But DCist? They’re stubborn little jackasses who refuse to acknowledge that TWT‘s senior opinion writer Emily Miller was joking when she published this tweet on Friday morning:

Cue Obama to blame the Russian meteor on global warming.

— Emily Miller (@EmilyMiller) February 15, 2013

DCist‘s Ben Freed, who has unfortunately been in a couple of nasty bike accidents, and has previously suffered a concussion and may not be thinking clearly, used the following headline: “The Dumbest Tweet You Will Read All Day About the Meteor That Struck Russia.” He then looked down on Miller, writing, “…just wanted to dispel one thing real quickly. Meteors—and other astronomical phenomena—are not connected to global climate change.”

DCist‘s wimpy Editor-in-Chief, Martin Austermuhle, stuck by the ridiculous report and weakly directed Miller to Freed when she lashed out at them on Twitter, asking, “What moron wrote this story? I was clearly making a joke.” She continued, “You need to post a correx. Would he make that assumption for a liberal reporter?” Freed replied on Twitter, “Yeah, I would.”

Miller said her joke was obvious. “Anyone with the slightest knowledge of current events and even a passing sense of humor knows that it was sarcasm, and that I don’t literally believe that global warming caused an asteroid to hit the earth,” she told FishbowlDC. “This is clearly not journalism, but even worse, these staunch liberals show they will do anything to mock those who have conservative views, even if it means being dishonest to the public.”

Even commenters who disagree with Miller’s politics and think she’s a “partisan tool” understood she was joking. Wrote one woman, “It was an obvious joke. She’s suggesting the Obama administration makes outlandish claims about global warming. Guh. While she may be a partisan tool, she gets that blaming the meteorite on climate change is absurd.”

No one at DCist bothered to ask Miller if she was serious. But worse… continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Here we have the fantasy baby of our own FBDC’s Eddie Scarry and Mark Levine, a determined radio correspondent we affectionately refer to as “Queen Levine” for his dramatic email exchanges with Eddie. We must say, they’d produce adorable offspring. We’ll call her “Levina Scarry.”

Valentine’s Day Success Stories

“The Obamas went to Minibar tonight. That is a serious I-never-have-to-face-the-voters dining option. Also delicious. …How did he get a reservation?” — The New Yorker‘s Ryan Lizza.

“My parents spent Valentine’s Day at Disney World. Their 1st time w/o kids! How romantic. And cute! I’m super jealous.” — WJLA’s Mike Conneen.

“We were so stuffed from our Valentine’s Day lunch that we had a quiet dinner at home.” — Chairman of Accuracy in Media Don Irvine.

Stupid Question never to Ponder: “Is there a special app that will protect my tweets so morons can’t read them?” — Commentary‘s John Podhoretz. Note to Podhoretz: If you don’t want morons reading you then you shouldn’t be on Twitter.

Uh Oh.

Conservative radio host Dana Loesch: “Pick battles wisely folks so that they move our agenda forward, not back, or cause needless division. We’re all on the same side. Smiles!”

Conservative blogger and author Michelle Malkin: “I don’t get people who lecture me not to engage liberals on Twitter. This is a social ENGAGEMENT tool. For, you know, ENGAGING.”

Bureau Chief: Outraged by Poopy Cruise

“CNN has a ‘sweet home Alabama’ cryon for the poop cruise. I want those responsible put in a sack and thrown off a bridge.” — BuzzFeed D.C. Bureau Chief John Stanton.

Washington sex terms

“Lots of Washington terms are appropriate for Valentine’s Day: Holds, Mark up, Pocket veto, Rider, Score, Whip, Yield.” — Paul Brandus of WestWingReports.

Valentine’s Day Downers

“Totally having a 2 star meal at Brasserie Monte Carlo tonight. I’ve been bumped by the waitstaff at least a dozen times.” — Ben Harris, Rockville-based communications professional.

“When your boyfriend does last minute Valentine’s Day shopping you get a card in Spanish.” — National Journal‘s Ben Fishel. (Actual card at left.)

“Oh angry, loud single ladies getting drunk and wearing fake mustaches at this bar, Happy Valentine’s Day.” — Roll Call‘s Meredith Shiner.

“So much sappy music on the cab radio tonight. Can’t imagine why.” — Greenwire‘s Jessica Estepa.

“What a nightmare. Not one not two but three separate accidents and TWO lanes closed for roadwork on 395.” — Fox News Producer Kara Rowland.

The Media Critics

“CNN led am show with cruise nightmare OVER Russian meteorite!” — NJ‘s Josh Kraushaar.

“If a Free Beacon reporter asks your group for tax forms you don’t want to provide, tell Politico you’ve been assaulted by racists #protip.” — Newsweek-The Daily Beast‘s Eli Lake.

See the current names on our FishbowlDC Fan Club Board. continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Convo Between Two Journos: BFF’s discuss Adele, Chris Brown, Rihanna

NBC’s Luke Russert: “Loved how Adele didn’t even acknowledge Chris Brown before her hug to Rihanna. #Grammys”

Politico‘s Jake Sherman: “Good. Guy is scum.”

Female journos outraged over Fun’s capris pants

“So, man capris are not ok. We need a national conversation about that, for Fun.” — HuffPost‘s Elise Foley.

“After tonight, we shan’t speak of this again.” — NBC White House Producer Shawna Thomas.

NPR correspondent’s daughter succumbs to Justin Bieber

“For the first time ever, Kayleigh uttered the name Justin Bieber tonight. I pray it is the last we hear of him.” — NPR’s Andy Carvin.

Dating a woman from BuzzFeed means…

“My boyfriend who is not on Twitter: ‘Please don’t send a tweet to all your friends about this conversation.’ #doesthiscount#hellneverknow.”  — BuzzFeed Publicist Ashley McCollum.

Politico Playbook publish time: 7:53 a.m.

Guiding Sophia’s Light

“The reason we don’t stay committed today and love forever is because we analyze, think 2 much, & give up 2 quickly. #LostValentine” — theGrio and Essence’ Sophia Nelson.

Weekend party hazards

“When white girls go ‘WOOOO!’ and throw up hands it’s a eye hazard for tall bamas like me. #giantproblems #ouch” –BuzzFeed Washington Bureau Chief John Stanton.

Hooked on ‘Homeland’: NBC’s David Gregory

“Only Homeland has given me as many headaches as the Wire from watching episode after episode without a break. ‘You feel me?’” — NBC “MTP” Host David Gregory.

Editor encounters enigma of city living

“Randomly oracular statements from lightly medicated schizophrenics u pass on street is one of the curious elements of urban life.” — TPM founder Josh Marshall.

Unnecessary Tweet of the Day

“Started Cycle with @cyclemeter at 3:30 PM, on a new route, see cyclemeter.com/74b1bad6b8971c…, Cyclemeter will speak your replies to me.” — DCist‘s Ben Freed. Speak your replies? Do our ears deceive us? We just may have to try this, because why wouldn’t we want to converse with Ben Freed while he’s “cycling” around town?

Why Gov. Christie’s heft is a plus (no pun intended)… continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Stanton is the Washington Bureau Chief for BuzzFeed and last night was the launch of the website’s new series wherein newsmakers are invited to sit before an audience and answer questions. And there’s free beer.

It’s essentially the same thing as Politico‘s Playbook Breakfast, “minus the stale bagels, plus the beer,” cracked BuzzFeed‘s Politics Editor McKay Coppins to FishbowlDC. (The site’s publicist Ashley McCollum boasts that she came up with that description.)

The first guest: Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). For roughly 45 minutes Rubio answered questions from BuzzFeed Editor-in-Chief Ben Smith about immigration, gay marriage and the future of the Republican Party. Of course, lengthy segments here and there were spent on why Rubio prefers Tupac over Biggie Smalls (“His lyrics are more insightful in my opinion.”) and whether he had to “think long and hard” before letting his son play recreational football. Stanton said that’s another thing distinguishing the Brews series from Playbook Breakfast, whose audience may not be interested in those things. continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

“I don’t know she is,” he said when asked if we could send Miller his regards at the red carpet premier of Netflix’s “House of Cards” last night at the Newseum. FishbowlDC explained that Miller tipped off the FBI about details surrounding the Jack Abramoff scandal, as portrayed in the film “Casino Jack,” starring Spacey himself. “Oh,” Spacey said, sort of recalling who Miller is. “Hi! Sure. I don’t know what you’re asking me,” he said. Then his handlers moved him along.

“House of Cards” tells the story of Francis Underwood, played by Spacey, a congressional Democrat who wheels and deals his way to the top of the political world. Michael Dobbs, the creator, told FishbowlDC that he wrote the story “as a form of therapy” after having worked as the chief of staff to former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in the late ’80s.

The Washington news corps. plays a heavy, fictional role in the show, which is based on the original 1990s BBC series of the same name. James Foley, one of the show’s directors, said while working on story lines he’d ask himself whether it would be believable if he saw it reported on CNN. If not, he’d ask the lead writer for adjustments to the script. He also said actual on-air talent from CNN make cameos in the show, including… continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

CONTEMPLATIVE: “Getting ready for Meet the Press this morning from Richmond” — House Maj. Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) in a moment of deep, meditative, almost wax figure silence before going on the program.

“Okay, buddy. Great night. Get some sleep. In about 72 hours, Axelrod’s gonna be looking for us.” — Joe’s Mustache (@AMJoesMoustache) to MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough, who made a campaign bet last week that will either have him growing a stache or Obama Campaign Advisor David Axelrod shaving his off.

Sunday morning at 4:38 a.m.: “I would like about 3 more hours of sleep. Instead: DCA.” — Yahoo! News’ Olivier Knox.

Journo hears anti-gay sentiment on trail

“An irate attendee at this Boehner event in OH told me she opposes Obama because ‘he’s forcing through this gay shit.’ Alrighty then!” — HuffPost‘s Jennifer Bendery.

Editor invents new Twitter terminology

“Defining new term: Twitter War Hostage| when yr handle gets dragged along in twitter fight btw 2 others long after u have anything 2do w/it.” — TPM Editor Josh Marshall.

Journo nightmare

“I had a terrible dream that I set my clock back and it was Nov. 4, 2011.” — Politico‘s Maggie Haberman.

On Saturday night NBC “MTP’s” David Gregory encouraged everyone to have fun with daylight savings: “My feeling is don”t wait until 2am to turn your clocks back. Have some fun with it. Do it now.”

Editor wrestles with cat’s underarm hair

“Spent half an hour untangling my cat’s underarm hair – finally had to give up and cut out a matted hunk #MaineCoonproblems.” — Washington Gardener Editor Kathy Jentz, who clearly made the most of her daylight savings time this weekend.

Anticipation: “Moving to my third coffee shop of the day. … But, I’m thinking y’all will think this story is worth it.” — BuzzFeed‘s Chris Geidner. Anticipation II: “Hour 19 of today: waiting. waiting. and more waiting. We cannot wait to actually have control of our own lives.” — LAT‘s Maeve Reston.

Captain Obvious: “In three days, we’ll know who the president will be for the next four years! Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?” — The Daily Caller‘s Matthew Boyle. What?!?! Is there an election??? We’re thinking he should stick with stories on senators and Dominican prostitutes.

Irony is…

“Starbucks Dupont believes in overheating its coffee to mouth-scalding temperatures but they’re too cheap to turn on the friggin’ heat.” — MetroWeekly‘s Randy Shulman.

FNC’s ‘Fair and Balanced’ reaches preposterous proportions

“Fox News anchor: If viewers want ‘far-left’ news, they go to MSNBC. If they want ‘fair and balanced,’ they come here.” — HuffPost‘s Amanda Terkel.

D.C. publicist would rather do anything than watch Sen. Rob Portman. And which Politico reporter basically tells complaining NY marathoners to STFU? Also: journo witness to giant car wreck caused by a bear.

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New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

“Dear Florida: For the sake of our mental health, please remain a swing state. Sincerely, political reporters everywhere.” — NPR White House Correspondent Ari Shapiro.

“I particularly want to apologize to Chris Matthews.  (Laughter.)  Four years ago, I gave him a thrill up his leg — (laughter) — this time around I gave him a stroke.  (Laughter.)” — President Obama at last night’s Alfred E. Smith dinner at the Waldorf Towers in Manhattan.

Sometimes journos speak in sounds

HufPost‘s Eilot Nelson: “ughhhhhhhhh”

BuzzFeed’s John Stanton: “Nuh na na na”

National Journal Editor-in-Chief Ron Fournier: “!!!!!!!”

Daily Kos‘s Markos Moulitsas: “Ha ha ha ha ha! #Yankees”

Stirring the Pot

“Breitbart News will publish piece on ‘not optimal.’ Hope Dave Weigel doesn’t say something bad about us in JournOlist 2: Electric Boogaloo.” — Breitbart.com‘s John Nolte.

See more Morning Chatter and find out what’s getting Slate‘s Dave Weigel‘s goat and what has National Journal‘s Editor-in-Chief Ron Fournier yearning for happier times… Also, see who is running FishbowlDC’s Fan Club this week! continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

As we previewed last week, Paperboy is a modern film noir starring Zac Efron, Nicole Kidman and Matthew McConaughey. The story, if you could call it that, centers on two journalists and a prison groupie who attempt to clear the name of a death-row inmate played by John Cusack.

Sounds like a fun time, right?

Paperboy is the nastiest, crudest, most disturbing movie we’ve seen this year. In the event that you accidentally stumble into the wrong theater this weekend– the one showing Paperboy rather than, say, Frankenweenie — we’ve put together a comprehensive list of things you should know before seeing it.

1. Despite IMDb’s description of Paperboy as a film about “a reporter [who] returns to his Florida hometown to investigate a case involving a death row inmate,” that’s not what this movie is about. McConaughey plays a reporter, yes, but his character is more accurately described the same way you’d describe his role in every other movie he’s in: A sweaty, greasy-haired slob with a thick southern accent who, you gather, is intended to be viewed as a sex symbol.

2. Paperboy contains possibly the most uncomfortable, disgusting sex scene ever filmed; and it doesn’t involve actual sex. In the scene, Kidman’s character sits across from Cusack, the prison inmate. Kidman, wearing a dress, spreads her legs, rips open the crotch of her pantyhose and touches herself while simulating oral sex. Meanwhile, Cusack, an ugly hillbilly mess, masturbates through his clothes, shouting “you bitch.” This happens in front of a trio of men, including McConaughey and Efron, who look on in horror.

3. In one scene, McConaghey is found lying on a plastic tarp in a hotel room, inexplicably chained, gagged and mutilated by two men.  Later on, viewers learn that McConaghey is a self-loathing gay man and that turns him on.

Yes, we have four more points…

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New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

By Betsy Rothstein and Eddie Scarry

Buzzfeed‘s Washington Bureau officially popped its cork last night with a packed party at the U Street haunt Brixton, where a DJ spun vinyl records thanks to Bureau Chief John Stanton.

11. Trying to get anyone at the party, but especially Buzzfeed underlings, to trash talk Editor Ben Smith, in from Manhattan, wasn’t easy. Slate‘s most weigelicious reporter Dave Weigel (pictured at right with Michael Hastings), a longtime, intense Smith fan, remarked, “I think Ben is creating a good news organization in a tabloidy sort of way. They’ve captured what people like about the news. I’m a big fan of what they’re doing. I completely, seriously and unironically think it’s really good.” Weigel, in an unironic black  golf shirt and jeans, looked in his element in the divey scene, sipping on a Hendrick’s martini. At one point he offered a rather complex tirade on the bar’s eclectic drink menu (we caught about half of it). At about 7:40 p.m. he said, “You know you’re in D.C. when some douche says, ‘You going to the convention?’” This came after he asked if we’d be attending the party conventions.

10. Buzzfeed‘s Michael Hastings proved to be quite the conversationalist. We anticipated having to hunt him down and wrestle him to the ground just to introduce ourselves. Not so. Despite a couple contentious emails he sent us back in June regarding a report on a Twitter fight, Hastings was a pleasure. “Sorry I was kind of a dick in those emails,” he told us. “But I knew you would publish them.”

9. Politico White House reporter Byron Tau and Zeke Miller got into a spontaneous argument for the sake of taking a more natural picture. (See at left.) We had no idea Tau could be so violent or that Miller would take it so well.

8. At 8:30 p.m. we ran into Roll Call HOH Columnists Neda Semnani and Warren Rojas. Warren on keeping his jobs amid the wealth of recent layoffs at CQ Roll Call: “They can’t get rid of us. We know where all the bodies are.” He called the layoffs a “slaughter” and added, “Tomorrow, we still have a job.” Shortly thereafter, Washington Examiner gossip gal Nikki Schwab offers an uncharacteristic warmish hello. And for that, we put away the ice thermometer. At least for today. Hey Nikki!

LOL! Meeting Ben Smith

7. Asked about working at Buzzfeed, Chris Geidner takes a moment to gush. “I love it. It’s totally fun and everyday there’s …. just then Smith walks up and tells us he has a kind speech prepared for when people tell him they hate me. Thanks Ben! LOL! Back to Geidner, who is describing what it’s like to work at Buzzfeed: “It’s being at a place where everyday there is something new and amazing happening. Everyone is so good at their job. Go look at the page,” he’s saying about a recent graphic that accompanied his story. “It is so fucking awesome.” BuzzFeed doesn’t have an actual office in D.C. yet and Geidner wasn’t about to tell us about plans to open one. “I’m definitely not telling you that,” he said. “It’s still TBD.” (Later on, Smith would tell us they’re searching for office space, but it won’t be a conspicuous one. When asked if it’d be located in Anacostia, where reporters might need a bulletproof vest, he said it wouldn’t matter: “No one’s going to mess with Stanton.”

6. Speaking of someone not to mess with, it’s BuzzFeed publicist Ashley McCollum‘s turn to come up with a bad thing about Ben. “I think Ben is as much an incredible editor as he is a great boss. Everyone’s ideas count. Anything bad about Ben Smith, you call me when you find it.”

Joining Smith were other buzzies well-acquainted among Washington media such as Stanton (pictured at right) Hastings, Miller, Andrew Kaczynsky, McKay Coppins, Chris Geidner, Rosie Gray and Dorsey Shaw, the video guy who, as was pointed out several times, could pass for Sting. McCollum was on the scene making sure Buzzfeed reporters mixed and mingled and didn’t make asses of themselves. In that sense, she was a success. She’ll return in a few weeks as C-SPAN gives Coppins a grilling. Speaking of which, we ran into C-SPAN Communications Director Howard Mortman outside the rust-colored bar at about 8 p.m. He made his cameo and gave the party high marks, but said it wasn’t exactly his scene as he headed home to his wife and kids.

LOL: ‘Bad’ things about Ben Smith (SWAK!)

All night long we continued to pester other Buzzfeed employees and party-goers to badmouth Smith. This was the disastrous outcome of that.

Politico‘s Dylan Byers: “He really doesn’t understand the Israel issue.” Buzzfeed‘s Dorsey: “He’s my dream boss. I can’t say anything. He lets me do whatever I want.” Kaczynski: “He’s a really good boss. He’s like kind of the perfect boss.” Stanton: “He doesn’t know what a Bama is to save his fucking life.” Rosie: “I think the worst thing about Ben is that he tries hard to be there for all of us always, and I’m envious of his ability to do that.” Zeke: “When I miss my deadlines he sends me the #19 koala,” he said, explaining that there is a series of disappointed animal pictures Ben sends in place of a formal complaint. Adds Coppins: “Animals are disappointed in you. It’s the perfect Buzzfeed way to reprimand a reporter.”

Party tentacles reached most outlets around town — HuffPost (Sam Stein, Sabrina (a.k.a. Sabrini) Siddiqui, Elise Foley, Jeff Young), USA TODAY (Jackie Kucinich), ABC News (Polson Kanneth), Politico (Glenn Thrush, Olivia Petersen, Byers, Tau), WaPo, The Hill, TPM (Evan McMorris-Santoro), RCP (Erin McPike), Roll Call (Shira Toeplitz, Sujata Mitra), Metro Weekly, and even The Daily Caller, which has notoriously had atrocious relations with Smith, was present, but not many scribes there received invites.  Other conservative outlets represented at the party included the Washington Examiner (Philip Klein, Charlie Spiering, Nikki Schwab, Jenny Rogers) and Free Beacon (C.J. Ciaramella). Despite Breitbart.com‘s rabid insistence that Buzzfeed is an arm of the Obama Administration, both parties were repped. House Speaker John Boehner‘s Spokesman Michael Steel and ex-Maj. Leader Eric Cantor flak Brad Dayspring showed up as did Democratic Strategist and former Obama aide Bill Burton.

5. At approximately 8:30 p.m. Smith attempted a speech over the loud din. What we could hear: “It’s fun to see my friends from Politico here” and “I look forward to competing with them.”

4. Miller will be moving to D.C. but doesn’t have to relocate until after the election. He’s still looking for housing. Politico‘s Tau recommends his own hood, Columbia Heights. Tau says the resurrection of a Target and Best Buy has made the area a safe place to live.

LMAO: Awkward Encounters

3. Among the first people we saw was The Daily Caller‘s Michelle Fields (at left) in a tight bright red dress paired with, of course, the wood shop glasses. She approached mid-evening for introductions. All very civil. What wasn’t civil was our interaction with the Dweebmeister himself Ben Freed of DCist, who has trashed FBDC on countless occasions, which is perfectly acceptable, but don’t expect hugs. While we were chatting with The Atlantic Wire’s exceedingly polite John Hudson, he got right up in my left eye and wouldn’t leave. Finally, me: “WHAT DO YOU WANT?!” Needless to say, the rest of that didn’t go well and Hudson was a little horrified. And this: Jeff Kearns (reeking of Bourbon) of Bloomberg approaches NJ Publicist Taylor West and acts like they’ve known each other from childhood. It was a first meeting, which Kearns struggled to understand even after Taylor called him “Tim.” Tim. Jeff. Is there a difference?

OMG: Coppins wife is preggers; FAIL: Coppins and McCollum flopped on a high five

2. Making the rounds we chatted with Coppins and McCollum. We asked if “McKay Coppins” is, in fact, his real name. He assured us it is and admitted to being teased about it in grade school. “But now it’s great because it’s very SEO friendly,” he said. “Not that it matters now that things are moving from search to social,” he added. At this, McCollum threw her hand up to mimick the motion of cracking a whip. “Yeah! On message!” she said. Coppins mistook the motion as an invitation for a high five. Putting his hand up to meet McCollum’s he missed. All agreed it was perfect GIF material. More news on Coppins: He’s been invited to move to Washington from New York. He hasn’t made up his mind yet, largely because he’s considering his wife’s needs. He let slip that she’s three months pregnant. Congratulations!

Dorsey

Love is in the air?

1. We heard from one buzzy who preferred to remain anonymous that Dorsey, the Sting doppelganger, was hit on by a bartender. After the female bartender told Shaw who he resembled, he answered “I’ll take it.” The bartender replied, “I’ll take it, too.”

More pictures after the jump…

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New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

DCist

Hey Betsy! Thanks for the shout-out this morning. Quick request, if you’re going to quote a DCist story, however cheekily said story is written, would you mind throwing us a link? Here’s our article about The Daily Caller’s gun contest. Besides, we wouldn’t want your trusty readers to miss out on the fact that the story in question threw some traffic your way.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Keeping Up With the Luxxerians…From L to R: GWU’s Nick Massella, Washingtonian‘s Wedding and Style Editor Kate Bennett and psychotherapist Glennon Gordon and (in royal blue dress) Sunni from WPGC 95.5′s “Sunni and the City” posing with hairstylist Luigi Parasmo at a “Botox and Locks” event this week where guests could get discounted Botox and hair services. Sunni had a haircut and styling by Luigi and her makeup done by Flami the makeup artist. Botox was offered by Dr. Ayman Hakki of Luxxery Medical Boutique.

WaPo reporter takes issue with reader

“To the lady who called to complain about my ‘incorrect’ use of ‘quotidian’ and how we have no editors here anymore….. I’m sorry I was being, as you said, ‘obstinate.’ But you’re wrong. My use solidly within ‘usual or ordinary,’ second def in Webster’s New World. That said, a reader suggested ‘humdrum,’ which is better.” — WaPo‘s Mike DeBonis.

Blogger (jokingly?) boasts of sexual prowess

“Like Gore Vidal, I had 1000 sexual encounters by the time I was 25. Of course, I was the only one in the room for most.” — Sam Husseini, who works for the Institute of Public Accuracy and blogs for Washington Stakeout.

WaPo’s Marcus question’s media’s gaffe coverage

“So I’m not against gaffe coverage — I’m against covering only gaffes, which is where campaign reporting seems to be trending. I’m not against politicians’ seizing on opponents’ gaffes — I’m against politicians who believe, or act as if they believe, that this tactic can substitute for substantive campaign discussion.” — WaPo‘s Ruth Marcus in a column today.

When a quote shouldn’t be a quote

In a “story” Tuesday, DCist’s illustrious dweeb Ben Freed writes about The Daily Caller‘s gun contest in which he or she who catches their porn hacker wins a gun. He writes, “We know what you’re thinking. Are they for fucking real?” Then he quotes a former Daily Caller staff writer who answers his dumb rhetorical question and says, “Probably.” Hardly quotable, Freed. Might want to approach the publicist, current editor or reporter. Could be helpful. And if you’re going to quote a former reporter? At least get something worthy.

Say hello to Tschida’s puppy

“Just in case anyone is wondering how puppy is doing.” — ABC7′s Stephen Tschida. No drama today, just cuteness.

Strange reunion in the park

“Nearly running over @jmsummers in Thomas Circle Park is definitely one of the weirder things to happen to me this year.” — CBS 12 West Palm Beach Producer Robert Kessler, referring to Politico‘s infamous campaign reporter Juana Summers. We’ve checked in with Juana to make sure she’s okay. She explained that Robert is a good friend from college. “I was walking home from work through Thomas Circle and was attempting to make it across the light even though I didn’t have the right of way,” she wrote. “I looked over and he happened to be driving the car that was waiting for me to cross.  No collision, just the oddest reunion I’ve had in a while.”

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

“Can’t believe this is all I’m packing for 30 days in Costa Rica. Life gets a lot lighter without cameras” — D.C. based Editorial Photographer Melissa Golden.

TMI?

“Making eye contact with your dog while she poops is such an awkward feeling.” — CNN Contributor and RedState.com Editor Erick Erickson this morning, presumably mid poop. (Relax, WaPo‘s Gene Weingarten. We’re not taking over your street corner.) Having excrement on his mind, Erickson later tweets, “Wetting the bed over Mitt Romney” and links to this story on RedState that posted at 4:47 a.m.

FNC’s Bret Baier is nothing if not severely dedicated to his Twitter fam. They praise him, insult him, assess his ties and tell him when he looks sick or tired. Baier vomit encompasses all kinds. Like this character, @TylahhhHoppahh (a.k.a. Tyler Hopper, who’s keeping it real): “YO I SAW YOU ON THE NEWS AND YOU SAID YOU MIGHT TWEET BACK SOOOO, hi.” Baier kept his word: “Hi.”

CNN’s Piers Morgan Wants You to Help Him Probe

“Heading to the Supreme Court today to interview Justice Antonin Scalia. What would YOU ask arguably America’s most influential lawyer?” — Piers Morgan.

From the Road

“What’s the deal with people gabbing on their phones in the airport at 5:30 am? Who wants to like, CHAT at that hour?” — Buzzfeed‘s Rosie Gray.

And something else that’s way too early…

“It’s too early for a Mika Brzezinski rant.” — The Daily Caller‘s TV reporter Jeff Poor.

Headline Head Scratcher

A Washington Examiner editorial Tuesday says it won’t tolerate campaigns rewriting and approving quotes post interviews with President Obama and Mitt Romney: “Examiner Editorial: All the news that’s fit to be censored.”  Headline translation: “Paper that doesn’t score big interviews revises its big interview policy … you know, just in case.” To quote Eminem, the Examiner “acts like a midget with a ladder in its back pocket.” The editorial came in response to a NYT report Tuesday revealing that the Obama and Romney camps hold conditions over reporters and, however begrudgingly, they agree to them. Interviews? No sweat. But quotes must be approved and can be edited after. WaPo‘s Erik Wemple analyzed the practice Tuesday. He quoted NYT‘s Mark Leibovich saying, “To introduce middle ground adds needless complication to the transaction.” Politico‘s Dylan Byers, who sometimes poses as someone who wants to purchase ads because his ethics are that good, weighed in on the Examiner’s reaction and NYT ethics this morning.

Pinch Us!

“Last minute, but if anyone wants to join me for Nats-Mets, I’ll be in the cheap seats.” — DCist‘s Ben Freed.

First World Problems

“That awkward moment when you take a pic of a crazy person in the metro and your flash goes off. #emilycahnproblems” — Roll Call‘s sneaky and mischievous Emily Cahn.

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Um, we’re not even going to try to figure this sultry scene out: Sassy stylist Paul Wharton writes, “With my sweet, naughty kitten @Lena_Chase. I could stare at her all day long.”

“You, my dear, should be a politician because that is the biggest load of $#!& I’ve ever heard.” — ABC Bachelorette Emily Maynard on “The Men Tell All” episode last night in which a contestant who called her daughter “baggage” attempts to apologize after taking to Twitter to say he’s not sorry.

Kiss Cam

“Not to be cynical, but press pool was in motorcade to leave then brought back for successful kiss-cam redo.” — NYT‘s Peter Baker.

Will Smith on Capitol Hill

“Actor Will Smith in Russell Rotunda this AM. Haven’t seen him erase any lawmakers’ memories…. yet.” — Peter Cook, Chief Washington Correspondent for Bloomberg Television.

Important Question to Ponder: “Is @DRUDGE_REPORT a satirical site, like a rw version of @TheOnion? Just asking. #amazingheadlines” — Author Amy Alexander, ex-wife to Politico‘s Joe Williams.

Convo Among Three Scribes

This morning’s conversation is among The Nation’s caustic Ben Adler, GQ’s Marin Cogan and Slate’s Matt Yglesias. Adler, your ambitions to be a Boybander have significantly diminished.

Adler: Someone invented it a black and white cookie that is all just the white half and made me very happy just now.

Cogan: That’s racist!

Yglesias: Racist.

A Journo and a Gentleman

“Reprimanded some buddies of mine who catcalled a random women on the street – they were not happy about it, but glad I did it.” — Inthesetimes.com labor journo Mike Elk.

Stupid pothole or stupid scribe?

“I crashed my bike on @DDOTDC‘s stupid pothole in January. Went to ER. Just getting bill now. $2,100. Jeez.” — DCist‘s Ben Freed. Read about his January accident here. We hear he hasn’t been quite the same since.

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

From the Dept. of Bragiculture…

“Hmmm..not sure this is good news: Sen Feinstein: ‘You learn more from the book than I did as chair of intel cmte.’” — NYT Chief Washington Correspondent David Sanger in reference to his book, Confront and Conceal: Obama’s Secret Wars and and Surprising Use of American Power. To which NYT Mark Leibovich shouted on Twitter, “Humblebrag!!” Sanger links to this story by John Hudson of The Atlantic Wire.

Journalism!

“I just e-mailed White House pooler @lesleyclark to ask her what she was wearing today. Not every day you run into Anna Wintour and SJP.” — The Hill‘s White House Correspondent Amie Parnes. Lesley Clark is the White House Correspondent for McLatchy. The fundraiser at actress Sarah Jessica Parker‘s home last night in New York’s West Village raised a cool $2 million.

Journo laments crappy Father’s Day cards

“Why are greeting cards so snarky about Father’s Day portraying dads as lazy, selfish, dumb? Lay off. My dad is awesome.” — WJLA’s Mike Conneen.

Question to Ponder: “Can Chris Hayes hyperextend his elbows?” — Ryan Cooper, The Washington Monthly, on the MSNBC host.

That’s it? They took $10?

The last time we cared to check in with DCist’s Ben Freed was in January when he was knocked off his bike, hit his head and wound up in the ER with superficial wounds and no concussion. Last night, the little drama queen took to Twitter once again to elicit sympathy for a mugging. He wrote, “Fun fact: Got mugged for my cash on the walk home tonight. Wallet, phone and body are intact.” Then he added, “To follow up on before: I am fine. I have all my stuff. Except for $10. Some thug on a fixie has my cash. Thanks for your concerns. G’night.” Next up: Freed gets stuffed into a locker by the gang from Glee!

Number of Tweets it takes for Mediaite White House Correspondent Tommy Christopher to defend his beloved MSNBC’s Chris Hayes: 16. Number of “chickenshit” mentions: 13. Last night Christopher took to Twitter to unravel in a late-night tirade in which he accused (with no evidence whatsoever) FBDC of blindly quoting The Daily Caller Editor-in-Chief Tucker Carlson and TV reporter Jeff Poor. Neither Carlson nor Poor were my sources for this post. Christopher then suffered a series of verbal blows from journos who think he’s overly sympathetic to Hayes: RCP‘s Ian Schwartz remarked, “If that @Mediaite thing doesn’t work out for @tommyxtopher, he can always be Chris Hayes’ coffee/cabana boy.” Poor suggested he has a “man crush” on Hayes. Free Beacon‘s CJ Ciaramella said simply, “Here you go little Buddy,” and offered him a bottle of Baby Shampoo. To show the unraveling of Christopher we offer a sampling: 1. “I’m really amused that your #tcot pals are too chickenshit to insult @chrislhayes to his face. Lol at them. While we’re at it though, you’re kinda chickenshit for enabling it, aren’t you?” 2. “But kudos to FBDC for protecting her not Tucker Carlson and not Jeff Poor source.” We wish Tommy all the best in getting treatment for his Hazyitis, an inflamed, psychoerotic condition in which the inflicted feel they must defend Chris Hayes. Happens from repeated watching of Hayes’ new very inspirational Lean Forward ad.

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

The event, Commedia dell Media IV, was held to raise money for Writopia and REACH, Incorporated.

NJ‘s Matt Cooper stole the show. His prize was a giant tiara. He said his victory showed it wasn’t all about the swimsuit competition.

Some of his riffs about the presidential candidates:

• “These guys are making George W. Bush look like Churchill.”

• “Can Barack Obama really be so lucky as to draw Alan Keyes and Rick Santorum in one lifetime?”

• Depicting a world of illegal contraceptives under Santorum: [Opening his jacket like a drug dealer] “I got Trojans, KY, Nuvarings. How ‘bout a sponge?”

• An imitation of John Edwards getting his top aide to claim his mistress’s baby: “ I need you to do me a solid.” Then adding a Clinton impression: “Man, even I never thought of that.”

See all who participated after the jump…

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.