In Siegel’s 2012 book, which releases in paperback on May 14, she mentions journalists by name including HuffPost‘s Sam Stein, WaPo‘s Chris Cillizza,  then-Politico‘s Ben Smith and “Tara” from Page Six — i.e. Tara Palmeri, formerly of the Washington Examiner and currently of the New York Post. Also mentioned: Brianna, possibly CNN’s Brianna Keilar.

Smith wasn’t aware of his presence in the book. “I was not!” he wrote. “But glad my immortality is assured.” When told that he was mentioned in a semi-racy novel, Stein asked, “Did my story on Ms. Greenley make the front page of Huffpost?”

Sadly, no. Smith was identified as the reporter who broke the fictitious news of the novel’s main character, Olivia Greenley, going to work as Georgia Gov. and Presidential hopeful Landon Taylor. Interestingly, Greenley has an affair with the very married candidate, as does the star in ABC’s “Scandal” — also named Olivia as in Olivia Pope. Politico also gets a shout-out: “Sure, her mom didn’t know what Politico was, but her colleagues did. Ben Smith was reporting on her. Sam Stein and Chris Cillizza, too.”

Later in the book… continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

This year, FishbowlDC would like to serve as a forum for something similar. We will take both anonymous and named Valentine’s to post here on Wednesday.

The messages should be heartfelt but simple. Try not to ramble. A few examples:

• Hey, John Podhoretz, off the record: You big, hairy beast. I’ve been meaning to tell you how sexy you are.
• Jonathan Capehart, Brianna Keilar, Mark Leibovich, there are some things I’d like to say to you on background. Deep background.
• I don’t want to bury the lede, Luke Russert: Check out my nut graf.

V-Day greetings can be sent to us using the anonymous tip box at the top right of the page or by personally emailing them to us at fishbowldc@mediabistro.com or to Betsy@mediabistro.com, scarryFBDC@gmail.com or fishbowlpeter@gmail.com. Do include your name if you wish.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Others  may not be as fortunate. continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Here’s the rundown of participants and what they sang… continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

“I’m an MSNBC fan, what do you call it, a junkie.” — Itzhak Perlman this morning on “Morning Joe.”

How Roger Stone really feels about Dick Morris

“Dick Morris, pompous , insufferable and wrong. #namedropper #toesucker.” — GOP Political Consultant Roger Stone on GOP pollster Dick Morris.

Fonzi Fever

“#TheFonz #TheFonz #TheFonz #TheFonz #TheFonz!!!!! Coming up in just a few!!!!” — ABC7′s Jummy Olabanji, on a pretty serious Henry Winkler binge this morning.

In His Dreams…

“November 6, please hurry. Presidential polls now entering my dreams (true story). Not saying who, but someone was up 20 (!) points.” — Politico‘s Patrick Gavin.

Journo love

“Loved waking up to my girl @brikeilarcnn co-hosting @EarlyStartCNN this morning. All that beauty & brains made me forget I was at the gym.” — CNN Worldwide Dir. of Public Relations and former Fishbowl Editor Matt Dornic on his colleague, White House Correspondent Brianna Keilar.

Terrible memories

“Reminded this morning how surreal it was to be living in D.C. during the sniper attacks. An entire metro area on edge.” — National Journal “The Hotline’s” Steven Shepard. Today is the 10-year anniversary of the first D.C. sniper shooting.

Author plans to watch debate with horse

“I’m going to bring my dressage horse, Eric, into the house for the 1st debate. He’s hoping to catch a glimpse of Rafalca in the TV audience.” — author and avid Democrat Anne Lamott in a sarcastic Monday offering.

Money scribe sick of pre-debate spin

“Pre-debate spin may be the most useless and annoying of the many useless and annoying things the media-political complex creates.” — Politico‘s Ben White.

Convo Between a Reporter and a Consultant

This morning’s conversation is between Politico’s Alexander Burns and GOP political consultant Roger Stone.

Stone: “Just saw Newt Gingrich on FOX–Andy Warhol Foundation wants their wig back.” Burns: “Look, he’s a well coiffed man.” Stone: “Better hair than… Calista [sic].”

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

On Thursday, we began rolling out the results of our Summer Superlatives and today, you get to meet the rest of the winners. Thanks for voting.

Today’s results kicks off with the Best Dressed category. This cage match was between Politico’s Ken Vogel and Kate Nocerra, WaPo’s Jonathan Capehart, RCP’s Erin McPike, and CNN’s Kate Balduan. This contest wasn’t even close. While we had a feeling Capehart would be the clear winner, he was a very distant second to Kate Balduan! Congrats, Kate. Your prize is a $1 gift card to Fashion Bug!

Moving right along, we asked you to name Washington’s Best Writer. Your choices were The Weekly Standard’s Matt Labash, The New Yorker’s Ryan Lizza, NJ’s Major Garrett, NYT’s Mark Leibovich, Ashley Parker and Maureen Dowd, WaPo‘s Karen Tumulty, HuffPost’s Eliot Nelson, and Washingtonian’s Luke Mullins. This one was a close one to call. It was a two-man race between Garrett and Labash, but in the end, Major Garrett came through and was voted the winner. It should be noted that today is Garrett’s birthday.

Which Washington journo is Most In Need of a Salad? We asked you to choose between Politico’s Jonathan Allen and Jonathan Martin, Slate‘s Dave Weigel, HuffPost’s Peter Cherukuri and Jason Linkins, FNC’s Bob Beckel and Bret Baier, and author and former TWTer Rich Miniter. This was another category where it wasn’t even close. The FNC team of Bob Beckel and Bret Baier were the heavy favorites and waddled walked their way to an easy victory.

Next up, we had the category that saw more votes than any other, Sexiest. Your sultry selections were AP‘s Steve Peoples, Atlantic Publisher Justin Smith, Washingtonian‘s Kate Bennett, Real Housewives of D.C.’s sassy stylist Paul Wharton, CNN’s Brianna Keilar, NBC4′s Doug Kammerer and Maynard Institute’s Richard Prince. The winner by a slim, sexy (and consenting) majority was Brianna Keilar.

On the other side of the coin, we have Who is Most In Need of a Makeover? Your choices were CQ Roll Call (the entire publication), The Daily Caller’s Matthew Boyle, TWT’s Stephen Dinan, Publicist Wendy Gordon, DCRTV’s Dave Hughes and Mediaite’s Tommy Christopher. Once again, this was a two-man race between Christopher and Boyle. While Christopher just looks generally disheveled, the overall train wreck that is Matthew Boyle was voted the winner. Congrats, Matt. We hear that Paul Wharton may be available to help turn you into a beautiful swan.

Last, but certainly not least, is the Best On-Air Personality. The heavy-hitters on this list were ABC’s Jake Tapper, The Daily Caller’s Tucker Carlson, MSNBC’s Chuck Todd, CBS’s Bob Schieffer and Nancy Cordes, HuffPost‘s Sam Stein, and WaPo’s Nia-Malika Henderson. At the end of the day, the experience of Schieffer couldn’t keep up with your winner, Jake Tapper!

Congratulations to all of our winners.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

“ENGAGED! My beautiful bride to be @augstums, and me, in Aspen.” — Todd Harris, media consultant and GOP political strategist.

The Observer: Did Rich Lowry have a manicure?

“Anyone else disturbed by Rich Lowry’s nails? You think they’re always that done or did he just gussy them up for #MeetThePress?” — Miss Spot.

Self-appointed media critics

“That was the interview? Well, at least Breaking Bad is on tonight.” — WSJ‘s Neil King.

“Takeaway from 60 Minutes interview: Romney and Ryan have a clear rapport with one another. Romney less antsy than during other interviews.” — The Hill‘s Managing Editor Bob Cusack.

“The 60 Minutes interview with Romney/Ryan: Bromancing the White House.” — Syndicated op-ed columnist and Editor-in-Chief of Soapblox Tina Dupuy.

“One major problem is that Paul Ryan speaks so f—ing fast, tough to transcribe.” — HuffPost‘s Sam Stein.

“Just For Men has apparently perfected robotic hair color#Watching60MinutesAds #PiningforTivodelay” — TPM‘s Evan McMorris-Santoro.

Coming to his rescue…

“Haha, @RichLowry totally nailed @maddow on her answer. Don’t know why she pretends to be an innocent bystander in politics.” — WMAL Exec. Producer Heather Smith.

But wait, not so fast…

“If Rachel Maddow broke Rich Lowry’s nose right now, that would be the best thing NBC has aired in months.” — Chuck Sudo, a Chicago viewer.

Mom’s verbiage makes editor uncomfortable

“My mother is referring to her flip-flops as ‘thongs.’ This makes me uncomfortable.” — HuffPost Deputy Editor Erin Ruberry.

Journo gets drunk

“Haven’t had this much to drink in a long time. My brain feels fuzzy and that feeling is awesome.” — WaPo page designer Tim Wong.

And another is on his way…

“Vacation cocktail #1″ — TPM‘s Brian Beutler.

Hungover Boybander sure loves his band mates

“I’m hungover in coffee shop so you’ll have to Google the links but@ezraklein & @daveweigel wrote excellent pieces on politics of Ryan pick.” — Wired.com’s Spencer Ackerman.

A date to remember

“Me and my baby boo @THERealLyndaDC enjoying a hot date@FSWashington with each other!” — Paul Wharton Style’s Paul Wharton and ex-Real Housewives of Washington star Lynda Erkletian.

Romney VP news added work for journos

“I know I said I was sleeping in today but how abt a lil Romney veep pick special w/ @wolfblitzer instead?” — CNN’s Brianna Keilar.

Reporter’s aunt was confused

“One of my liberal aunts went to a Ryan town hall last year. Left there wanting Ryan as Obama’s VP.” — The Weekly Standard‘s John McCormack.

Enthusiasm is…

“Cannot succinctly explain the adrenaline rush and stress of producing four hours of breaking news coverage. Or maybe I can: Awesome. #CNN” — Jeff Simon, Assoc. Producer for “State of the Union” With Candy Crowley. We don’t want to worry about Simon too much, but later on in the weekend, he added, “Entering delirium. I feel like I was deep in REM and someone called me and asked me to explain quantum mechanics. Need to snap out of it.”

Uh oh.

“And now I hear I am selling iPADS. My account has been hacked. What do I do about this? Anybody?” — Washington Examiner‘s Mark Tapscott.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

The announcers for the game were Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell. Klobuchar acknowledged early in the game that she might have problems with all the baseball terms since she had spent “all day debating catfish and the farm bill.”

The journos, who call themselves “The Bad News Babes,” got off to an early start with AP’s Kasie Hunt getting a base hit to start the game. The cheering section for the members of Congress was mostly made up of staffers, although Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor made appearances.

It wasn’t long before relentless attention whore Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) took over the microphone to help call the game. He said that Gillibrand, who was pitching the the Congressional team, reminded him of “a young Whitey Ford.” This prompted Mitchell to tell the senator it was time for him to “go back to the stands.” Other notables in the crowd included the recently-announced D.C. Bureau Chief for Buzzfeed, John Stanton, Sec. of Labor, Hilda Solis and Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) with his wife, Elizabeth. It’s worth noting that the congressman was on the Bad News Babes side of the field to cheer on his daughter, Jackie Kucinich of USA Today.

Wednesday was the official start of summer and, right on cue, it was hot as hell. So, we can hardly fault John Harwood for guzzling one of the free purple Gatorades being handed out at the game. Also spotted was MSNBC’s Luke Russert sporting this loud pink T-shirt and a backwards Buffalo Bills hat. His buddy, Politico’s Jake Sherman, dressed himself with a little more sanity.

The Bad News Babes poured on the offense for most of the game until House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi arrived late in the game. That’s about the time that the Congressional bats opened up and made the game competitive again. In the end, the press was too much for Congress and they won 13-10. We asked Roll Call’s Meredith Shiner, who went 3-3 in the game what the key to the win was. She says, “Other than the innate killer instincts of reporting applied gracefully to a baseball diamond? My biased analysis is that we out-classed and out-sassed the other side, led by our three tireless captains, Abby, Amy and Bri. My former sports reporting analysis says the key to our win was what I like to call sports amnesia–forgetting the last play or inning and coming back stronger. I was especially impressed by Abby and our third baseman/relief pitcher Gregory Simmons, who even in times of softball duress both showed the mental grit we needed to win.”

Congratulations to the Babes on their win. The event raised awareness for breast cancer and benefited the Young Survivors Network, a group that assists women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Big names include CNN’s Brianna Keilar, FNC’s Shannon Bream (photo at right) and SportsNet’s Michael Jenkins (who tweeted that he’d singing Bel Biv Devoe’s 1990 classic “poison”) are scheduled to perform. ABC7 anchor Rebecca Cooper and Washington Capitals announcer Wes Johnson will emcee the event.

Jordin Sparks is billed as a special guest and will also perform.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Sen. Jon Kyl (R-AZ) will be awarded as Congressional Champions for Children.

The event starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Ronald Reagan Building.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

These are some of the boldface names you’ll see on stage in two weeks when Washington’s bravest journalists take to the stage to belt out a song.

It’s the one night each year when Democratic and Republican operatives, Hill staffers, and the media who cover their diminishing bipartisanship join forces to sing badly for a good cause. Karaoke in the Capital, sponsored by the American Association of Political Consultants — with some proceeds benefiting Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation — returns to Washington D.C.’s Rock and Roll Hotel on Wednesday, October 19th. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at KaraokeInTheCapital.com. Doors open at 7 p.m.

For those interested in singing, the slots fill up fast. Last year’s stellar performances included FNC’s Ed Henry (then at CNN) singing Katy Perry’s “Firework” and Slate’s Dave Weigel‘s unforgettable Elvis impersonation. Write budjackson@aol.com to sign up.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

The Murdoch Hearings

“If you’re tired of Murdoch Michael Vick testifying to Congress on bill making it crime for adult to bring child to dogfight or be spectator.” — NBC’s Andrea Mitchell in a Tuesday tweet.

“James saying ‘I think it’s a really good question and an important question’ is like the chorus to the verses of his testimony. — Politico media writer Keach Hagey in a Tuesday tweet in regards to James Murdoch‘s testimony before Parliament.

“If you’re waiting for ‘you can’t handle the truth’ level drama from the Murdoch hearings, you haven’t watched enough CSPAN.- Politifact developer Matt Waite in a Tuesday tweet.

“Cameron going before Parliament and being shown on MoJo and American Morning is like political candy to me.” — NJ “The Hotline’s” Chris Peleo Lazar in a Wednesday tweet referring to British Prime Minister David Cameron.

“I’m loving Parliament’s reaction to PM Cameron. ‘Yeaaaaaaaaaah’ — WaPo‘s Jonathan Capehart in a Wednesday morning tweet.

“Watching House of Commons. If the gallery in the House/Senate behaved the way MPs do in Britain they would be thrown out. Can we import?” — CNN White House reporter Brianna Keilar in a Wednesday morning tweet.

Local TV reporter hates to floss

“Um ok I’m lying. I hate to floss.. and I’m married to a dentist so imagine how those night time conversations go.” — WUSA9′s Angie Goff in a Wednesday morning blog post on the importance of flossing.

TV journo hails benefits of green tea

“2:52am…and the two cups of green tea are kicking in. #bouncingoffwalls” — ABC News Correspondent Karen Travers in a middle of the night tweet Wednesday. This morning she wrote, “We have officially reached PB&J time on overnight shift.”

Bio of the Day

Roger Simon: “Chief Political Columnist for Politico: Sometimes in error, but never in doubt.”

The Observer

“In the Bachmann household gayness is ‘curable’ but all the praying in the world won’t stop a determined migraine.” — TPM‘s Brian Beutler in a Tuesday tweet. He’s referencing this story by The Daily Caller‘s Jonathan Strong on presidential hopeful Rep. Michele Bachmann‘s reportedly debilitating migraine headaches.

Bachmann statement ‘not enough’

“A two-paragraph statement where she says she’s OK is not going to fly. It’s not enough,” GOP consultant Ron Bonjean told Politico in an early morning follow-up story on Bachmann’s headaches. The story cites The Daily Caller in paragraph four for breaking the story. More Bonjean: “This is an issue that is neurological in nature, that affects consciousness and the ability to think clearly.”

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

The game will held at Watkins Recreation Center, 420 12^th Street SE, Washington, D.C. and is free for all to attend.  The first pitch will be thrown at 7.00 pm.

Full list of players after the jump.

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

So who are the possibilities? We lay them out here.

TOP PICK: Jessica Yellin

Why she’ll get it: As the National Political Correspondent, her work goes all over the world both for CNN and CNN International. She’s wicked smart and graduated magna cum laude from Harvard. She’s a great campaign reporter. As a national reporter, she knows how to cover both the White House and campaigns. Very personable on camera. Young and vibrant. Asks tough questions. People like her. They respect her. “When I watch her I can relax,” an industry source remarked.

Why she won’t: Does CNN really want so many women at the White House? Most of the network’s producers there are women, with Alexander Mooney as the lone male White House producer. Her off-air meticulousness (which could also be construed as a compliment) sometimes grates on colleagues.

SAFE PICK: Dan Lothian

Why he’ll get it: He’s earned it. He’s second in command on the White House beat and knows the nuts and bolts of daily coverage inside and out. He’s the safe choice and CNN has a penchant for making relatively safe choices (don’t think Eliot Spitzer, but everyone else). Lothian earned his B.A. from Tennessee Temple University and a master’s degree from American University in Washington, D.C.

Why he won’t: He lacks a certain je ne sais quoi. No pizzazz. 

THE RIGHT CHOICE: Dana Bash

Why she’ll get it: She handled the recent, topsy turvy Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) scandal with grace and skill. She knows how to cover the politics of Capitol Hill, but she could also shift easily to the presidential campaign trail. Quick on her feet. Excellent sources. Knows how to break news.

Why she won’t: Her water is about to break. “The joke is that she’s going to break her water live on air.”

UNUSUAL TWIST: Brianna Keilar

Why she’ll get it: The new kid on the White House beat, Keilar has social buzz. She attends events around town and gets mentioned in magazines. She sings. She’s unafraid. Coming from the Capitol Hill beat, she has a depth of understanding about politics.

Why she won’t: Too green to the White House beat. Others deserve it before she does.

OUTSIDE THE BOX: Jim Acosta

Why he’ll get it: People like him. He’s physically attractive. He’s covering Gov. John Huntsman‘s presidential campaign and is at ease out on the trail. Brass likes him on the trail. He’s solid. He knows his stuff.

Why he won’t: He’s in with the campaigns and that’s where he belongs. Sources tell us he’s not exactly the most energetic person.

WILD CARD: Richard Quest

Why he’ll get it: He’s funny. Really, really smart on economics and business. Not boring. He’d ask fantastic questions in the tone of The Daily Show — so bizarre, but at the same time, enticing. He’d be the entertainment choice.

Why he won’t: He’d be entertaining. So not a chance in hell. There’s also that little brush with the law. In April, 2008 he was arrested in Central Park after he’d been cruising for men with a rope around his neck that was tied to his genitals. He had a sex toy in his boot and Meth in his pocket. Need we say more?

UNCONVENTIONAL CHOICE: NYT‘s Jeff Zeleny.

Why he’ll get it: He’s at ease on TV covering national politics. He’s smart, wonky and networks have been known to steal print journalists for the bright lights. Think NBC’s Chuck Todd, lured away from NJ’s The Hotline by the late Tim Russert.

Why he won’t: Would this print journo make the leap to TV? He’s an unknown entity in a few different senses. CNN likes safe. And while Zeleny might be an interesting choice, he’s not safe.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Responding to a question about the debt ceiling, Rep. Buerkle explained to Newton-Small and Keilar, “If we just vote to raise the debt ceiling with no changes and no cuts, it’s like saying to an alcoholic: ‘Here is a bottle of whiskey and then tomorrow we’ll talk about your alcohol problem.’ We can’t be enablers. The time has come where we have to take a stand.”

You can catch this and other remarks from the panel on CNN’s The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer starting at 5pm ET today and in Jay’s latest piece for TIME available here.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

CNN is likely to choose Kate Bolduan to be the new congressional correspondent. At the moment she’s a general assignment reporter for CNN. There’s a vacancy since Brianna Keilar moved to the White House team earlier this month. Most CNNers in the bureau expect that Bolduan will be the pick.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.