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!

Baby Banderas Arrives: Avery Julie Sansone

And, the baby pictures are in! FNC correspondent Julie Banderas is finally getting her much needed “rest.” Proclaiming the good news this morning, Happening Now guest co-host Rick Folbaum and regular co-anchor Jenna Lee announced that Julie and her hubby (Andrew Sansone) welcomed their newborn daughter Avery over night.* As Jenna subsequently promised, HN produced photos of little Avery (one with her proud parents; a close-up in swaddling clothes: and a third with her big sister Addison): to boot, HN  revealed Avery’s middle name (Julie); her weight (eight pounds and five ounces); and her length (twenty-one inches).

Congratulations, Julie and Andrew!

Happening Now – 11/13/12 (@ 12:59 a.m. ET)

Update: In a Tweet to apparent friend, photographer Julie Bidwell, yesterday (11/13/12), Julie revealed, “Her full name is Avery Julie Bidwell Sansone. I named her after you! Haha.”

Fox & Friends First: “The Four” Now?

Patti Ann Brown, Ainsley Earhardt, Heather Childers, and Heather Nauert. Possibly, following in the footsteps of The Five, Fox & Friends First may be whittling down its number of initial hosts. As readers may recall, FNC announced the debut of The Five and listed ten rotating co-anchors including the current seven and Monica Crowley, Geraldo Rivera, and Judge Andrew Napolitano: When the Five celebrated its first anniversary last Monday on Fox & Friends, F&F co-anchor Gretchen Carlson noted that its roster had been pared down to seven (the “Magnificent Seven”), i.e., Greg Gutfeld, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Bob Beckel, Andrea Tantaros, Dana Perino, Juan Williams, and Eric Bolling.

In a similar fashion, Fox & Friends First started its new run in March with a slate of co-hosts that included not only the four that seem to be now predominating F&FF airplay qua anchors, i.e., Patti Ann Brown, Ainsley Earhardt, Heather Childers, and Heather Nauert but also Dave Briggs, Juliet Huddy, Julie Banderas, Anna Kooiman, Clayton Morris, Arthel Neville, and Jamie Colby. Even though the author has heard no new F&FF announcement, it’s website may provide a hint: only Patti Ann, Ainsley, and the two Heathers have their FNC bios listed on the official F&FF website.

Yep, Julie Banderas Gravid Again

“Yes haven’t u heard?” In case, anyone missed her big announcement a month ago, FNC correspondent Julie Banderas reminded her fans that she was preggers today with her second child. For her uninitiated acolytes, she subtly teased, “Check out my good friend and Senior Producer of @HappeningNow @ClintPHenderson ‘s blog featuring my Addison! :) fxn.ws/LM0d1u.” When one linked to Henderson’s post titled, “Sneak Peak of Baby Banderas Celebrating the 4th of July!,” a photo appeared of Julie’s darling daughter Addison walking hand-in-hand with her gravid mom.

In response, one apparent new follower of Julie queried, “So… is there another little Banderas on the way?” In response, she cheerfully declared, “Yes haven’t u heard? I’m 5 1/2 weeks pregnant due in November.” For any other such new devotee enraptured by their goddess’ miraculous short gestation period, Julie later Tweeted, “I meant MONTHS not weeks!”

Lately, Julie has seemed especially ebullient about her and her husband Andrew Sansone‘s second “bun in the oven”: on Independence Day, she sent a pic of Addison and baby bump, Tweeting, “Happy 4th from 2 kids! ;).” She has every right to be proud.

Congratulations, Julie and Andrew!

[Author’s aside: For Julie’s fans who can barely wait for her second baby’s pics, cf. here for a vid link to her firstborn Addison Melissa’s Fox Report debut.]

Shep: Can’t Show Trampoline Bear Vid Anymore

Carpe Diem: Fox News FINALLY does the right thing. Today, FNC anchor Shepard Smith announced that he could no longer run the 2003 Trampoline Bear video on Studio B. After almost two years of Carpe Diem decrying that loathsome footage of a black bear falling from a tree onto a trampoline, being propelled high into the air, falling face first into unforgiving ground, and crumpling underneath its own weight, Fox News appears to have got the message at last–perhaps, after the author’s article, “Roman’s ‘No Ring Circus”, (just four days ago) on Shep’s seemingly sadistic snippet being embraced anew by Early Point guest anchor Christine Romans.

Today, after airing one of his famous bear updates (about an Altadema, California, momma bear and her two cubs in a tree), Shep remarked, “Aw, look at ’em. You know what they need! They need those bears a trampoline.”* When someone seemed to chuckle softly off-camera, Shep added, “Get ’em right out of there and put them on a trampoline. They have a nice little ride.” As long-time viewers, doubtlessly, awaited the Trampoline Bear video to run as usual, Shep sadly intoned, “Can’t show that anymore, though! Apologies.”

No apology need, Shep–at least, for not being able to show the odious Trampoline Bear video anymore. Rather, you should apologize for airing that horrid clip–repeatedly over the years.

Kudos, Fox News, for making Shep shape up. Finally.

*Studio B with Shepard Smith – 05/03/12 (@ 3:49 a.m. ET)

Related Carpe Diem stories (Trampoline Bear chronicles): “Shep’s Trampoline Bear: PETA MIA” (06/07/10); “Banderas’ ‘Teachable Moment’?” (07/25/10); “Banderas Responds: Bars Bear Vid” (07/27/10); “Banderas Recants Apology” (07/27/10); “Shep de Sade?” (07/28/10); “Banderas: ‘Not My Fault'” (08/03/10); “Shep de Sade’s Bad Boys” (08/06/10); “Shep de Sade: Kubrick’s Clare Quilty?” (08/12/10); “Shep Defends Trampoline Bear Video” (08/13/10); “The Good Shepard?” (08/20/12); “The Good Shepard Hydes” (08/26/10); “Shep’s Trampoline Bear: Old Miss Mascot?” (10/15/10); “As a Dog Returns to its Vomit” (10/16/10); “Hope Springs Eternal” (10/29/10); “Ole Miss’ Colonel Shep” (11/07/10); “Shep the Schlep” (02/21/11); “AM Adopts F&F’s Couch (But, Shep’s Commode?)” (05/17/11); and “Romans’ ‘No Ring’ Circus” (04/29/12).

Banderas: Half-Naked…Promiscuous Big Bird

Patti Ann Browne: We’d like to see photos, Julie! FNC correspondent Julie Banderas bawdily spiced up her America’s Newsroom Halloween report this morning. After her story on a study showing Americans spending approximately $7 billion this year and more adults using the holiday as an escape, she saucily commented, “Patti Ann…the survey did not cover why it is [that] this is the time of year women decide to go out half-naked.”*

As a smiling AM guest co-host PAB reddened and an animated AM co-anchor Bill Hemmer chortled in the background, Julie added, “I mean, you do realize…if you look at look at women’s costumes online–I was looking at Elmo’s costumes [for daughter Addison Melissa]–I’m dressing up as Big Bird. A promiscuous Big Bird costume is all I could find.”

“Really?” an instantly intrigued PAB asked. “I’m not kidding!” Julie answered. Chuckling, Patti Ann spicily replied, “I didn’t know there was such a thing. But, we’d like to see photos, Julie!” Nodding, a grinning Julie responded, “No, it’s scary. I will show you.”

As PAB beamed and Bill began to randily reply, “That’s the,”, a suddenly demure Julie put up her hands and unconvincingly insisted, “No, I’m covering up: I’m not going to be one of the promiscuous Big Birds.”

Chuckling, Bill responded, “Banderas, that’s the funniest thing you’ve ever said.” As a somewhat chagrined Julie giggled, Bill concluded, “Really! Well played. See you later.” Succinctly, a smiling Juliet concurred, “Yeah!”

Halloween on Sesame Street: Banderas–a better bird.

*America’s Newsroom – 10/31/11 (@ 10:37 a.m. ET)

Update: When a Twitter follower asked if Julie’s hubby Andrew Sansone would go as Mr. Snufolupogus since she had said that she was going as Big Bird and Addison as Elmo, Julie teased, “It’ll b [sic] a surprise. I’ll post pics later!”

ANHQ: Who’s the New “Girl”?

Heather Childers. When a Twitter follower asked Julie Banderas yesterday about not seeing her on with Gregg Jarrett on the weekend [America’s News HQ], she tersely Tweeted, “Yeah, he got a new co-anchor.” And, just who is that co-anchor? Her name is Heather Childers, a recent Fox News hire.”

According to her hometown paper Charlotte Observer, Heather was reared in Charlotte, North Carolina; graduated from UNC Chapel Hill; and worked for eight years at Time Warner Cable’s News 14 Carolina (a 24-hour news channel). The Observer reported that Heather left News 14 Carolina last year in search of “bigger things” and finally landed a job at Fox News. It quoted an apparently ecstatic Heather as saying, “Now my dreams have come true.”

At FNC, Heather co-anchors America’s News Headquarters with Gregg Jarrett on the weekend generally from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET. She also Tweets her Twitter followers almost daily with a truly personal touch. (Cf. link here.)

A belated congrats, Heather!

Shep Defends Trampoline Bear Video

“You know that, that bear there didn’t get hurt.” Today, on Fox Report, Shepard Smith finally seemed to get it, i.e., that his Trampoline Bear video can be seen as animal cruelty. After earlier playing the exploitative clip on his Studio B,* receiving flak from the author for doing so, and seemingly suspending his Twitter account, Shep ran the Trampoline Bear footage during the Fox Report** but with the aforementioned explanatory coda.**

During Studio B, Shep Tweeted the upcoming “Bear Alert” to his followers shortly before showing it to his audience. Then, when he aired the footage of a young black bear who had had his head removed from a jar, he gleefully ran the Trampoline Bear clip (of the black bear falling from a tree, being propelled high into the ground, and crashing head-first into the ground) as usual. After the exploitative video had run, the author Tweeted, “Shep de Sade, er, Sad strikes again with his “Studio B Trampoline” bear vid.”

Shortly thereafter (and before Shep’s Fox Report aired) Shep’s Twitter page (including his Tweet, supra), strangely disappeared (“suspended”). Nevertheless, when the Fox Report ran, Shep still replayed the “Bear Alert” with the offensive Trampoline Bear footage appended thereto. However, in a later segment at the very end of the show, Shep defended his use of the clip. To wit, after a story about Disney film Bambi, Shep deadpanned, “I wonder how Bambi would like the trampoline”: then, he added, “You know that, that bear there didn’t get hurt.”***

Shep, please quit airing this exploitative video of Trampoline Bear. As your good friend and weekend counterpart, Julie Banderas, has acknowledged, it contains an element of animal cruelty and should be barred from her weekend Fox Report. Shep, just can it for good from your weekday Fox Report and your Studio B. At the very least, cut the repulsive frames of Trampoline Bear crashing face-first into the hard ground.

And, come back to Twitter!

*Studio B with Shepard Smith – 08/12/10 (@3:59 p.m. ET)
**Fox Report with Shepard Smith – 08/12/10 (@7:54 p.m. ET)
***Fox Report with Shepard Smith – 08/12/10 (@7:59 p.m. ET)

Shep de Sade’s Bad Boys

When the Marquis is away, the servant boys will play. And so they did yesterday. With their master away Friday, stand-ins Trace Gallagher (Studio B) and Jon Scott (Fox Report) looked like naughty school boys who had just discovered a stag film hidden in their dad’s sock drawer.

On Studio B, guest anchor Trace practically giggled with glee after he got his peek at the Trampoline Bear. After airing a “Bear Alert” about a pizza-pilfering black bear in Montana, he exclaimed, “Montana’s own bare-foot bandit is still on the loose: And, someone set a trap with pizza and a trampoline.”*  As he did, of course, the predictable Trampoline Bear clip ran (with a tranquilized black bear falling from a tree, bouncing high into the air, and crashing face first into the ground). Post-climatically, Trace beamed, “I’ve always wanted to see the video again. I love it!”

Almost four hours later, on Fox Report, a generally gentle John Scott got his guilty pleasure after he echoed Trace’s “Bear Alert.” As the pizza-pilfering bear segment concluded, Scott aired the Trampoline Bear footage. Smiling, Scott joked, “The bear is still on the run. Next time, try setting a trap with a pizza and a trampoline. Bears love trampolines, don’t you know?”**

Do they now, Jon? What a truly bad boy you are. Your master Shep will be proud but your mistress Julie surely will not.

*Studio B – 08/06/10 (3:59 p.m.)

**Fox Report – 08/06/10 (7:46 p.m.)

Banderas: “Not My Fault”

Censored “Bear Alert” video appears on Fox Report. Less than a week after Julie Banderas told her Twitter followers that she “would never condone animal cruelty” and had instructed her producers “not to air the bear on a trampoline video on [her] show ever again,” her recalcitrant FR producers did just that. Albeit briefly AND censored.

Caught in the middle of an internecine Fox Report “feud” between weekday anchor Shepard Smith (who strangely relishes the video of a sedated black bear falling from a tree onto a trampoline, being catapulted high into the air, and falling forcefully face-first into the ground) and weekend host Julie Banderas (who has renounced the video, has banished it from her show forever but also has strangely purged those very proclamations from her Twitter page), Fox Report producers appeared to search for a middle ground. And, perchance, they actually found it on the “Bear Alert” Sunday.

With Banderas’ animal rights bona fides in question  (in light of her strong positive Tweets against “animal cruelty” and consequent decision against ever airing the Trampoline Bear video again coupled with her almost immediate erasures of those Tweets from her Twitter page), Banderas seemed eager to clear the air. Before her “Bear Alert” segment, to her fans and followers, she Tweeted, “[C]oming up.. a fox bear alert!”

Later, when Banderas was reading the “Bear Alert” about a New Hampshire black bear “house thief” as field bear footage ran, prankster producers inserted a censored Trampoline Bear clip into the video. (The bowdlerized footage showed only the Trampoline Bear falling onto the trampoline and bouncing high into the air: the bear’s crashing into the earth was appropriately excised.) When the Trampoline bear clip aired, Banderas exclaimed, “You guys!” as the floor crew erupted in laughter. When Banderas finished her report, she shook her head and remarked, “Hm. Tried to get that one past me. Not my fault!”

Happily, Banderas appears to be standing firm in her animal rights position. Furthermore, perhaps, adventitiously, the Fox Report producers may have found a Trampoline Bear video compromise that will still amuse Shepard Smith. If not, i.e., Smith really needs the bear’s crashing head-first into the hard ground and crumpling underneath its own weight for a laugh, then he may well earn the title Shep de Sade.

Shep de Sade?

“Face-Planted” Trampoline Bear vid returns. Fox Report weekend anchor Julie Banderas decided to ban it from her show Monday: However, Fox Report weekday anchor Shepard Smith brought it back on his show today (after giving it a rest yesterday). To paraphrase Marquis de Sade, apparently, Smith thinks that the best way to the viewers heart is through torment–of the trampoline bear.

The saga of FNC’s Fox Report and the Trampoline Bear video continues to be a strange one. Sunday, during her Fox Report, Banderas gave a “Bear Alert” about New Jersey allowing its first bear hunt in five years with bear footage, including the approximately seven-year-old controversial Trampoline Bear clip. As it ran, Banderas laughed, “Maybe, all they [New Jersey authorities] need is a few trampolines. That’ll take care of ‘em: It’ll wipe ‘em all out!”

In response, after the show Sunday, the author Tweeted, “When will FR quit exploiting trampoline bear’s pain? https://jakeho.wordpress.com/2010/06/07/sheps-trampoline-bear-peta-mia/.” After getting no reply that evening, the author penned, “Banderas’ ‘Teachable Moment’?” before midnight.

Subsequently, Monday morning, the author Tweeted a link to Carpe Diem’s “Banderas’ ‘Teachable Moment’?” to his followers, writing, “.@JulieBanderas (like Shep) laughs at Trampoline Bear’s distress. PETA pride: Will her Kardashian friends teach her? http://bit.ly/cxzsKy”

In a direct response to the author’s article Monday evening, Banderas Tweeted, “I’d like to go on the record by saying all who know me are aware of my passion for animal rights. I would never (cont) http://tl.gd/2ou3ct.” (At the Twitlonger.com link, her entire message read, “I’d like to go on the record by saying all who know me are aware of my passion for animal rights. I would never condone animal cruelty and have informed my producers not to air the bear on a trampoline video on my show ever again. http://bit.ly/bVNExX“) Strangely, she added, “I decided to kill the video long before any writeups and PETA had nothing to do with it.” (An almost incredible statement since she had just aired it the night before on her show.) Happy with Banderas’ overall response, the author gave her kudos and asked if Shep would follow suit in his Carpe Diem article, “Banderas Responds: Bars Bear Vid.”

However, shortly thereafter, when checking Banderas’ Twitter page again, the author realized that Banderas had inexplicably expunged her message of her “passion for animal rights” and her decision to quit airing the Trampoline Bear video (as well as a follow-up Tweet and ReTweets). Nevertheless, her Tweets and ReTweets remained on the Internet elsewhere, e.g., Muckrack.com. It appeared that Banderas had recanted her apology by scrubbing her website but whether she had actually changed her mind was unclear and what the effect on Smith would be was all the more uncertain.

Interestingly, before his next Fox Report, Smith apparently opened a new Twitter account and Tweeted, “With my first tweet, you’ll join me for the Fox Report at 7pm EST, and 6pm Oxford, MS time- won’t you?” Five minutes later, seeming to hint at Banderas’ scrubbed messages, he added, “My weekend pal and colleague @JulieBanderas was on Twitter, and she’s good at it from what I hear so I had to join. You rock Jules!” Later,  when Smith aired the “Bear Alert” (with Jack Hanna) without including the Trampoline Bear video, he appeared to signal his agreement with Banderas.

Alas, Smith’s turn from his folly was not to last. Today, during his Fox Report, Smith gave another “Bear Alert” of a mother black bear rescuing an errant cub entangled in a fish net. Unfortunately, as that sweet footage ended and as the obnoxious trampoline bear clip began, Smith gleefuly proclaimed, “Then they wandered back into the woods, possibly, to find a much larger net–with some springs!” After the show, he Tweeted, “It was a great show today….How about the bear alert, and planet blago? Two of my faves.”

Maybe, it was indeed Shepard Smith who got Julie Banderas to delete from her Twitter page her strong statement in support of animal rights and her decision to bar the bear video forever from her weekend Fox Report. Happily, however, her message still got out to her followers and fans. Unfortunately, so did his: Smith still does not get it.

Update: Fox Report Thursday (07/29/10): No “Bear Alert” (with Trampoline Bear video). (However, anchor Shepard Smith did report on the serious story of a mother grizzly who killed one person and attacked two others at Yellowstone National Park in Montana.)

Update2: Fox Report Friday (07/30/10): Once again, no “Bear Alert.” (However, guest host Jon Scott updated deadly Yellowstone mother grizzly bear report.)

Update3: Fox Report Monday (08/02/10): “Bear Alert” without the offensive Trampoline Bear video (by guest anchor Jon Scott).

Banderas Recants Apology

And, deletes other related Tweets! After asserting her “passion for animal rights” and her decision not to run the Trampoline Bear video again on her weekend Fox Report last evening to her Twitter followers, Julie Banderas has taken it all back. I.e., she scrubbed her Twitter page of that particular Tweet, a follow-up one, and related reTweets. However, as Julie should know, the omitted Tweets and RT’s in chronological order can be found elsewhere, e.g., Muckrack.com, and are as follow:

JulieBanderas I’d like to go on the record by saying all who know me are aware of my passion for animal rights. I would never (cont) http://tl.gd/2ou3ct

JulieBanderas I decided to kill the video long before any writeups and PETA had nothing to do with it

JulieBanderas its the same video replayed RT @Nate592 : @JulieBanderas Is the bear alert always the same video or is it different ones?

JulieBanderas Thx! was on last wknd RT @Russell_Hansen :How could any1 ever believe u wouldn’t have only the deepest love 4 animals? I miss u being on fox!

Unfortunately, Julie has done a similar scrubbing to her Twitter page before when she caught flack from followers for support of Alan Colmes (after Red Eye‘s Andy Levy quit following Alan for his use of the derogatory term “teabaggers” for Tea Party members. After Carpe Diem’s “Julie: ‘I’m Following You Now, Alan’” article about her deletions, did Julie think that she could pull it off this time without detection? Or, perhaps, did she gave in to pressure from her Fox News superiors or her weekday counterpart Shepard Smith?

Regardless, Julie made the wrong decision. She was right when she initially said, “I’d like to go on the record by saying all who know me are aware of my passion for animal rights. I would never condone animal cruelty and have informed my producers not to air the bear on a trampoline video on my show ever again. http://bit.ly/bVNExX”“

Since Julie has deleted her statement from the record, Julie’s Fox News fans and Twitter followers deserve to know where she now stands: I.e., did she really mean what she said about animal rights and the offensive bear video or not?

Update: A hopeful omen today from Julie’s colleague, Shepard Smith. In his first “Bear Alert” (07/27/10 with Jack Hanna on Studio B) since Julie’s Tweets, supra, and their erasure, he did not follow it up with the offensive Trampoline Bear footage.

Update2: A second propitious sign today from Shep. On Fox Report this evening (07/27/10), Shep recounted the earlier “Bear Alert” on Studio B (albeit abbreviated) sans Trampoline Bear video.

Stay tuned.

Banderas Responds: Bars Bear Vid

Fox Report weekend anchor Julie Banderas responded Monday evening to a critical Carpe Diem article calling for her “teachable moment” as to animal rights by banning the controversial Trampoline Bear video. In the CD column, the author had noted that Julie had “joined her weekday counterpart Shepard Smith…in finding great delight in the pain of the Trampoline Bear.” Further, the author bemoaned her laughter and remarks last Sunday during yet another odious airing by Fox Report of the approximately seven-year-old video of the black bear (falling from a tree, being propelled high into the air, and then crashing forcefully face first into the hard ground).

Citing the Carpe Diem post, Julie asserted, “I’d like to go on the record by saying all who know me are aware of my passion for animal rights. I would never condone animal cruelty and have informed my producers not to air the bear on a trampoline video on my show ever again. http://bit.ly/bVNExX”

Kudos, Julie! Now, it is time for your weekday counterpart Shepard Smith to follow your exemplary stand in pledging not to show this exploitative Trampoline Bear video ever again on his weekday Fox Report (or his Studio B).

Will you, Shep?

Update: Julie has scrubbed her Twitter page of her Trampoline Bear Tweets and reTweets, including her animal rights stand and her decision to not ever air the Trampoline Bear vid again.

Update2: In his first “Bear Alerts”  (07/27/10) on both Studio B and Fox Report since Julie’s Tweets, supra, and her deletions thereof, Shepard Smith did not include the offensive Trampoline Bear footage.

Banderas’ “Teachable Moment”?

PETA pride: Bear bashing? Fox Report weekend anchor Julie Banderas joined her weekday counterpart Shepard Smith today in finding great delight in the pain of the Trampoline Bear. In a Fox News “Bear Alert,” Julie announced that New Jersey had given approval to its first bear hunt in five years as Fox Report producers ran the exploitative almost-seven-year-old video of a tranquilized black bear falling from a tree onto a trampoline, being bounced high into the air, and then crashing headfirst into the unforgiving ground. As the footage ran, Julie laughed, “Maybe, all they [New Jersey authorities] need is a few trampolines. That’ll take care of ’em: It’ll wipe ’em all out!”* (The floor crew roared with approval.)

Not so very funny. Perhaps, the Kardashian sisters, Kloe and Kim, should have given their apparent friend Julie a lesson on animal appreciation earlier this month during their Fourth of July yacht cruise of the Hudson River.* Both of the beauties have been given an education of their own on animal rights by PETA. In 2008, Kloe posed for PETA’s “Fur? I’d Rather Go Naked” campaign against the killing of animals for their coat after the organization told her what occurred to the animals during fur harvesting. In April of this year, Kim had to defend herself for holding a kitten by the nape of the neck in a Twitter photo after coming under fire from PETA for doing so. Perhaps, they can now help explain to Julie that the Trampoline Bear deserves some respect as well.

The author is certainly not suggesting that Julie is cold-hearted after following her copious love Tweets about baby daughter Addison. However, regardless of one’s views of PETA, one would be hard pressed not to agree that animals should be treated as humanely as possible. To find humor in the harming of an animal, i.e., the Trampoline Bear, is simply regrettable at best. Hopefully, Julie (and Shep) will soon so concur.

[As to Julie’s friendship with the Kardashian family, her sister Melissa Bidwell is co-executive producer of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians.” As to the aforementioned cruise, Julie, hubby Andrew, and their daughter Addison all were aboard with the Kardashian family for that luxurious outing on July 4th. The next day an appreciative Julie Tweeted, “@KhloeKardashian @KimKardashian @KeepinUpWKris It was great seeing u guys! Addison says she’ll never forget her 1st 4th!!! :)”]

*Fox Report – 07/25/10 (@7:41 p.m. ET)

Update: Citing this article specifically, Julie responded, “I’d like to go on the record by saying all who know me are aware of my passion for animal rights. I would never condone animal cruelty and have informed my producers not to air the bear on a trampoline video on my show ever again. http://bit.ly/bVNExX”

Update2: Julie has scrubbed her Twitter page of her Trampoline Bear Tweets and reTweets, including her animal rights stand and her decision not to ever air the Trampoline Bear vid again on her weekend Fox Report.

Megyn: Veils “View”

America Live co-host Megyn Kelly felt “definitely nervous” going on Howard Stern on Sirius today and it showed–in her clothing choice for his show.* Actually, Megyn seemed to intentionally make sure that she did not show it–at least, in a wardrobe malfunction. So, she “slacked” for the self-proclaimed King of All Media before shedding her pants for The View and America Live in favor of a short, sleeveless dress.

After Howard’s racy show, a relieved Megyn Tweeted, “Finished Stern – it was like an out of body experience. I liked him! & Robyn was cool. Some R-rated Qs but not bad. What’d u think?” Later, revealing that she was not quite the prudish prig, Megyn elaborated, “Well, of course, he’s Howard Stern so he did ask me some very personal questions. The answers, some I gave, some I didn’t.”** Then she teased, “The ones I gave may be a bit too edgy for daytime but his show replays all day on Sirius satellite radio so if you don’t get it you can subscribe now and listen to it.”

Megyn: Hiding from Howard? Not completely.

*America Live’s Stern snippet indicated that Megyn was wearing slacks and its vid clip of The View showed her wearing the dress. For the transcript of Howard Stern on Sirius clip it is as follows:

Stern: Look at you.

Megyn: I feel a little nervous, Robin.

Robin giggles.

Stern: Are those rip-away pants?

Robin: Rip-away pants?

Stern: Don’t they make such a thing as rip-away pants?

Robin: Not for newscasters.

Megyn: Yeah, exactly.

Howard: Baby, look at you!

Megyn: Aw, thank you!

** AL – 04/20/10 (@12:38 p.m. ET)

Update: An additional nearly 10-minute video of Megyn’s Stern interview can be found at Meidiaite. (H/t J$P.) Megyn gets personal as she discusses her friend Julie Banderas (“hot mama”), her “killer B’s” (real), and her love life (while pregnant).

Julie: “I’m Following You Now, Alan”

“Teabagger” rift continues. Julie Banderas, FNC’s Big News Weekend host has taken sides with Alan Colmes against Red Eye’s Andy Levy and the Tea Party. After Carpe Diem reported that Andy had quit following Alan because of his continued use of the derogatory term “teabaggers” to describe members of the Tea Party, Andy RT’d a J$P Tweet that linked to the article. Responding shortly thereafter, Julie Tweeted, “You [Andy] got my attention.. I’m following you now Alan.”*

Unfortunately for Julie, her Twitter followers took note, too. One, IloiloKano, Tweeted, “Well you got my attention too @JulieBanderas, so this ‘teabagger’ is no longer following you..” Another, DaveMolinarolo, wrote, “@JulieBanderas I agree with @andylevy about the term “teabagger”…it’s not funny, it’s stupid. @AlanColmes is part of the problem.”

Related or not to the negative feedback from her followers, Julie deleted her controversial Tweet. (It is still available here.) Nevertheless, she remains true to her word: i.e., she is still following Alan.

Keeping Up with the Banderas.

* The entire Tweet read, “You got my attention.. I’m following you now Alan RT @andylevy: RT @johnnydollar01: Why @andylevy quit @AlanColmes. http://bit.ly/ahvT7E

Briggs 2 Mexico: F&FW to Hispania?

As co-anchor Dave Briggs vacations in Mexico, Fox & Friends Weekend appropriately reached out to its Hispanic audience and chose Carlos Amezcua. In mien, Amezcua reminds the author of former Fox & Friends co-host Kelly Wright, who also seemed somewhat serious for F&F’s weekend fare. Once the author learned that Amezcua is a thirty-year journalist with ten Emmys, a “Golden Mikes” award, etc., he understood why Amezcua might be more comfortable behind the news desk rather than on the curvy couch.

Amezcua has done an excellent job this morning co-anchoring with Alisyn Camerota and Clayton Morris. However, he provides more gravitas than to which F&FW viewers have grown accustomed. Perhaps, the clearly talented Amezcua would serve FNC better as an afternoon or evening anchor. As for F&FW, it would certainly do well to avail itself of more Hispanics, especially, ones with an informed yet fun, fresh flair for the news.

According to Amezcua, he will be back in Los Angeles tomorrow. For tomorrow, Mr. Shine? Geraldo Rivera is no fresh face and he has Geraldo Live. Julie Banderas, too, has her own weekend show. Perhaps, Rebecca Diamond nee Gomez? FNC may need a deeper Hispanic bench.

Update: At the end of the show after this entry was posted, Amezcua clarified that he would return to host F&FW tomorrow. According to Rick, Dave will be off for two weeks. Ergo, the question and issue remain pertinent for next week and in the future.

Friel Says: Ailes Says

How did FNC entertainment correspondent Friel get her job with Fox News? When Soupcans asked her just that, Courtney responded, “I went on a date with Roger Ailes.” Courtney haters may have hoped to themselves, “Just what I thought!” However, realizing that her humor might get lost on such people, she clarified, “OMG: I’m joking!” (She added that she actually got her position after her agent had sent her demo DVD to FNC and she had had a successful interview in NYC.)

In the Soupcans piece appropriately posted on St. Pat’s Day, the former Maxim model was clad in a sexy green dress and discussed her love of Rio’s beaches, partying, and culture. Courtney dismissed the rumors that she and Julie Banderas have had their claws out for each other. Also, she revealed acerbic “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell’s nickname: Trouble.

Furthermore, Courtney discussed the dynamics of her being married to Carter Evans, a CNN’r; her regrets, if any, of her laddie mag pics; and her celeb chums. For her full interview, cf. the Soupcans link, infra. An interesting read.

Update: To Washington Whispers, Rogers riantly replied, “”I’m glad Courtney Friel made this joke and not Neil Cavuto.” (Tip of the hat, JDP.)

Links:
http://soupcans.blogspot.com/2009/03/soup-cans-interview-courtney-friel.html
http://www.courtneyfriel.com/

Update links:
http://www.usnews.com/blogs/washington-whispers/2009/03/18/roger-ailes-on-his-date-with-courtney-friel.html
http://homepage.mac.com/mkoldys/blog/jdp.html

Aly: In For Gretchen

“In for Gretchen.” When Fox & Friends guest co-host Alisyn Camerota mellifluously uttered those three words yesterday, it was music to the ears. The viewer knew exactly what to expect. I.e., Fox & Friends at its best: informative, irreverent, and edgy. With the smart, sexy, and confident Aly in the center seat, the real A-Team delivered yesterday and today. Tomorrow’s prospects look equally good.

A Gretch hater? No. But Aly increases the tempo, is on her toes, and keeps the boys on theirs. She doesn’t demand respect: she earns it. She’s an alpha bitch in the best sense of the term: Gretch is not.

As to Gretch, she would be good with Julie Banderas later in the daytime. The former Miss America would be taken out of her comfort zone by the feisty, fiery Latin beauty. Gretch could learn to loosen up, let her hair down, and, maybe, with a few mohitos, mix it up a bit without needing to be in control or to be coddled.

If Aly moved into the weekday F&F and Gretchen teamed with Julie, Fox & Friends Weekend would lose its leader. Whether F&FW could survive another rudderless voyage is doubtful. However, if Ainsley Earhardt steps it up a notch and loses her reflexive deference, maybe, she can pilot the ship again.

Kelly Boys at FNC’s AE Headquarters

It seems that F&F Weekend has settled on Ainsley Earhardt and Clayton Morris as permanent co-hosts and has vacated the third position. Both Greg Kelly and Kelly Wright appear on FNC’s America’s Election HQ (AEHq) today. FNC TV’s AEHq Saturday schedule includes both “former” F&F Weekend co-hosts. In its 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. ET segment, “Kelly Wright and Jamie Colby bring you the most up-to-date political news!” At 4:00-6:00 p.m. ET, “Join hosts Greg Kelly and Julie Banderas for the insight you need in 2008!” Page Hopkins continues to elude her fans.

By the way, Greg Kelly also hosted Friday’s Fox Report With Shepard Smith yesterday. At the half hour, Greg said, “I’m Greg Kelly: this is the Fox Report.” Is he FNC’s next Shep, its Scud Stud II, or, at least, its G.I. Ken?