Rob Schmitt: “Fox News 5am Anchor”

Breaking news? Did Fox & Friends First apparent new co-host Rob Schmitt break new news to his Twitter followers? Even though his purported new position does not appear on the Fox & Friends First Facebook page (which only lists Heather Childers), the FNC F&FF page (which only features Heather also), or the F&FF Twitter page (which features no one), Rob dubs himself “Fox News 5am Anchor” (the F&FF ET hour) on his own Twitter page.

Apparently, Rob jumped the gun–at least, as to the FNC official announcement. Of course, F&FF fans should not be surprised if he did: Inanely, FNC is usually late in letting their viewers know when a new host is on aboard.

F&FF’s Rob Schmitt?

Who the heck is Heather Childers‘ hubby du jour? Yes, Carpe Diem was similarly situated as most of FNC’s audience. After a Google search, the author found that guest Fox & Friends First co-host Rob (pics) like FNC star Shepard Smith (pic) and Gregg Jarrett (pic) has his own mug shot to add to his portfolio. According to SFLTV.com, Rob was arrested on “alleged battery/domestic violence charges”: However, SFLTV.com later reported, “The case against Rob Schmitt was dismissed on 3/9/2009 for lack of evidence.”

Obviously, in this fallen world, viewers should not be surprised at what journos, pols, or others are accused of doing or of what they do in spite of their celebrity. After all, there has never been a perfect mere mortal. But, the F&FF fan can be forgiven for giving a double take after her/his Google search of a Fox News newbie.

With all of the anti-Fox News feverish fervor from its competitors, FNC would be wise to place on the scales who Rob is and what he brings to the table for their audience.

Abby Leaves F&FF

Heather: “We’ll certainly miss you here.” As Fox & Friends First fans awakened to the very first segment of F&FF, co-host Heather Childers announced her veritable co-anchor Abby Huntsman‘s exit from the show to being F&F Weekend co-anchor. At the 5:07 a.m. ET moment, Heather proclaimed, “Well, congratulations are in order this morning: Abby Huntsman named the new co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend.” As Abby alluringly chimed in a protracted “aww” as a montage of her F&FW clips ran, Heather continued, “Of course, Abby, you’ve been here and on the curvy couch for a while now: But, now we are making it official, and you’ll join the team of Fox & Friend Weekend as they celebrate their highest rated year in history….We’ll certainly miss you here: But, glad that you’re staying part of the Fox & Friends family!”

In response, Abby amiably answered, “I love being here with you, Heather! Thanks so much! I’m excited for this new adventure, a new chapter! But, I love our audience: I love the Fox & Friends family!”

And, the F&FW audience appears to love her back. Whether Abby can live up to her predecessors, e.g., Kiran Chetry, Alisyn Camerota, Anna Kooiman, etc. remains to be seen. But, she does seem to be off to a good start.

Congrats anew, Abby!

 

Maria Molina: FNC Loses Another Fox? [Updated]

Seriously?! According to FTVLive, FNC meteorologist Maria Molina is leaving Fox News and she will be announcing her exit early tomorrow morning. Reportedly, she is going to Central Michigan University to get her PHD, and she will be working at WJBK part-time in Detroit.

Maria’s departure falls on the heels of the vamooses of hottie Outnumbered co-host Andrea Tantaros, leggy lovely frequent Outnumbered co-anchor Jedidiah Bila, 2013 Miss USA Red Eye co-host Joanne Nosuchinsky, and Fox & Friends Weekend  co-anchor Anna Kooiman. Not to mention Gretchen Carlson: And, who knows about her purported supporter Kelly File anchor Megyn Kelly. At least, former Victoria’s Secret model The Five‘s comely Kimberly Guilfoyle, Fox & Friends First co-hosts lovely Heather Childers and beauty Abby Huntsman; and Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhart are still at Fox News–at least, for now.

Bill Shine, if you keep losing the “Foxes” post Roger, you will be left with only “Friends.” And, for FNC fans, this is not a good thing. Get it together!

H/t J$, for your “heads up”!

Update: Maria announced her exit indeed on Fox & Friends this morning at 6:32 a.m. ET. (08/25/16).  Fox & Friends Tweet (including vid): https://twitter.com/foxandfriends/status/768761326210473985.

F&FF’s Freaky Friday: No Legs Day

That was weird! Fox & Friends First co-hosts Heather Childers and Abby Huntsman’s gorgeous gams were nowhere on display today for their fervent fans. Both F&FF shows started with the news stories of the San Diego policemen being shot and Secretary Clinton’s Dem Presidential nomination: Neither hour started with Abby and Heather’s usual warm welcoming of their audience to the show as they stand flaunting their finery from head to toe.

To boot, on the half hour, they failed to so welcome their viewers as usual: Rather, producers picked an extraordinarily odd small shot of the heads and partial torsos of Heather and Abby as they tossed to their first reporter. It looked like a color film negative that took up only half of the screen with a small part of that screen above them and a large part of it below with a nondescript graphic. Strange!

It was a fast forward day for F&FF: Sorry, Abby and Heather! Step it up, producers!

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).

Missing Ainsley? She’s on Maternity Leave

Earhardt: “Just pray for me!” Friday, Fox & Friends First co-host Heather Childress revealed that her co-anchor Ainsley Earhardt was going on maternity leave as their show concluded. But, Ainsley seemed to indicate that her departure just might be a bit more.

When Heather made her announcement, a crew member brought a bouquet of flowers and a few pieces of cake to a smiling Ainsley.

Smiling, Ainsley, exclaimed, “How wonderful! These are beautiful! Thank you, Matt!”

Interjecting, Heather declared, “We are really going to miss you, and we know that you are going to be a wonderful, wonderful mom.”

In reply, Ainsley said, “Oh, you’re so sweet! Thank you for your support. I love you!”

Turning to her audience, Ainsley continued, “I love all of you! Ya’ll have been so supportive and so loving. And next time I see you all, I’ll have a baby! Life is about to change!”

Chiming in, Heather said, “Yes, you will: Not sure if it’s going to be a baby boy or [a] baby girl.”

In response, Ainsley stated, “We don’t know! We’re going to be surprised.”

Opening up further with her fans more intimately, Ainsley disclosed, “I did find out [that] the baby is breached. So, we have a scheduled C-section for next Friday….Today’s my last day on air. I will be here for a few more days.”

Sounding almost as if her maternity leave were permanent, Ainsley again declared, “Today’s my last day on air. So, I’ve loved every minute of it. I feel so fortunate. And, just pray for me.” Then she added, “Pray for a healthy baby, please!”

Clutching her flowers, Ainsley concluded, “Thanks to our producers who gave us time to do this today. Ya’ll have all been wonderful. I just feel loved. And, ya’ll are all so special to me.”

Beaming, Ainsley blew her fans a big kiss, saying, “Thank you. Bye!”

Prayers for a good delivery and a healthy baby, Ainsley!

Anna: “I’m a Married Woman!”

The lucky guy? Tim Stuckey. Sorry, fellows, sexy Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Anna Kooiman has tied the knot! No worries: you can still check the blond beauty out each Saturday and Sunday in the early morn but you can’t touch–too much!

Last night, Anna and Tim said, “I do” and the conjugal tango between the two lovers began. Fox & Friends First co-host Heather Childers shared a pic of the joyful duo, Tweeting, “The happy couple! Mr. & Mrs. Stuckey!” For good measure, Heather added a fab vid of the lovers celebrating their new life together as newlyweds with that special “first dance.” To boot, Heather’s F&FF co-host Ainsley Earhardt Tweeted a few fun wedding pics. Happily, the gorgeous bride added her own sweet shots for her fans.

Congratulations, Anna and Tim!

Ainsley: We’re Having a Baby

Earhardt: “I’m five months pregnant now.” Today, Fox & Friends First co-host Ainsley Earhardt announced that she is having a baby!

As F&FF concluded this morning, Ainsley’s co-anchor Heather Childers read emails from fans noting that Ainsley has been posting pics with her scripts covering her tummy and wondering if she were hiding something. Turning to Ainsley with a smile, Heather asked, “So, Ainsley, do you have something to tell us?”

Beaming, Ainsley proudly proclaimed, “I do!” Rubbing her belly with glee, Ainsley announced, “We’ve had an extra little man or a little girl on set with us for the past five months! We’re having a baby! My husband (Will Proctor) and I are having a baby.”

As producers showed a sonogram of Ainsley’s little one in the womb, Heather asked, “And, do you know if it’s a little girl or a little boy?” Pointing to the screen, Ainsley laughed, “In that picture, the sonogram, I said, ‘Look, honey!…Our little girl is praying. And, he said, “No, that’s a boy! Our boy is throwing the football.”

As Heather started to ask her whether she and her hubby were going to find out the gender of the baby, Ainsley replied, “No, we’re not going to find out. We’re gonna wait. It’s going to be a surprise!”

In response, Heather queried, “And, how far along are you?” Ainsley answered, “I’m five months pregnant.” Stroking her stomach, she continued, “And, what has been fun about this is now just the joy for my husband and for me but sharing this with my family and his family….What a joy to give them [Ainsley’s parents] this gift because it’s their first grandchild and my in-laws first grandchild.” Laughing, she added, ” I want a girl so I can have bows in her hair!”

Subsequently, Heather remarked, “You look beautiful! You are glowing like they always say.”

Indeed, Ainsley. Congratulations to you and Will!

A F&F First: Nudity Allowed

“I’m so wasted!” Ainsley Earhardt and Heather Childers naked? For their naturalist viewers, the Fox & Friends First co-hosts made au naturel all natural.

Without warning, blond beauties Ainsley and Heather introduced a NSFW Watter’s World “Political Accomplishment Edition” segment by Jesse Watters to arouse their audience in the early morn to a little porn (April 04/14).* It was Jesse’s usual schtick of embarrassing hapless and clueless hotties and/or eccentrics about current events: This time, he ended his report with an interviewee who said that he was not yet “wasted” and a scene from Fast Times at Ridgemont High [NSFW clip (0.17/0.19)] of Jeff Spicoli (Sean Penn) who assuredly was. In the naughty vid, Spicoli proclaims, “I’m so wasted!”: On the wall in the background, there are two apparent Playboy pinup lovelies flaunting their full frontal nudity.

As the segment ended, Ainsley exclaims, “Oh, my word! Interesting!” Chuckling, Heather replied, “You never know what you’re going to get!”

Indeed, Ainsley and Heather! Playboy pinups on air? Another Fox & Friends First!

[Author’s aside: “Cleaning out my closet” [vid] as Eminem might say: Sorry, CD readers, that I did not get this F&FF story to you earlier.]

*Fox & Friends First – 04/14/15 (@ 5:19 a.m. ET).

F&F: Ainsley Replaces Heather?

Elisabeth Hasselbeck: “I love seeing you in the morning.” Yesterday, Fox & Friends First co-host Ainsley Earhardt filled in for F&F newsreader Heather Nauert. Regrettably, only for the day.

And, seemingly, that is the sentiment that co-anchor Elisabeth Hasselbeck expressed mid-show Monday. Segueing to Ainsley to proclaim the headline news, Elizabeth exclaimed, “You know who looks good? Ainsley!”* Turning to Elizabeth with a big smile, Ainsley cooed, “Aww, you’re so sweet!” Feeling the love, Elisabeth aptly answered,  “I love seeing you in the morning!” Perhaps, presciently, Ainsley responded, “Thanks! I love being with you guys!”

Ainsley does fit in rather well with Elizabeth and the F&F boys. Even though she may not have that “alpha bitch” prerequisite a la Lis to co-host with Steve Doocy and Brian Kilmeade, the South Carolina belle does add her delightfully genteel manner–friendly, funny, and deferential to the “stars” of the show. Instead of the awkward ad hoc observations that Heather too oft makes, Ainsley facilitates a smooth transition from and back to the co-hosts.

For fans of the Chi-town chick (like White House press secretary Tony Snow who told her “God made you beautiful”), she is not bad to look at–at all. But, sometimes, the leggy blonde beauty is just a bit too perky and chirpy for the Fox & Friends dawn. Ironically, an hour earlier, paired with the other Heather (Heather Childers), she can be a delightful wake-up call.

F&FF: Wake up to Heather–in fact, both of them! F&F: But, greet the day with Ainsley and Lis!

*Fox & Friends – 01/21/14 (@ 7:34 a.m. ET).

Huddy & PAB: “Simply the Best”?

The girls are back in town! Former Fox & Friends First co-hosts Juliet Huddy and Patti Ann Browne opened their old show to the inimitable Tina Turner’s “Simply the Best” this morning. As current F&FF co-hosts Ainsley Earhardt and Heather Childers took the holidays off, it was an amusing start to the day after Christmas for F&FF fans.

As the reader may recall, F&FF (this iteration) debuted almost two years ago (March 5, 2012) with Ainsley and Anna Kooiman at the helm (vid) as nine other rotating co-anchors (i.e., Heather C., Heather Nauert, PAB, Juliet, Arthel Neville, Jamie Colby, Julie Banderas, Dave Briggs, and Clayton Morris) stood at the ready for their shifts. However, on its one-year anniversary, Ainsley signaled that the F&FF co-hosts had been pared to four: She, the two Heathers, and PAB had survived the cut. Approximately, six months later, FNC whittled the number down to two, namely, Ainsley and Heather Childers: TV Newser rather charitably reported that FNC had chosen the two as the “permanent anchors” of F&FF.

But, today, Juliet and PAB had their revenge at Ainsley and Heather Childers’ expense as producers, wittingly or not, committed a lese-majeste, declaring the fresh Jersey girl and Red Eye‘s “notorious PAB” “simply the best [better than all the rest].” Of course, Ainz and Heather C. are scheduled to return to rule their roost soon. And, if the sages are right, she who laughs last laughs best.

F&FF: Ringing in the New Year with feline fireworks? If so, it should be fun! Rowrr!

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!]

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.”]

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.”]

F&FF’s Old Turkey: “Scrambled Up!”

Finally, thrown out? Thankfully, Fox & Friends First‘s awkward “Scrambled Up” signature sign-off seems to have surceased around Thanksgiving. After almost a month of its absence as the segue segment from F&FF to Fox & Friends, it seems safe to say that it has run its course. Now, there is no toss from F&FF co-hosts to their F&F counterparts: instead of the usual hand-off, the F&FF co-anchors crisply conclude their show and simply announce that F&F is next.

For FNC fans who have dreaded the tortured toss exchanges between the F&FF co-hosts and their Fox & Friends colleagues, the change is a welcome one. The F&FF ladies (Ainsley Earhardt, Heather Childers, Heather Nauert, and Patti Ann Browne) no longer have to play second fiddle to F&F diva Gretchen Carlson or her boys, Brian Kilmeade and Steve Doocy. In fact, they don’t have to play at all with their seemingly scornful sibs who appeared to disdain playing the “Scrambled Up!” jumble with their  F&FF “little sisters.”

Apparently, Ainz, PAB, and the two Heathers are all grown up now–and on their own. At last.

Doubly “Blessed” Ainsley: “It’s Official!!!”

Gets new hubby–and new job! Fox & Friends First co-host Ainsley Earhardt returned to her show today with a brand new lease on life. Last night, Ainsley announced via Twitter that she, Heather Childers, Heather Nauert, and Patti Ann Browne are now the “official” Fox & Friends First co-hosts. Today, she proclaimed on F&FF how “blessed” she was to have a “beautiful” new husband, former Clemson quarterback Will Proctor (as she shared wedding photos with her viewers mid-show).*

As Ainsley revealed to her Facebook friends, Ainsley got married to Will less than two weeks ago (October 13). Subsequently, the two lovers went on a romantic romp to an undisclosed location. But, Ainsley indicated that it would not be all fun and games: She Facebooked, “Even on our honeymoon, we are excited to watch the debate. Critical time for our great country!”

Congratulations, Ainsley, to you and Will! And, laurels, on your selection as official F&FF co-host!

[Author’s aside: Over three months ago, the author posited in Carpe Diem‘s “Fox & Friends First: The Four Now?” that the F&FF roster appeared to have been pared down to Ainsley, P.A.B., and the two Heathers. Happily, Ainsley finally confirmed it yesterday.]

*An earlier pic of the happy couple at the New York Junior League 58th Annual Winter Ball.

F&F Cat Spat: Gretch “Slimes” the Two Heathers

Nauert: “She’s wrong for once.” Fox & Friends co-anchor Gretchen Carlson got rather perturbed at her fellow FNC blonde colleagues, F&F First co-hosts Heather Nauert and Heather Childers, for correcting her on air yesterday. In the “Scrambled Up!” segue (consisting of the jumbled letters of a word from a story in the show) from the early F&FF to F&F, Gretchen usually has found it frustrating and daunting: But, Monday she sat smug and confident before the two Heathers’ toss (of the letters, “m,” “l,” “e,” “i,” and “s”). Just not for long.

After F&FF‘s penultimate segment concluded, “The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly” segment, Nauert declared, “Okay, it’s time to get ‘Scrambled Up’ and Gretchen Carlson is here to help us.”

Grinning, Gretchen blurted, “I already know it: slime.”

“Slime?” queried Nauert, incredulously. Echoing her, Childers chimed, “Slime?”

Rolling her eyes at Gretchen’s answer, a smiling Nauert replied, “Noooo.”

After, possibly, getting the real answer in her ear, Gretchen rolled her shoulders, proclaiming, “It could be.” As Gretchen’s co-host Steve Doocy and Childers chorused “smile” in reply, Nauert charitably declared, “She’s wrong for once.”

Not willing to concedeto her F&F colleagues, Gretchen proudly insisted, “It could be slime.” Coming to her succor, Gretchen’s other co-host Brian Kilmeade inaccurately interjected, “It’s true.”

Looking through the camera at Gretchen with outstretched palms, Nauert confidently declared, “It’s ‘smile’!”

Mimicking Nauert’s body language, Gretchen defiantly shouted, “It could be ‘slime’!”

Compliantly, Nauert’s co-host Childers concurred, “It could have been ‘slime'”: Less deferential to her F&F elder, a seemingly sarcastic Nauert laughed, “It could be. Yes, yes. Very good, Gretchen!”

Having secured her possibly Pyrrhic victory for the moment, Gretchen riposted, “Okay. But, I’ll smile when I say it. Thanks, ladies!”

After that cat spat ended (and as F&FF ended and F&F began), Brian aptly asked, “Was slime in the show, though?” Ignoring his clear implication that she was wrong (since the answer has to have a word in the show itself), Gretchen blithely proclaimed, “That may be the first time that we’ve had a word that could be two words.”

[Author’s aside: Actually, Gretchen was right that the answer could have been two words: However, “slime” was not one of them. Both “smile” and “miles” were contained within the subtitles of F&FF stories (consecutive ones) less than ten minutes before “Scrambled Up”: “Smiles Not Always Contagious: Bosses Grin at Those Lower in Pecking Order” and “By the Numbers: 24 Miles, 4 Minutes, and 834 MPH” (about the space dive of “Fearless Felix”).*]

*Fox & Friends First – 10/15/12 (@ 5:51 a.m. ET)

Ainsley’s Bridal Shower: Updated!

[Earhardt’s tiger revealed, infra.] Seventh heaven: Ainsley and six other Ailes’ angels celebrate a new beginning. Yesterday, Fox & Friends First co-host Ainsley Earhardt‘s hump day was extra special. The sweet Southern belle was honored with a bridal shower by her Fox News family and friends, including fellow FNC femmes, Patti Ann Brown, Heather Childers, Maria Molina, Janice Dean, Heather Nauert, and Anna Kooiman (photo).

Seemingly, the die is now cast: Ainsley’s bridal shower has been thrown. And, yesterday, Janice signaled her hearty approval to her Twitter followers with Tweets about the festive affair. In one missive, she sent a photo of Ainsley and the FNC femme fatales, writing, “From beautiful @ainsleyearhardt bridal show this afternoon @FoxFriendsFirst pic.twitter.com/sHeija7K. In another, she sent a pic of a radiant solo Ainsley sipping an apparent mimosa, proclaiming, “Beautiful bride to be! @ainsleyearhardt.” This morning, an appreciative Ansley laconically replied, “Janice – thanks for the tweet.”

Apparently, Ainsley was a wee bit overly eager last week when she alluded to her “husband.” Perhaps, she already felt secure in his arms at her “Home Sweet Home.” Cheers, Ainsley!

Update: Subsequent to the posting of the author’s article, Janice Tweeted, “A Bridal Shower for our beautiful @ainsleyearhardt @FoxFriendsFirst (plenty of pictures!) weather.blogs.foxnews.com/2012/09/27/ainsleys-bridal-shower. In her post, Janice shares fabulous photos of Ainsley, six more Ailes Angels, and other FNC colleagues partying at Sarabeth’s restaurant in Manhattan. To boot, she reveals the name of Ainsley’s hubby-to-be–Will Proctor (former Clemson quarterback).

Carol Costello: I’m Just Whining on a “Friend”

CNN Newsroom anchor: “Strange ‘leg crossings’ on Fox’s early, early news.” No wonder FNC’s Fox & Friends First continues to bury its CNN counterpart Early Start in the ratings: Even CNN morning host Carol Costello is tuning in for Fox News’ early morning gamfest.

Today, Mediaite.com author Andrew Kirell reported a very candid Carol Facebook post this morning. To whit, Carol comically declared, “Good morning! Each morning we are amazed at the excellent posture and strange ‘leg crossings’ on Fox’s early, early news. I have tried to get my legs to do that…but, it hurts. What can I say, it’s a slow Monday!”*

Slow or no(t), Carol’s comment  was illuminating. She clearly has her eyes on the early morning juggernaut that is demolishing CNN’s Early Start by more than 2 to 1 in the demo and 3 to 1 in total viewers. And, she herself has tried to emulate the Fox News foxes–without success.

At least, Carol has tried. Perhaps, Early Start co-host Zoraida Sambolin will follow suit. CNN desperately needs a sexy new start to boost its early morning ratings, especially, now that its erstwhile AM “ray of light” Kiran Chetry no longer ushers in the dawn.

[Author’s aside: Title, supra, play on the Rolling Stones’ “Waiting on a Friend.”]

*The Fox & Friends First co-hosts Monday were Patti Ann Browne and Heather Childers.