Abby’s Adieu (F&FW): Short & Sweet

“Abby, please don’t go, too!” But, sadly, Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Abby Huntsman did just that in spite of the plea of this Carpe Diem author. With less than two years under her belt as Fox & Friends Weekend co-host, she bade her co-hosts Pete Hegseth and Ed Henry, her crew, and, most importantly, her viewers a fond farewell to reportedly join her good friend Meghan McCain at the table on The View to wage friendly fire with libs Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, and Whoopi Goldberg.

Yesterday, in the opening segment, Abby exclaimed, “Big news that we will talk about tomorrow! But this is our last weekend together! So, we are going to make the most of this [inaudible].” True to her word, she did just that today. And, it came as no surprise to those who follow cable news (HuffPo link): But, to the viewers who do not, it probably did since Abby sat on the F&FW curvy couch as queen for such a short reign. In the final segment today, F&FW producers gave Abby a fitting farewell tribute (vid via J$P) as they brought in her hubs Jeff and their daughter Isabel Grace to mark this new chapter in her life. The daughter of the current ambassador to Russia and the past ambassador to China, Jon Huntsman, Jr., certainly was politically savvy and smart. And, the Utah lovely also had her sexy side–albeit family friendly–a la weekday Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt. She gave her fans a reason to rise in the early morn on the weekend with her cheerful disposition, beauty, and brains.

Gone much too soon, Abby! You will be missed!

 

 

Chris & Aly Mock POTUS

Cuomo: “I hold it like a man–with one hand!” Giving fodder to President Trump in his claim that CNN is fake news, New Day co-hosts Chris Cuomo and Alisyn Camerota supplied it in droves this morning.* [Vid (“The Right Scoop): Link here.]

Recently, Chris and Aly gave the President grief for drinking a dozen Diet Cokes a day. Today they mocked his manner of drinking water in his national security speech Monday. Chuckling, Aly remarked, “Twitter took note: It has led to comparisons of how the President needs to use two hands, apparently, to drink from a water bottle. He did that drink the speech last month and then again yesterday!” Cradling her small water in her hands in derision,  she added, “But, this was an even smaller glass yesterday where he used two hands.”

Turning to Chris, she laughed, “I believe last time you called it the “baby grip!”

Deriding President Trump further, Chris responded, “Well, that is the sippy cup that you’re using there right now! Grabbing a large empty glass vase, he joked, “I don’t get all the hands thing and the glass.” Putting the empty vessel to his lips and feigning a gulp, he brandished it to the viewer, saying, “You know, I don’t know what it’s all about….This is what I drink out of–I drink out of ’em and I hold it’s like a man–with one hand! But, you know, that’s, that’s me!”

Seeming to reference Senator Marco Rubio’s insulting infamous shot at POTUS, Aly joked, “You just have giant [inaudible]! Sarcastically, Chris said, “I don’t think that’s a judgment. Certainly, not one of our biggest concerns: You know, if you want to a cup with all of your hands that’s what you do!” Going for the derisive denouement, Aly iterated, “It is the sippy cup!”

Sadly, CNN is  a soupcon of a shadow of what it once was–a news work that put on, at the very least, a semblance of objectivity.  Anti-Trumpers and Never-Trumpers were given comfort: And, Trump supporters were reaffirmed in their views of CNN’s overt bias. Sad.

[H/t, Johnny Dollar.]

*New Day – 12/19/17 (@ 8:45 a.m. ET).

 

Aly Goes Ballistic!

That was weird: Approximately 47 minutes before Carpe Diem posted, “Aly Goes Silent,” New Day co-host Alisyn Camerota had gone ballistic! In a CNN article entitled, “Alisyn Camerota: Why I’m Breaking Up with Twitter,” Aly goes on a rather rabid rant, declaring, “Dear Twitter (attn: trolls), It’s over. I’m breaking up with you. I know it’s sad. We’ve been together a long time.”

Elaborating, Aly writes, “You’re a shadow of your former self, the one I was first attracted to. It’s no fun to be with you anymore. You’ve become mean and verbally abusive. In fact, you gross me out. You’re a cesspool of spleen-venting from people who think it’s acceptable to insult other people in public and anonymously.”

Realizing, perchance, how her harshness may need to be abated re her fans, she remarks, ” I don’t mean to be harsh. Occasionally, you do let a nice, thoughtful person sneak through with a positive comment or constructive criticism. And I want you to know how much those messages have meant to me…. For years, these comments made all the negativity worth it — especially coming from those users who stood up for me and fought the trolls on my behalf. God bless them.”

But, then, perchance to her devoted Fox & Friends Weekend fans, she remarks or, more charitably, her harsher critics, Aly continues, “Of course, some of this is my fault. I’ve been leading you on. I’ve made you think I like you more than I really do. The truth is, I haven’t cared about you for a long time — in fact, I’ve been avoiding you.” Cutting to the quick, she adds, “I go weeks at a time without reading you, leaving you to prattle on thinking you have my attention….So, I’m done. I’m moving on. I’m looking for something else, something real and lasting.”

Offering a sop to her besotted loving acolytes, she promises, “And to the tens of thousands of folks who took time to follow me, I trust we’ll find a kinder place to reconnect.”

Hope you really will, Aly.

H/t to J$P.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, Abby Huntsman!”

So introduced Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Tucker Carlson his lovely co-host Abby Huntsman. “Abby Huntsman,” echoed F&FW co-host Clayton Morris. For the first time since Fox & Friends weekday introduced her on October 7 with a chyron as “Abby Huntsman: Co-host ‘Fox & Friends Weekend,” F&FW did similarly today when it introduced the three co-anchors with their names and their respective Twitter addresses at the start of each of the first three hours.

Now, Abby seems all the more certain to have secured her place on the F&FW curvy couch. On October 7, F&F identified Abby as co-host of F&FW, supra: Later, that very day, Abby Tweeted, “Grew up watching @foxandfriends…was so humbled to join the crew this morning to celebrate 20 years for @FoxNews!” The next day, Fox News Tweeted, “TUNE IN: @HuntsmanAbby @TuckerCarlson and @ClaytonMorris host a jam-packed edition of @ffweekend now on Fox News Channel.”

After F&FW today, Abby Tweeted, “It’s official. I my job! #kennyloggins #footloose @ffweekend foxandfriends @ 1211 Avenue of… https://www.instagram.com/p/BLle0FMlyv. In response, a fan Tweeted,@HuntsmanAbby you are a great addition to #foxandfriends excellent work [thumbs-up emoji]: As if to remove any doubt as to her new status, Abby replied, “Thanks Lou!”

Abby, a “great addition” to F&FW? FNC has not made a clarion proclamation: But, it seems quite pellucid that Bill Shine has made his choice: I.e., Abby is the new “it” gal on the curvy couch. Seemingly, not overly cowed by her apparent predecessor beauty Anna Kooiman‘s fab “booty-shaking” prowess [vid links included], Abby is not afraid to dance to bumper music on the curvy couch–or even to do the polka on the patio [vid via J$P]!

To paraphrase Axl Rose [vid], welcome to the Gotham jungle (on the F&FW curvy couch), Abby! Beauty and the beast–er, beasts!

F&F: “Abby Huntsman: Co-host ‘Fox & Friends Weekend'”

Wow! Apparently, FNC proclaimed Abby Huntsman the new queen of the Fox & Friends Weekend on the curvy couch on the sly. In a segment celebrating twenty years of Fox News, Fox & Friends co-hosts Steve Doocy, Ainsley Earhardt, and Brian Kilmeade were juxtaposed in mirror image on that very curvy couch with Fox & Friends Weekend co-host Clayton Morris, oft-of-late guest co-host Abby Huntsman,  and F&FW co-host Tucker Carlson. N.B. Steve and Clayton are the senior co-hosts on their respective shows; Brian and Tucker the juniors on theirs; and Ainsley and, apparently, now Abby are the new hires.

Eagle-eyed Johnny Dollar of famed Johnny Dollar’s Place apparently noticed Abby’s seeming elevation from fill-in F&FW co-host to regular F&FW co-host as well. In his “Friday Links and Open Thread” section, he penned, “F&F co-hosts” with a clip of the aforementioned segment. One of his posters, Sparty, noted, “Abby Huntsman was just on F&F with Tucker and Clayton and crawl said she was F&FW co-host….” And, indeed it did: The chyron read, “Abby Huntsman[:] Cohost ‘Fox & Friends Weekend.'”

However, Fox & Friends Weekend‘s Facebook page and Fox & Friends insider: Fox & Friends Weekend only list Clayton Morris and Tucker Carlson as co-hosts. Furthermore, both Abby’s Twitter page and her Facebook page make no mention of her possible new status. To boot, Abby’s FNC bio does not reflect it.

Was Abby crowned without the ceremony? The author tends to think she was. But, he awaits the official proclamation of Abby’s reign.

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.

FOX-y Kiran Returns: CNN Glam?

Chetry: “Are we perfect?”* Kiran Chetry looked luscious this morning as the former American Morning co-host returned to CNN as a guest on Reliable Sources. Paired with older beauty Judy Woodruff, co-host of PBS News Hour, Kiran seemed to make a deliberate decision to glam down, i.e., less makeup, flatter hair, and a more demure dress (sleeveless but with a higher collar and a lower hem). Perhaps, she or CNN’s makeup mavens decided to pander to a more politically correct meme and/or audience.

In his segment [vid via J$P], a  “must-see discussion about women, television news and attractiveness”** (based on a HuffPo article about a British news anchor “who should hike up her skirts”), RS anchor Brian Stelter remarked, “Kiran, you’ve brought some notes with you all of the different things you have been told about how you to dress over the years.” Kiran answered, “When you…called and said…do you want to come join us to talk about this, I laughed.” Elucidating, she explained, “I think that attention to women’s appearance, I think that it’s not just news: I think that’s just sort of society, and we can take it with a grain of salt or we can get very insecure about it.

Sharing her own experience, Kiran explicated, “But, I laughed over the years: People said that I should buy a wig–which I’m actually thinking that I probably should have because my hair is too thin for TV, they didn’t like that–and then I was told not to bare arms but Michelle Obama changed that for all of us.” Of the proffered advice, she added, “Dye your hair blond, wear your skirts shorter…don’t wear pantsuits.”

Subsequently, as Judy bemoaned the inevitable emphasis on the looks of female journalists, Kiran responded, “There is a huge amount of emphasis put on looks: I don’t necessarily think [that] it’s a horrible thing [but] it’s definitely, it’s trying.” When Brian asked for specifics, Kiran related that when she was a twenty-two old anchor in an NBC affiliate (WICU-TV) in Erie, Pennsylvania, she posited the adiaphorous example of being encouraged to wear shoulder pads and “pouffed out hair” to look older.

Hoping for a more apt example, perchance, Brian asked, “When you were at Fox News, was there a more of a focus on your looks than there were at other places?”

Smiling and tilting her head alluringly, Kiran replied, “Yeah, one of my favorite quotes ever: Never mind, I can’t say it. I can’t, I just realized that I can’t say it. I’ll tell you later!”

Don’t hold out, Kiran! As to whether you look perfect, to paraphrase Alabama for your steadfast fans, “you’re close enough to perfect for me.” And, when you really return to TV, the author has a feeling you just might be.

* Reliable Sources – 07/13/14 (11:17 a.m. ET). [Re the subtitle, supra, Kiran asked at the beginning of the segment, “Are we perfect because we’re both wearing sleeveless?”]

Jenna’s “Happening Now”: Her Frogman Curse?

My husband and I are expecting our first child…in early fall. Friday, Happening Now co-host Jenna Lee confirmed what many of her viewers were expecting: the auburn-tressed beauty’s growing girth was not necessarily diet-induced.

Before announcing her gravid state [vid via J$P], she read a Tweet from a fan who asked, “Is it me or is Jenna Lee putting on a little weight in the tummy?” Turning to her co-anchor Jon Scott, she teased, “Jon, do you want to answer this one?” After he wisely refused to do so, Anna read a few more audience questions as to whether she was pregnant. In answer, Jenna joyfully remarked, “I can confirm that my husband [Leif Babin] and I are expecting our first child: It’s very much “happening now”: But, it will be happening in early fall.

Interjecting, Jon joked, “He’s [Jenna’s hubby Leif (pic)] former Navy SEAL….Did they teach him how to deal with a pregnant woman?” Chuckling, Jenna replied, “I can’t reveal all their…top secret training, Jon, but I do know that the SEAL’s have something that they call the frogman curse–which I think I can talk about–which is that a lot of them end up having little girls.” When Jon queried, “Should our viewers take that as a hint, Anna answered, “[N]o….We don’t know the gender: we’re not going to know, and it’ll, it’ll just be breaking news when it happens.”

Congratulations, Jenna and Leif! A little girl: Frogman curse? Nah, frogman blessing!

H/t, J$.

 

Comely Camerota: CNN’s Catch?

Bathing beauty Aly: “For anyone wondering what I’ve been up to….” Today, Alisyn Camerota, the quondam queen of Fox & Friends Weekend‘s curvy couch got her fans attention with that Twitter tease that featured her in a sexy bathing beauty pose. She may have been more demure than her daring ’80’s bikini shot but the Bristol Bay Babe was just as alluring with her sexy come-hither pose. The catch? The former F&FW fox has jumped ship to CNN according to FTVLive.

For Fox & Friends viewers, Aly’s move should come as no surprise. FNC’s Senior VP of Programming Bill Shine has seemingly given his erstwhile best anchor the shaft: When he ditched Gretchen Carlson on F&F weekday, it appeared that the long-suffering three-time co-anchor of F&FW and frequent guest-host of F&F would finally get her due. Instead, the same genius that chose Gretch to be E. D. Hill‘s replacement on F&F over the eminently superior Kiran Chetry decided to go outside of the FNC family and choose Barbara Walter’s View outcast, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, rather than F&F fan favorite Aly.

Hopefully, CNN Prez Jeff Zucker will put Aly on against Lis in the mornings to jump start his moribund morning show New Day. Of course, Aly will be at a distinct disadvantage having to contend against Shine’s FNC juggernaut trio that also includes F&F Everyman Steve Doocy and Puckish wit Brian Kilmeade. Hopefully, Aly will join a cast including current Early Start co-host, wag John Berman, and another engaging gal or guy during the New Day time period: I.e., if the proverbial CNN stars are aligned propitiously, ND co-anchor Kate Bouldan, Michaela Pereira, and Chris Cuomo will find new places on Ted Turner’s network and Aly can usher in a new dawn to CNN.

Congratulations, Aly! And, good luck!

H/t, J$P!

Anna: F&F “More Blondelicious Than Usual”

Ainsley: “Clayton, sleep in! I’m glad you had so much bubbly last night.” Unexpected Fox & Friends guest co-host Ainsley Earhardt did not mind a bit stepping in this morning for the missing Clayton Morris. In fact, she relished the moment and so did the other New Year’s day edition Fox & Friends co-anchors, Jesse Watters and Anna Kooiman.

As the show opened, Anna, garbed in a teal form-fitting short dress, announced that she was subbing for Elisabeth Hasselback. When she turned to Jesse (in for Steve Doocy), he introduced himself and then laughed, “And, I think we’re missing Clayton: we have Ainsley here (in for Brian Kilmeade).” Having just finished co-hosting F&F First, festively attired in a sexy chartreuse, black-hemmed mini-skirt, Ainsley exclaimed, “Yep! I’m not complaining, though!”*

Looking into the camera as if addressing the absent co-anchor, grinning, she jauntily jested, “Clayton, sleep in! I’m glad you had so much bubbly last night.” To Anna and Jesse, she added, “They’re waiting on him to come in from New Jersey this morning.”

Gazing over at fellow flaxen-tressed beauty Ainsley, Anna announced, “The [curvy] couch [is] looking more blondelicious than usual!” Interjecting appreciatively, Jesse concurred, chuckling, “Yeah, the couch is a little better looking without Clayton.” Placing her hand on Anna’s shoulder, a smiling Ainsley smiling declared, “Jesse, you are a lucky man this morning!”

Putting his arms up in the air, Jesse aptly replied, “Hey! What can I say? It’s a great way to start the new year!”

And it was. F&F: More blondelicious than usual today. Anna and Ainsley: Still “Bringing Sexy Back!”

[Author’s aside: At the end of the segment, Ainsley, Anna, and Jesse looked outside to see Clayton Morris comically posing outside on the sidewalk (as if he were a drunken New Year’s Eve reveler trying to find his way home in the morning).*]

Fox & Friends – 01/01/14 (@ 6:02 a.m. ET).

Ibid at @ 6:13 a.m. ET.

Update: Vid via (J$P) included opening segment, supra. H/t, J$.

Zoraida’s Tearful Adios: “A Very Difficult Decision”

“You put the good in ‘good morning’: It just doesn’t work as well in ‘goodbye.'” The CNN dawn darkened decidedly Friday when Early Start star Zoraida Sambolin bid adieu to her early morning show Friday.

In the final third of ES, Zoraida’s co-anchor John Berman declared, “I am wearing black today because it is Zoraida Sambolin’s last day on Early Start.* [Vid via J$P.] Placing a bracelet made by his sons on her wrist, John jested, “When I heard that you chose your fiance, your family, your hometown, and sleep over me, I, I was a little offended: And, I’ve been trying to understand it but it’s hard. I put together a little piece.”

Subsequently, as producers ran a montage of Zoraida’s clips, John intoned, “The thing about Zoraida Sambolin, when she says ‘Good morning,’ she means it….She doesn’t just want your morning to be good, she makes it happen.” Felicitously, he continued, “It’s that smile, that laugh, that sparkle….More than anything, it’s the sincerity.” Aptly, he added, “Know this, we will miss you tons. Yes, you put the good in good morning: It just doesn’t work as well in goodbye.”

With tears streaming down her cheeks, Zoraida responded, “That is so sweet….This was a very difficult decision for me: I did it primarily for my kids.” To John, she sweetly declared, “You are the best human being I have ever sat next to in my entire life….Seriously, I just cannot think of a more thoughtful, caring, cynical, loving–just a genuinely good human being: And, I thank you for just being you.”

And, Zoraida, thank you for being you!

Early Start – 12/13/13 (@ 5:43 a.m. ET)

[Author’s aside: Zoraida was the best person to grace CNN’s early morning since Kiran Chetry (erstwhile American Morning co-host). Both dared to expose their real selves to their viewers–to defy the sterile corporate culture with a genuine sine qua non that was their own. They are both missed!]

Bikini Babe Anna? “Ha Dream On! No Way!”

Visions of Anna come true: Yes way! Sexy Fox News correspondent Anna Kooiman got clingy wet Friday as she previewed the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Boston. For fans who wanted to see their favorite bathing beauty in action, Anna Tweeted twice Thursday and thrice Friday that she herself would be “in the drink” in her cliff diving segment. And, she delivered–in a hot purple tank top and skin-tight black shorts. [“>Vid via J$P.] At least, she thought that she did.

But, one fan was less than impressed with Anna’s 30-foot plunge into the Boston harbor (or her preceding interview of an elite American about the contest in which competitors strut their stuff from a higher platform of 90-feet). Disappointed, he testily Tweeted, “C’mon Anna we all tuned in to see you in a bikini! What the heck?” In riposte, she jibed, “Ha Dream on! No way!”

Happily, for such Anna acolytes, their beloved beauty has not always had such qualms. In her pre-FNC days, she proudly posed in her itty bitty bikini with an apparent beau. Furthermore, in seemingly the same time period, the saucy siren unabashedly rocked another skimpy bikini for the appreciative eyes of, perhaps, that same lucky sailor. [Pic 1, pic 2].

Bikini babe Anna? Dream on! Her fans get the last laugh.

Oops! F&F’s All-American Summer “Scat” Series?

Unedited “Rough and Ready” (“a**hole”): Bob Beckel bumper music? Today, Fox & Friends seemingly turned their song selection over again to The Five‘s filter-intolerant co-host (the big bumptious one who seems to continuously soil FNC’s afternoon airwaves with scatalogical expletives). Last month (July 10), F&F producers carelessly closed a baseball segment to the tune of “Boys Round Here” as Blake Shelton sang “Backwoods legit, don’t take no sh*t.” Today, they one upped–or one downed–themselves: They teased an upcoming “Shot of the Day” segment to “Rough and Ready” as Trace Adkins raucously belted out, “Got a what are you looking at? A**hole smirk.”*

Strangely, no apologies were offered when F&F resumed after the commercial break. Oops: Another F&F Bob-ble!

[Author’s aside: According to HuffPo, J$P caught Bob‘s third “‘s’ word in recent memory” last Wednesday: If the author heard him correctly, Bob said it for a fourth time last Friday after hurting his hand at the close of his The Five segment (08/16/13 – @ 5:52 p.m. ET).]

*F&F – 08/19/13 (@ 8:27 a.m. ET)

Giddy Gretchen: “Persecuted” Indeed!

Carlson: “I can’t tell you how difficult it was.” Today, Fox & Friends co-host Gretchen Carlson reveled in her new-found status as “movie star” (as her co-host Steve Doocy charitably deemed her).* Revealing her anchor role in the movie Persecuted, a “Christian based-thriller,” during a segment entitled “Gretchen’s Movie Debut,” the ever modest Gretchen declared, “Some people would be intimidated to come on our set and ad lib for three hours and do a bunch of interviews and have to talk about a lot of political stuff and keep it all in your head: But, when you have to memorize scripts, I can’t, I can’t tell you how difficult it was.”**

Subsequently, Gretchen disclosed that she would play the role of anchor Diana Lucas in Persecuted. After reading one of her cine lines thereafter (at Steve’s request), she announced that Persecuted would premiere in New York in January, hopefully, and it would also premier in Los Angeles and Albuquerque.

In the final hour of F&F, Gretchen got a second “Gretchen’s Movie Debut” puff piece.* As it concluded, Steve jested, “Fantastic! Well, another line for your resume: Movie star!” Arching her head cockily, Gretchen concurred, “Yeah!”

*Fox & Friends – 08/05/13 (@ 8:32 a.m. ET). [Vid via J$P.]

**Ibid at @ 6:31 a.m. ET.

[Author’s aside: Carpe Diem readers should not be surprised by Gretchen’s announcement today: the author deduced that she would probably “star” in Persecuted eleven days ago.

Mommy Megyn: Baby Thatcher ‘Totally Awesome’

Kelly’s blue-eyed baby boy arrives! Today, America Live anchor Megyn Kelly‘s stand-in Shannon Bream joyfully announced the birth of the third child of Megyn and her hubby Doug Brunt as the show concluded.* When the final America Live segment opened with a photo of Megyn and Doug’s sleeping, swaddled newborn, Shannon proclaimed, “Here is the picture! Say hello to Thatcher Bray Brunt….[He] was born at…eight pounds two ounces. He has brown hair [and] blue eyes. He is gorgeous!” And, if there were any doubt, Shannon added, “Mom said the best description of him–and this is the quote–‘Totally awesome!'”

As Shannon segued to Studio B host Shepard Smith, Shep exclaimed, “And, everyone in Studio B: this is the best news of the day! How is she?” In answer, Shannon declared, “[Megyn] is doing great. We’re told she is doing fabulous. Everyone is well.”

The “Iron Baby” joins his three-year-old big brother Edward Yates and their two-year-old sis Yardley Evans in the burgeoning Kelly/ Brunt brood.

Congratulations, Megyn and Doug!

* Vid via J$P.

Gretchen Carlson: “Persecuted”?

Religion, politics, and scandal: fact or fiction? No, Persecuted is not a biopic of the Fox & Friends co-host oft lampooned by Saturday Night Live or facilely skewered by Jon Stewart. But, it might just be the name of the major film that she said that she would be filming within the next ten days today in the After the Show Show. [Vid via J$P.]

As A.S.S. started this morning, F&F co-hosts Steve Doocy, Gretchen Carlson, and Brian Kilmeade and FNC meteorologist Marina Molina sat together on the curvy couch. As usual, Brian Kilmeade left almost immediately to go to his Kilmeade & Friends radio show. Shortly, thereafter, Gretchen started to arise, saying, “I’m going off to shoot a movie, actually: So, I’ll see you in about ten days.”

Seemingly, on cue, Steve asked, “In a movie? What kind of movie?” Gleefully, Gretchen answered, “Yeah. A major motion picture.”

As Gretchen walked off the set, Steve queried, “What are you gonna do?” Coyly, Gretchen replied, “It’s a secret!” Following up, Steve asked, “Are you gonna be like the local newsperson or an anchorperson?” Gretchen responded, “Something like that.”

Probing, Steve demanded, “Where are they filming the movie?” Gretchen insisted, “It’s a secret!” “Albuquerque, New Mexico?” Steve persisted.

As Gretchen ignored Steve’s question, Maria queried, “What made you pick that location?” Putting his hand to his forehead suggestively, Steve said, “A voice in my head!” Apparently, to their F&F producers, Maria laughed, “Oh, you told him!”

According to a New Mexico Film Office press release, “feature Persecuted” began mid-July and will end in early August in Albuquerque. Gretchen’s probable “major motion picture” is co-produced by Oscar-winning Gray Frederickson (Apocalypse Now and Godfather) and includes actors, James Remar (Django: Unchained, X-Men: First Class, etc.); Bruce Davison (Lost, X-Men, etc.), and Fred Thompson (Die Hard 2 and Law & Order and former U.S Senator of Tennessee). (The plot revolves around an evangelist framed by a Senator for the murder of a young girl and the persecution that inevitably ensues.)

Gretchen Carlson: “Persecuted”? Or, will she, perhaps, “Transcend” it all?

H/t: J$P.

Janice Dean: NY’s 2013 Comedic Co-Queen

FNC’s “Dancing Machine” heats up the Comic Strip Live stage. Last night, Fox News meteorologist Janice Dean was crowned the co-champion of the 2013 “New York’s Funniest Reporter” at the famed Upper East Side comedy club. (She shared the honor with New York PIX 11 reporter Magee Hickey.) Janice beat out five other contestants including FNC biz contributor Charles Payne, who won third place honors. As to Janice’s winning performance, Fox & Friends co-host Gretchen Carlson gushed, “It was hilarious”, “It was the Top Ten weather terminology that can sometimes be a little hot that really sealed the deal for her.”*

However, Janice’s FNC fans should not expect to see any video of her sexy routine. This morning, when Fox & Friends co-anchor Brian Kilmeade asked Gretchen if any of Janice’s Comic Strip Live clips would be forthcoming, she replied, “Let me just say this: She did the Top Ten Weather Terms to music that have a certain–um, hm, how should I say this to keep it clean?…It had a lot to do with heat!”** Elaborating, she conceded that Janice’s stand-up comedy would not be appropriate for a family television show but that it was “hilarious.”

Janice Dean: 2013 Comic Co-Queen and FNC’s naughty “Dancing Machine”!

[Author’s aside: Reader, FNC makeup maven Maureen Walsh Tweeted fab photos of Janice during her performance [1] and of her and her FNC friends, including, Maureen,  at the “VICTORY DINNER” [1,2]: Happily, she also RT’d a great pic by Jamie Colby of Janice at the mike after her victory [1].

*After the Show Show (vid via J$P) – 07/22/13 (@3:55/5:24).

**Fox & Friends – 07/22/13 (@ 6:12 a.m. ET)

Dirty Pool? F&FW Keeps Cold, Crying Toddler In!

Ainsley Earhardt: “He’s so cute….He’s such a trouper, too! He’s so cold!” Today, Fox & Friends Weekend kept a shivering eighteen-month old toddler Jack Bullivant outside in a frigid pool on the FNC veranda, ironically, for a baby/child safety segment. To make matters worse, it was dirty according to FNC chief meteorologist Rick Reichmuth.

Providing his F&FW producers and its co-hosts ample warning, Rick declared the pool water unclean almost three and half hours earlier. During his bottom-of-the-first-hour weather report outside on the FNC patio near the huge F&FW pool (courtesy of Bass Pro Shops), F&FW co-host Clayton Morris asked whether he was going to jump in: In response, Rick remarked, “Have you looked at the water in that pool? It’s just not that clean! I think that it came from the fire hydrant: And, it’s just not that clean.”*

However, apparently, the show–and the child safety segment–had to go on. When the F&FW penultimate block began, the toddler’s ISR (Infant Service Resource “Self-Rescue”) instructor Ashleigh Bullivant, his mother, dropped little Jack into the water to let him swim to her.** Then, as Clayton began to interview her, the small boy began to quiver and to cry (as someone off-camera observed, “It’s a little cold. It’s cold!”). After subsequent queries by co-anchor Tucker Carlson and Clayton that protracted the little fellow’s discomfort and discomfit, a seemingly oblivious guest co-anchor Ainsley Earhardt asked, “Ashleigh, will you show us? We want to see him do this. Thank you!”

When Bullivant backed further into the pool and lowered her child again into the un-warmed water to demonstrate his self-rescue skills, Ainsley said, “He’s so cute….He’s such a trouper, too! He’s so cold! The water’s cold!” As little Jack raced to the side of the pool to escape the freezing pool to the encouragement of the F&FW co-hosts, he began to cry. Looking down at the sobbing boy with her sweetest Southern smile, Ainsley declared, “Good job, Jack! You’re doing a great job, honey! It’s okay!”

As the miserable tyke continued to bawl, Ainsley held her mike out to Bullivant, Jack’s instructor/mother, for comment. Almost apologetically, Bullivant assured, “Normally, he’s a lot happier. But, it’s pretty cold in here today.” Apparently, dipping his own hand into the water off-camera, Tucker confirmed, “Oh, wow! It is cold in there!”

Nevertheless, F&FW only allowed the tremulous toddler to leave the frigid waters of the pool and to be toweled off when the segment ended as the camera panned out. Good job indeed, Jack! But, not so much this time, F&FW producers, Ainsley, Clayton, and Tucker!

*Fox & Friends Weekend – 07/21/13 (@ 6:34 a.m. ET).

**Ibid at @ 9:52 a.m. ET.

Update: Vid (via J$P).

Tearful Briggs Leaves F&FW

Dave: “I’m not going away! Just going somewhere else in the New Year.” Today, Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Clayton Morris dropped a bombshell this morning by announcing that co-host Dave Briggs is leaving their popular FNC morning weekend show. After the final half hour began with the “Shot of the Morning,” Clayton turned to Dave and their fellow co-anchor Alisyn Camerota, remarking, “I want to take a moment here because this is going to be the last time that the three of us…are going to be on the couch together. Looking down, Dave replied, “Wow! I didn’t expect you to say that: But, yeah, I am. I will be moving on.”

Tearing up, Dave continued, “I will miss the two of you more than I can speak. You’ve made me better and you’ve made the show better. You’ve been my work family!”

Growing emotional, too, Clayton interjected, stammering, “Likewise, man! It’s like a, like losing, you know, having a brother leave, you know, with a family and move on.”

Chiming in, Aly exclaimed, “We will miss you so much, Dave!”

Sentimentally, Dave stated, “I will miss you both! It’s been the best show, best job of my life. I will never have a job I enjoy more, no matter where I go.” Looking into the camera at his fans, he assuring stated, “But, you will see me. I’m not going away! Just going somewhere else in the New Year but it’s been a wonderful experience here.”

As to Dave’s departure date, Aly explained, “Dave will be through here through the end of the year: But, I won’t be working during these shows.”

Sounding as if he may be leaving Fox News to boot, Dave declared, “But, I should say thanks to…Roger Ailes, and to Bill Shine, and Suzanne Scott, and some of the people who brought me here as well. And, all the producers who have helped me out for a couple of years. But, I just, I love you guys!” Then, as FNC meteorologist Rick Reichmuth appeared in a split screen shot, Dave added, “And, Rick, Rick has been my confidante and my office mate. And, you guys are, you’re my family: I’ve never had a work family….Damn, I’m gonna miss it!”

Nodding his head for emphasis, Rick replied, “We’re gonna miss you, Dave! But, you know, the good part is you’re not moving anywhere….This is Aly’s and this is my last day with you, Dave. So, it been wonderful to have you here: And, we will miss you a ton.”

So, where will Dave be? Before his big announcement, a Twitter follower asked, “What’s with the beard cutie?”: In answer to his avatar change, Dave cryptically Tweeted, “Explanation coming soon…”

Perhaps, much more telling, in the final segment of F&FW today, Aly gave Dave multiple pairs of hosiery as a parting present, saying, “So, Dave, I don’t know if your new co-anchor is gonna want to match her outfit to your socks: But, if so, I have gotten you some possibly anchor-friendly new socks to match with her outfits.” Seemingly, confirming that he will be co-hosting a new show with a new female co-host, he answered,”I think she’s gonna love them!”

Pleading with his fans for their continued loyalty in his future endeavor, Dave subsequently Tweeted, “I will miss our viewers almost as much as Clayton, Aly & Rick. I really appreciate every one of you and hope you stick w/me in 2013…”

Good luck, Dave!

[Author’s aside: Notably, on this august occasion, Dave dutifully donned his connubial band today after approximately three weeks on F&FW sans it. Bravo, Brandi!]

Update: In the After the Show Show (via J$P), Aly more definitively verified Dave new gig, saying, “You new co-anchor is such a lucky woman!”

Update2: According to J$P, the “likely destination for @davebriggstv – NBC Sports Network.” Subsequently, he RT’d @SPORTSbyBROOKS: SbB has learned NBC Sports Network is planning a daily show hosted by @MichelleDBeadle & @davebriggstv.” As further evidence, he teased, “RT @MichelleDBeadle (yesterday): Cranked out promos for my new sports show and my last Access Hollywood of the year….”

Kiran Chetry: Way Too Early?

“With (M)NBC’s Willie Geist, a good buddy of mine.” Former CNN and FNC anchor Kiran Chetry announced today that she will give the keynote address on Pace University’s Financial Education Day (Pleasantville, NY) on November 17, 2012. On her Facebook page that asks her friends to “stay tuned for Kiran Chetry’s next move,” she also reveals that she will share the duty with NBC’s Willie Geist. And, perchance, in a Freudian slip, she nonchalantly calls Geist ” a good buddy of mine” in the video to which she links.

Kiran’s “very special opportunity” at hand? As long-time Kiran acolytes know, their Nepalese goddess had a stellar, approximately seven-year run on Fox News (2001-2007) as a reporter and an a.m. anchor on both Fox & Friends Weekend and F&F First. When her contract renewal talks with FNC in 2007 soured, she was summarily selected to be the femme face of  CNN’s American Morning. After more than four years of awakening her AM fans with her inimitable “ray of light,” she bid them an emotional “namaskaar” on July 29, 2011, with the promise to see them again soon. In 2012, Kiran finally reappeared on TV–but as a special E! correspondent in January and February: subsequently, she did return to news, albeit Internet news, as a guest-anchor on GVTV (April 20).

Perhaps, as the year draws to a close, Kiran is once again ready to arouse her fans in the early morn on yet another cable news network, MSNBC. N.B. Kiran’s “very good buddy” Pace keynote speaker Willie Geist will soon leave his MSNBC’s Way Too Early with Willie Geist post for greener pastures as co-host of the Today Show (third hour).

Kiran’s “very special opportunity”: Way Too Early with Kiran Chetry?

H/t, J$P.