Aly Goes Silent

NYT: “Some [CNN] hosts have considered abandoning their social media accounts because of abuse.” Apparently, New Day co-host Alisyn Camerota has abandoned her Twitter Tweeps for the security of a “foxhole” at CNN. But, seemingly, her co-anchor Chris Cuomo has her covered for the time being.

The author noticed this morning that he was following one less person and/or entity. When he investigated, he realized it was none other than the lovely Aly whom he had followed for virtual aeons in Twitter time. When he went to @AlisynCamerota, the site simply said, “Sorry, that page doesn’t exist!” When he checked @NewDay and clicked on the @AlisynCamerota link it said the same. However, the @ChrisCuomo link worked as usual.

Guess Aly was one of those CNN hosts that abandoned her social media accounts (at least, Twitter). Post President Trump’s win, Aly has seemed to take the loss of the 2016 Democratic party standard bearer–personally. The lovely Aly seems always to be smirking, rolling her eyes, or evidencing some negative body language when she interviews a pro-Trump interviewee: And, the panels always appear to bash Trump relentlessly to the delight of her and Chris. Not to mention the “Russia, Russia, Russia” meme.

Aly and Chris, it may be painful: But, it is time to move on. Donald J. Trump is the forty-fifth President. And, you need to start covering what Americans care about, i.e., their economic, physical, and existential well-being. Buck up!

 

O’Reilly Out: Carlson In

Five replaces Carlson; Bolling replaces Five; and Watters replaces Bolling. Yesterday, FNC honcho Rupert Murdoch “caved”: Joined his boys James and Lachlan in dethroning the King of Cable Bill O’Reilly (statement)–while O’Reilly was on vacation. And, O’Reilly did not get the last word on his once eponymous show last night newly named simply The Factor.

Rather, The Factor fill-in host Dana Perino solemnly declared, “Finally, tonight, it is the end of an era here at the Fox News Channel….Bill O’Reilly is leaving this chair and this network after more than twenty years. Bill has been the undisputed king of cable news, and for good reason: He is an incredibly talented broadcaster who raised the bar for interviewers everywhere; he has also held his staff to exacting standards in his quest to put the best possible program on the air and they are great; and you his audience responded in record numbers making The Factor the number one cable news show for more than sixteen years.” Trying to soften the blow to O’Reilly’s fans further, Dana declared, “In a memo to the staff today, Rupert, James, and Lachlan Murdoch who run Fox News described Bill this way, [saying], “By ratings standards, Bill O’Reilly is one of the most accomplished TV personalities in the history of cable news. In fact, his success by any measure is indisputable. We wish him the very best.”

Even though the Murdochs recently re-signed their FNC flagship anchor and top revenue generator to an 18-million-per-year contract, they decided to  jettison O’Reilly amid the continuing allegations of sexual harassment. According to the New York Times, Fox luminaries Rebecca Gomez (2011), Laurie Dhue (2016), and Juliet Huddy (2016) have received settlements: Furthermore, reportedly, erstwhile Outnumbered regular Andrea Tantaros‘s psychologist Michele Berdy said under oath that Andrea “complained to me about recurring unwanted advances from Bill O’Reilly.” To boot, the New York Daily News reported, “On the day before he [O’Reilly] was booted, a black colleague said a leering O’Reilly shamelessly ogled her cleavage and nicknamed her ‘Hot Chocolate.'”

Not amused, O’Reilly responded to his firing, saying, “It is tremendously disheartening that we [Fox News and O’Reilly] part ways due to completely unfounded claims. But that is the unfortunate reality many of us in the public eye must live with today. I will always look back on my time at Fox with great pride in the unprecedented success we achieved and with my deepest gratitude to all my dedicated viewers.” [For full statement, link here.]

As to O’Reilly’s dedicated viewers, they will now have “a new evening and prime time lineup” according to Fox News. As of Monday (April 24),  Tucker Carlson Tonight will replace the recently renamed O’Reilly Factor (to The Factor); The Five will follow with the usual cast of Kimberly Guilfoyle, Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino, Juan Williams, and Bob Beckel with the addition of Jesse Watters to take Eric Bolling‘s middle chair (April 24); Bolling gets his own show in the old The Five slot at 5:00 p.m. ET (May 1).

Coaxing his own Tucker Carlson Tonight viewers to make the jump to the new time last night, Tucker concluded his show saying, “There is change coming to Fox News, the channel and to this program: Starting Monday, we are moving to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. You’ve made the journey with us from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.: We hope you’ll come along once more and join us an hour earlier.” Graciously, he aptly added, “We’ve got big shoes to fill: We’re going to do our best.”

Indeed, Tucker does have big shoes to fill: Whether O’Reilly devotees will give Tucker that chance remains to be known. And, to whether FNC fans cotton to James and Lachlan’s kinder, gentler Fox News is another issue altogether: Their father Rupert had the Midas touch with his “Mad Men” mentality. Going PC may be FNC’s folly: Alchemy in reverse.

NYT Journo Calls FLOTUS a Hooker: Melania Responds!

Doesn’t wait for POTUS. The First Lady of the United States  gave supermodel Emily Ratajowski kudos this evening for coming to her defense earlier today: This morning, Ratajowski revealed that a New York Times journo had called Melania “a hooker” at a New York Fashion Week event and, subsequently, called his misogynistic remark “slut shaming” and “disgusting sexist bullsh*t.”

Showing her appreciation to the Blurred Lines beauty this evening, FLOTUS Tweeted, “Applause to all women around the world who speak up, stand up and support other women! @emrata #PowerOfEveryWoman #PowerOfTheFirstLady.”

In a Tweet of his own earlier, re the aforementioned controversy, the author asked, “@POTUS‘s response?” Apparently, none needed from the President: The First Lady could take care of herself just fine. I.e., #PowerOfEveryWoman #PowerOfTheFirstLady.

NYT Journo Calls FLOTUS “Hooker”

No blurred lines! Sexy supermodel Emily Ratajowski outed a seemingly misogynist male New York Times journalist who shamefully called First Lady of the United States Melania Trump a “hooker,” according to Mediaite. In a Tweet this Monday morning, the Blurred Lines video star revealed, Tweeting (1, 2), “Sat next to a journalist from the NYT last night who told me ‘Melania is a hooker. Whatever your politics it’s crucial to call this out for what it is: slut shaming. I don’t care about her nudes or sexual history and no one should.”

And, the chagrined New York Times editors agreed. According to Politico, the crude NYT reporter who disgustingly referred to Melania Trump as “a hooker” to Emily Ratajowski at a New York Fashion Week event was reprimanded. Further, Politico reported that an NYT spokesperson responded to it, saying, “At a party last night, a Times reporter…referred to an unfounded rumor regarding Melania Trump: The comment was not intended to be public, but it was nonetheless completely inappropriate and should not have occurred. Editors have talked to the reporter in question about the lapse.”

The least the Old Gray Lady could do. And, probably, the most that she would do for a maligning of Melania–Trump.

 

 

Gretchen Out: Bitter?

Sues Roger Ailes: Her “lawyers…say Ailes is the ‘Bill Cosby of media.'” Wow! Former Fox & Friends co-host and anchor of The Real Story with Gretchen Carlson, Gretchen Carlson, is apparently not amused that her tenure is over: Reportedly, she is suing FNC honcho Roger Ailes for sexual harassment after her contract was not renewed.

According to the Daily Mail, Gretchen said that Ailes asked her to “turn around so he could view her posterior.” Furthermore, the NYT reported that Gretchen alleged that Ailes had eyed her in his office and called her sexy and “explicitly asked [her] in his office for a sexual relationship.”

In response, Gretchen’s former female FNC colleagues pushed back. “On the Record” anchor Greta van Susteren said that she has “‘absolutely never’ seen …Ailes act inappropriately toward women” and described Gretchen as “a very unhappy employee that lost her job” according to The Wrap. According to the same publication, hitting Gretchen even harder, “Justice with Judge Jeanine” anchor Jeanine Pirro declared, “I know know the man. I have been in a room with him. He has never said or done anything [inappropriate].”: Taking aim at her former FNC colleague, Jeanine added that the lawsuit was “absurd” and remarked, “I don’t know that she, the plaintiff [Gretchen], even has a friend in that building.” On a softer note FBN anchor Maria Bartiromo said, “It’s not in keeping with what I know, and my experience at Fox” according to Variety. Morever, The Five co-host Kimberly Guilfoyle chimed in (according to TVNewser), “Total disbelief. I’ve known Roger Ailes for 15 years and I have been treated with the utmost professionalism and respect: He’s been a fantastic mentor in television for me.” To boot, in her HuffPo article, former Fox & Friends First co-anchor Kiran Chetry, who had a self-proclaimed “parting [that] was ugly and public,” defended Ailes, saying, “Over the years at Fox, I met with Roger Ailes one-on-one many times and never once did Roger ever make me feel uncomfortable or put forth any sexual advances.”

According to the Hollywood Report, Ailes hit back hard at Gretchen, saying:

“Gretchen Carlson’s allegations are false. This is a retaliatory suit for the network’s decision not to renew her contract, which was due to the fact that her disappointingly low ratings were dragging down the afternoon lineup. When Fox News did not commence any negotiations to renew her contract, Ms. Carlson became aware that her career with the network was likely over and conveniently began to pursue a lawsuit. Ironically, Fox News provided her with more on-air opportunities over her 11-year tenure than any other employer in the industry, for which she thanked me in her recent book. This defamatory lawsuit is not only offensive, it is wholly without merit and will be defended vigorously.”

Gretchen and her fellow femme fatale predecessor co-hosts on Fox & Friends have always been sexually empowered since the fun, flirty, racy, E. D. Hill made her debut in 1998: And, for those that embrace it, that is modern liberated feminism, women unashamed of their potent power of feminine pulchritude and seduction and are not afraid to embrace it. E.g., Gretchen seemed to tout this “new” feminism in her somewhat tempting “twerking” and awkward aping of “scandalous” Miley Cyrus on F&F. Also, naughty Fetchin’ Gretchen had her sultry take on sharing her momcave with Chris Wallace, nipple clips, and licked thighs on F&F (02/04/11). Not to mention Gretchen’s saucy flirtation with Chris Wallace when the Fox News Sunday host  exclaimed, “Let me just say…I was thinking how to clean this up. Gretchen, when you were wearing that cowboy hat and smoking that cigar you looked fetching.” (In response, Gretchen, re-enacted and accentuated her sultry cowboy/cigar look for Chris to which he responded, Oh, Mama! You should take that home for your husband tonight.”) Maybe, Ailes was having fun with that vibe from Gretchen–if in fact he said what he purportedly said.

Nevertheless, a woman or a man’s employment, advancement, etc. should never be predicated on her/his employer’s reaction to their employee’s sexual power. Nor, should the employee ever be subject to his/her unwanted advances.

Prime-Time Megyn: “Hannity & Kelly”?

Roger Ailes’ “Minor Change”? In an exclusive Thursday, the Drudge Report reported that Fox News was “set to make its first primetime schedule change in 10 years” and that “superstar newswoman Megyn Kelly [had] landed the 9 PM slot” according to its top sources. When asked about that “rumor” by Fox News’s Neil Cavuto, FNC chief Roger Ailes responded, “Well, generally, I don’t confirm or deny any rumors….However, Megyn has earned a better time period: She’ll be in our prime-time lineup. But, I must quickly say that all of our stars will be back: We have new deals with (Sean) Hannity and Greta (Van Susteren) and Shep(ard Smith).” Noticing Ailes’ obvious omission, Cavuto quizzically commented, “So, it sounds to me like (Bill) O’Reilly‘s gone: Mischievously, Ailes answered, “Yep, he’s finished, that’s it! No, I’m just kidding.”*

According to New York Times columnist Bill Carter, the prevailing speculation is that Megyn will get her own hour and Sean Hannity will move to the 7:00 p.m. slot (replacing Fox Report with Shepard Smith) and Shep will move to an afternoon hour. However, in his Cavuto interview, Ailes himself cryptically remarked, “We have a great roster of talent: I am making a few minor changes….You have to choose well in the first place and have the guts to stay with people who can do the job. And, that’s what I try to do.”** Furthermore, he reportedly explained, “One of my jobs is to get the best audience flow between shows and that’s one of the reason[s] I’m making a few changes right now.”***

And, that very audience of Ailes in both prime-time and full-day ratings “has had a median age of 65-plus (according to the aforementioned NYT author). If the anecdotal observation that older people tend to be resistant to change is true, Ailes would do well to only “[make] a few minor changes” as he seeks to facilitate the “best audience flow” of his hyper-loyal older viewers (and tries  to attract a younger demographic at the same time). Creating three new shows for Megyn, Hannity, and Shep, as the NYT suggested, seems more than a few major changes–especially, when Gretchen Carlson’s new fall show and, an imminent iteration of Fox & Friends (with new co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck) are added into the mix.

“Hannity and Kelly”? Don’t count it out.

*Therightscoop.com (video and text) – 08/08/13.

**Ibid.

***Therightscoop.com (video) – 08/08/3 (@ 02:12/04:13).

[Author’s aside: If Megyn does indeed join Hannity, Ailes real primetime schedule (8-11 p.m.), the hosts will represent true-blue gender equality surpassing rivals CNN and MSNBC.]

FNC’s New Future: Megyn In for Greta?

Van Susteren: “I’ve been been bucking to get an earlier hour for years….”* Apparently, her boss Roger Ailes was listening: Only five days after FNC On the Record anchor Greta van Susteren uttered those very words to her old friend Larry King on his 06/27/13 eponymous online show, Fox News issued a release which read, “[America Live anchor] Megyn Kelly will move to Fox News Channel’s (FNC) primetime lineup upon her return, announced Roger Ailes, Chairman and CEO, FOX News.” However, FNC took pains to highlight the fact that Greta had been signed to a long-term contract (as well as FNC’s other prime time hosts Bret Baier, Shepard Smith, Bill O’Reilly, and Sean Hannity).

In King’s interview of Greta, the former CNN anchor discussed the possible personnel changes of new CNN honcho Jeff Zucker: In so doing, she referenced FNC and her long-time chief, saying, “Look at Fox News….Roger Ailes has been there the whole time I’ve been there. We haven’t had a change in eleven and half years.” Nonchalantly or not, she continued, “I’ve been bucking to get an earlier hour for years but that ain’t happening….If anyone ever left, I would put in a pitch.”

Now that Ailes has decided to change his storied FNC schedule, it seems that Greta will get her wish of an earlier hour. But, whom will she replace or with whom will she pair? If Greta replaces anyone, it will probably be Fox Report host Shepard Smith who could continue to work in his “long-term contract” as anchor of Studio B. But, if Greta were to co-host instead, a likely pairing would be with fellow conservative Sean Hannity who sorely needs fresh blood to reinvigorate his recently ratings-challenged show.

And, if Greta does vacate her 10 p.m. ET throne, it seems that Fox’s long-suffering “rising star” has finally achieved her rightful place in the FNC ether. In December of 2008, Carpe Diem warned Greta to watch out for Megyn. Six months later, the New York Times eyed Megyn as a “potential heir to Ms. Van Susteren.”

Now, Megyn’s time has come: Prime time!

*Larry King Now – 06/27/13 (@ 11:29/28:19

Soledad’s Fall: CNN’s Spring?

Zucker’s “Morning in America”: O’Brien toast–again. Starting Point anchor Soledad O’Brien has been iced again as the face of CNN’s dawn according to the New York Times. Throwing cold water on Soledad’s vain hopes to finally prevail in the cable news morning ratings wars, CNN’s new chief Jeff Zucker finally cried, “No mas.”

As long-time CNN viewers may know, Soledad and Miles O’Brien co-hosted American Morning from 2003 to 2007 and were replaced by Kiran Chetry and John Roberts to revitalize flagging ratings. Over four years later (July 15, 2011), Soledad ominously returned to the show to substitute for Kiran for her first absence after AM announced Kiran’s own imminent departure from the still ratings-challenged show. Subsequently, when the ill-fated AM folded at the end of the year, Soledad was given a second chance to redeem herself and the CNN brass in the new year with Starting Point in the 7-9 a.m. ET hours. Unfortunately, for Soledad, she failed to seize the opportunity and sunk the show to even lower depths.

Yesterday, the New York Times reported that Zucker was pulling the plug on Soledad and that she would leave Starting Point this spring. According to the old Gray Lady, Zucker had “decided even before he started the job in January that he wanted to replace…[her program]…with a brand new one.” As to Soledad’s future, it added that she would create a new production company and “continue to supply documentaries to CNN on a nonexclusive basis.”

Putting a positive spin on her departure to the Hollywood Reporter, Soledad said, “I will not miss getting up that early, I cannot lie, not for a minute.” Defending her show itself, she declared, “We had a staff  of people–we never were fully staffed–where we were able to in spite of not getting a lot of support really make our show relevant. To do that, that was pretty tremendous.”

Soledad’s fall: CNN’s spring. It will be morning in Zucker’s America again soon.

T. J. Holmes: Don’t Sleep for an Hour

BET anchor T. J. Holmes announced yesterday that his NYT-acclaimed “social issues” show, Don’t Sleep, will be expanding to an hour by popular demand. Elaborating, T. J. explained that his audience’s “#1 comment has been that [the original 30-minute version of] Don’t Sleep is too short!” In response to his viewers’ desires, T. J. said that BET has extended his program to a new “hour-long format…[that]…will allow us more time to delve into topics and determine how we can all, in our own way, be agents of change.” He added that his program will air at 11:00 p.m. ET.

Congratulations, T.J.!

FNC’s “Mean Girl”: Kirsten Goes Loco on Lolo

Today’s “Beast”? Anthony Weiner’s former girlfriend and erstwhile defender Kirsten Powers. Fox News’ self-professed Christian progressive must have forgotten all about I Corinthians 13 (“The Love Chapter”) today. In her Happening Now appearance this afternoon, the usually compassionate Daily Beast columnist defended New York Times sports columnist Jere Longman’s misogynistic attack against Olympian Lolo Jones, a born-again Christian who posed a la a shy pre-Fall Eve in ESPN Body Issue 2009, for her sensual allure to an appreciative media at the perceived slight to her competitors. [N.B. No mention from Longman that Lolo is the first woman who has won back-to-back World Indoor titles in the 60-meter hurdles and that she was a three-time national champion hurdler and an eleven-time All-American at LSU.]

In Kirsten’s HN segment, her fellow Fox News colleague, former NYT investigative reporter Judith Miller opined, “I think it was very unfair….It was so harsh on her. It was so unforgiving.”* Substantiating her point, Miller cited the criticism of the NYT‘s very own ombudsman Arthur S. Brisbane, who said, “I think the writer [Jere Longman] was particularly harsh, even unnecessarily so….[T]his piece struck me as quite harsh and left me, along with others, wondering why the tone was so strong.”

Shaking her head, Kirsten emphatically countered, “I don’t agree! I do not agree.” Clad in her low-cut, sleeveless, short black dress, FNC’s blond beauty, perhaps, ironically groused, “He [Longman] never called her the Anna Kornikova: he interviewed somebody who said that….The point that he was actually trying to make is that here are actually two other American athletes whose names we don’t even know really…[who] have gotten no endorsement deals, have gotten no media coverage even though they have medals when this person who didn’t even get a medal is getting all of this media attention….How did she become the victim?”

Then, Kirsten added, “In terms of him talking the stuff about her, she’s the one who put it out there….She’s a woman. She’s, at least thirty….She cannot complain about media coverage that’s critical of her.” Coming to Lolo’s defense, Miller exclaimed, “Oh, yes, she can. Yes, she can when she’s really being attacked.” Shrugging her shoulders, Kirsten replied, “I don’t think it was an attack.”

Miller answered, “It was an attack! The only two people quoted in the entire piece are negative quotes.” Smirking, Kirsten caustically queried, “You’re not allowed to write a negative article about an athlete?” Miller riposted, “Wait a minute! He left out the fact that she had spinal surgery the year before. Her own extremely back story left out.” After clenching her teeth as Judith spoke, an irate Kirsten argued, “But, hasn’t that been covered extensively.”

Miller responded, “But, not in his column! If somebody’s reading that column, you have no idea where [she’s coming from]…Why beat up on this woman?” Unconvincingly, Kirsten replied, “He’s not beating up on her!” Immediately, Miler countered, “He was!” Appearing to contradict herself, Kirsten answered, “And, why he is not allowed to do that? I don’t understand.”

Interjecting, HN co-host Jon Scott remarked that while Lolo’s competitors may have won medals she was apparently the only woman to have won the national indoors hurdling championship twice. Cutting to the quick, he said, “Let’s show the photo that…aroused so much, I guess, ire, so much negative attention to her.” As the photo of a seated nude Lolo looked backed at the camera with all of her “lady bits” discreetly covered, Jon continued, “What doesn’t get noted is the small type there…a quote from her coach at LSU Dennis Shaver who writes, “She has the perfect core, which is where her horsepower comes from. Her abs are like a washboard, all muscle fiber and no fat. You don’t get like without proper diet and training: And, even then, you’d need Lolo’s determination.’ That gets lost in the coverage of that photo.”

“Exactly: it certainly did,” concurred Miller. As Kirsten laughed in derision, Miller chastened, “And, the back story gets lost. And, Kirsten, I’m really surprised.” Interposing, a bemused Kirsten queried, “What back story? I don’t even understand.”

Miller explained, “Wait a minute! You can make the point that the media likes some people and the companies choose to use some people without beating up on her, without demeaning her or her achievement. And, the fact that she’s a self-proclaimed Christian virgin and comes from this poor family. I think it’s an amazing story.”

Gesticulating animatedly, Kirsten interrupted, “As one of the other girls comes from a very poor story [sic]. And, it’s an amazing story that been covered ad nauseum.”

As Kirsten ranted, a smiling Miller interposed, “She’s beautiful. Why should we hold that against her?”

In a seemingly disingenuous response, Kirsten said that “we shouldn’t” but then echoed Longman’s plaint that Lolo was getting a disproportionate amount of attention. Then, baring her claws, Kirsten caustically exclaimed, “And, I’m sorry, but, you know, the whole born-again Christian thing and posing naked, I don’t think they really go together. Call me crazy!…I talk about my faith all the time, and if I posed like that I would expect to hear about it!”

Conversely, if Kirsten posits like that, she should certainly expect to hear about it.

Happening Now – 08/10/12 (@ 12:45 p.m. ET)

Update: Video via J$P.

Megyn Kelly: “GQ Intelligence…Hot”

Slate: “A Post-Feminist News Babe.” America Live anchor Megyn Kelly is no man and proud of it. As her alluring photos and Greg Veis interview in 2010 GQ Men of the Year edition prove, Megyn has spurned the Procrustean yoke of her feminist forerunners who felt compelled to almost ape a man in apparel to solicit respect. Instead, she fearlessly forges her future as the smart and sexy face of Fox News.

This year, Megyn’s star has begun to shine brightly as the media has really begun to take note of the beautiful blond journalist at FNC. Shortly, before her debut on America Live (AL), the New York Times reported on January 31, 2010, that Megyn was a “centerpiece of the news side of Fox News” and “seem[ed] to be progressing through Fox’s star-making machinery.” In a review soon thereafter (February 12), Slate.com deemed Megyn a “post-feminist news babe” not shy with her sexuality as it cited her casual comfort at colleagues’ colorful banter, the revealing camera shots of her sexy stems, and her amorous, adventurous advice for her distaff audience. Then, two months later, Howard Stern, the satyric shock jock and self-anointed “King of All Media,” really noticed Megyn and got her to open up to his “very personal questions”: in so doing, disclosed that her breasts were real, that her husband Doug Brunt called them (“killer bees”), and that her sex life was unimpeded by pregnancy.

Now, in the GQ Men of the Year issue, the almost forty-year-old, gravid again, journalist daringly goes one step further with her incredibly sexy shots to accompany her interview with Veis. Posing for two provocative photos in a beautiful black mini with a plunging neckline, Megyn flaunts her “killer B’s” and luscious legs. Seductively, Megyn beckons her admirers with only a wedding ring to damper their desire. Modestly, she explains, “People want to see the anchor.”

Indeed.

Wiehl: “Rooting” Lindsay?

From Lindsay Lohan’s “Freaky Friday” to Lis Wiehl‘s “Hump Day”? After reading Fox News legal analyst Wiehl’s “Just Go to Jail, Lindsay,” the author was still not sure what the sexy former prosecutor had in mind for the wayward waif. After Wiehl encouraged the troubled starlet to take the high road, serve her time, and be an example to her young female following, she exhorted Lindsay to do it for herself. Subsequently, sounding like one of Lindsay’s possible reality-series-bad-girl cellmates, Wiehl concludes, “And we’ll all be rooting you.”

Copy edit error or artistic license by the racy New York Times best-selling novelist?  Rather, Lis Wiehl: Lindsay Lohan cheerleader or cellmate? Either way, Lis, it might make for a “mean” book.

AM’s “Missing Leak”

What happened to that third leak from BP’s off-shore oil well polluting the Gulf of Mexico? American Morning co-host Kiran Chetry did not seem to realize that it existed, and her co-anchor John Roberts initially appeared to have thought that it had been plugged. However, BP (or British Petroleum) has acknowledged its existence and has not yet announced its closure.

On May 5, BP stated that it had sealed one of the three oil leaks from its off-shore well. Further, the New York Times reported that BP had stopped one of these leaks and would try to shut up the worse of the remaining two with a “containment dome” and, if successful, then would tackle the third one with a second dome. However, according to the author’s understanding of  BP’s releases, it has been unsuccessful with the containment dome(s) (including its second “top hat” model) thus far on the second leak and has mitigated it’s flow with an RITT (riser insertion tube tool) which carries a portion, at least, of the oil leakage to a surface ship. Apparently, now BP is trying to shut off this second leak and the third yet un-dealt-with leak with a “top kill” approach (intended to clog up the oil wellhead with industry “mud” and cement it, and thus cut off the oil leakage).

Yes, AM, the third BP leak exists. Brickbats to Kiran for blithely ignoring the reality (after being apprised by the author citing a CNN transcipt of her interview with a Purdue professor). Bouquets to John for readily acknowledging it (when he received Tweets from the author about the NYT article and the link thereto, supra). Nevertheless, kudos to Kiran, for her great in-the-field coverage of the BP ecological nightmare in Louisiana.

Clayton Gets “Help”

Fox & Friends Weekend co-anchor Clayton Morris asked for “help” on marriage Saturday: he got it the very next day. After a “divorce-risk factor” segment Saturday, co-host Alisyn Camerota promised that “good news” was on the way: in reply, Clayton commented, “Can’t wait for that. Help me out.” “Help” arrived Sunday as Aly, Clayton, and co-anchor Dave Briggs interviewed New York Times blogger Tara Parker-Pope, author of “For Better: The Science of a Good Marriage.”

Opening the colloquy, Clayton asked Parker-Pope about why the “how-we-met story [was] very important.” Ironically, she answered, “Using those different pronouns, using “we” versus “you”–those kinds of things tell you if negativity has crept into your relationship: So, telling that story can tell you a little bit about how you are feeling right now.”* (“Ironically” because, earlier this year in pre-Valentine’s Day relationship stories on the very same day, both Clayton and his then, apparently, estranged wife Sara Batterson separately embraced the “me” rather than the “we” in discussions about the implications of these personal pronouns within the marital context: Clayton, on his F&FW show, and Sara on her Brite Girl blog.) When Dave immediately followed up with “Okay, conflicts will clearly emerge,” perhaps, tellingly, Clayton chuckled heartily.

Later, as the interview ended, Clayton (perchance, preferring to deflect the audience’s attention from himself) impishly jested, “Will you [Parker-Pope] autograph that copy for Dave?” Smiling and shaking his head, Dave exclaimed, “I have a great marriage!” Subsequently, self-effacingly, Clayton deadpanned, “Actually, could I borrow this?” As he grabbed the book, Clayton continued, “I think I need to read this.” Emphatically, Dave quipped, “Yes! Read up!” (As F&FW went to commercials, Clayton obeyed, comically opened up the book and acted as if he were.)

When the show returned from the ad break, Clayton “still” had his head in the book as if in profound concentration. Addressing the viewer,  a teasing Aly commented, “Clayton’s engrossed in reading about good marriages, the science of it.”** Puckishly, Dave sniped, “Yeah. He’s got a lot to learn, folks.”

Whether he does or not, Clayton’s may well have his own autographed copy by now–courtesy of his rumored girlfriend, CNET TV host Natali Del Conti.

[Reader, yet another catch-up article on F&FW.]

*Fox & Friends – 05/23/10 (@9:53 a.m. ET)

**Fox & Friends – 05/23/10 (@9:59 a.m. ET)

Another Leg Up

In her debut as lone anchor on her new FNC show, America Live, Megyn Kelly fans were not disappointed.* Fresh from a maternity leave of four months, the “old” Kelly was back: smart, sharp, and sexy. Apparently, Fox News Senior VP of Programming Bill Shine decided not to mess with her winning formula.

In promos for American Live, FNC had presented its star, Megyn Kelly, much too somberly.* I.e., this Ms. Kelly would be a SERIOUS newsMan much like some of her male-mimicking counterparts in the old media. Happily, the previews did not match the style nor the substance of its brainy, blond beauty.

Yesterday, from matching wits with cam-ham lawyer Gloria Allred to waxing maternal about her newborn son Yates, Megyn seemed to navigate with comfort the gamut of a “working” woman’s duties. Dressed is a rather conserative red dress (high-necked & knee-high), she still was fun and frisky with liberal shots of her long legs throughout the show. Megyn was not afraid to be herself: professional mom and married hottie.

In other words, the lovely legal eagle acquitted herself well yesterday. The latest step up for FNC’s rapidly rising star on the FNC ladder. What’s next? Hm. N.B. As the New York Times reminded readers Sunday Greta van Susteren’s current contract expires at the end of this year.

* Vid links: via Johnny Dollar’s Place (J$P).

Megyn Kelly: Afternoon Delight

In less than two weeks, America’s Newsroom co-host Megyn Kelly is getting her very own FNC two-hour program according to Mediaite. On February 1st, Megyn’s still unnamed show is slated to replace Fox News’ Live Desk which is co-hosted by Martha MacCallum and Trace Gallagher. In turn, Martha will take Megyn’s position on AN.

The move by FNC Senior Programming Veep Bill Shine came as little surprise. More a month ago, when Martha began regularly filling in for Megyn on AN and recently re-signed Juliet Huddy began ably subbing for Martha on LD, the author opined that Shine might be preparing to give Megyn Kelly her own show upon her return from maternity leave. (Apparently, he indeed was.) However, the author assumed that Megyn might replace Greta van Susteren on On the Record if she did not re-up with Fox News (as suggested by the New York Times) or, maybe, Shepard Smith on one of his two daily p.m. shows to provide better representation for women in the p.m.

Instead, Megyn got the Live Desk slot. Why? Perhaps, Shine has determined that Greta is still in the FNC fold for the foreseeable future and that Shep can keep his two programs for the time being. And, perchance, with Martha’s move to AN being such a success and Juliet Huddy’s sudden disappearance from LD and the Fox universe, Shine was presented with an unexpected void at LD and a golden opportunity to fill it with Megyn’s own two hour show.

Regardless, the lovely legal eagle deserves her own show. Not only is Megyn smart, sharp, and sexy, but also she has shown that she can best even FNC’s ratings king Bill O’Reilly on his own show in a battle of wits, reason, and panache. Congrats, Megyn!

Kiran: Bruised Beauty?

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

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

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

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

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

Krugman Corrects John: Kiran Laughs

Playing American Morning co-anchor John Robert’s loyal TV wife, co-host Kiran Chetry stood by her man again today (at least, for the most part). Immediately after welcoming the audience to American Morning, she freshly piqued her “Gregorian purist” viewers once again: she matter-of-factly opined, “A very special day, of course, because it is the last day of the decade and the year.” More reasonable and receptive than yesterday, John replied, “You know there are people who argue that the next decade doesn’t begin until next year, December 31, 2010. But…everybody else is going to be partying to end the decade tonight so you might as well.”

However, when the second hour of AM began, John stirred the pot anew. Welcoming back his audience, he said, “Good morning. Thanks very much for joining us…on this last day of 2009, the last day of the 2000’s decade as well.” When Kiran readily agreed, “Right,” John, looked directly into the camera and kindly condescended, “And, for all those of you who say, ‘It’s not until next year that we change to the next decade,’ you’re invited to the party anyway.”

Later, John dragged AM meteorologist Reynolds Wolf unwittingly into the fray and the truth finally emerged. After Reynold’s weather report, John asked, “Reynolds, do you believe this is the end of the first decade of the 2000’s?,” Reynold’s initially answered, “Yeah.” Then, quickly correcting himself, he responded, “No, actually, I think when you go from one through ten…if you want to be a stickler in terms of the numbers, I think that it ends this [sic] year. 2011 would be the next one.”

Subsequently, John remarked, “Some people believe that. They say, ‘Because of the Gregorian calendar, we didn’t start in the year zero, we started with the year one….But, I mean, it’s commonly held that, you know, the 20’s did not end in 1930: the 1930’s did not end in 1940.”

In response to John’s fallacious vox populi argument, Kiran replied, “I know. Although, I have to say, I had to laugh. I thought of you today because I was reading Paul Krugman’s column…and he also said, ‘Technically, technically [that the decade began in 2001].” Embracing the voice of the common man again and spurning the elitist Krugman’s assertion, John retorted, “Technically, schmechnically! Everybody else is going to be celebrating tonight just like they did in the year 2000 with…the December 31st, 1999, for the millennium. So, that’s the party I’m going to.” Concurring, Kiran chuckled, “Don’t let the numbers trip you up.”

As a further dig to his doubters right before the commercial break, John joyfully jibed, “Do you want to make the next decade better than this decade? Hahhh!…All that and more is still ahead in the Most News in the Morning as we continue to drive Gregorian purists nuts.

Mission accomplished!

[All ribbing aside, readers: whether tomorrow marks a new decade or just another year, Happy New Year to one and all!]

American Morning Censored?

Iconic sex symbol Marilyn Monroe’s alleged marijuana use? Hush! Controversial pop SINsation Lady Gaga’s gender? Hush! Hush! What is going on at American Morning this week or, actually, the last eight days? Unfortunately, it appears that  AM executive producer Jamie Kraft has presided over its becoming C.N.N. (not CNN), i.e., the Censored Network News.

Last Wednesday, when AM co-host John Roberts reported on the recent sale of a private Marilyn Monroe video, he failed to inform his AM audience that Marilyn Monroe was allegedly smoking marijuana in it: rather, he simply twice said, “[It] shows her acting casually on the couch with friends, smoking and drinking wine.”** However, cable news rivals FNC* and MSNBC did not shy away from Marilyn Monroe’s alleged pot use nor did the main stream media, e.g., ABC, BBC, and the New York Times.)

Today, Jeanne Moos reported on Lady Gaga’s meeting Queen Elizabeth II in Liverpool, England, after the Royal Variety Performance.*** Afterwards, Roberts remarked, “I’ll admit that there’s something strangely fascinating about her but, I mean, it’s all image and marketing.” Co-host Kiran Chetry concurred, “Of course, it is!”

Really? According to recent concert footage, Lady Gaga may be Laddy Gaga: In the NSFW Gawker.com clip, as she gets off a motorcycle and subsequently shimmies in a micro red mini, she exposes what seems to be a small male member. According to Bossip.com, Lady Gaga confirmed her hermaphroditic status, stating “It’s not something that I’m ashamed of, just isn’t something that I go around telling everyone. Yes. I have both male and female genitalia, but I consider myself a female.” Reportedly, she added, “The reason I haven’t talked about it is that it’s not a big deal to me.”

With Marilyn Monroe, AM omitted a material fact, i.e., her apparent smoking of marijuana. As to Lady Gaga, AM seemed to include a significant fiction, i.e., that her “strangely fascinating” nature is “all image and marketing.” If Kraft does not give his AM viewers the full news, sans such salient omissions and questionable inclusions, they may begin to lose confidence in the accuracy of American Morning and, by extension, CNN.

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*Fox & Friends (12/02/09)

** Full quote: A new home movie of Marilyn Monroe unscripted has surfaced. The quick clip from the ’50’s shows her acting casually on the couch with friends, smoking and drinking wine. The copyright to the film will be offered on Ebay this week by a collector who paid a quarter of a million dollars for it.” American Morning (12/02/09)- @ 6:08 a.m. ET and @8:39 a.m. ET (Second reading omitted “and” between “smoking” and “drinking” and substituted “one” for “a” before “million.”)

***American Morning (12/09/09) – @6:55 a.m. ET

Zhu Zhu: “Pig,” “Master,” or Both

According to CNN‘s American Morning and the NYT, the cheap, cute Zhu Zhu hamster made in China is the “hottest toy” this holiday season. In fact, American parents are scrambling nationwide to get the popular toy for their little ones in time for Christmas. According to the American toymaker’s founder Russell Hornsby, “zhu zhu” denotes “little pig”: However, babynamescountry.com says that the name “Zhu” means “master or owner.”

Perhaps, Zhu Zhu means both “little pig” and “master master.” If so, it would be a propos. I.e., if American consumers continue to be “little pigs” in their purchases of such Chinese imports (vis-a-vis Chinese consumption of U.S. exports) and America continues to borrow money from China at an ungodly rate, China may well become the “master master.” As Solomon sagely said, “[T]he borrower is servant to the lender.” [Proverbs 22:7] This truth is beginning to sink in for the American people as they see values that their leaders had once clarionly championed, e.g., freedom of religion, human rights, etc., get shorter and shorter shrift in American/Chinese dialogue in tandem with the increase in American indebtedness.

However, even if “Zhu Zhu” merely means “little pigs” as a euphemistic moniker for hamsters as it most probably does, it would do well to remember its other possible meanings. Whether it be a Chinese dig or an ironic name, either (or, in fact, both) can be instructive for Americans and their children as they celebrate this special season and plan for another economically challenging year.