“Smoke was coming out of my phone yesterday.” — NBC “TODAY” Show’s Savannah Guthrie on announcing her engagement to Michael Feldman Monday.

Editor wants to prank house sitter

“Friend stayed @ our house while we were away. Thinking of removing all furniture & taking photos, telling him, ‘You forgot to lock the door!’” — WaPo Book World Editor Ron Charles.

Postcard to DOJ

“Dear DOJ: my email password is “GoScrewYourselves’” — Daily Beast Contributor Justin Green in reaction to news that DOJ secretly obtained phone records of AP reporters and editors.

Important Q to Ponder: “Can’t we just ban talking points altogether? Or would that just confuse everyone?” – NYT‘s Mark Leibovich, who has a book coming out this summer that isn’t worrying anyone (wink wink).

Journo followed strange source rules

“In Belfast, had source who wouldn’t let me call or email. Ever. I had to go to house, but not park o/side. Got to know his wife & kids well.” — Toby Harnden, Washington Bureau Chief of The Sunday Times.

The Fashion Hound

“No one on television has better ties than Brian Williams. (And that’s what really counts.)” — Politico‘s Roger Simon.

WORST HEADLINE OF THE WEEK

By HuffPost‘s Jason Linkins

Paranoia Strikes

• “Someone walking n th bldg behind me who asked wt floor I live on last time. If they do it again I’m running down th hall yelling STRANGER!” — Editor of The DC Pundit Javonni Brustow.

• “Have never been this terrified of the sound of an approaching ice cream truck. Got the feeling it’s secretly a black helicopter.” — Justin Green.

Words to live by or casting call for Bad Girls Club?

“I love bad bitches.” — Meghan McCain.

World crumbles as reporter’s TV show is not on and, by far, the strangest news of the day concerning a Politico reporter.

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

“Photo of POTUS mtg w speechwriters Cody Keenan and Jon Favreau today.” — Pete Souza, Director of White House Photography, with accompanying photograph.

Reporter encounters wall with Capitol Hill flack

“New boundaries of blow off. Called congressional office. Press sec doesn’t want to talk. I ask for voicemail. ‘She doesn’t take voicemail.’ — HuffPost‘s Sam Stein.

Weingarten reacts to poop idea 

Military reporter for SpaceNews Mike Gruss writes, “You know with some crafty maneuvering you can use the same bag for multiple poops, right?” To which WaPo‘s poopy Pulitzer Prize columnist Gene Weingarten replies, “You are an animal.”

Politico Playbook publish time: 8:20 a.m.

Humility is…

“On MSNBC in a few minutes, acting like I know stuff.” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball.

Where’s Dick Morris these days?

From Media Matters Spokeswoman Jess Levin…6:22 p.m. “Dick Morris – Absent From Fox For Nearly Three Months — To Appear On CNN” 6:25 p.m. “Dick Morris hasn’t been on Fox since Nov 12, 2012. Post 2008 election, he was on 19 times.” See here and here. The Wrap reported late yesterday that Fox News has dropped him. Never fear that he might disappear completely. Watch for him tonight on CNN’s “Piers Morgan Tonight” at 9 p.m. ET. If Morris is looking for a reference he might try WaPo‘s Erik Wemple, who writes this about him today: “Vast arrogance and loose, poorly substantiated facts: a great combination for a cable-news contributor in these modern times.” But he might do well to avoid Wemple as a life coach. He writes, “Don’t worry, Morris: It’s the end only of your relevance.”

The Ideas Guy

“Hoping to convince @BuzzFeedBen to give me a location consult on future #BuzzFeedBrews at tonight’s launch.” — Tim Miller, Deputy Communications Director, RNC. The event was held at The 201 Bar on Capitol Hill. Miller explained to FishbowlDC, “Just joking with them about going to a Hill bar instead of bringing it to Big John’s neighborhood. Shaw needs some politics love.” Big John is, of course, BuzzFeed Washington Bureau Chief John Stanton.

A profound thought from HuffPost‘s liberal media writer Jason Linkins. continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

“Holy. Cow. The magic wall… Is ON THE FLOOR” — The Atlantic Associate Editor Brian Fung.

Green Eggs and Ham — why not?

“Mic check guy just read ‘Green Eggs & Ham,’ in its entirety, at Obama election night HQ. Now reading the Constitution.” — HuffPost‘s Jennifer Bendery.

All in a day’s work

“2 stories & 2,600 words already written today, the last 1,000 drunk will be tougher.” — InTheseTimes labor journo Mike Elk.

5:51 p.m. Famous Last Words

“CONFIDENCE: Romney tells the traveling press he FEELS like a win is coming. He’s written only one speech so far: a victory speech.” — NBC News’ Garrett Haake.

Foreshadowing….5:51 p.m.

“Some rare, non spin on twitter –> RT @jmartpolitico: A senior GOPer w close ties to Romneyland emails a single word: ‘worried.’” — HuffPost‘s Sam Stein.

In response to that… “So people in Romney camp sending out nervous messages to liberal reporters? Really? Wonder how big the camp is.” — Commentary‘s PodWhore (a.k.a. John Podhoretz.)

Reporters and Romney staff clap: the end is near

“Applause on Romney plane — from reporters and staff — as we land in Boston. Final flight of Romney 2012 campaign is over.” — AP‘s Steve Peoples.

Oops! Flack gets ahead of herself: 6:03 p.m.

“I’m not saying this to get ahead of myself, but is Obama capable of giving a graceful concession speech? I’m not sure.” — Amanda Carpenter, speechwriter for Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.).

Channeling Carville

“Carville (paraphrase): If Romney loses Virginia he’s in more trouble than a three-legged, cross-eyed gator on a freeway. #election2012″ — National Journal mag Deputy Editor James Oliphant on Democratic pundit James Carville.

And another thing on Carville…“For god’s sake someone either tighten Carville’s tie or unbutton his top button.” — TPM‘s Evan McMorris-Santoro. And this…“On CNN, James Carville is so excited he seems to have removed his exoskeleton.” — Vanity Fair.

Unraveling…7:17 p.m.

“It’s 7:20 and my nerves are already shot. #ElectionDay2012 #TeamRomney” — MSNBC and The Daily Beast‘s Meghan McCain.

Watch your words around the kiddies, journo warns

“Careful y’all: Your kids are learning a lot about how to win and lose graciously by how you act today.” — Politico‘s Patrick Gavin.

Attack on Trump minus his name

“Is there anyone who punches further below their weight than rich guys who dabble in politics?” — BuzzFeed Political Editor Ben Smith.

From the Road…“AT THIS POINT: crowd at Dem HQ is ready to cheer for nearly anything. Just screamed like Obama being up in Minnesota is 1980 gold. #openbar” — CNN’s Lisa Desjardins.

 ’Saucy’ Meghan Kelly

“Meghan Kelly is serving #curlytopsaucy tonight on Fox.” — Bravo’s Andy Cohen.

Politico reporters: Relax? Forget it!

“To all the road-weary reporters who just want a break: Congrats! You’ll be sitting in the Senate press gallery for the next 9 months.” — Fake Jim VandeHei, faux Twitter account to Politico Executive Editor Jim VandeHei.

Important, Embarrassing Question to Ponder: “So Megyn Kelly had to get white men in suits to confirm that Obama would go to Ohio. (Because her audience wouldn’t believe her?)” — Reuter‘s Megan McCarthy.

 In praise of Nate Silver’s ass

“I think Nate Silver deserves a ‘tell me how my ass tastes’ moment, right?” — HuffPost‘s Jason Linkins.

Journos react to FNC Karl Rove’s TV breakdown

• “Karl Rove looks like a kid who just learned there’s no Santa Claus.” — TPM‘s Sahil Kapur.

• “Fox is gone full bananaspants.” — The Guardian‘s Ana Marie Cox.

• “Barone explaining to Rove why Obama gonna win OH like watching someone explain to little kid that his dog died.” — Bloomberg‘s Joshua Green, referencing The Washington Examiner‘s Michael Barone.

•  ”Email from big GOP donor: ‘Karl looks like a fool.’” — Politico‘s Ken Vogel.

• “Bret Baier is now trying to figure out how to balance Karl Rove’s petulance and the FNC ‘decision desk.’ Train wreck.” — ClearChannel’s Colby Hall.

• “Rove has basically bullied the Fox hosts into backing off from their call of the election. Amazing TV.” — The New Yorker‘s Ryan Lizza.

• “Fox thinks it’s up to them who wins. It’s not up to them. It’s over guys. (But please keep this up, this is amazing TV.” — HuffPost‘s Ryan Grim.

And Greta tries to inject a dollop of sanity…

“Fox News says President Obama re-elected.” — FNC anchor Greta Van Susteren at 11:34 p.m.

Speaking of delusional…“I’m neither naive nor optimistic. Just saying I refuse to give up. R some of u telling me ur going to throw in the towel? I don’t think so.” — David Limbaugh, author and brother to conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh, after Obama won Ohio.

Depression is…

“Gay marriage, pot, an elated media, and Obama… Yeah, I’ve had better nights.” — Breitbart.com editor John Nolte.

Plouffe Daddy!

“Congrats on a ground game well-played, Plouffe Daddy.” — Freelance video journo for Wonkette and other outlets Liz Glover, referencing Obama campaign advisor David Plouffe.

Uh oh…where’s Romney? 12:11 a.m. 

“Danger for Romney is that if he delays concession too long he’ll look like a sore loser.12:11 still no concession.” — The Daily Mail‘s Toby Harnden, nearly one hour after NBC called the race for Obama.

Outside the White House: 12:33 a.m.

“People are climbing the trees outside of the White House. Total mayhem.” — BuzzFeed’s Rebecca Berg.

Find some inspiration with ex-Love Connection host Chuck Woolery and take notice of a few R’s who handled the loss with maturity…. continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Over the weekend HuffPost‘s Washington D.C. newsroom celebrated five years of existence with a with a roof party atop their offices on Pennsylvania Avenue. As you can see by the photograph, Sam Stein (third row, sunglasses, toward the middle), Howard Fineman (gray fluffy hair, just beside Stein), Bureau Chief Ryan Grim (third guy from the right in back) and the rest of the HuffPost political team were all there to celebrate.

A few other people to point out in the mix. Front and center is FishbowlDC Fan Club member Andrea Stone. We can’t get enough of her astute thoughts. Visually she is the shortest human in the bunch. Juxtaposed with the 555-foot Washington Monument, it’s possible that she may be a Munchkin. Then, right behind her is a homeless guy who somehow sneaked into the party. Just so happens his name is Jason Linkins too! Out front in the pretty mustard yellow dress is Amanda Terkel.

Happy Anniversary HuffPost!

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.

“Life is too short to fake an orgasm.” – Current TV and The View‘s Joy Behar in response to being asked for her favorite life saying on Tuesday’s edition of The View. Moments later she said she had a serious answer: “Do what you can with what you have where you are.”

Olympic priorities on AF1

“AF1 wheels down Pueblo Memorial Airport at 6 p.m. No news from the flight, except no one in the press section is able to explain the rules of international handball, which was the featured Olympic sport during last leg of the flight.” — WaPo‘s Scott Wilson in a Tuesday White House Pool Report.

A seemingly innocent party question…

“Oh, did I spill on you?” — Wonkette and The Guardian‘s Jim Newell late-night at the Buzzfeed party, dumping a quarter of a pint of beer on my arm and into my shoulder bag. “It wasn’t intentional…or maybe it was, I don’t know.” More on the party later…but a late-night email from the famous Zeke Miller of the buzzy news outlet begins…”LOL” — how fitting.

A Little Birdy Tells Us That…

CBS’ Christine Delargy, a former FishbowlDC writer, is going to work as a producer for “PoliticoLive!” Politico‘s online reality news show. News traveled fast around the Buzzfeed party at Brixton last night, which Delargy attended.

The Observer

“Convinced there’s a silent contest going on among Fox News contributors to outdo each other with adjectives like ‘molotov-cocktail throwing’” — Politico‘s media writer Dylan Byers.

Reporter loses way in Washington

“You haven’t lived until you’ve gotten lost in the tunnels under the House office buildings.” — The New York Observer media writer Hunter Walker in town for the Buzzfeed party with girlfriend Rosie Gray. “I was indeed lost between Longworth and Rayburn,” he told us. “Kept getting bad directions. Amazing how many people you meet down there who have no idea where they’re going.”

FWIW translation: Not much

“FWIW, if it had been up to me, I would have honored the memory of those killed in Munich during the opening ceremonies.” — HuffPost‘ media writer Jason Linkins to WCP Managing Editor Mike Madden in an obviously profound statement weeks after the Olympics began. Memo to Linkins: You’re clearly a serious V.I.P., but when would it ever be up to you?

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

“Waiting for Romney at 10 Downing street. #2012″ — Bloomberg political reporter Lisa Lehrer.

Standing up for American media

“Can’t believe Romney took questions from British press corps but not from my colleagues traveling overseas w/him. Bad form. Whether you love or hate us in the media, you should want your leaders to at least submit themselves to questions.” — NBC Political Director Chuck Todd.

Meow…Journo bores us with cat news

“Kitties are totally sleeping, Declan is snoring like crazy, and Tallulah is obviously dreaming about something she wants to murder and eat.” — HuffPost media writer Jason Linkins.

If you missed our midnight debut… of “Project Fishbowl” last night — our debut is on The Hill’s 50 Most Beautiful People List — see it here.

In response to The Hill‘s “50 Most Beautiful People” list, Vanity Fair‘s Juli Weiner wrote “The 50 Most Beautiful Sentences in The Hill’s Annual 50 Most Beautiful People List” in which she scoffs at the pub for “presumably” having “a full calendar year to report, write, and edit—and yet” … comes up with 50 sentences like these.

A note to Juli: As someone who put this list together for five years, your presumptions are shortsighted, bordering on ignorant. The list isn’t simple or easy to put together and I’d challenge anyone in Washington to have the patience and organization required to get the monstrosity done each year without shrieking at everyone in a half mile radius. For starters, it’s not a full calendar year. When I ran it, as is the case now, there are many other responsibilities to a job apart from this project and you don’t have a full year to get it done. I’d say six months, tops. To work on it longer would send a person into a Mariah Carey-like state of exhaustion. Sure, I’d search like a hawk all year long, but six months out we’d call for formal nominations. The nominations would come pouring in, the good, bad and the ugly. Then comes the convincing. This required several weeks to months of persuading bashful beauties to let us photograph them: “I’m so embarrassed. Who nominated me? Did my mother put you up to this? I’m so not beautiful. Did I mention I used to model?” Others had a bolder reaction: “Where do you want me?” The photographer works day in, day out. The whole thing becomes a serious full-time endeavor. Your other deadlines don’t cease. At best, briefs on the beauties (if you can convince your coworkers to help, many will and some will refuse) come down to the wire about two weeks before they’re due. At times, the ordeal — and yes, it is one no matter how ridiculous –  resulted in a final 48 hours of marathon editing. So, Juli, let’s see you put together a list like this. Who knows, maybe you could do it better. But really? My bet is on no. My favorite part of your project, by the way, is the contributor line at the end: Sarah Ball contributed copy-and-pasting from New York. We totally get it — having help with an arts ‘n crafts project is always appreciated.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Are you there Gin? It’s me, John

“No, bottle of Hendricks, I will NOT come play with you again.” — Roll Call‘s John Stanton.

It’s 3:34 a.m. Do you know where your reporter is?

“Jerk @DCPoliceDept officer — working the wreck I-395 near Cap Hill — told friend and me in cab ‘idiots’ like us cause these accident.” — The Daily Caller‘s Alex Pappas. Pappas, who is caucasian, followed up with a comment on the race of the officer. “The white @DCPoliceDept officer working the i-395 wreck is unfortunately the reason people don’t respect law enforcement here.”

Journo must work on Memorial Day

“Anyone else have to work on Memorial Day? #nothappy” — TWT‘s Emily Miller.

Journo enjoys surprise fiddle concert

“Am being treated to an impromptu fiddle concert on the patio at Red Rocks from the guy next door and it is fabulous.” — NJ‘s Alexandra Jaffe.

Tragedy and celebration in Warrenton

“WARRENTON, Va. (AP) – Virginia State Police say 1 pilot dead, another injured after crash involving 2 planes.” — HuffPost‘s Ethan Klapper tweeted this. In happier news, Warrenton was also the site of this weekend’s nuptials between NBC “MTP” Executive Producer Betsy Fischer and Politico Senior Reporter Jonathan Martin. Congratulations to Fischmart on their wedding. We hope all the wedding planning paid off.

Did Jason Linkins kiss Jake Tapper’s ass?

“@dceiver i have to say, strip away the fun snark, sounds like you liked the show! (Ssshh. I wont tell anyone)” — ABC’s Jake Tapper, who hosted “This Week” on Sunday, referencing HuffPost‘s Jason Linkins, who writes up the Sunday shows. After getting through as much of Linkins’ Sunday roundup as we could bear, yes, he does suck up to Tapper about how smart he is throughout. But he also inexplicably runs a tweet by Salon‘s extraordinary Alex Pareene twice. God knows why. We just hope Pareene still sports his porn star mustache.

Howard Fineman attends Brown mixer

“Great time last night with my wonderful @BrownUniversity alumna wife at Campus Dance. 1000s of alums on The Green: an open-air re-mixer.” — HuffPost‘s Howard Fineman. Is anyone as disturbed as us that Fineman attended an open-air school dance?

TV reporter claims victory, albeit a shady one

“Finally, first tennis victory of summer. ok… opponent doubled over with stomach cramps, but a ‘W’ is a ‘W’!” — ABC7′s Stephen Tschida. Congratulations Tschida! Cramps doesn’t detract from your win whatsoever.

TV reporter celebrates wedding anniversary

“10 years ago today, Maureen said ‘yes.’ We celebrated by going to the pool with Declan, Evelyn and Hugh, who are the result!” — CNBC’s Eamon Javers.

Touching moment amidst girls giggling at ‘bosom’

“Just passed Joyce Kilmer rest stop & read Trees to daughters. Touching reaction though they laughed to hear ‘bosom’ aloud.” — NPR’s Scott Simon.

Spotted: A relaxed Neda Semnani, of Roll Call‘s HOH, coming out of SweetGreen in Logan Circle on Memorial Day.

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

“I went once and I refused to ever go again.” — CNN’s Anderson Cooper commenting on the White House Correspondents’ Dinner this week. The crowds and chaotic nature of the event disturbed him most.

“Enjoying a bloom before getting ready for work.” — WaPo designer Tim Wong.

Roland razzes commentator for pathetic facial hair

“Seriously, S.E. Love ya dearly, but that thing on Will’s face ain’t a beard! It’s random strands of hair.” — CNN and Washington Watch host Roland Martin to S.E. Cupp regarding Will Cain, a contributor to CNN, The Blaze and NationalReview.com.

HuffPost reacts to FNC’s ‘The Five’

FNC’s “The Five” chatted about what they consider the obvious tension between Arianna Huffington and President Obama. They also take turns bashing HuffPost. For example, Gret Guftfeld said Arianna should give Obama the chance to work for her and not pay him.

“HuffPost DC watches The Five talking abt the Huffington Post #euphoria” — HuffPost‘s Sam Stein.

“‘The Five’ is attacking HuffPost right now. I’m crying.” – HuffPost‘s Amanda Terkel.

“As you might imagine, we are LOLing like crazy @ The Five right now.” — HuffPost media writer Jason Linkins.

Journo marvels at neighbor’s tight pants, ties

“Oh hipster man who lives across the street, your tight pants and bow ties never fail to amuse me.” — Greenwire‘s Jessica Estepa.

Reporter tries to coax frozen laptop

“#thatawkwardmomentwhen you find yourself audibly coaxing your laptop to unfreeze. Even my most honeyed pleas don’t work with this one.” — NJ‘s Alexandra Jaffe.

Priceless: Conservative reporter rags on Michelle Obama

“Cost of Ann Romney’s shirt to herself: $990. Cost of Michelle Obama’s Spain vacation to taxpayers: at least $467,585.” – NationalReviewOnline‘s Jim Geraghty. (Fab or Fug? Ann Romney would obviously make a fantastic FishbowlDC spokeswoman, but we have to call fug on that shirt.)

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

HuffPost media writer Jason Linkins eats the above ham on a biscuit in gravy over the weekend. Why we have to be subjected to this cream sauce vomit on a plate is anyone’s guess.

“Women are special. All women. Harriet Tubman. Eva Braun [Hitler's longtime companion pictured at right], Fergie. That serial killer Charlize Theron played in Monster. Mrs. Butterworth. ALL women. All. Equally. Special.” — Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert addresses the War on Women last night responding to Ann Romney‘s declaration that “women are special.”

Uh oh.

“Hours as a homeowner before suffering an injury requiring an ER trip: 4.” — Politico‘s Reid Epstein reported on Twitter late last night.We inquired what happened and he replied, “I’ll live. I’m sure inquiring minds can be kept busy with other matters.” (The next lawmaker Epstein interviews should offer that reply– “I’m sure inquiring minds can be kept busy with other matters.” We’re sure Politico editors will love that.)

Baier Vomit

A viewer to FNC’s Bret Baier: “You look tired…rightly so. Hope you’re feeling ok. Glad you’re back safely.” He replied, “Thanks – i guess Good to be back.” And this...”Sorry you didn’t like it-thnx for watching” – Baier in response to a viewer who wrote, “Bret Baier, poor taste-Disrespectful to a pres candidate. Women already see him wrong.”

Politico Dumbs Down its Hiring

Politico, a publication known for its tireless around-the-clock reporting, has just dumbed itself down with the new hire of TBD‘s Ryan Kearney, a reporter known for going slim on facts and using cardboard figures in video interviews. One question for VandeHarris: Are you going to allow this ex-TBDer to send weird rubber dolls and other bizarre tchotchkes to the private homes of journalists and readers around town? Clearly those in charge of him at TBD didn’t know or didn’t care to know how strange his s0-called reporting could get. Kearney writes on Twitter Monday, “I can’t quit you, Rosslyn: I’m back at 1100 Wilson, as Politico‘s deputy editor of breaking news.”

ABC7 reporter Stephen Tschida‘s new Twitter avatar

USA Today‘s Paul Singer preaching to the choir: “Pollen now deeper on my sidewalk than snow got this winter. Do I have to shovel?”

Two stories, multiple mentions of pit stains

“While one of those shirts appeared darker under the arms in his office last month, Falcone said he doesn’t sweat and didn’t when checking his TW Steel watch during January’s down-to-the- wire loan negotiations.” — Bloomberg‘s Katherine Burton in a story on Phil Falcone, the hedge-fund manager who invested $3 billion in a wireless broadband startup LightSquared Inc. and is facing possible bankruptcy and a censure by the SEC.  The Daily Beast‘s Eli Lake also mentioned his pit stains. In his story on Falcone, Lake wrote, “The only sign Falcone was feeling any pressure were the deep perspiration stains under his armpits, a condition that afflicts many men who are not in jeopardy of losing billions of their own and other people’s money.”

From the Dept. of Bragiculture

“Thank u!” RT @mrbirdman305: @NorahODonnell great job on this particular story tonight on the @cbsnews” — CBS News Chief White House Correspondent Norah O’Donnell. “Thx!” RT @Jacob_Long_WMBD: @NorahODonnell Solid coverage on the #Secret_Service scandal.”

Journo suffers cramps en route home

“Got an abdominal cramp walking home from the Metro the other day. #outofshape.” — Politico White House reporter Byron Tau.

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

It’s similar to the roundups a handful of other publications have.

Sunday School is a little like HuffPost‘s “Sunday Talking Heads” by Jason Linkins but without all the pomp and exclamation marks. And while Talking Heads is a single long form write up of about three of the shows, Sunday School is a several sentence summary of the shows on ABC, CBS, NBC, FNC and CNN broken up into separate posts. At the end of each summary is a link to full transcripts of the interviews with the guests.

The Hill‘s “Sunday Talk Shows” roundup is also separated into distinct posts but unlike Sunday School, the posts include videos.

Politico‘s “Sunday talk show tip sheet” does the opposite of the other roundups. It’s published on Fridays and functions as an alert to who the guests will be. The news bits are written up in different areas throughout the site shortly after they happen.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Journo love

“Alex Burns. Maggie Haberman. We love you both.” — MSNBC’s Alex Witt on Sunday afternoon to guests of the program Politico‘s Burns and Haberman.

Is Jason Linkins a 13-year-old with a drinking problem?

“Damn it! I promised myself that my ‘work bourbon’ would last until the New Hampshire primary was over.” — HuffPost‘s left-wing media reporter Jason Linkins spent the weekend trying to be Hunter S. Thompson and failing miserably. On Sunday morning he adds, “The winner of this debate is vodka.” Still later he says simply, “Drink” and links to a music video. 

Huntman’s Mandarin falls flat

“I was in the press room, actually, last night during that debate and the press kind of erupted into laughter at that so I’m not sure that moment went over very well.” — RealClearPolitics‘ Erin McPike on MSNBC Sunday afternoon in response to a question on Jon Huntsman‘s use of Mandarin in Saturday night’s debate.

Melinda tires of the ass kissing

“Is Chris Matthews thinking David Gregory will be his boss someday? Enough, already…” — WaPo‘s Melinda Henneberger.

HuffPost reporter gets shout-out from Eva Longoria

“Eva Longoria just retweeted me. I mean, that’s cool.” — HuffPost‘s Jennifer Bendery.

Bad form: Reporter RT’s himself

“RT @MikViq: Basically, Romney is saying that IF he could correct the SuperPAC ads he would, but since he hardly knows these people, he can’t.” — NBC’s Michael Viqueira. To be fair, Viqueira is not a serial self RTer. This is the first act of this nature that we’ve seen from him. But why do this ever?

JMart pricks Newt, Pinocchio and WaPo

“Love that Newt is still turning to washpost Pinnochios [sic] as pushback. Plays well in Laconia.” — Politico‘s Jonathan Martin.

Muffin metaphors

“Ever since Peggy Noonan called Newt Gingrich ‘an angry little attack muffin’ all I see is a screaming blueberry muffin when he talks…” — MSNBC Contributor and Daily Beast Columnist Meghan McCain.

WaPo‘s conservative issues blogger Jennifer Rubin assesses the weekend: “Loser: Diane Sawyer winner: people who can’t stand Huntsman.. he’ll be gone soon.”

Reality Show Confessional

“I miss Herman and Michelle.” — WaPo‘s Dana Milbank.

Ball puts debate moderator’s hair on notice

“John DiStaso wins Best Early-State Mullet category.” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball of the Union Leader reporter who helped moderate the NBC debate Sunday morning. And FNC “Redeye” host Greg Gutfeld suggests this: “After debate, David Gregory’s hair is having brunch with John Huntsman’s hair.”

Sick designer on the loose

“Throat hurts + fever + headache + congestion = me today #justshootme.” — Washington Business Journal Designer Timothy Wong. (This was Sunday; hopefully he’s on the mend today.)

Erick Erickson issues “apology” to ABC

“Dear ABC News, I was wrong. You set the bar for stupid so high in last night’s debate even NBC did better than you.” — RedState.com’s Editor-in-Chief and CNN Contributor Erick Erickson.

Headline on a story by CBS Political Director John Dickerson on Slate: My Baloney Has a First Name, It’s M-I-T-T

Weekend drive-thru

“Wendy’s drive-thru in Vienna, VA. Apparently, tonight, this is how I roll. #suburbanadventures #withajrbaconcheeseburger” — Capitol File Editor-in-Chief Kate Bennett.

Rules and more rules

“Just announced in press file ‘we have a little bit of security issue outside.’ Taking folks over to the spin room in groups of 10. Really?” — Reuters‘ Sam Youngman in New Hampshire.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Journo’s cat sets her alarm clock

“The cat stepped on my iPhone dock alarm clock last night and set it to go off at 7 a.m. Which it did. Which was wonderful. #gah” — WaPo Express‘s Sara Schwartz in a tweet that Politico‘s resident cat lover Patrick Gavin might appreciate. We’re sure Gavin’s cats don’t have tricks like that.

White House scribe details Michelle O’s attire down to thighs

“The top of the first lady’s dress was a bright orange racerback; from mid-torso to mid-thigh it has a green and white jungle-like print; the final piece that fell to the knee was a grayish pattern.” — Politico‘s Jennifer Epstein in a Sunday Pool Report from Hawaii.

Corn on Bachmann on God

“Short version of Bachmann campaign event: God, God, God, God, God, God.” — Mother Jones‘ Washington Bureau Chief David Corn.

Necessary Tweet of the Day

“Here’s to a new year in which cell phone and Twitter users learn the value of an unexpressed thought.” — AP Radio News’ Jon Belmont.

Reporter does what it takes

“This crazy Iowa wind blew the address I need out of hand & across the parking lot. I literally parkoured [sic] over a fence to get it. #nprlife” — NPR White House Correspondent Ari Shapiro.

Journo loses cologne to TSA

“Leaving my new Christmas gift (cologne) in SC because it was .2oz too much. Thanks TSA.” — FBDC’s and The Blaze‘s Eddie Scarry, who explained that the cologne, Cool Water by Davidoff, was a sentimental re-gift from his father.

Not surprisingly, Walsh criticizes an R

“Leslie Stahl admitted that interview was part of a Cantor push to soften and humanize his richly deserved awful image. Ick.” — Salon Editor-at-Large Joan Walsh of Sunday’s “60 Minutes” interview with House Maj. Leader Eric Cantor.

Ahh…the warmth of the holidays

“Nice to see the TSA in ATL not give a hard time to the 3 yo with the toy gun who refused to let it leave his hand.” — RedState.com Editor-in-Chief and CNN Contributor Erick Erickson.

Um, Happy New Year?

“Ooh. Time for another round of my favorite neighborhood game: Fireworks or Gunshot?” — Reason Magazine Associate Editor Peter Suderman.

Words to live by…“Don’t forget: Resolutions are for quitters.” — Capitol File Editor-in-Chief Kate Bennett.

Birth Week: Nibbles Knox, son of AFP‘s Olivier Knox. A note from Roll Call‘s Meredith Shiner: “Happy birthday to the famous Nibbles Knox! May this year be filled with all the legos your little heart ever could desire @OKnox” — (quote by and h/t to Shiner. h/t to Politico‘s Mike Allen for the phrase h/t.) HAPPY BIRTHDAY NIBBLES!

Things are getting weird in Iowa

“Local reporter, desperate for people to interview, asks Jeff Zeleny if he’s media or voter. #blending” — Slate‘s Dave Weigel on NYT‘s Zeleny.

“Lady sitting next to me at Atlantic, Iowa, diner, on being a campaign reporter: ‘I think that would be a terrible job.’” — Politico‘s Reid Epstein.

“Went to the lobby to get coffee. When the desk clerk saw my bed head I thought he might offer me medical treatment.” — CBS Political Director John Dickerson.

Funky Convo Between Two Journos

TPM‘s Evan McMorris-Santoro: “Happy Des Moines time new year to the crew @TPM, best support staff a road warrior’s ever had.” HuffPost‘s Elise Foley: “#puke.”

Travel writer starts new year on funereal note

“And…my first day of the year starts w a funeral. Sort of nice, though. #perspective.” — National Geographic Traveler Contributing Editor Carl Hoffman.

A given…“Sorry in advance for all the irresponsible things I’m going to do to 2012.” — HuffPost’s left-wing media reporter Jason Linkins.

Editor salutes his Beagle

“Smartest living being in the house today: Fred the Beagle, who laid his head on the remote during the Jets game and changed the channel.” — Digital First Media Editor-in-Chief and former TBD GM Jim Brady.

Just who is Ben Smith?

“@benpolitico Someone from buzzfeed’s at this Santorum event trying 2 explain who u r to Iowan lady of certain age. She seems mystified alas.” — The Hill‘s Niall Stanage.

ME ME ME ME ME

“@danielabrams: dan abrams” — Mediaite founder Dan Abrams. To which Weigel replied simply, “#fail.” (To Abrams we give Tigi’s Bed Head line of conditioner called Self Absorbed for his lux locks.)

Is he SERIOUS?

“Is it New Years Eve 2011 or New Years Eve 2012? I get confused every year.” — Cheoff Geoff Tracy, husband to CBS Chief White House Correspondent Norah O’Donnell.

Unnecessary Tweet of the Day

“If you’re tracking, tonight’s Santorum Sweater Vest Color is navy blue. Or black. On CNN live now.” — Digital Producer for CNN Erin Burnett‘s “Out Front” Mark Joyella.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Whether he’s getting his entire head eaten by actress Gabby Sidibe at a TIME/PEOPLE party at the St. Regis, or hunting down Washington D.C.’s Clark Rockefeller (the Bahamian Ambassador Nelson Lewis), Matt Dornic has been an unforgettable force at FishbowlDC for the past three years. Sadly, we say goodbye as he moves on to a new adventure at CNN. What some may not know is how adept Matt is at smoothing things over, whether it’s alleviating Ed Henry’s overreaction to me making fun of then-CNN staffers helping him into his blazer or dealing with HuffPost’s resident genius Jason Linkins telling us to die in a fire.  He also knows how to stir the pot – take his recent impromptu moment with Jack Abramoff on a couch at Daily Caller Editor-in-Chief Tucker Carlson’s home when he told the convicted felon that he was dating TWT’s Emily Miller. He explained how rough the past few years have been (Miller served as a witness against ex fiancé Michael Scanlon who was enveloped in the Abramoff scandal.) People often ask, what’s it like in the Fishbowl – do you two get along? We’ve spent many hours brainstorming features – some panned out, some did not. Au De Weigel perfume never made the cut but we spent days crying laughing as we came up with names for perfumes and aftershaves for various journalists around town, describing in excruciating detail what they’d smell like. That isn’t to say we don’t ever disagree — tension escalated during a recent war of words involving the Friday penis picture. In the end we came to a happy, framed conclusion. Dealing with Matt often means the unexpected – he’s sweating at Tammy Haddad’s famous brunch, he’s stuck in an elevator, he’s locked inside QGA, a life size George Bush cutout left leaning outside his door makes him scream like a schoolgirl, and a bird produces a shitstorm on his car. Matt – you will be missed. I speak for many FBDC friends and readers, we wish you well. Enjoy!

The infamous question you created that has tortured many a journalist in this town:  If you were a carbonated beverage, which would you be?

Ginger ale.  I’m generally sweet with a strong ginger spice flavor* (see: Jackie Kucinich).  A classic, natural beverage with European roots.  And I mix well with bourbon.

Who would you rather have dinner with – WaPo’s Ezra Klein, Michaele and Tareq Salahi or Nelson Lewis? Tell us why.

Nelson Lewis, without a doubt…especially if I could persuade Kate Michael and Ebong Eka to join us for a very special edition of the District Dish.  Why?  He’s the rarest and most exquisite creature Washington has ever produced.  It’s not every day you get a chance to dine with a congressman turned Rolling Stone writer turned Bahamian ambassador. That kid has lived.

What swear word do you use most often?

F*ck.  But I plan to tone that down for my new job.

You’re walking down a dark alley and you run into DCRTV Dave. What do you do? What do you say? And do you activate your mace?

I’d be relieved.  Dark alleys are dangerous, you know.  And despite his outward hatred for FishbowlDC I’m fairly certain he’s in love with us. So I’d probably ask to see his lower back, where I’ve heard he has my initials tattooed. And then I’d braid his beard.

When you pig out what do you eat?

Rarebit from Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown.  It’s essentially beer-doused Velveeta with white toast but the fancy name makes it okay.

Now for a really serious moment: What will you miss most and least about writing for FishbowlDC?

Fishbowl has served as my personal Prozac for almost three years.  Sure, there have been side effects but the daily dose of laughter and smiles gained through working with some truly incredible sources, co-editors and friends have made it worth the trouble.  And I’ll miss the hilarious and sometimes nonsensical email exchanges between Betsy and me. The anonymASS tipsters who cowardly use the tips box to trash FBDC’s writers will not be missed.

How did you come up with the ingenious phrase, “Sox News?” Any parting words for the glamour gals over in Sox News PR?

“I wish them well.”  They’ll know what I mean.

What is your absolute favorite item of clothing in your closet? We want the fabric, the brand, the store and the price if possible. If it’s a certain kind of underwear we don’t want to know about it.

A pair of brass-studded Fiorentini + Baker motorcycle boots I purchased at Barney’s for an obscene amount of money last year (see attached photo).  I rarely wear them because they make me feel a little “Adam Glambert” but I like the possibilities they represent….plus they keep all my driving loafers in check.

Pick one: Kim, Khloe, or Kourtney?

Despite her Chewbacca-like physique, Khloe is my favorite Kartrashian.  Sense of humor trumps appearance every time.

Have you ever had a tarot card reading?

Yes, the same night Kiki Ryan, Christine Delargy and I ordered a pizza to Martin’s Tavern (the kitchen was closed…).

Favorite item in the TIME/People WHCA Dinner gift bag:

The Bosch Tassimo coffee maker.  I use it every day. But I thought the bizarre baby-teething necklace was a solid addition this year.

On a serious note for a moment, what is your favorite Wendy Gordon photograph?

I studied French in high school and college so I’m a sucker for Wendy’s french maid/baguette photo.  C’est magnifique!

What scares you?

Pleated pants, the dark and pleated pants in the dark.

When and why did you last lose your temper?

The last time (and every time) I was in a cab.

Do you have a me-wall? If so, who’s on it?

No, I don’t really like pictures of “me” so I usually contribute to friends and family members’ me-walls by snapping the photos.

Tell us a secret not many people know about you.

Because I received so many questions after you outed me about Dawson’s, I’ll admit that I used to have acting aspirations.  Throughout college I worked on a number of film and television productions as a day player, extra, and actor – Dawson’s Creek, Summer Catch, Stateside, A Walk to Remember, and Black Knight to name a few.  And I did a national “back to school” ad campaign for American Eagle Outfitters.  It’s funny now but it sure beat slinging lattes at Starbucks. 

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Okay, here’s what HuffPost “Eat the Press” Editor  Jason Linkins really wrote in his OMG-infested “Sunday TV SoundOff,” but we think our version is less irritating than his and that isn’t saying much, if anything. The gist is, we’re going to be absolutely listless and lost without Linkins for what appears to be three non-consecutive Sundays. Here’s to hoping we survive the grief.

Hey, everyone, here’s some bad news — unless of course, you hate this liveblog, in which case, hooray, good news! We are entering a brief period of livebloglessness. Next week, I shall be away on Sunday, traveling to scenic New Jersey for the holiday weekend. The week after that, we will be back, with the regularly scheduled liveblog. But the week after that, I will be away for two Sundays while I am in the United Kingdom, doing Britishy things. And I understand it is a tradition there to never watch Meet The Press. Which is genius. Then I’ll probably be back, probably until I die! So, that’s the situation, hope everyone can deal. In the meantime, here’s today’s thingamajig. As always, email comment twitter tra la!

Jason, we’re giving you this Valley Girl fashion jelly skirt by Marc Jacobs for your trips. Enjoy.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.