O’Reilly: “Midnight Tantaros”

Andrea: “Oh no. This nickname is gonna stick.” Outnumbered co-host Andrea Tantaros was given a rather racy sobriquet by FNC ratings champ Bill O’Reilly. After introducing O’Reilly as today’s #oneluckyguy, Andrea remarked, “You know, we, we were on the Factor at eight and eleven last night: You kept me up ’til midnight. I’m not sick of you yet but we’ll check in afterwards.” Smiling mischievously, O’Reilly replied, “Well, I, I have to tell everybody [that] Tantaros’s nickname is ‘Midnight Tantaros.’ So…she leaves the show and goes out to Bungalow 14 or whatever it is.”

Shaking her head with amusement, Andrea smilingly exclaimed, “I don’t know where he gets this stuff from! Midnight at the Tantaros! Alright!”

Of course, Andrea’s acolytes may well have a clue. Their Aphrodite is a saucy Greek goddess who has been named one of the “Hottest Women of Fox News” by the “King of All Media,” Howard Stern; was interviewed in Playboy (“Yes, I’m in Playboy this month…No photos tho. Sorry!”); and downed 22 shots on her twenty-first birthday–not to mention who also snagged bad boy Dave Navarro, Jane’s Addiction guitarist (and whilom Red Hot Chili Peppers member).

Yes, “Midnight Tantaros” fits sexy Andrea just right. After O’Reilly had aptly dubbed her, one of Andrea’s Tweeps Tweeted, “You know…Midnight just rolls off the tongue-not that you could be any sexier.” In answer, Andrea exclaimed, “Oh no. This nickname is gonna stick. I can feel it. Thanks @oreillyfactor.”

Thanks indeed, O’Reilly! “Midnight Tantaros”? “Red Hot”!

Ashleigh Banfield’s Band: Missing Again?

Early Start co-host Ashleigh Banfield appears to have lost her wedding band again this morning. Perhaps, the Palin-bespectacled beauty sensed that its appearance yesterday on her ring finger may not have augured well for the desired demographic that seems to be eluding ES at the moment. I.e., CNN’s estrogen-infused and testosterone-bereft morning news show may need a mite more to arouse its male (and female) viewers than a “single” too oft cacophonous Cannuck and her “ringless” comely coy companion Zoraida Sambolin.

Doubtlessly, ES is an hour too early, and Ash appears to acknowledge that each time she assures her audience that the news is not old news from yesterday but will be the new news later in the day. Not to mention Ashley’s telling her West Coast viewer to go to bed as she greets her East Coast audience indicates that one may have tuned in just a tad too early. Not necessarily an auspicious start to one’s day.

Unfortunately, Ash’s co-anchor Zoraida seems all too content to sit idly on ES‘ sidelines. The lovely Latina professes that the early hour is her favorite one but she seems to blossom a little later in the day (e.g., Z’s tantalizing tango and sexy cha cha). But, if the brunette beauty ever seeks to supplant even remotely AM‘s Aphrodite Kiran Chetry in the hearts of her CNN viewers, she must soon emerge from Ashleigh’s long shadow.

Early Start: A little late.

Nicole Petallides: Future F&FW Fox?

Still too hot for Fox & Friends Weekend? FBN correspondent Nicole Anais Petallides was BACK in the F&F house Saturday. At 6:16 a.m. ET, the long-legged Greek goddess reminded her male votaries why it was time to rise and shine. And, this time she did not need to hike her skirt twice to arouse her boys.

Clad in a short charcoal gray dress accentuating her long gorgeous gams, Nicole held court as F&FW co-hosts Alisyn Camerota and Clayton Morris interviewed her.* While FBN’s Aphrodite sagely opined on the Labor Department’s December jobs report, Aly and Clayton tried to studiously maintain eye contact with the erstwhile “Foxy’s Angel.” Meanwhile, Nicole’s Fox & Friends Weekend fans can be forgiven for not following suit, especially, since their dear Italian divine Aly seemed to care less for their tribute with her longer, more matronly attire.

Perhaps, Nicole was auditioning to fill-in for Aly on the F&FW curvy couch. If not, the beautiful married mother of two certainly should. But, if so, she certainly fits the bill with the requisite smarts, sass, and sexiness to be an F&FW fox.

*Fox & Friends Weekend – 01/07/11 (@ 6:16 a.m. ET)

AM’s Christine Romans: “Our Chris Knowles”

American Morning co-anchor Christine Romans appears to have adopted her former co-host Kiran Chetry‘s hubby, meteorologist Chris Knowles—at least, on air. As Kiran’s bad boy made yet another appearance (in three of six AM shows from 12/07-14/11) sans wedding ring or a reference to his better half, Christine introduced him, saying, “Our Chris Knowles.”* Whether she was simply embracing Chris personally or signally a new working relationship was not immediately clear.

However, it would be rather ironic if Chris has signed on to the moribund AM in its final hour. After all, less than five months ago, his Nepalese beauty signed off the show as she bid her fervid fans a tearful namaskaar with a pledge to “see ya soon.” Perchance, Chris is trying to convince his wifey’s fans to stay tuned in the interim.

If so, welcome aboard, Chris!

[Author’s aside: “Our Chris Knowles.” Christine, almost exactly a year ago, another AM co-host enigmatically uttered those very same words. AM‘s erstwhile Aphrodite herself.]

*American Morning – 12/14/11 (@ 6:16 a.m. ET)

AM: Kiran’s Bad Boy Back [Updated]

Sans wedding ring. Today, former American Morning co-host Kiran Chetry‘s hubby Chris Knowles appeared twice on the CNN morning news show today–without his connubial band and with nary a word of his beloved beauty.* Sitting in the very seat of his “wifey” in his first appearance on the AM divan (i.e., screen right of both AM  co-hosts Christine Romans and Carol Costello), Chris ably reported on an OWS protester who had crossed over to “the enemy” and procured a job with a Wall Street financial firm. However, the viewer could be forgiven if s/he were somewhat distracted during Chris’ story: As he conversed with Kiran’s former CNN colleagues, Chris made no mention of his lovely lady, AM‘s erstwhile Aphrodite, and his ring finger seemed brazenly bare.

Fogiveable forgetfulness or playful payback? If the latter, not nice, Chris. Remember, Kiran was just “kidding.”

*American Morning – 12/07/11 (@ 6:46 a.m. ET and 8:58 a.m. ET)

Update: Unfortunately, Chris “forgot” to wear his wedding band yet again the very next day (Thursday) in his two AM appearances.**  Still forgiveable? Only Nepal’s delectable devi can decide.

** American Morning – 12/08/11 (6:16 a.m. ET and 8:32 a.m. ET)

T.J. Holmes Leaves CNN

To join Kiran Chetry? CNN Newsroom weekend anchor T. J. Holmes revealed that he is departing CNN at the end of the year according to Richard Prince. TVNewser confirmed the news with CNN programming director Janelle Rodriguez and further reported that T. J. “already has another gig lined up.”

Hm. Is CNN’s ebony Adonis following in the footsteps of American Morning’s Aphrodite, i.e., T. J.’s friend and former AM co-host Kiran Chetry? Less than five months ago (end of July), Kiran left CNN for a  yet to-be-announced “very special opportunity” and just last month she assured her followers that she would be back on TV “very soon.” Perhaps, even though CNN honcho Ken Jautz’s test AM iteration of T. J. and Kiran did not quite work out this year, the two may plan to reunite in early 2012 in another television venture elsewhere.

Regardless, CNN viewers will miss the genuinely charming Southern gentleman with a quick wit, a ready smile, and a personable touch. For T. J.’s American Morning fans (who are likewise bereft of the captivating Kiran), at least, his ivory twin Rob Marciano remains for now as the moribund AM comes to an end next year.

T. J., thanks for the CNN memories. Hopefully, your fans will see you again soon on the air. If with Kiran, all the better!

Rob: I Just Wanted to Punch Him in the Nose!

AM “Dream Team’r” Marciano: “I’m not a violent man, at least, not anymore.” This morning American Morning meteorologist Rob Marciano was not amused with his New York Yankees, especially, A-Rod. After AM co-host and Detroit Tiger uber fan Carol Costello had dogged him all morning about her team’s defeat of the his storied Yankees last night, Rob called in this morning, grousing but gracious–at least, to Carol.

In AM‘s final segment, producers got a disappointed Rob on the phone with an elated Carol and their could-barely-care-less co-host Christine Romans. Introducing the segment, Christine teased, “Well, the World Series championship number twenty-eight will have to wait. That’s right: the Detroit Tigers knocked the New York Yankees out of the playoffs last night. That’s why we bring in our very good friend Rob Marciano who has the day off but could not escape the I-told-you-so’s of the American Morning anchor team.”

Crowing, Carol remarked, “Yeah, like, you were supposed to be here in your Boston Red Sox uniform, Marciano! (Re his lost bet with Carol.) Bristling good-naturedly, Rob retorted, “I told you two weeks ago [that] I was taking the day off, and…it’s a dark day in the Marciano household. That’s for sure.”

Goading Rob on, Christine commented, “Rob, do you have anything to say Carol?” Rob stammered, “Um, well, I, I’m, I haven’t been watching”: I’m sure she’s been gloating. I’ll just say this to the Detroit Tigers: Congratulations.”

Then, manifestly miffed at Yankee star Alex Rodriguez who failed to deliver in both the seventh inning with the bases loaded and at the Yankees’ last-at-bat, Rob remarked, “Of course, you have to look at A-Rod. And, I’m not a violent man, at least, not anymore. And, I just wanted to punch him in the nose last night!”

No poppycock political correctness: Just American Morning‘s Rob Marciano at his candid, combative best. A CNN delight.

Too bad the ole boy is not on the apparent short list of the new “AM.” Speaking of which, his charming, debonair ebony twin T.J. Holmes would be a welcome addition, too. Then, if only CNN’s recently departed Aphrodite Kiran Chetry would come back to complete the American Morning “Dream Team.”

AM “Dream Team”: or, dream on?

AM’s Aphrodite Leaves CNN

Kiran taking her Cestus back to Fox News? According to “Page 6” of the New York Post, American Morning co-host Kiran Chetry was seen cleaning out her desk today and has told her co-workers that she will leave CNN at the end of the month. The NYP added that Kiran’s current co-hosts Christine Romans and Ali Velshi will continue on at AM on an interim basis.

Furthermore, Mediaite confirmed the NYP account and added that it had obtained Kiran’s memo to her “American Morning Family.” In that note, Kiran revealed that July 29th will be her final day behind the AM desk and at CNN itself. Then, after thanking her bosses for the opportunity and her colleagues for the memories, Kiran enigmatically concluded, “This isn’t goodbye… this is see you soon.”

Kiran back to where she once belonged? Perhaps, Fox News Senior VP of Programming Bill Shine is really shaking up the FNC daytime. Her Fox & Friends fans can only hope so.

Update: Kiran subtly alerted her Twitter followers early Thursday morning to her imminent departure from AM by reTweeting a Piers Morgan missive. She RT’d, “Thx! I’ll b watching u!RT @piersmorgan: Very sad to see @kiranchetrycnn go – great lady, terrific presenter. My mornings won’t be the same.”

Kiran Parties Hard in London

Chetry: “Last standing.” With her hubby and kids safely ensconced across the Pond in Larchmont (NY), American Morning co-host Kiran Chetry showed her  male colleagues in London that she’s no dull girl. After CNN’s hard-working royal wedding anchor told a Twitter follower Monday that she had not tried the pubs yet, Kiran remedied that in no short measure the very next day. According to “Page Six” of the New York Post, AM‘s Aphrodite joined her colleagues, CNN’s Piers Morgan, ABC’s Chris Cuomo, and ABC’s News Prez Ben Sherwood Tuesday night at Morgan’s London pub, Hansom Cab. Reportedly, the Nepalese beauty not only “threw back quite a few drinks” with the boys but also “was the last anchor standing” when the party ended at 11 p.m.

Whether Kiran was seen “last standing”–or, perhaps, dancing–atop a Hansom Cab table is not now known. However, if CNN chief Ken Jautz wants real ratings for AM, stills and footage will soon follow.

Calling all iReporters! Kiran?

Update: Morgan Tweets photo of Kiran in her Royal Wedding “sexy wellies.”

Kiran: No “Pumpkin Peeking” Today

But, still delicious? With guest co-host T.J. Holmes back in the American Morning house today, co-anchor Kiran Chetry apparently tried to make sure that he was not again too distracted by her beautiful bronzed orbs. As loyal AM viewers may remember, during the spring of last year when Kiran and T.J. hosted AM together, one of the buttons on Kiran’s blouse became unclasped and T.J., seemingly, could not help stealing a glance: shortly thereafter, Kiran (or, perhaps, a producer) pinned it up to veil the view of her pleasing pumpkins for the rest of the show. Today, wearing a not too dissimilar buttoned red blouse, Kiran, apparently, preemptively put a black top underneath to preclude such an occurrence.

However, T.J. should not feel too bad. Only a few weeks ago, Kiran, apparently, did the same to “help” her regular co-host John Roberts keep his eyes from roving: recently, when wearing a short, sleeveless black dress with a plunging neckline, Kiran donned a red top underneath to cloak her chest. As Kiran may have well remembered, that very dress was the one that had John Roberts’ seemingly doing a sequel to his original “Pumpkin Peeking.”

Nevertheless, all was not lost for T.J. or the AM audience as to the aesthetic appreciation of the Nepalese Aphrodite. In contrast with her matronly layered top, Kiran wore a short, sexy mini showcasing her gorgeous gams. Coy, but Chetrylicious!

[Aside: To paraphrase Fergie, “Chetrylicious definition make them AM boys go loco.”]

Kiran: Shaken & Stirred

Chetry: Craig Crazy. American Morning’s Aphrodite Kiran Chetry may enjoy getting her male acolytes all hot and bothered on occasion but yesterday it was Kiran who became the flustered votary of her Adonis. When AM returned almost mid-show to the theme of James Bond, Kiran drew “her gun” like an Angel (Charlie’s)  before reading the headlines. She began, “Welcome back! I guess you can guess what we’re talking about this morning.”*

Then, as producers ran the footage of Craig rising from the surf in his bathing scivvies in Casino Royale, Kiran continued, “007 may have a hard time surviving his latest adventure. The twenty-third James Bond film has been postponed indef [ending mid-word]. Appearing suddenly to be overcome by the vapors, Kiran exclaimed, “Hold on, I can’t speak!” Abashedly, she laughed, “Lord have mercy! Sorry!”

After regaining her composure and finishing the story, her co-anchor John Roberts nonchalantly queried, “So, who was the best Bond?” John proclaimed that it was Sean Connery. Not swayed in the least, Kiran defiantly declared, “I picked Daniel Craig. I’m sorry. It was that scene we showed.”

Agreeably, John replied, “I also like Daniel Craig: I think he’s a very good Bond. I really do.” Raising her eyes lustily, Kiran enthusiastically concurred, “Me, too!” Realizing that he might want to distinguish his comments, John replied, “I like him for different reasons than you do.”

Turning to John, Kiran riantly responded, “Next time we’ll do your favorite Bond girls. How about that? We’ll keep it fair.” Gallantly, John answered, “Nah! I got one girl [Kyra Phillips] that’s my favorite.” Kiran simply laughed.

Kiran: the next bodacious Bond girl? Don’t laugh. She certainly made a luscious Lara Croft!

American Morning – 04/21/10 (@7:19 a.m. ET)

Kiran: Bruised Beauty?

Manhandled? American Morning co-anchor Kiran Chetry may have had some “splaining” to do when she got home yesterday after the show. That is, if hubby Chris Knowles saw a blue and purple mark on his beloved’s right arm.

Mid-AM Monday, perhaps, in a rush to interview New York Times Pultizer winner columnist Nicholas Kristof for the following healthcare segment, Kiran seemed to lose her camera cognition. As she ended a story with Alina Cho and co-anchor John Roberts, Kiran prematurely started to leave as John began to read the headlines. Then, as the news video subsequently ran on the wall, an oblivious Kiran began to walk in front of the screen unawares.

Out of nowhere, an apparent crew member, dressed in black, grabbed a startled Kiran by her right upper arm. Then, the chunky, calvous chap began to roughly march her out of the shot. As he did, Kiran winced in pain, grabbed her arm, and quietly exclaimed, “Ow!”

Jamie, you better be careful. AM’s Aphrodite may not like her beauty bruised.

American Morning (01/11/09) – @7:29 a.m. ET

Roberts: Rob’s Tight T-Shirt

American Morning weatherguy Rob Marciano displayed his yo-yo technique today and AM co-anchor John Roberts was impressed. Not with his skills but with his presentation!

Promoting an upcoming “Rob’s Road Show” segment (set in Orlando the site of a yo-yo world competition), Rob awkwardly attempted to keep the simple Duncan toy in motion. When he had some success, he gave the thumbs up sign and flexed his biceps in a constricting short-sleeved Polo: AM co-host Kiran Chetry commented, “He got the yo-yo back up to his hand: So, that’s a plus.” Seemingly, ribbing Rob for his gay/straight beefcake appeal,* John jested, “You know, you’re wearing a t-shirt that tight: It doesn’t matter what you do with a yo-yo!”

CNN: Home of AM’s Aphrodite, and, apparently, its Adonis.

* Merely, Google “Rob Marciano.”

AM (08/14/09) – @ 6:42 a.m. ET

Pinup Kiran

“Just one look, that’s all it took! Yeah, just one look that’s it all it took” for American Morning co-host Kiran Chetry to go from pinup to pinned up. After AM’s Aphrodite, apparently, caused yet another co-host to have an errant eye, out came a cloistering clasp.

After Kiran had been on the air with guest host T.J. Holmes for about an hour in her lovely white blouse with a very modest neckline, her top began to open somewhat more. As co-anchor John Roberts did around Thanksgiving time (“Pumpkin Peeking,”),* T.J. could not help but notice: as he turned toward her, for a nanosecond, he seemed to steal a glance. AM’s executive producer Janelle Rodriguez must have noticed, too: after that segment, Kiran could be seen only with the pin primly placed to the dismay of many of her male fans.

*https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2008/10/21/pumpkin-peeking/

Kiran’s M&M Green

The girl can’t help it! American Morning co-anchor Kiran Chetry was confined yesterday in a prim and proper business outfit consisting of a white button-up blouse, black barely above-the-knee skirt, and black peek-a-boo heels. Apparently, she could not resist the temptation to spice it up a bit.

Subtly, AM’s Aphrodite allowed her neckline to drop a little lower than brass may have intended and donned a sexy M&M green coed cardigan sweater to boot. For the cloistered among us, there was a reason that your sexy school dream girl picked out the green M&M’s. Hint: It wasn’t because they tasted different.

No, CNN: Kiran will not be dudded down.

Aphrodite’s Hemline

A lady’s hemline often reflects the rise and fall of the economy as fashionistas fathom intuitively and CNN Kyra Phillips’ reminded AM’s audience before the election. Monday Kiran sent our dire signals by draping herself in black from head to toe in mourning togs: Her choice rang true as the Dow dropped almost 300 points to take it below 7000 for the first time in over a decade. Tuesday, she doffed her mourning garb and donned a more hopeful habit, i.e., a fawnish turtleneck top and a short pumpkin skirt  (embracing Anna Wintour’s de rigeur bare leg look): Once again, her selection was shown to be sure as the bleeding was somewhat stemmed as the Dow dropped only  37 points. Today Kiran adopted more conservative clothing, i.e., a red crew-neck, long sleeved sweater, and black just-above-the-knee skirt (ameliorated somewhat with the undraped gam): will AM’s Aphrodite’s attire be accurate again today?

Hopefully, better days are ahead!

*https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2008/05/26/am-still-slacking/

http://www.nola.com/news/index.ssf/2009/03/dow_falls_below_7000_for_first.html

Buttoned-Up AM

Is the fashion guru of Hillary Clinton whispering fashion advice into the ears of American Morning’s crew? Does a woman still have to ape a man in appearance to succeed? Please! Kyra Phillips wore a midi skirt just above her knee once again, today, with a white top that had a faux Mao collar done Elvis-style. Gasp! She did have one button undone. Alina Cho was even more conservative with her similar collar turned down and fully buttoned. The twins in white matched John Roberts’ shirt in color and almost in style. AM needs to remember the French phrase as to the sexes, “Viva la difference!” Especially, when it come to their resident Aphrodite, Kiran Chetry. Speaking of whom, when will she reappear?