s Weird Departure

Abby, please don’t go, too! As word spreads that Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Abby Huntsman may leave the FNC fold to join her friend Meghan McCain at The View, F&FW fans are welcome to muse about the strange disintegration of a trio of co-hosts that preceded her, i.e., Clayton Morris, Alisyn Camerota, and Dave Briggs. (Yes, the author knows that the lovely now honorary Aussie Anna Kooiman was the lovely F&FW co-anchor that was the bridge between Aly and Abby.)

Of particular interest was Clayton’s bizarre adieu [vid]. Dave left in an emotional farewell in 2012 as the Bean Town sports boy transitioned to NBC Sports (before going to CNN to co-host Early Start with Christine Romans). Alleging legendary FNC honcho Roger Ailes harassed her, lovely Aly left for CNN New Day eventually where she has “woke” according to her book, Amanda Wakes Up. Re Clayton, his departure seemed strange at best: Out of the blue seemingly, he emotionally announced, “I have decided after 18 years in broadcast television – I didn’t think I was going to do this. That today will be my last day in television.” Additionally, he remarked, “”I don’t think you’ll ever see me on television again.”

In an ambiguous assertion, Clayton said that “he would be pursuing a new calling in ’empowering people’ and helping others build wealth through passive income.” Now, Clayton posits, “How to pay off your house within 5 years using these awesome ninja tricks.” Hopefully, it works: But, it sounds as strange as his fascination with UFO’s.

Clayton’s farewell was a bizarre goodbye. Hopefully, Abby will not follow suit. (She’s a keeper–or should be!)

Tucker’s Last Day

Carlson: “I’m going to miss you guys. I really am!” Today was Tucker Carlson‘s finale as Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor. As the show began, co-host Clayton Morris remarked, “Let’s address the elephant in the room because I’m a little misty today: This is Tucker’s last day sitting on the curvy couch with us on Fox & Friends [Weekend]. I’m going to miss you terribly!” Explaining Tucker’s departure, Clayton continued, “But, you’re not going very far. You’re going to be going to the seven p.m. prime time here on Fox News Channel.”

Chiming in, putative F&FW co-anchor Abby Huntsman declared, “It’s a big deal! We’re so excited for you.”

Turning to Abby, Tucker responded, “Thank you!” Then, he added, “I’m sad about it, actually. I haven’t thought about it. I’m excited: But, I’m sad this is my last day. It’s so totally bizarre.”

From the F&FW co-host who told viewers that he did not eat food on TV and who signed his name with printed initials, Tucker has come a long way–especially for his long-time viewers who watched him long ago on CNN when he seemed to be the smug, smart-alecky bow-tie wearing co-host of Crossfire. [Celebrating Tucker’s evolution on the curvy couch: F&FW vid “A Look Back.”] Initially, the founder and Editor-in-Chief of the Daily Caller seemed reluctant to embrace his additional role as an FNC edutainment co-anchor: But, Bill Shine–with the invaluable coaching of former co-anchor Alisyn Camerota eased Tucker onto the curvy couch, replacing the charming, self-effacing Dave Briggs.

Tucker, it was always evident that you were on the Fox News A-Team, and you brought real gravitas to the F&FW curvy couch: When major news events occurred, you would oft stay put on the show as co-anchor or pundit when your co-hosts other than Aly oft vacated theirs. Ergo, it is no surprise that you are getting your new show at 7 p.m. ET. Congratulations!

Klutzy Klotz: Comely Molina’s Replacement?

Socks rocks? Not necessarily. Fox 5 Atlanta meteorologist Adam Klotz made his somewhat clumsy debut today on Fox & Friends First and Fox & Friends this morning. Actually, the Warsaw, Indiana, lad is likeable enough but F&F fans could tell that he definitely had the neophyte jitters as he hit the national stage.

Following in the footsteps of sexy Maria Molina surely was more than a tad daunting. Ergo, he played the role of the sycophant by not showing the fig but showing the socks. Sporting neon orange NASA socks, he reminded one of a former Fox & Friends Weekend co-host, namely Dave Briggs, who loved colorful and wacky socks as a wardrobe accessory: Ingratiatingly, he doled similarly colorful socks out to Fox & Friends First co-host Clayton Morris and Fox & Friends co-anchors Ainsley Earhardt, Steve Doocy, and Brian Kilmeade. Poor F&FF co-host Heather Childers was left out–perhaps, to her relief.

Both F&FF and F&F ran “getting-to-know” Adam Klotz segments with photos aplenty: Adam was seen as an intrepid skydiver and a fearless participant in the Running of the Bulls. And, his softer side was captured in a photo taken of him and his dog Piper sleeping side-by-side by his gorgeous girlfriend.

Adam was somewhat shaky Tuesday morn: But, he seemed more than willing to try. And, all of the hype by F&FF and F&F appeared to show that Shine wanted him to succeed. And, his lady Bianca Robles and his pup Piper certainly did–and they seemed to think that he did as they feted him with a bottle of white wine apparently delivered to him in his hotel room.

According to Adam, he will be back all week. Good luck, Adam: Break a leg!

Ainsley’s Dream: F&F Finally

A month later: Too banal for breakfast or just right? Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt has definitely paid her FNC dues: As Glamour.com chronicles, Ainsley did overnight shifts on weekends; updates on the hour on weekday shows, e.g., Hannity; a short-lived stint as co-anchor of Fox & Friends Weekend; and, most recently, co-anchor of Fox & Friends First. And, finally, Ainsley landed her dream job, co-host of Fox & Friends.

But, now, Ainsley has to show her mettle: She has to prove that she has what it takes to successfully co-host cable news morning champ Fox & Friends. Previously, Ainz failed to do so when she co-anchored F&F Weekend with fellow tyros Clayton Morris and Dave Briggs: As faithful FNC viewers may well remember, former F&FW co-host and FNC utility player Alisyn Camerota had to return to the show to right the F&FW listing ship and to show the boys the ropes. After her subsequent stint as co-host of Fox & Friends First, hopefully, Ainsley has learned what tack to take: If she falters this time, at least,  she has seasoned veterans Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade on whom to fall back.

Even though Ainsley may not be the sharpest knife in the F&F drawer, she does seem to be one of the sweetest seasonings in the cupboard. Lately, the Southern belle has seemed to almost ape [split infinitive intended] her predecessor counterpart Northerner Elisabeth Hasselbeck. A little too saccharine for the author’s taste–not too mention a mite too modest post her brief Fox & Friends Weekend gig: But, she does seem to have the best of intentions to make Ailes proud and her viewers happy.

Sex it up, Ainsley! Don’t let the boys be the main reason that your viewers tune in in the morning. That’s never a good thing!

Ainsley: F&F’s New Fox

Earhardt: “I am…thrilled to join Steve and Brian on the curvy couch.”  Fox & Friends viewers were tipped off early this morning that changes were afoot by regular F&F fill-in co-host, Anna Kooiman: As the show began today with her in the center seat (with Tucker Carlson and Pete Hegseth), she  cryptically remarked, “Good morning! We’re all visiting the couch this morning!” (After Elisabeth Hasselbeck left the F&F curvy couch, Anna has usually greeted her F&F viewers with her name as if she might be the future queen of the weekday curvy couch).

According to a press release today by FNC, Ainsley Earhardt has been named the new co-anchor of Fox & Friends and she will make her debut as the official co-host on Leap Day, 2016 (February 29). FNC Chairman & CEO Roger Ailes declared, “Ainsley’s relentless work ethic, congeniality, and enthusiasm for connecting with our viewers…are extremely refreshing. She’s a superb team player and an excellent on-air host.” As for Ainsley, she declared, “I am grateful for this opportunity and am thrilled to join Steve [Doocy] and Brian [Kilmeade] on the curvy couch to deliver Americans their morning news.”

It has been a remarkable ride for Ainsley in her Fox & Friends odyssey.

Ainsley made her debut on Fox & Friends Weekend as a guest co-host in February 2008. On February 28, 2008 (almost 8 years to the date of her future debut as queen of the F&F curvy couch), Ainsley apprised the author that she was just filling in and that FNC would announce changes when they were final: Even though the lovely got into hot water initially with FNC brass for being honest and straightforward with this viewer in various missives, the chastened Southern belle did finally take the reins at F&F Weekend with fellow newbie co-hosts, Dave Briggs and Clayton Morris by her side. But Ainsley’s tenure was short-lived as her callow boys needed a surer hand to guide the F&FW ship, namely, Alisyn Camerota (who had sailed those waters before as F&FW co-anchor).

But, Ainsley has stayed the course: And, she has always been there when Ailes needed her. Ainz has been a cheerful and ready fill-in co-host for Fox & Friends weekday, and she has happily served as Fox & Friends First co-anchor with Heather Childers. She has paid her dues, and Ailes has now rewarded her.

And, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Ainsley’s predecessor hardily approves: She Tweeted, “Congratulations to my #SisterInChrist & #SweetFriend @ainsleyearhardt on the @foxandfriends news!! This #CBO can’t wait to see you shine!”

Congratulations, Ainsley!!

H/t: Motownman, Chris Ariens, and Johnny Dollar (J$P).

Brandi Briggs: One Hot Mama!

Dave’s beauty turns 40! Former Fox & Friends Weekend co-host and current NBC sports guy Dave Briggs let his fans know that his gal Brandi was still “one hot mama”! Celebrating his lovely lady’s 40th birthday in Sin City, Dave Tweeted, “Getting our VEGAS on for my hot wife’s 40th!!! To prove his point about the pretty pol mom of three kids, Dave included a pic of himself with his blond bronzed beauty, Brandi, proudly displaying her tanned, toned gorgeous gams.

Happy Birthday, Brandi! Hope you have fun with your lucky guy in Vegas.

Dave’s Pol Babe Brandi

Briggs: “What a good wife you would be”–and are! Current SportsDash co-host and former Fox and Friends Weekend co-anchor Dave Briggs proudly announced that his beauty Brandi Briggs was back on the political stage last night. Dave’s better half was nominated to run for Connecticut state rep by the Westport Republican Town Committee. The blond “barrister” beauty and mother of three will run against Dem Jonathan Steinburg to represent the 136th District.

[Author’s aside: Subtitle obviously an allusion to Looking Glass’ hit Brandy (vid).]

Aly Tears Up: “My Last Day”

“Censored” Camerota’s “Orwellian Twist”: A very special day.”Not! In her America’s News HQ tease today on Happening Now, Alisyn Camerota promised, “Today is a very special day for us: we hope that you’ll tune in at the top of the hour!”* For those who did tune in as Aly asked, it was anything but–special.

Of course, Aly’s fans knew the end was near. On Monday, TVNewser reported that her tenure at Fox News would conclude sometime this month. On Tuesday, Judge Napolitano clued Aly’s acolytes into the fact that her departure would possibly be this week when he rhetorically asked Aly if he would be on with her again, exclaiming, “Mother of God!” Today, the writing on Belshazzar’s wall needed no interpreting when Aly promised “a very special day.”

When America’s News Headquarters began to conclude this afternoon, Aly’s co-anchor Bill Hemmer announced, “And, today marks the end–of a wonderful run for our friend and our colleague, Alisyn Lane Cameota.”** As tears began to well up in Aly’s eyes, Bill continued, “I tried to talk her out of it: Oh, I tried! She’s leaving us after sixteen years here at the Fox News channel but she leaves us laughing because that’s what Aly does!”

On cue, a collage of innocuous Aly FNC clips ran: Unfortunately, it appeared to have been cobbled together at the last minute by an intern who had little knowledge of Aly’s tenure on the “Fair and Balanced” network. Bizarrely, there was no real footage of Aly with her Fox & Friends Weekend co-hosts during her remarkable three stints on the show: Vintage Aly video with her comeliest of co-hosts Kiran Chetry and their stalwart colleague Kelly Wright was a no-show, e.g., the hilarious spanking tape; Aly clips with her Doublemen twins, Clayton Morris and Dave Briggs, on cam were absent, e.g., “Dave’s Farewell;” and Aly snippets with her final F&FW fellows Clayton and Tucker Carlson apparently were also left on the cutting floor, e.g., Aly’s full “Down and Dirty in the Mud.” To make matters even worse, there was no vid of Aly and the F&F week day boys, Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade either (“Aly’s Back: She’s Rocking–& Ringless“).

In the strange melange today, it was almost all Aly and Bill: There was scant recognition of what Aly has meant to her fans throughout the years on Fox & Friends (weekend and week day). Aly was and is an FNC icon: Too bad, Bill Shine appears to not aptly appreciate that fact. But, Aly’s fans do.

Kudos, Aly! A job well done. You will be missed!

*Happening Now – 03/14/14 (@ 12:43 p.m. ET).

*America’s News HQ – 03/14/14 (@ 1:54 p.m. ET).

Update: J$P vid: “Alisyn Signs Off from Fox News.”

Tucker Carlson: F&FW’s Shelley Hack?

Clayton Morris: “Welcome in Mike Jerrick from Philadelphia!” Yesterday, Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Anna Kooiman welcomed increasingly frequent co-anchor Tucker Carlson fill-in Mike Jerrick with a spirited fist bump to the curvy couch. Heartily endorsing his predecessor and successor at FOX 29 Good Day (Philadelphia), Clayton Morris enthusiastically exclaimed, “Welcome in Mike Jerrick from Philadelphia!” And, no mention was made of Tucker then or for the rest of the show Saturday. Or Sunday–when Mike returned.

As the author mused today about yet another absence of Tucker and the fact that his co-anchors Anna and Clayton (or meteorologist Rick Reichmuth) did not even care to cite it, he recalled, perhaps, a revealing vignette last Sunday on F&FW of Tucker’s disconnect to the show. After a segue to his weather report, Rick ribbed Tucker about not being able to get off the floor in an earlier “fitness” segment: Chuckling, Tucker jested, “I’d fallen and I can’t [sic]  get up.”* Meanwhile, putting her hands over her eyes, Anna interjected, “So embarrassed about that video: we keep playing it.” In reply to both, perhaps, Rick declared, “We can’t let it go.”

Grinning, a gesticulating Tucker queried, “On normal TV shows, don’t they kind of prevent you from embarrassing yourself on TV?” Interposing, Clayton jested, “On normal TV shows, not on Fox & Friends!” Rick riposted, “[Inaudible] Tucker has not watched this show before he joined!” Smiling, Tucker conceded, “Yeah, apparently, not.”

Seven months ago to the very day, the rather cerebral Tucker officially was named the replacement of popular, unapologetically sentimental Dave Briggs on the curvy couch. It seemed a somewhat strange choice for a weekend show that is largely predicated on a personal nexus between the co-hosts and the audience. It appeared, especially, so in light of a F&FW signature analysis segment on January 12 (approximately two-and-half months earlier): F&FW “handwriting expert” Michelle Dresbold declared Tucker’s printed signature (“TSMC”) to indicate that he was not really letting anyone see too much of himself.** Concurring, Tucker acknowledged, “It’s like ‘Tears of a Clown’: I keep it inside.”

Perhaps, too much so. What does the FOX say?

[Author’s aside: Incidentally, after seven months as an official F&FW co-host, Tucker has still not added his FNC position to his Twitter rubric. Re “Shelley Hack” in the title of this post, supra, she was the single-season actress who replaced Kate Jackson as the “cerebral” Angel in Charlie’s Angels and got bumped summarily when she did not connect with fans.]

*Fox & Friends Weekend – 10/26/13 (@ 8:04 a.m. ET)

**Fox & Friends Weekend – 01/12/13 (@ 9:48 a.m. ET)

Heather & Ainsley: F&FF Catfight Queens?

The other Heather and PAB scratched out! FNC chose the Carolina belles Heather Childers and Ainsley Earhardt to be the permanent co-hosts of Fox & Friends according to TVNewser. As to their former rotating fellow co-anchors, Heather Nauert has transitioned to be the quirky headline news reader on the new weekday Fox & Friends and Patti Ann Browne announced that she will do updates and hits and will guest anchor during the “dayside hours.”

Heather and Ainz can be proud of themselves: after all, they are the last ones standing from the originally proclaimed cast of ten (including not only their latest partners Heather N. and PAB but also FNC beauties Anna Kooiman, Juliet Huddy, Arthel Neville and Jamie Colby, and beasts Dave Briggs and Clayton Morris). Ainsley, especially, must feel giddy since she inaugurated this second version of the Fox & Friends First (with Anna) and is still heading the helm.

Unfortunately, the sapor of the show has changed from the time when Ainsley (and Anna) delivered on the promo to be a “shot of espresso” to rouse their viewers from their bed. Short skirts, flirty fun, and cheeky chats have given way too oft to more demure dress, insipid sobriety, and banal banter. Oops: from caffeine to decaf!

Congrats, Heather and Ainsley! Break a leg. And, spice it up!

[Author’s aside: “Catfight Queens”? Perhaps, if the ratings dip too much!]

Aly Abandons F&FW?

“I’ve got to go with Bill. I’m sorry.” Sorry, Alisyn Camerota fans: your fave gal has taken flight after three unforgettable stints as a fab Fox & Friends Weekend co-host. F&FW co-host Alisyn Camerota will leave F&FW to host America’s News HQ on the weekdays with Bill Hemmer at 1 p.m. ET according to TV Newser. The move should come as little surprise to long-time followers of F&FW who watched Aly leave her F&FW hubbies Clayton Morris and Dave Briggs for five full months in 2011 (during Megyn Kelly‘s “maternity shuffle” and a month more) to cavort shamelessly with America’s Newroom co-anchor Bill Hemmer and other FNC co-anchor rakes.

All levity aside, Aly has more than paid her dues on Fox & Friends Weekend (and other F&F iterations). In fact, in the author’s opinion, she assuredly merited a permanent seat on the curvy couch with Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade on the weekday Fox & Friends. But, unfortunately, she lost out to Shine’s choice Elisabeth Hasselbeck: Not bad–but she’s no Aly!

Thanks for the memories, Aly! First, you and Kiran Chetry made F&FW must-see TV in your first stint at F&FW. Second, you came to the rescue when newbies Clayton and Dave desperately needed someone to steer their ship on a more certain course. And, third, you gallantly returned to the helm when you reluctantly realized that your F&FW wannabe replacements could not quite measure up.

Good luck, Aly! But, you’ll be missed–sorely!

Clayton No Dave: “Wins” Rigged Kayak Race

Stuttering Tucker takes one for “the team”: “I’m not, I, you know, I, I think Clayton won.” Today, Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Clayton Morris finally took the gold in the annual F&FW-Bass Pro Shops kayak race–albeit with an abetting hand. With perennial champion Dave Briggs sidelined at NBC Sports Network, Clayton seemed possibly positioned to, at least, have a chance at a viable victory in view of his F&FW fans. But, apparently, F&FW producers had little to no faith in his ability alone to vanquish his new opponent, co-anchor Tucker Carlson.

Introducing the 2013 keen competition between Clayton and his new competitor Tucker (kayak racing vid), co-host Alisyn Camerota remarked, “The Great American Kayak Race has become a tradition on Fox & Friends: This weekend we continue with that venerable tradition.” Looking out at her lads on the water, Aly declared, “Tucker, you don’t know what you’re in for: This is your first annual kayak race. Clayton, you’re old hat: But, you’ve never won. So, let’s see what happens today.”

Standing in support next to the ever also-ran Clayton, F&FW meteorologist Rick Reichmuth animatedly interjected, “Tucker, what you need to know is that Clayton, um, is incredibly athletic. And…you’re really in for a big challenge here.” As Tucker derisively laughed, “Yeah,” Rick continued, “He’s also not afraid of getting wet! We’ll just put those two things [out].”

Subsequently, when Aly counted down to takeoff, Clayton’s F&FW/Bass Pro kayak handler propelled him forward as Tucker’s counterpart held him back until Clayton had reached virtually the first leg end point. Chuckling at the injustice, Tucker robustly oared forward and appeared to actually win the race by a nose. With the fix in, though, apparently, Clayton raised his arms in “triumph” as the Bass Pro ref and the handler who had held Tucker back pointed to Clayton as the purported winner.

Trying to appear, at least, a little fairer, Aly exclaimed, “That was a tie. You think so?” The “unbiased” Bass Pro ref shook his head and alleged that Clayton had won albeit barely. Aly countered, “I think it was a tie. I really think it was a tie!” As a smiling Clayton claimed, “Finally!,” Aly countered, That was a photo finish: I need to see the instant replay!”

Nevertheless, the Bass Pro spokesperson took the gold medal to Clayton, saying, “I’m going to give, I’m going to give first over here. I think you deserve it.” Turning to Tucker with the silver, he continued, “Even though, even though, you got cheated just a little bit.”

As the segment concluded, Rick stood beside Clayton: Pointing to Tucker, he aptly asserted, “I think you might want to thank his, um, four-second late start.”

When the show concluded about fifteen minutes later with Clayton the only cast member strangely absent, producers aired the photo finish again. As it ran, Aly declared, “Thanks so much for joining us. You can see here the very suspenseful final seconds of our annual kayak race. I think it was a tie.”

To her newly initiated co-host, she “innocently” queried, “What do you think, Tucker?” As Aly grinned at F&FW‘s compliant tyro, Tucker dutifully stuttered, “I’m not, I, you know, I, I think Clayton won.” Patting her new student on the shoulder approvingly, Aly replied, “Wow! Very big of you. Very big of you!”

Poor Tucker: Sounded like Clayton’s Baghdad Bob today!

Fox & Friends First Turns One: Growing Pains?

Co-host Ainsley Earhardt: “The four of us.”* F&FF‘s Big Love to less love? On March 5, 2013, Ainsley and her co-anchor Heather Nauert marked their first anniversary on the new Fox & Friends First with a much smaller family of co-hosts and a wiser (or, perhaps, more wizened) version of its younger self. Of the earlier stable of beauties (Anna Kooiman, Ainsley Earhardt, Juliet Huddy, Patti Ann Browne, Arthel Neville, Heather Childers, Heather Nauert, Julie Banderas, and Jamie Colby) and two beasts (Dave Briggs and Clayton Morris), only Ainsley, the two Heathers, and PAB survived the year. As to the show itself, it seems to be still evolving.

When F&FF made its debut [vid1], it proudly featured its “twin” sexy South Carolina sirens, Ainsley and Anna, who more than made good on their saucy promise to rouse their viewers with a “shot of expresso” [vid2].”  Bringing “SexyBack” a la the original F&FF [vid3] in the ’00’s (with Kiran Chetry, Alisyn Camerota, and Juliet Huddy), Anna and Ainsley saucily showcased their sexy stems in short dresses for their fervid fans as F&FF cameras took obligingly lingering shots. Subsequently, after two femme editors (1, 2) mocked the morning gamfest, they returned the very next day to a new set which hid their gorgeous gams behind a huge table: However, after the author derided them for “Losing Sexy Fast” and “Happening Not!,” F&FF switched course again and ditched the daffy desk.

Approximately, four months later, F&FF‘s website signaled that other changes were on the way when it provided only the bios of the current F&FF co-hosts, Ainsley, the two Heathers, and PAB. Subsequently, Juliet moved on to become a Fox 5 Good Day NY co-host; Arthel to her weekends as America’s News Headquarters co-anchor; Jamie Colby to her weekends also to America’s News HQ; and Clayton to his F&FW spot (and F&F guest co-host); and Dave ultimately to NBC Sports (with Michelle D. Beadle).

Re the programming itself, F&FF has ditched the split-screen opening with shots of the lovelies preparing for their show juxtaposed to the opining of Bill O’Reilly to conclude the Factor: in its place, F&FF producers run a modern-day version of American television viewers beginning their day to the national anthem and Old Glory waving in the wind before the programming begins. Mid-show, the gorgeous gals stretch their gams and stand rather than flaunt their legs and sit to proclaim the five important stories of the next half-hour. Furthermore, the “B Team” beauties no longer end their show with a segue to the F&F “A Team”: Rather, they bid their viewers adieu in lieu of risking another uncomfortable toss (“F&F Cat Spat: Gretch ‘Slimes’ the Two Heathers”).

Growing pains? Over the year, F&FF has pared its “perfect ten” to a “final four.” A winning team for the future?

[Author’s aside (re the subtitle): When Heather Nauert concluded F&FF‘s anniversary show, saying, “It’s always a great time together,” Ainsley answered, “The four of us.”]

Sexy Aly: “My New Website”

“What do you think?” Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Alisyn Camerota may always be “Puerto Rico Perfect”: But, her site could use some work. Two days before Valentine’s Day, the sexy siren heralded the debut of her personal new web site alisyncamerota.com. As Aly gave an appreciative nod to its apparent creator, her talented assistant Jenn Marie Rivera, for her “mastery,”  she asked her fans for their reviews.

As for the author, he gives Aly’s site three stars (out of five) in its present state. The “Home,” “In the News,” and “Facebook” sections pass muster but the “About” and “Gallery” are not quite up to par. For new F&FW viewers, the “About” section gives them the mistaken notion that Aly has continually co-hosted the show since 2000: In reality, Aly co-anchored it during the early-to-mid 2000’s with Kiran Chetry and Julian Phillips (and, later, with Kelly Wright) and returned to captain the crew of Clayton Morris and Dave Briggs in 2008. As to the “Gallery,” it is mainly a prosaic pictorial chronology of Aly on the program (other than her fun, frisky “Action Heroes” shots): perhaps, it should be spiced up with more personal and/or saucy shots of the Italian dish, a la the infamously deleted bikini pic.

Aly’s site: still a work in progress. But, hats off to Jenn for a good start!

Aly: “Tucker Carlson Here with Us, of Course!”

Unless Bill Shine rolls the dice again. Perhaps, no more needed to be said by Fox & Friends Weekend “regular” co-host Alisyn Camerota. For Tucker Carlson, the Daily Caller co-founder, who made his debut on F&FW as a FNC contributor almost four years ago, it seems that the die is cast: I.e., Alisyn Camerota, queen of the F&FW curvy couch, signaled strongly today that Tucker is indeed erstwhile F&FW co-anchor Dave Briggs‘ permanent replacement.

Almost a month ago, F&FW‘s “After the Show Show” producers appeared to hint that Tucker would replace the recently departed Dave Briggs as the new F&FW co-host when they presented a brief A.S.S. intro of him: During that program, Aly and guest co-anchor Mike Jerrick strongly suggested that Tucker would be the F&FW co-host in the new year 2013. Moreover, approximately, three weeks ago, Aly indicated that Tucker was being “hazed” as a “new co-host” when he haplessly was the “coughing victim” during an F&FW “Fighting the Flu” segment. Furthermore, about two weeks ago, Tucker seemed to be given equal status with Aly and co-anchor Clayton Morris as a F&FW chryon introduced the three as a apparent team at the start of each hour. Last weekend, when Tucker and Aly were off (and subbed for by Mike Jerrick and Anna Kooiman, respectively), it appeared that Tucker may have simply been co-host of the month (January 2013) to the author: However, Aly seemed to try to put that thought to rest today when she introduced her two co-hosts in the second hour, saying, “Mike Jerrick in for Clayton. Tucker Carlson here with us, of course!“*

Caveat: Tucker has not been added to the Fox & Friends Weekend website profiles alongside Aly and Clayton nor has he been included as an FNC “On-Air Personalities: All Anchors & Reporters.” Perhaps, Bill Shine, FNC’s Executive VP of Programming, may want to roll again if the reserved, awkward Tucker is not well received by F&FW fans. Or, perhaps, if Aly is allowed to leave the ship that she has saved for bluer waters, e.g., F&F weekday (if Gretchen Carlson gets her own FNC gig or her contract is not renewed) and Shine decides to start afresh–again.

*Fox & Friends Weekend – 02/09/13 (@ 7:32 a.m. ET)

F&FW 2013: Tucker Time? Shhh!

Alisyn Camerota, Clayton Morris–and Tucker Carlson? With nary a word Saturday, Fox & Friends Weekend producers seemed to be sneaking Daily Caller co-founder Tucker Carlson into their permanent co-anchor roster to replace recently departed Dave Briggs. Only a week earlier, co-host Alisyn Camerota told Tucker that he was enduring a “sort of hazing” that F&FW did to its “new co-anchors” (when he had to brave an automaton’s emetic expectoration during a “Fighting the Flu” segment).

Yesterday, at the start of each hour, instead of the usual presentation of all three co-hosts by one of the permanent ones, Tucker, Aly, and Clayton uttered not a syllable of introduction. Rather, they let their individual chyrons do the talking, “Tucker Carlson, Alisyn Camerota, [and] Clayton Morris” as if to indicate all three co-hosts, including Tucker, were now equals in a new F&FW iteration. In an apparent attempt to distract their long-time viewers from these new odd introductory voids, respectively, they discursively discussed, Aly’s being “slaphappy,” Aly’s “beloved assistant,” Andrew Dice Clay‘s F&FW intro, and Clayton’s at-home “Superman” garb.

Since Dave left the show on New Year’s Eve 2012, Tucker has taken on his mantle without fail in the New Year 2013. The only exception has been F&F‘s January 20 special edition when FNC  “scrambled” their F&F “A-Team” co-hosts Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade to join Aly for Inauguration coverage a la 2009.*

F&FW 2013? Apparently, it’s now Tucker time!

*F&FW – 01/20/13 (@ 8:15 a.m.) – [Referring to himself, Steve, and Aly, Brian remarked, “That fact (Vice President Biden’s swearing-in) does not elude…Bret Baier who is scrambled on a Sunday like us because of [this] historic day in Washington.” (Italics added for emphasis.)]

Heather’s Virgin Vacation: Best Birthday Ever :)

“Thanks @tzb3.” Throwing caution to the winds, Fox & Friends First co-host Heather Childers shared her daily diary and personal pictures with her Tweeps as she took a rapturous romp in the Virgin Islands with her apparent beau @tzb3. From the time that  she and her honey left Charlotte, North Carolina, Heather regaled her followers with photos of her island destination (St. Thomas), with her sublime experiences (wading in the surf, greeting the sunrise, dining shore-side, catching the St. Thomas – St. John Ferry, imbibing her balcony rainbow, and basking in the Baths), and with a few sexy bikini pics to boot (1, 2).

Yes, Heather can hang with her shapely Fox & Friends First colleagues Ainsley Earhardt and Anna Kooiman (and alums of the same South Carolina elementary school). Surely, Ainsley caught Jay Leno’s eye when her derriere was ogled seemingly by former F&FW co-host Dave Briggs and Anna snared the attention of F&F co-anchors Brian Kilmeade and Steve Doocy with her “booty shaking” morning dance: But, Heather has now brought her own sexy Southern touch to FNC by sharing the ambiance, aesthetics, and allure of her Caribbean birthday bash with her own fervid fans.

Heather heat: Hot Child-ers in the City!

[Author’s aside: Re “Best birthday ever :) Thanks @tzb3” in title, supra, cf. Heather’s “Sparkling lights of #StThomas!” post.”]

Dave’s Final Farewell

Briggs: “I will be right across the street from Fox News….There’s a big tree over there.” NBC Sports co-host? Having returned for a three-day encore, former Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Dave Briggs seemingly disclosed his future plans to his fans in his final After the Show Show on Christmas Eve. Even though he indicated that he would reveal them more fully this Thursday, he teased, “I will be right across the street from Fox News. If anybody wants to read too much into that and figure out what’s right across the street…there’s a big tree over there.”* Spelling it out further for those unfamiliar with FNC’s neighboring NBC studios and their Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, guest co-host Juliet Huddy remarked, “Google ‘sports across the stree….'”!

Apparently, FNC authority J$P was right on the money: He opined that the “likely destination for @davebriggstv [is] NBC Sports Network.” Elucidating further, he RT’d @SPORTSbyBROOKS: SbB has learned NBC Sports Network is planning a daily show hosted by @MichelleDBeadle & @davebriggstv.”

As Dave declared, he will assuredly miss both his erstwhile F&FW co-hosts, Clayton Morris and their “work wife” Alisyn Camerota a/k/a “Bikini Aly.” But, do not feel too bad for Dave: Apparently, he will have another saucy blond beauty to keep him company at his new network, namely, Michelle Beadle, Bleacher Report‘s “Hottest Sports Chick of the Week.”

*A.S.S. – 12/31/12 (@ 2:21/5:37)

Kiran’s Christmas Wish: More F&FW Magic?

“I told [Santa] I just want a job. Lol!!” Shine Kiran’s future Santa? Within the span of only six days as Christmas drew imminently near, former FNC/CNN anchor Kiran Chetry clearly indicated that she is more than eager to return to the air. On December 16, she Tweeted a pic of herself, her kids, and St. Nick, saying, “Santa came to LYC! I told him I just want a job. Loll!!” A mere five days later, she Tweeted a fun food-face photo, declaring, “Making lunch for the kids. Moma need a job:).”

Apparently, Kiran does indeed need a job now (after her namaskaar to American Morning almost one year and half ago): And, her former employer FNC’s Programming SVP Bill Shine could certainly use her. Since Shine will lose his popular Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Dave Briggs in seven short days (at the end of this year), he needs someone who can seamlessly replace Dave on the curvy couch with co-hosts Alisyn Camerota and Clayton Morris. And, Kiran, certainly could: After all, she teamed with Aly (during her first F&FW stint) as the smart, sassy, and sexy duo that made men literally weak in the knees and made F&FW must-see TV during the early-to-mid 2000’s in the process. (Remember Kiran spanking Kelly Wright?)

Hopefully, 2013 will be a time for new beginnings–for FNC and Kiran. A time for Roger Ailes to forgive Kiran after her sojourn in the desert. And, a time for Bill Shine to give Kiran that “very special opportunity“ to team up with Aly again (and Clayton) to make more F&FW magic.