behind the anchor persona

Where can a fan begin when they stumble upon a Hala Gorani interview that reveals the person behind the anchor, and not a profile on an anchor?

How do I love about Hala's interview on Gulfnews? Let me count the ways.
1. Her love of American Idol -

"American Idol is so entertaining and I know I'm not the only one who thinks it. There are other closet fans at CNN but my life wouldn't be worth living if I revealed names."

- I don't like the show myself, but look: signs of personality beyond the news.
2. The text message template she sends regularly to her mother. Awww. (The description of her looking up pleased with herself is an expression I can imagine, and, again, haha. So Hala.)
3. Her admission that contradicts her oft-stated career option if she weren't a journalist of being a teacher:

"Actually maybe not — I don't think I'd cope very well with children having tantrums. I'll stick to journalism for now."

Haha.


And let's not forget, next week CNN is showing Eye On France, where CNN will profile a nation. Hala back in France (I hope)! And Hala pronouncing French words and names! This is a sign of loads of fun.

what is monita wearing?

I like Monita. I do. How can I not like a CNN anchor who knows her Star Wars? I like her relaxed disposition, the way she can segue from serious to lighthearted in the time it takes to switch camera angles.

But what is up with her outfit yesterday?

(picture courtesy of Houston on CNNFan.org)

Because when I first saw it, my instinct was: Voltes V?

Then it occurred to me that it's more akin to the costume of old of the beloved X-Man, Nightcrawler:

Oh, Monita. Everything was working: the natural look, the hair (although it shows signs of a possible bad hair day. Was it?) And, okay, in retrospect, it's not THAT bad. But the V shape, the puffed up non-sleeves... never again, OK? Deal?