In the latest episode of mediabistroTV’s “My First Big Break,” New York Times columnist, and former editor of the Washington City Paper, David Carr remembers the first big story of his career.

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NYT media writer David Carr comes to Washington for the weekend and what does he get? Child abuse in the Hotel Rouge elevator. (Pictured at left: Back of Carr’s scarved head, Stelter, etc…)

Ah yes, charming to ride elevator this AM w/family heading out to tour Washington. ‘Cept part abt mom slapping 8yrold boy in face. Witch

— david carr (@carr2n) April 29, 2012

@mdomb told mom hitting kid in public strange way to teach manners. She said nothing but looked like she wanted to slap me too.

— david carr (@carr2n) April 29, 2012

The hotel was nice enough, though Carr had at least one snide remark. He wrote on Twitter, “Love DC’s Hotel Rouge, but @kimpton taking eco-friendly to max. No one made up room yesterday.”

The child abuse incident wasn’t necessarily a fair representation of Washington, but it is what it is. Carr was spotted at the Haddad/Rosen garden brunch yesterday afternoon in Georgetown in a huddle of NYT reporters like Brian Stelter. Many a guest was buzzing about his appearance at the infamous soiree.

Quotes of the Day

Supermodel Elle MacPherson and a bland and bald companion show up to the WHCD dinner. On their way into the ballroom, he grabbed her ass.

Overheard: “Aren’t you SOMEONE? Because you look like someone.” — a common refrain all weekend long from journos and politicos trying to figure out the identities of wonks and D-listers attending the White House Correspondents’ Dinner and its surrounding parties.

CNN correspondent connects with her idol: Diane Sawyer

“Ohhhhh my. Can we say journalism idol. Diane Sawyer. #nerdprom” — CNN’s Brooke Baldwin.

Lindsay Lohan on getting invited to D.C.’s prom

“Lindsay Lohan on getting #whcd invitation through her lawyer ‘I thought I was in trouble, like ‘Oh, no, wha…’” — HuffPost‘s Christina Wilkie.

Weigel moves, better said, tweets his way through the crowd

“Too many tuxedos. Can barely see the double agent I need to assassinate. #SXSW” – Slate‘s Dave Weigel.

Prom coverage…

“This really used to be about the White House correspondents, let’s be honest, it really isn’t anymore.” — Politico‘s Patrick Gavin on C-SPAN coverage during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. “That’s the state of things today. Celebrities drive the culture.”

Reaction on Kimmel from BuzzFeed‘s Ben Smith: “Kimmel’s best stuff has been fat jokes and blind jokes #yikes #whcd” And from resident know-it-all NYT David Carr: “Obama kilt it. Kimmel had half a set of amazing jokes. #nerdprom.” More importantly, actress/activist Mia Farrow weighs in, saying, “This is painful #jimmy #WHCD” But Tom Hanks‘s son, Colin, disagreed. “And @jimmykimmel slayed as well. Extremely fun evening.” From Politico‘s Jonathan Martin: “Kimmel, first real round of ‘oooos,’ for saying Olbermann ‘has more pink slips than Marcus Bachmann.’” And JMart’s colleague Maggie Haberman: “Please bring back Seth Myers. #help #whcd”

Kurtz gets acquainted with food on Planet Earth

“Ah, mystery meat in gravy and some kind of creamed corn thing. #nerdprom” — The Daily Beast/CNN’s Howard Kurtz acting like he has never seen food before last night at the White House Correspondents’ dinner. Exposé expected on “Reliable Sources” this morning.

Sklar stays at the Hilton

“I stay here every year whether I go to the dinner or not.” — Mediaite founder and lawyer Rachel Sklar, appearing on C-SPAN from her Hilton hotel room during the dinner on C-SPAN. She said she $119 for at least one night at the Hilton this weekend by purchasing her room online. During his performance, Jimmy Kimmel, who was also staying there, said the place isn’t that nice.

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

Over the past four days, a story I wrote about female scribes and what I deemed their “provocative” and “sexpot” Twitter avatars has made the rounds in different publications on the web. I published the story Thursday and, much to my surprise, it went viral in a way I had not experienced before. It took on a hateful life of its own and not one entirely based in reality.

The headline that made the feminists and others go wild: “Female Campaign Reporters Go for Sexpot Look.” After it published, I was called a number of colorful terms: Slut, Skank, “loose in the bedroom.” Contrary to those strangers who labeled me slutty, I was also told I needed to “get laid.” And then I was told to “watch my ass.” NYT‘s media guru David Carr remarked on Twitter, “Apparently, @fishbowlDC has lost every marble she ever had and started a dreamy wonk throwdown.” I only wish I could seek psychotherapy from Carr — and borrow some of his marbles. But this is par for the course these days in the world of online journalism. I do not think my story was earth shattering, nor did it break any actual news. But it introduced a subject matter that hit an unexpected nerve.

As the name-calling hit a fever pitch Thursday afternoon, the only journalist who sought an actual quote from me was Matt Wells of The Guardian. The outlet published a story the following day. Later, others sought me out — an old boss in California who I’d worked with in Florida wrote, “Shades of Boca. Go get ‘em!” And friends who worried about all the nastiness they were reading on Twitter reached out to say hello. One, a female reporter friend in New York, texted to say, “Sheesh, people get way way too worked up about these things. They all need to relax. By tomorrow people will have a whole other thing to fixate on. Sending good thoughts your way – can’t be easy dealing with how toxic people are.” Meanwhile, a reporter friend in Kiev, wrote in to say, “Now in Kiev, where they desperately need a Fishbowl. Lots of sex, lies, videotape, etc.” A longtime source Jason Roe, a GOP campaign consultant now based in San Diego, wrote an email with the subject line: “I don’t hate you.” I laughed. I’m no victim here, but it’s hard not to feel touched by those who check in during the storm. He also wrote, “It does go to show how thin-skinned DC people are. There is never a single day that I miss being there. And now, I’m going to have an afternoon beer at a beachside dive bar.”

On Friday, 78,989 page views later, the hate continued. Feminists called me a “horrible writer” and a “horrible person.” They said I had “viciously attacked” women for simply having photos. They LOLed their way through the day by personally insulting me. BuzzFeed Editor Ben Smith threw himself to the wolves (we’re not close but have always had a respectful rapport) by writing on Twitter, “In sincere defense of @FishbowlDC: It’s nice to have a DC journo or two who doesn’t care what her peers think of her.” The public stoning participants went wild. “Oh fuck you dude,” one wrote to Smith. A feminist wrote simply, “Huh?” and proceeded to shriek at Smith for being wrong.

One reporter who continues  to be enthralled by the story is Hunter Walker, a political reporter for The New York Observer, who published a 2000-word piece on the matter on Friday night and another update yesterday. I’ve never met him, but Hunter previously worked at Gawker as well as mediabistro’s FishbowlNY. From the start, he took a leading role in the procession of predominately New York-based reporters and feminists who somehow felt violated by my piece. On Friday he wrote that the Internet felt naked without an apology from me. But it was Hunter who actually depicted himself as naked. He began a series of tweets criticizing my story and even corralled a group of male reporters who began calling themselves “PressDudesGoneWild.” Hunter changed his Twitter avatar, he told me, by searching for “sexy 80s men” and photoshopped his face onto Tom Selleck‘s body. Catchy, I thought. And funny.

Until Hunter’s journalistic tactics became not quite so funny.

Read more

QUOTES of the DAY — Holiday Weekend Edition

CNN Senior Political Editor Mark Preston: “Just watched 13 and counting fishing boats leave #Hatteras aboard ferry from #Ocracoke.”

Liquid weekend

“Margarita. Sun. Water. Stir. Serve.”– LAT and Chicago Tribune writer James Oliphant in a weekend tweet.

The judge has spoken: Nir Rosen

“How sad to call yourself a journalist and cover a royal wedding.” — Lefty journo Nir Rosen in a weekend tweet. This stellar critique coming from a man who, back in February, promised to get off Twitter after he made admittedly tasteless remarks about CBS’s Lara Logan being sexually assaulted in Egypt. Among other things he wrote, “It would have been funny if it happened to Anderson [Cooper] too.” How soon Rosen forgets saying, “I feel like shrinking now.” What’s he have against royal wedding coverage?

Ezra marvels at Britney’s career trajectory

“Sort of amazed that Britney Spears is still around and making hits. Has anyone done a great ‘Britney Spears: Survivor’ profile?” — WaPo‘s liberal blogger Ezra Klein in a weekend tweet. He then links to an article by the esteemed TV host Carson Daly, who cries about how sad he is that Britney is “crawling back into the womb” of the record industry. Daly’s show, “Last Call,” airs at 1:35 a.m. ET. First Ez expresses that he loves “Ice Loves Coco,” now this. Whatever metamorphosis is happening, we’re just relieved Klein has expanded his reading repertoire from CJR.

Journo has Metro rage

“Hate the DC Metro and I hate it so much I want to strangle it with my bare hands and destroy its evilness. #metrorage #primalscream.” — Roll Call‘s HOH writer Neda Semnani in a weekend tweet.

It was a long and stormy morning…

“#Boom, thought it was an earthquake in DC … Turned on TV …. Not yet? Just thunder/lightning … Ok. Back to bed.” — Human Events‘ Tony Lee in a weekend tweet.

“Was sleeping soundly until this Wrath of God weather came along & woke me. Yes, I think we need the rain, but at 5:45am on Sunday?!?” — C-SPAN’s Jeremy Art in a weekend tweet.

“Either they’re rehearsing the Fourth of July show on the Mall right now, or our independence is nearly over. #Invasion #Explosives” — WCP‘s Mike Madden in a weekend tweet.

Reporter has new pet peeve

“New airline annoyance: people who play computer solitaire with you over your shoulder.” — WaPo‘s Karen Tumulty in a weekend tweet.

Reporter declares nation sexy

“Happy Birthday America. You are still very sexy for a 235 year old.” — TWT‘s Eli Lake in a 4th of July tweet.

Sweating with Roland

“The thing I hate about the end of the Essence Music Fest is packing wet linen. I partied/sweated hard! #emf2011″ — Washington Watch Host Roland Martin in a weekend tweet.

Inskeep gets down with Prince

“Riding taxi through dark while radio plays ‘Kiss’ by Prince makes you feel you’re in a movie w/soundtrack.” — NPR’s Steve Inskeep in a Tuesday morning tweet.

Rough weekend

“Long weekend+3 power outages=kids bouncing off walls.” — NBC’s Chuck Todd in a weekend tweet.

The Observer

“After watching the “Page One” doc, here’s what I noticed: David Carr – a NY Times reporter – wore a Washington City Paper hat. #wemajor” — WCP Music Critic Marcus Moore in a weekend tweet.

The Critic

“You know it’s a bad day for news when half of @mikeallen‘s Playbook is Jon Huntsman news.” — Mediaite‘s Frances Martel in a weekend tweet.

Strange coincidence?

“Well, that was a first. Woman behind the desk at my gym: ”Pethokoukis?’ Is that an Indian name?’ Namaste!” — Reuters’ Politics and Policy writer Jim Pethokoukis in a weekend tweet. He goes on to say, “Also weird: yesterday I went to an Indian restaurant for the first time in my life.” Pethokoukis is Greek.

QUOTES of the DAY

Unlike Clinton’s Reines, NRSC flak drinks D.C. tap water

“Not sure its newsworthy but FWIW I like to keep it interesting and drink the DC tap water.” — NRSC Spokesman Brian Walsh in a Tuesday tweet. He’s making fun of the WaPo profile written on Sec. of State Hilary Clinton flak Philippe Reines, who, for the profile offers the writer “helpful” tips on “color” about him. One of the stupider examples is that Reines doesn’t drink D.C. tap water.

Weiner’s ‘ultimate blow‘

“BREAKING: In ultimate blow, Dem leadership forces Weiner to pull his self-nomination for The Hill‘s ’50 Most Beautiful’ contest.” — Politico‘s Patrick Gavin in a Tuesday tweet.

Politico reporter attended same high school as Gov. Christie

“Chris Christie’s interview with Piers M. was conducted at my (his) high school. Didn’t love it there but glad to see it.” — Politico‘s Jennifer Epstein in a Tuesday tweet.

Journo love

“Things won’t be the same around here without @frates, a real gentleman who always proves that chivalry isn’t dead.” — Politico‘s Amie Parnes in a Tuesday tweet. She’s referring to Chris Frates who’s moving to NJ.

Conspiracy Theories

“First Weinergate, now Hef calls off wedding hmmm …” — CNN Senior White House Correspondent Ed Henry in a Tuesday tweet.

Sklar’s charge: Few women in Page One

“I loved Page One. It was a great documentary. But it was depressing how few women made the cut, to speak, from the NYT and outside.” — Mediaite Editor-at-Large Rachel Sklar in a Tuesday tweet. Page One gets screened in D.C. tonight with a Q & A with some of the documentary’s stars.

A brief episode of The Nerdy Shore

“Looking for a good aftermarket power adapter for my two-year-old Macbook. Anyone particularly enamored by theirs?” — WaPo liberal blogger and Nerdy Shore cast member Ezra Klein in a Tuesday tweet.

Reporter falls for his soup

“I love you, Chicken Enchilada Soup from Chili’s.” — The Atlantic‘s Joshua Green in a Tuesday tweet.

Weiner humor

“I cannot get my hands around this whole Weiner story…” — Comedian Ali Wentworth in a Tuesday tweet. She’s the wife of ABC GMA Host George Stephanopoulos.

Unnecessary Tweet of the Day

“Did not realize that patch-covered heavy-metal jean vests were called ‘battle jackets.’” — Reason Associate Editor Peter Suderman in a Tuesday tweet. Neither did we, Peter, and we still don’t care. You may think we’re insulting you, but it takes talent to win this award. Just ask Metro Weekly‘s Sean Bugg, who has filled this slot many times.

The invitation is out. The premier of “Page One,” a documentary that takes you inside the walls of the NYT, is set for June 15.  And if you can secure an invite, you won’t want to miss it.

The date is June 15. There will be a reception and screening with a discussion following at the Newseum. NYT‘s David Carr, who stars in the film, will take questions.

Tomorrow afternoon some lucky journos in Washington will attend an afternoon screening of “Page One: Inside the New York Times.” The film, directed by Andrew Rossi, opens July 1 at E Street Cinema.

The movie is described as a “fly-on-the-wall documentary” that takes viewers inside the NYT newsroom to reveal the inner workings of the Media Desk. The film chronicles the transformation of the media industry. As described in a release, “PAGE ONE gives us an up-closelook at the vibrant cross-cubicle debates and collaborations, tenacious jockeying for on-the-record quotes.”

The film is 91 minutes and Rated R, which leads us to believe there may be nudity, implied sex scenes and frequent swearing. Rossi and NYT writers David Carr and Brian Stelter will be in Washington on Wednesday, June 15 for interviews.

While WaPo media columnist and CNN host Howard Kurtz claimed to be “just poking fun” on his CNN show “Reliable Sources” on Sunday, a segment sent shock waves around town as several D.C. journalists were steamed watching him go after Politico‘s Patrick Gavin. He even slapped on screen an e-mail Gavin once wrote to him.

In that e-mail, Gavin proposed that Kurtz have him on as a guest to discuss the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. “Maybe in the next decade,” Kurtz said sarcastically on his Sunday show.

Kurtz has gotten flak on this mattter from Mediate, Gawker, Media Matters and The Atlantic’s Andrew Sullivan.

Why did Kurtz do it? He was irked by a story Gavin wrote two weeks ago detailing the Top 20 guests Kurtz has had on his show in the past decade. The story said the show had a “clubby feel” to it in that Kurtz has the same 20 guests on again and again. The story said Kurtz has never had a D.C. media writer (such as former City Paper and now TBD’s Erik Wemple and Yahoo! News’s Michael Calderone). Gavin wrote that Kurtz has D.C. gossip columnists on his show from WaPo, but no other publication. Gavin admitted to falling into both categories.

Question for Kurtz: Are all ordinary e-mails to you now fair game for your show and column?

After taking criticism from Mediaite’s Rachel Sklar(“Oy @HowardKurtz, you read @PWGavin’s email on air?? What about those ‘unwritten rules’ you seemed so protective of last week??”), Kurtz tweeted on Sunday: “@pwgavin is a good guy and entitled to his criticism (however misguided). We were just poking a little fun today on the teevee.”

Oddly, Kurtz’s actions come on the heels of him publishing this WaPo column over the weekend, writing, “Everything is supposed to be “transparent” these days, but is every word you utter — or e-mail, or text, or tweet, or mutter within earshot of a reporter — now fair game? And couldn’t that drive our discourse toward the pathologically cautious and mind-numbingly banal?”

Question #2 for Kurtz: In the past when Gavin has pitched to be on the show have you responded favorably and/or encouraged him to continue pitching you?

Kurtz tone has markedly shifted from his Sunday program, even saying he’ll have Gavin on before a decade passes. He does dispute Gavin’s numbers story concerning his guests. He replied to questions (see after jump for a complete list of questions) posed by FishbowlDC today: “I tried to deliver my response with a light touch and I hope people didn’t take it as anything more than that. Patrick’s e-mail to me wasn’t off the record, and as he himself says, he’s pretty unabashed in trying to book himself on television shows. I would never reveal anything anyone told me off the record. I admit to being proud of the way that Reliable Sources reaches out to a wide range of guests, including some who have never or only rarely been on TV. Our numbers were different than Gavin’s, and in any event I felt free to mention anyone who has been on numerous times. I encourage journalists to approach me about being on the program — including Patrick in the past — and yes, we’ll probably have him on without waiting a decade.”

So far, Gavin isn’t retaliating. He had no further comment for FishbowlDC other than what he remarked to HuffPost over the weekend. He tweeted Sunday: “Oooo…finding some fun old emails from @howardkurtz (fear not, Howie: Won’t go there…)”

Read about Kurtz’s interview with ex-WaPo blogger Dave Weigel and big blunder Kurtz made on the story after the jump…

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• Conflicts between the White House and Fox News remained a topic of discussion on the Sunday shows this weekend. This is after White House communications director Anita Dunn appeared on CNN’s “Reliable Sources” last week and said of Fox, “Let’s not pretend they’re a news network…”

On “This Week with George Stephanopoulos,” senior advisor David Axelrod said of Fox News, “It’s not really news. It’s pushing a point of view. The bigger thing is that, other news organizations, like yours, ought not treat them that way… We’re going to appear on their shows, we’re going to participate. But understanding that they represent a point of view.”

White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel appeared on CNN’s “State of the Union” with John King and said, “While it’s clear what the white house and what Anita said, the concentration of the white house isn’t about what Fox is doing.”

On FOX News Sunday former adviser to President Bush Karl Rove said, “This is a White House engaging in its own version of the media enemies list. And it’s unhelpful for the country and undignified for the president of the United States to so do.” (h/t TVNewser)

And B&C‘s Marisa Guthrie weighed in on Howard Kurtz‘s show on CNN: “Fox News doesn’t thrive on access from the administration. They’re the opposition. They thrive on agitation.”

Related– NYT‘s David Carr: The Battle Between the White House and Fox News and AP’s David Bauder: Picking a fight: Obama vs Fox News.

• That was CBS political analyst John Dickerson filling in for Bob Schieffer on “Face the Nation.”

• In MTP’s “Take Two” on the web, White House senior adviser Valerie Jarrett, Maria Shriver, John Podesta and David Gregory discuss the impact of Gloria Steinem– this convo ties into NBC’s reporting on “A Women’s Nation.” Shriver also addressed her recent apology for being caught talking on her phone while behind the wheel.

• And does MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow belong on “MTP”? Someone certainly thinks so…