Madame Secretary can do whatever she pleases

“Guy @ state Dept LGBT event asks attendees to turn off phones, but ‘Madame Secretary, you’re welcome to text any time.’” — Politico‘s Jennifer Epstein.

Harvey Levin: Is the power of Kim Kardashian disgraceful?

“Do you think politics hit a new low when the US ambassador personally greets Kim K when she arrives in Kuwait? #tmzlive” — TMZ’s Harvey Levin.

Politico reporter dings NYT for poor scoopage

“I’ve worked at the New York Times so I’m unfortunately well aware of its tendency to treat other people’s scoops like they don’t exist.” — Politico‘s Ben White. The backstory: White was referring to the NYT following his scoop that Treasury’s Mary Miller had taken her name out of consideration for SEC chair without crediting him. White also wrote on Twitter: “Freaking UNREAL that NYT fails to credit me on the Mary Miller scoop. NYTimes: Contender for S.E.C. Chief Drops Out” and links to this NYT story. The NYT‘s excuse? They said they hadn’t seen it.

Senator bumps reporter, makes weird joke

“Orrin Hatch accidentally bumping reporter, joking ‘I just like to touch you,’ then blushing. ‘I’m a good Mormon boy!’” — Slate‘s Dave Weigel.

A faux Twitter fight

The fake fight was between HuffPost‘s Elise Foley and BuzzFeed‘s Andrew Kaczynksi.

Foley: I’m always so sad when I miss twitter fights.

Kaczynski: YOU SUCK

Foley: YOU SUCK MORE.

Beck advises how to win Obama in pee keepsake

“E-mail obamapeepee@glennbeck.com and put your bid for #ObamaInPeePee in the subject line WG” — Glenn Beck.

Question to ponder: “Has anybody asked Condi about Susan Rice? I.e., RICE ON RICE” – Roll Call‘s Steven Dennis.

A real HuffPost headline: “Man arrested for stealing goose, locking it in SUV while he played soccer”

Photog unleashes torrent of hate on Washington Examiner scribe, and HuffPost‘s Ethan Klapper encounters boisterous gentleman outside Metro. continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Say hello to MSNBC Contributor and WaPo liberal op-ed writer Jonathan Capehart. This feature typically runs on Fridays, but what can we say? Capehart is fashionably late and a charmer — we gave him a deadline extension. But worth the wait, he is. Even if just to learn one of his nicknames, which you will find out in his response to “Tell us a secret not many people know about you.” Capehart, born in Newark, N.J. and largely raised in Hazlet, is a unique blend of innocent and stylish to straightforward and serious with a touch of sass. His colleague at MSNBC, Karen Finney refers to him as her “gay husband.” She admits her bias in his favor and more seriously adds, “I have great respect for the seamless and authentic way Jonathan balances his sharp intelligence and wit with good ol street smarts. And his commentary brings a much needed perspective to political and cultural dialog.” Another colleague, MSNBC “Morning Joe” co-host Willie Geist, also sings his praises and takes special note of his style. “Jonathan’s political smarts and cultural savvy come with something that’s in short supply in our business: grace and class,” Geist wrote in an email. “He proves you don’t have to shout to be heard. More importantly, Jonathan comes with shirts, ties, and pocket squares that make the rest of us look like hobos.” A constant presence on MSNBC, Capehart is known most anyplace he goes. Claim to fame: In 1999 he was a contributor to the New York Daily News team that won a Pulitzer for Best Editorial Writing. Writing may be his forté, but he may want to keep bagel consumption on the DL. In 2009, former MSNCBer Dylan Ratigan seriously irked Capehart’s mother by running a clip of her son downing a bagel during a commercial break. She phoned in to the live show and gave Ratigan a piece of her mind, saying, “Do you have cameras in the bathroom or the dressing room? Who you gonna put on national TV next? Because if you wanted to make a fool out of someone… you could use yourself because it really pissed me off.” She charged on, saying her son is neither a “clown” nor a “kid at a birthday party.” Gawker called Ratigan a “dick” over the incident. The host apologized. Enjoy! (Photo credit: Frank Thorp)

If you were a carbonated beverage which would you be?  San Pellegrino Aranciata

Who would you rather have dinner with – ABC’s Diane Sawyer, CNN’s Candy Crowley or CBS’s Gayle King. Tell us why. Gayle King! I know her, but I haven’t dined with her. It would be one long, boozy, laughter-filled  gabfest.

Do you have any funny TV bloopers? You mean besides the bagel incident? Can’t get much funnier than that. Oh, wait, there was the first time I did sports on “Way Too Early.”

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

“I dunno how politicians wake up each morning and forget every phone everywhere is a multimedia recording device, but thank god they do.” — BuzzFeed Washington Bureau Chief John Stanton.

Round 2: Hilary Versus the Romneys?

“The disdain Romney has for those who’ve lived differently than his privileged family flows from every pore. #Sad” — CNN Democratic Political Analyst Hilary Rosen, who links to this story by TPM about Mitt Romney headlined “Devastated.”

TPM Editor gives Mojo’s David Corn a big warm hug 

“I don’t know the provenance of the tape. It’s apparently been bouncing around on the interwebs before getting published by Mother Jones. But I know David Corn. And he wouldn’t have posted it under his name if he weren’t pretty certain he had the authenticity of the tape nailed. So I’m assuming the tape is legit for the purposes of what I say below.” — TPM Editor Josh Marshall, who said he was on vacation and on “half-watching” the news on Monday.

An intriguing idea

“Starting [today], Romney campaign will allow cameras into fundraisers held at public venues. Up until now, was pen and pad only.” — ABC News Producer Emily Friedman. Or maybe that’s not such a hot idea…“Sound rule of thumb, for presidential candidates and everyone else alike: It’s always worse if there’s video.” — The Hill‘s Niall Stanage.

TV journo gets weight question

“Yep – trying – amazing when you eat better and exercise – what can happen -thnx.” — FNC’s Bret Baier to a follower who asked, “You losing weight?” It just so happens that Baier was recognized as one of the journos in need of a salad in our Summer Superlatives. The other was his colleague, Bob Beckel.

Reporter wonders if she’s the devil

“I have 6666 followers. Does that make me the devil?” — HuffPost‘s Elise Foley. (We’re sorry to break it to you here, like this, Elise, but yes, you might be the devil.)

Chef Geoff gets journo love

“@chefgeoffs Great news. Kid says yours is the best burger of all of the spots we go to. Has already asked to return. (Cheers to Norah)” — Yahoo! News’ Olivier Knox.

Convo Between Two Journos

Today’s conversation is between The Atlantic’s David Graham and The Guardian and Salon‘s Jim Newell, who formerly worked at Gawker.

Graham: Worth nothing Newsweek recently let go ace Middle East reporter Babak Dehghanpisheh in Beirut. So instead we get Ayaan Hirsi Ali retreads.

The Fashionista 

“LOVE Chris Matthews special Yom Tov shirt & tie combo! So festive! #hardball.” — Rachel Sklar on Matthews, who wore a red and white striped button down with a red polka dot and striped tie on Monday’s program.

Newell: So is Newsweek now like Gawker where the former writers shit all over it as soon as they leave?

 Graham: I’m really, really trying not to.

The liberal media hater

“Jonathan @capehart on MSNBC mocking @RickSantorum over ‘elite’ comments. This would be funny, if it weren’t so pathetically sad.” — Conservative blogger Robert Stacy McCain. Jonathan Capehart is a left-wing op-ed writer for WaPo and an MSNBC Contributor.

Important Questions to Ponder: “We are discussing Kate Middleton…is the topless photos a big deal as the Royal Family is making it? Would you buy the photos? #tmzlive” — TMZ Founder Harvey Levin. And from FNC’s Greta Van Susteren: “KATE MIDDLETON PICS POLL – did you? or didn’t you? click, read and vote: Take Our poll.” Take Greta’s poll here.

Brrr!

“It’s so cold in my office, my fingernails are purple. This device is clearly ignoring my request.” — Erica Elliott, Comm. Director for House Maj. Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Nothing gets between a Boybander and his jeans

“The only pair of jeans I ever splurged on lasted exactly one year before getting a hole in an embarrassing place. Thanks, stranger.” — TPM‘s Brian Beutler.

Washington gossip columnist tells TMZ’s Levin to SHUT UP

“Shut up Harvey! Nobody needs TMZ’s view of the Marine urinating scandal. Stick to big news like Kim and Angelina and Brad.” — U.S. News & World Report‘s Paul Bedard to TMZ Founder Harvey Levin. Read the TMZ story here on the scandal involving Marines peeing on dead bodies.

BFF Alert: Michelle and Gayle

“@michelleobama joining twitter world today love that! And welcome welcome to our First Lady!” — CBS This Morning Host Gayle King.

In other Michelle Obama commentary…

“@michelleobama, For the record, I don’t like it either when people perceive me as an angry black woman.” — SHanntysHair.

The new Ana Marie Cox

“Twelp please: Recommendations for fun stuff to do and where to dine in Milwaukee. Extra credit if it doesn’t involve beer. cc: @lovethebay” — The Guardian‘s Ana Marie Cox.

Examiner writer gets props for perfect response

“@Drudge_Report: Clark Gable’s Grandson Jailed for Pointing Laser at Police Chopper drudge.” To which the Washington Examiner‘s Philip Klein remarked, “Frankly, I don’t give a damn.”

Actually, there are stupid questions

“RT @HuffingtonPost Diet Coke vs. Coke Zero: So what’s the difference? || Inquiring minds don’t give a s***.” — FBDC and The Blaze‘s Eddie Scarry.

NPR overgifting

“In the past month NPR has given me an NPR pint glass, an NPR coaster, & an NPR beer koozie. What are they trying to do to me?!” — NPR’s LA-based Ben Bergman.

It’s Friday the 13th

“Today is Friday the 13th! 2012 is actually a CREEPY YEAR! We have 3 Friday the 13ths this yr, that’s the most you can have in a single year!” — News Channel 8′s Katherine Amenta.

Brokaw’s first day on Twitter

“At #Todayat60 party – like a great college reunion. … But where’s the keg?” — NBC’s Tom Brokaw. In less than 24 hours he has 7k followers. So far he’s following 20 people. They include NBC’s Chuck Todd, Vivian Schiller, Luke Russert, David Gregory, Richard Engel, Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, Natalie Morales, Ann Curry, Brian Williams and, of course, NBC News.

Shit happens when Weingarten’s around

“Was looking for @geneweingarten tweet in time line, easy to spot that sh*t!” — Washington City Paper‘s Darrow Montgomery.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

He wasn’t kidding about not reading FBDC. He thought I’d written a post about the Washingtonian having “lost” Bartlett’s contact information. I never wrote that, though I did write that “it seems” the publication lost Bartlett’s information. (Memo to Graff: When writing to complain to a writer about a post you might want to read the post in question.) In fact, I had a perfectly lovely conversation with a female employee at Washingtonian. She said she couldn’t give me Bartlett’s email address when I called but said she’d send it to me when and if she found it.

Graff took issue with that bit and told me I’d been instructed to email the magazine and then they’d email me back. Being that it wasn’t Graff I spoke to when hunting down Bartlett’s email address, and since he doesn’t read FishbowlDC, how does he know about any of this?

We’ve got a cold case on our hands.

On a side note, Graff doesn’t watch TMZ‘s TV show either. He said as much while attending the recent event with TMZ founder Harvey Levin at the National Press Club. Tactfully he said it out of earshot of Levin.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Working with TPM‘s Evan McMorris-Santoro this week has been a trying but endearing experience. Nailing down a deadline for Evan is much like trying to force feed apple strudel to FishbowlMatt: Not appetizing. He told me, “Sorry — you now officially know what it’s like to be any of my editors.” But in the end he came through with flying colors and sometimes that’s all that matters. Born and raised in Chapel Hill, NC, McMorris-Santoro has covered politics for TPM since 2009. Before that, he was a reporter at NJ‘s “The Hotline” covering the 2008 election. He started his career covering local politics at newspapers in Tennessee and his native North Carolina. I asked him to tell me something weird about his childhood. His reply: “I went to Space Camp. Or maybe that’s not so weird.” Evan, while we only wish that you told us Slate‘s Dave Weigel was your bunkmate at Space Camp, this more than suffices.

If you were a carbonated beverage which would you be? Bourbon and soda

How often do you Google yourself? Who still Googles himself? With a name like mine, those Google Alerts catch everything.

What’s the worst thing you’ve ever said to an editor (or vice versa)? Same answer for both: ‘The browser crashed and I lost it.’

Who is your favorite working journalist and why? Blatant attempt at a raise alert: I have to shoutout all my colleagues at TPM. They’re some of the hardest-working and smartest in the biz, and I appear better than I am because my work shares the page with theirs. Also ex-TPMer Christina Bellantoni, who taught me everything I need to know about finding food on the road.

Do you have a favorite word? You can’t work with Brian Beutler for two years without developing a healthy respect/fear for “fail.”

What word or phrase do you overuse? “It’s worth noting…” It’s worth noting that, although contextualizing things is a noble goal, I need to find a better way to start those sentences.

Who would you rather have dinner with – ABC’s Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s Candy Crowley or NBC’s Andrea Mitchell? Tell us why. Amanpour, because like all DC political reporters, I don’t know enough about world affairs and I secretly wish I was a war corespondent.

You are ordered to go on a road trip to an undisclosed location. You can go with White House Spokesman Jay Carney or Bo, the President’s Portuguese Water Dog. No ones feelings will be hurt. Who do you take? Comes down to which one is paper-trained.

What’s the name of your cell phone ring? ‘Standard.’

It’s 3 a.m. and you get up to use the bathroom or get a drink of water. Do you check your BlackBerry? It’s a Droid thank you very much and yes, definitely.

Whats your favorite swear word? Oh fuck.

Find out what Evan eats when he pigs out…
continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Racy thoughts from WaPo‘s ME

“Rock stars get room keys. I get business cards.” — WaPo Managing Editor Raju Narisetti.

HuffPost‘s Sam Stein attempts bribery

“Free drinks to anyone who rt’s my story huff.to/w1ZJoM #anewtactic” — HuffPost‘s Sam Stein in a funny reaction to James O’Keefe‘s absurd charge that he boozes up his sources to get stories. Read more about the Stein ordeal here on Mediaite. Also read their interview with O’Keefe by White House Correspondent Tommy Christopher.

A question we should all ponder…“How long do lights on Twinkle Toe Princess shoes last? Got pairs for our 8 & 4 yr old today. Already close to desperation.” — NPR’s Scott Simon.

TV reporter to Mr. Conductor: Leave me alone!

“Not only is @Amtrak overcrowded and overpriced the customer service is awful! Mr. Conductor don’t take your bad day out on me.” — NBC Washington’s  John Schriffen.

TV cameraman scares crap out of radio reporter

“Just had the S scared out of me, bumping into @newmediajim outside Starbucks when he cheerfully shouted ‘Neal!’ Always good to see him, tho.” — WTOP’s Neal Augenstein in a recent tweet. He’s referring to NBC News cameraman Jim Long.

TMZ’s Harvey Levin: A Visionary?

A note was slipped to me by a stranger during TMZ founder Harvey Levin’s speech at the National Press Club on Monday. It read, “I’ve been a member here for almost 25 years. Heard Pres. candidiates, CEO’s of largest corporations, cabinet secretaries. He is far and away the best speaker we’ve heard at the NPC. Relevant; speaking/not reading; Visionary.” Among other things, Levin said Rep. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.), with whom he had dinner some months ago, would thank him for putting him and his abs on TMZ. He said the NYT has figured out the web better than most; he remarked that LAT has a “good” website with issues. Levin stressed the need to “reinvent” and “evolve.” He said, “Newspapers don’t need to fold — they need to reinvent themselves. …There’s this holy grail, that we must preserve newspapers. Why?” He calls the rush to publish web stories a “cop out,” saying, “the web doesn’t force you to publish before you’re ready to publish. You still decide when to pull the trigger.”

Favorite lines from WaPo Monica Hess‘s story on Dangerous Instincts by a former FBI profiler and serial killer expert: “Reading the book is likely to do one of two things. If you tend to be lackadaisical about things such as door-locking, then the book will introduce you to the deadbolt. If you’re already vigilant, then it will make you purchase a Navy SEAL dog with bionic teeth.” If you don’t care about sleeping, read the full story here.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

It’s hard for TMZ’s founder Harvey Levin to chill and stop working. At the National Press Club today to keynote a luncheon, he sat in a tan leather chair upstairs to prepare his speech and do this interview. He’s intense, but polite, friendly and not a big shot Hollywood figure who can’t be bothered. He wants to be bothered — within reason. He also wants to get his thoughts together and use the men’s room before his speech because “it would be bad form to pee in my pants,” he says, laughing. Something else that immediately jumps out: He’s smaller than he appears on TV. Throughout the day it will be the first observation people make. He’s svelte and proportional and has expensive-looking black sneakers with no laces and fashionable holes. “Are those Crocs?” asks American Urban Radio’s White House Correspondent April Ryan out of earshot at a VIP reception before the luncheon. Random but noteworthy: He’s newly vegetarian and no longer wears leather. He skips the juicy steak swimming in gravy and potatoes lunch and doesn’t opt for the vegetarian alternative — a mushroom with a thick, bubbling layer of cheese. Instead, he sips ice water. On the show, Levin stands and hangs over a newsroom wall, making it harder to tell how tall or short he is. He’s 5’7,” at least according to the driver’s license he pulled out to show me when I asked.

Before the FishbowlDC interview gets underway, first, a phone call to the office to check in. “Hey it’s me,” he says into his BlackBerry. “Are they still in the meeting? Anything I need to know? We have to talk about Scarlett Johansson. It’s the weirdest thing…” (A producer was in Paris recently and had an inappropriate interaction with Johansson, something that will not run on air. Levin’s producer tells me Harvey’s just having fun and giving the producer as hard a time as possible.)

On starting TMZ in Washington: “Yes, it’s just an issue of time. It will happen. I just need time to do it right. This is going to require me to be here for awhile.” Favorite politicians? “Not really. Therein lies the problem.” Does he support President Obama’s reelection? “Not going to say.”

Let’s begin.

Which GOP presidential contender is the most TMZ-worthy? Too soon to tell. (His producer chimes in, “Rick Perry. He’s bound to do the dumbest thing.” Levin’s not necessarily convinced.)

If you were a carbonated beverage which would you be? Orange crush.

What is the one question you get asked most frequently? What’s in your cup?

How often do you Google yourself? Almost never.

Who is your favorite working journalist and why? Anderson Cooper, because he’s honest.

What word or phrase do you overuse? “Here’s the thing.”

What’s the worst thing a stranger/heckler ever said to him? Find out…
continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Please, Fishbowlers, we’d really like to see your creative captions. Send to FishbowlDC@mediabistro.com or to Betsy@mediabistro.com. Or tweet us your caption at @FishbowlDC.

“Bo may look like an ordinary dog but trust me, Harvey, he’s so much more.”

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Coincidence? We think not. Last night FishbowlMatt and I were texting about a variety of hot topics when he entered the Chipotle and saw this.

Deep Thoughts…

“Sun. Grass. Newspapers. People. A family of teeny mice tiptoe through the shrubs in their own private world. #sittingstill #whatching” — National Geographic Contributing Editor Carl Hoffman.

Luke and Maureen off to see Bruce

“On my way to see Springsteen with Luke. Wrote Newsweek cover story on Bruce exactly 36 years ago this coming week.” — Vanity Fair Correspondent Maureen Orth. (The late Tim Russert‘s favorite musician was Springsteen. The musician gave a surprise performance at Russert’s memorial service in 2008.)

The Political Consultant

“Sen. @DavidVitter uses Twitter to congratulate individual Republicans for winning in Saturday’s La. Election #notnecessary” — CNN Senior Political Editor Mark Preston.

Flashback

“Mechanic told me today my car failed inspection. He had a look of disappointment as I tried to explain what happened #highschoolflashbacks” — The Hill‘s Managing Editor Bob Cusack.

TWT Senior Op-ed Writer Emily Miller‘s reaction to ex-Gov. Mark Sanford being hired by Fox News: “WTF?”

Really?

“I’m so tempted to ad-lib but I won’t.” — TIME‘s Mark Halperin on this morning’s “Morning Joe.” After calling President Obama “kind of a dick” on national TV we’d think Halperin wouldn’t even think about ad-libbing. This involved a reenactment of Texas Gov. Rick Perry‘s interview to Parade Magazine. Willie Geist played Perry. Halperin played the interviewer.

Happy 24th wedding anniversary to WaPo‘s Karen Tumulty.

ABC’s Klein welcomes baby into world

“A warm welcome to Max Rubin Klein (9lb 8oz!). Future slugger? Congrats to parents Laine and @rickklein and big brother Jack.” — ABC’s Jonathan Karl.

Reminder: TMZ’s Harvey Levin talks to GWU students and then he’s off to the National Press Club for lunch.

If you’re up…

Call Trail Mix blogger Craig Crawford on C-SPAN starting at 7:45 a.m.

Democrats: (202) 737-0001
Republicans: (202) 737-0002
Independents: (202) 628-0205
Outside U.S.: (202) 628-0184

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Levin will discuss how the TMZ news model, with its online and TV components, has changed the way people receive entertainment and political news. He’ll address the rapid 24-hour news cycle and threats to accuracy and rigorous journalism standards, as well as TMZ critics who dismiss its coverage as crappy celebrity gossip.

“Number one–we don’t do gossip; we do news,” Levin said in a PRNewswire release. “Number two–everybody takes our stories.  If you look at CNN, if you look at all the shows, a lot of people tell us they literally get their rundowns from our site.”

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

By our count, Allbritton and VandeHarris (sharing #84) are the only true DC’ers to make the list- other media types include faux-newsman Jon Stewart (48), PBS’ Charlie Rose (60), CBS’ Leslie Moonves (58), NBC Universal’s Jeff Zucker (61), CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo and Erin Burnett (sharing 69), NYT‘s Bill Keller (75), Fox News’ Glenn Beck (81), NYT‘s Frank Rich (83), TMZ’s Harvey Levin (85), HuffPost’s Arianna Huffington (88) and NYT‘s Paul Krugman (93).

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

CBS’ Face the Nation: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY)

ABC’s This Week: Vice President Joe Biden and a roundtable with former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Liz Cheney, ABC’s Matthew Dowd and George Will and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and ABC News contributor Cynthia Tucker

Fox News Sunday: Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD), House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) and a panel with Weekly Standard and Fox News’ Bill Kristol, AP’s Jennifer Loven, Weekly Standard and Fox News’ Stephen Hayes and NPR and Fox News’ Juan Williams

CNN’s State of the Union: Former Secretary of State Gen. Colin Powell, Her Majesty Queen Noor, Chair, King Hussein Foundation and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Adm. Mike Mullen

CNN’s Reliable Sources with Howard Kurtz: CNN’s Don Lemon, TMZ’s Harvey Levin, TheWrap.com’s Sharon Waxman and the Baltimore Sun‘s David Zurawik

CNN’s GPS with Fareed Zakaria: UK Foreign Minister David Miliband, “Dead Aid” author Dambisa Moyo and “The Blue Sweater” author Jacqueline Novogratz

NBC’s The Chris Matthews Show: WaPo‘s Bob Woodward, The Daily Beast’s Tina Brown, Time‘s Joe Klein and CNN’s Gloria Borger (The panel will discuss the future of print journalism.)

Washington Week with Gwen Ifill and National Journal: ABC’s Martha Raddatz, WaPo‘s Dan Balz, WSJ‘s Naftali Bendavid and USA Today‘s Joan Biskupic

Bloomberg’s Political Capital with Al Hunt: Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA)

Will update as we learn them.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Good afternoon FishbowlDC! Sorry for the delay…

Got a blind item, interesting link, funny note, comment, birthday, anniversary or anything of the sort for Morning Reading List? Drop us a line.

Its day 74 covering the Obama administration and week nine for us. What we know and what we’re reading this Friday…

NEWSPAPERS | TV | ONLINE | MAGAZINES | NEWS NOTES

NEWPAPERS

NYT executive editor Bill Keller tells Politico that readers have offered to donate money to keep the Times alive, and suggested that GM probably isn’t getting similar offers. “Saving the New York Times now ranks with saving Darfur as a high-minded cause.”

That has gotten some attention on the blogosphere- check out NYT: “Screw Darfur, Save Maureen.”

Howard Kurtz: “The first lady has generated endless media chatter about everything from her sleeveless dresses to her vegetable garden. And she has a disarming candor. But this week’s coverage has an over-the-top feel. Are journalists in danger of exhausting their supply of superlatives?”

Jon Friedman: You can usually identify a New York Times column by the writer’s agenda. Nicholas Kristof wants to save Darfur. Maureen Dowd relishes sticking the needle in some Beltway blowhard. Paul Krugman seeks to put his stamp on economic policy. But what about Thomas Friedman?

Ten experts from inside and outside the newspaper industry were asked to write mission statements for the core print product, say what elements of the current paper they would include if they were starting a print product from scratch and gaze into their crystal balls to predict the industry’s future. Check it out here.

TV

LAT: “Allowing free viewing of marquee prime-time shows on the Internet is causing anxiety among some in the media industry, who worry that the practice mirrors the potentially fatal error newspapers made of losing subscribers by not charging for online editions.”

The Reliable Source confirms. Dating: “CNN anchors John Roberts and Kyra Phillips, sources close to the situation confirm. She accompanied him last month to his induction into the Canadian Broadcast Hall of Fame in Toronto; he showed up in support as she emceed the TAPS Honor Guard Gala at the Mellon Auditorium here Tuesday, benefiting families who have lost service members. Also seen together that night dining at Zola. A commuter relationship: He’s based in NYC, she’s in Atlanta.”

ONLINE

Paul Farhi: “For years, newspapers have effectively been handing their online competitors one of their chief weapons in the fight for the news audience, the AP wire. Could this situation — and the more or less collective decision to offer free access to news online — have been avoided?”

MAGAZINES

For the first time in memory, the magazine death rate has surpassed the magazine birth rate. The number of print magazines that folded in the first quarter reached 101 titles. By contrast, the number of print magazines that launched in the first quarter totaled 95.

Google is rumored to be in late stage negotiations to acquire Twitter. They can be assumed to be well, well north of the $250 million valuation that they saw in their recent funding. Twitter turned down an offer to be bought by Facebook just a few months ago for half a billion dollars.

NEWS NOTES

TMZ.com is expanding its coverage of Washington and attempting to put a new face on U.S. lawmakers with its unique coverage of body shapes, car styles, sidewalk interviews, and legal snafus. TMZ’s Harvey Levin was in Washington on Thursday looking to hire a second D.C. staff member.

HAT TIPS: Mediabistro

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Yes, apparently there’s room for even more gossip mongers.

You’ll recall that TMZ broke such stories as of Mel Gibson’s drunk driving arrest, Nicole Richie driving on the wrong side of the freeway, Michael Richards’ scary stand-up performance, Miss USA scandals and plenty of Britney Spears crotch shots.

We can tell some of what we’re hearing about Levin’s project, which he’s hoping to launch sooner rather than later: