“The convenience of the location played a big part,” Chief Operating Officer Sloan Eddleston told FishbowlDC. The office, which sits over the International Spy Museum, features a newsroom with some 30 computers, a library for reporters seeking a quiet respite and a spacious roof deck with a view of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery (another selling point).

Eddleston said the space was renovated before the TNR crew could move in and that changes to the office were paid for by the owners of the building. He said TNR has signed a multi-year lease, but declined to say how many years.

Notably, most of the computers in the office are desktop PCs with only two or three Macs. Asked if any of the staffers gripe over who uses which computer, TNR Editor-in-Chief Franklin Foer said no. Actually, most of the computers go unused. “I think you find that most people have laptops,” Foer said, “and they’re working off Macs.”

Foer said it’s “very sweet to be in a place that is our home and will be our home for a long time.” Previously, TNR was taking up shelter in an office sublet by the American Grain Council.

The party featured two fully-stocked open bars and another bar where attendees could sample different liquors. WaPo‘s media reporter Erik Wemple was spotted taking a shot of something dark before heading out onto the deck. Catering included copious amounts of humus and cheese, veggie spreads and an assortment of chips.

Throughout the early evening, Chris Hughes, publisher of TNR, was seen… continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Convo Between Two Journos

This morning’s conversation is between Salon’s Glenn Greenwald and The Guardian’s Jim Newell.

Greenwald: “As this CNN panel discusses ethical issues of Hillary’s huge speech fees, anchor changes topic to… Michelle’s bangs.”

Newell:  “I will dress up like Hillary Clinton and give speeches for a ramen cup, if anyone’s interested.”

Greenwald: “There may be a market for that.”

Judgmental Journo

“The Gawker is an amusing little gossip smut site. But I can’t say I’ve ever read a single item with any real social value on The Gawker.” — Politico‘s Ben White.

Happy Belated Birthday Stanton! 

“It’s @dcbigjohn‘s birthday. Be afraid, whiskey.” — NPR freelancer Lizzie O’Leary on BuzzFeed Washington Bureau Chief John Stanton, who, as it so happens, was dabbling in whiskey last night: “Back in the old District of Chaos. To the whiskey cave!” And this: “Thanks for all the birthday wishes folks. If you’re a bottle of Jameson in the DMV urrea, get your affairs in order cause I’m comin’ for ya.”

Life at HuffPost gets barfy

“Ten wings, 1 minute 43 seconds. New personal record!!!” — HuffPost‘s Amanda Terkel. Followed by this: “Ew. Sam Stein just barfed.” And then this: “For the record, I love wings. But I did not eat that many. That tweet was not from me.”

Unnecessary Tweet of the Day

“The cat is unusually happy that I am home, even for a cat who is always happy when I come home.” — Erik Loomis, a blogger at Lawyers, Guns and Money.

Anonymous Tipster to FishbowlDC: “Mike Allen mentioned Judy Kurtz twice in Playbook today for her birthday. Once as The Hill’s Judy Altscher (??) and once as Judy Kurtz.” Read here.

Politico Playbook Publish Time: 4:32 a.m.

Anonymous Tipster to FishbowlDC: “Honestly, FUCK MIKE ALLEN! What an asshole! Politico is regarded by EVERYONE in D.C.’s media as the most obnoxious, self-promoting, shameless outlet there is — BY FAR. For Mike Allen to go to such extended lengths to hit the NYT with a supposed ethics lesson in Playbook is just ENRAGING!” (To put in proper context, on Saturday, Allen called the NYT and specifically Jonathan Weisman on the carpet for printing a “carbon copy” of a story on its front page after Politico ran theirs on Thursday. For this, Allen gave NYT the “No Shame Award.” But he didn’t stop there. He went on to give the NYT the “Playbook Facts of Life” in which he said, “You can’t try to pass something off as new, when the people who care the most about the topic have read the same thing 24 hours earlier. You’re The New York Times: Be confident! Acknowledge the conversation around a topic you’re imbuing with your unique authority. A clever way to needle Cruz, and give readers a priceless insight into the Washington ecosystem, would have been to say ‘emailed in a statement that was identical to one he provided to Politico.”" Weisman didn’t take Allen’s lecture lightly. He wrote on Twitter, “Utterly absurd. Story was in the works for weeks. You pull the trigger when you think it’s ripe. Public story.”)

Eddie Scarry contributed to this report.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

From the Dept. of Bragiculture…

“WE BEAT GAWKER BY 25 MIN ON BANGS STORY!” — WaPo‘s Reliable Source on finally getting a story within spitting distance of another gossip outlet. The item concerned first lady Michelle Obama’s new hairstyle, which involves bangs.

The Media Observer

“Favorite line from inaug committee warning abt Metro: ‘You will have to stand in close proximity to several thousand people’” — NYT‘s Washington Deputy Bureau Chief Carl Hulse.

Editor wants Christian Mingle to leave him alone

“Dear Christian Mingle, stop sending me emails.” — Eboné Bell, Managing Editor of Tagg magazine, Hip Hop Cardio Instructor, & Founder of Capital Queer Prom.

Oprah’s masterful interview skills

“Oprah rules. She is REALLY good at this. Just a master interviewer.” — WaPo‘s Chris Cillizza. Also: “Lance is the least sympathetic apologizer possible. I feel ZERO empathy with him.”

“Oprah is a hell of a good interviewer.”– CNN’s Jeffrey Toobin.

“This is as much am exercise in journalism as confession. The packages Oprahs guys are dropping in help people who are new to the story.” — NYT‘s David Carr.

“I’m not feeling Lance but I’m loving Oprah. She is a first class interviewer.” — Washingtonian Publisher Cathy Merrill Williams.

“I love Oprahshe just goes straight in! #BOOM” — Essence and theGrio columnist Sophia Nelson.

The Best of… on Oprah & Lance

“Oprah tells crowd to look under their chairs where they discover rotten vegetables to throw at Lance. That interview I would watch.” — Reuters‘ Sam Youngman.

“Every asshole should get to do an interview with Oprah.” — New York Daily News‘ Josh Greenman.

“Mike Wallace would have filleted Lance Armstrong like a fish.” — Politico‘s Roger Simon.

(Fake Oprah Question): “Did you ever have sex with a dead wizard’s body for magical powers?” “Yes” — The Guardian and Salon freelancer Jim Newell during the “yes or no” only portion of the interview.

“For the judging media, remember the ‘culture’ that allows for enhancements that help your job (whisky, Adderoll, whisky).” — FNC’s Greg Gutfeld.

“I read his book, I supported LiveStrong- so awful to watch him tonight – he seems mostly sorry he got caught!” — NBC4′s  Doreen Gentzler.

“So Lance’s drug use was real and Manti’s gf was fake. Got it.” — USA Today’s Jackie Kucinich.

“I feel like this is a public therapy session.” — CNN AC360′s Devna Shuka.

“If I’ve learned anything from this Lance Armstrong interview, it’s he’s a high school girl. Stab you in the back without breaking a sweat.” — Social Media Editor for NBC Washington Cheryl Thompson.

“If Lance Armstrong cared about ratings, he would have done interview on 60 Min. Not a cable network nobody watches.” — Alex Conant, U.S. GOP Sen. Marco Rubio‘s press secretary.

“You did not just make a fat joke to Oprah.” — Lizzie O’Leary, whose Twitter bio says simply, “apsiring Hildy Johnson.”

“When does Oprah roll out the wagon of fat?” — ClearChannel‘s Colby Hall. Also: “First clue that I am not on one of my regular viewing channels: seeing ads referencing transvaginal mesh.”

“Fun continuity game: watch water levels in Lance & Oprah water glasses for edit jumping. Straws are an odd touch, too.” — Politico‘s Steve Friess.

Daily Caller reporter takes nasty swipe at CNN’s Piers Morgan...

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Startling Monday headline

“Woman killed by Orange Line train” — story by the Washington Examiner‘s transportation reporter  Kytja Weir.  Read here. Weir reported that a woman jumped in front of an Orange Line train at 11:29 a.m. Monday at the Ballston Metro stop and died.

Speaking of orange…GOP Consultant Roger Stone had a few choice words for CNN’s Roland Martin for rooting for Texas AM aggies: “Roland Martin Dumbfuck–your avi photos shows you wearing ORANGE.”

NYT‘s Leibovich’s book release on the horizon

“Leibo book on DC, This Town, is avail for pre-order (ships 4/23)” — GOP Conulstant Matt Mackowiack. Purchase NYT‘s Mark Leibovich‘s much anticipated Washington culture book here. The book can also be purchased at Amazon for $17.71 for the hardcover or the kindle version for $14.99.  At the Barnes & Noble website, the book also costs $17.71, marked down $from $27.95. At Penguin.com, the hardcover costs $27.95.

Important Q to Ponder: “Is Downtown Abbey the thing with Honey Boo Boo?” — Reuters‘ Sam Youngman. And this: “How I feel about Twitter during Downton Abbey = how my non-sports fan friends must feel about Twitter during playoffs.” — Politico‘s Juana Summers.

Anonymous wisdom to FishbowlDC: “Come on, Twitter fights with [Breitbart.com's] Matthew Boyle are like drunkenly walking into a light pole, and then getting pissed off at it for being in your way. Totally fun, but do you really want to give the light pole any relevance?”

Convo Between Two Journos

This morning’s conversation is between The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball and The Atlantic Associate Editor covering business and politics Matt O’Brien.

Molly Ball: “The American people are a bunch of lily-livered wusses who can’t handle a little bit of legislative hardball.” She links to this story on GallupPolitics which says that 77 percent of Americans believe that Washington politics is harmful to the U.S.

Matt O’Brien: “That’s underplaying how destructive it is to hold the debt ceiling hostage.”

Molly Ball: “Aww, so worried about your pwecious widdle economy. Adorable.”

A beloved journalist dies and an insult for TIME‘s Mark Halperin unfolds… continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

DISTURBING: “Holloween 2012 — I’m a tiger in bed,” — HBO’s Bill Maher. We have to say, former Rep. David Wu (D-OutofHisMind) plays a better tiger.

NOT TOO FAR OFF: “I went as Carmen Miranda for night three of Halloween” — InTheseTimes.com labor journo Mike Elk. Miranda was a Portuguese Samba singer and Broadway actress who was popular in the 40s and 50s.

Comedian Lizz Winstead: “I was gonna shove my head up my own ass and go as an undecided voter but I couldn’t find the right shirt.”

Lady goes bananas for Halloween

“Lady just handed out bananas to trick or treaters – wrong on so many many levels.” — Politico‘s Glenn Thrush.

Editor finds wife’s anger at Gov. Christie sexy

“Wife’s so mad at Christie it’s coming out in Spanish. Which I must say is kinda sexy.” — Breitbart.com‘s John Nolte.

Speaking of sexy…

“A lot of hot dads in the neighborhood. #justsaying” — Conservative writer Lisa De Pasquale.

Bret Baier gets compliment on weight

Hollifina writes, “You look like a different person. How did you lose weight? Does Ur family live in Manhattan?” Baier replied, “Wash dc.” What, no thank you to Hollifina?

Journo blasé about TV hit

“On MSNBC 10ish, going blah blah blah.” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball.

Journo shaken by neighborhood crime

“So there was a shooting a block from my apartment…circling helicopter, searchlight ablaze, means they haven’t caught the guy, yes?” — The Hill‘s Alexandra Jaffe.

Irritated blogger

“As a new insomniac, I love breaking glasses in the middle of the dark night. On my foot. Curse you, sloppy boys.” — Lisa Rowan, a vintage blogger who writes quarterlife202.com.

Meghan McCain reveals what she was going to be for Halloween and more questions about that Daily Caller hooker video…

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

You could tell Newell was getting restless when he wrote, “I guess the dearth of DC storm tweeters means nothing too bad is happening! (In Columbia Heights at least or wherever you fuckers live).”

Around 10:30 p.m. when Byers announced that he was contemplating heading out, Newell jumped at the chance to hang out with such a cool cat. Byers: “Alright, folks, venturing out for a Capitol Hill #Sandy report. Pictures TK. Can’t promise anything like New York.” Newell: “Are you going to the actual Hill or just around the neighborhood?” he asked. “I kind of want to go out and see too.”

Byers soon wound up at Tunnicliff’s Tavern. UPDATE and CORRECTION: Around 2:30 p.m. we heard back from Newell, who said he never made it out last night. Why did he take so damn long getting back to us? “Sorry, I was sleeping,” he replied. (We have changed the copy to reflect that Newell never made it to the bar.)

But not without sound advice from The Guardian‘s Richard Adams… continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

“Any jackass can talk about bombing Iran.” — MSNBC’s Chris Matthews, post debate late night.

“I think we all love teachers.” — CBS “Face the Nation” host and presidential debate moderator Bob Schieffer. This is how he firmly ended one of the segments as Mitt Romney gushed about teachers.

Important Question to Ponder: “What do I get @twitter for our 4th anniversary together?” — WaPo‘s Ed O’Keefe. Answer: A divorce. (Just kiddng with you, Ed.)

Journo’s heart warmed by Fresh Prince

“Will Smith was a groomsman in Alfonso Ribiero (aka Carlton Banks) wedding. That warms my heart #freshprince.” — ABC News’s Karen Travers.

The Relationship Expert

“Romney and Obama really don’t like each other. Reminds me of the very worse episode of Love Connection.” — “Love Connection” game show host Chuck Woolery.

Blogger declares journos’ “shallow”

“Is it too much for reporters who don’t cover and don’t have any knowledge of for policy to refrain from grading a for pol debate? #shallow” — WaPo‘s “Right Turn” blogger Jennifer Rubin.

Mom to the rescue

“My mom fact-checks that Air Force Academy basic cadets trained with bayonets this summer. Source: My sister goes there.” — Politico defense reporter Leigh Munsil.

“1st debate my mother texted she was upset Obama lost. 2nd debate texted she was happy. Now, no text. My focus group says, Viewership down?” — WaPo‘s Tim Craig.

Huh?!

“Last Nicki Minaj quote tweet was meant as a text to a friend. Sorry, at least I didn’t pull a chick from the newsroom and tweet racy pic.” — MSNBC Contributor and Daily Beast Columnist Megan McCain.

Righty writer makes fun of Specter (too soon?)

Q: “Why is the weather so wonderful today?” A: “Oh, that’s right. Arlen Specter is still dead.” — the always classy conservative writer and former TWTer Robert Stacy McCain. Former Sen. Arlen Specter died last week after a lengthy bout of cancer.

See the best in Debate Observations…and find out which D.C. insider is hanging out with Cinderella.

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Ingraham handles “stupid b-i-t-c-h” remark

When a follower asked conservative radio host Laura Ingraham over the weekend, “Are you not a stupid biatch,” she replied, “Very confused–thought it was ‘biotch.’” Actually in the Urban Dictionary it’s “beyotch” and “biatch” or “biotch.” Biatch is a gangster version of the word while biotch is a woman of “unsavory character traits,” or, as they so warmly put it, “a pain in the ass” or a “moody bitch.”

Cabbie tells female journo to “shut up”

“Cab driver asks me where I’m going. I tell him it’s illegal to do that. He tells me to ‘shut up.’ Nice, DC cabs.” — HuffPost’s Amanda Terkel.

CNN Correspondent Mugged

“UNREAL. I was just robbed in midtown Atlanta. Guy walked past me and ripped my wallet right out of my hands.” — CNN Correspondent Brooke Baldwin.

Bob Dole, Viagra, Women in Airports

“Bob Dole says any second thoughts about Viagra ads put to rest by women thanking him in airports.” — WSJ‘s Andrew Grossman, who splits his time between New York and Washington. Ryan Teague Beckwith chimed in, saying, “Two ways to read that.”

Journo says fuck it, run the car chase!

“I am pro- post the clip. Fuck it, people want to see it.” — The Guardian and Salon‘s Jim Newell on the car chase Fox News accidentally aired Friday in which the gunman committed suicide.

Travel Bitches

“Boarded flight to Houston on time. Cut it close because of my own screwup (went to wrong airline/terminal), but still got a sandwich.” — the always traveling Steve Buttry, community engagement director at Journal Register Company and Digital First.

Whoa! Dayspring praises D.C. reporter

“Finally had a chance to meet the lovely @feliciasonmez, doing an MSNBC hit together this morning,” remarked The Hill‘s White House Correspondent Amie Parnes about WaPo‘s Felicia Sonmez. To which Brad Dayspring replied, “Kindest journo in D.C.!”

Bret Baier has lost weight? 

“Have you lost weight? Or is it just the haircut? You look different w/ Harris Faulkner on Fox Report,” a follower wrote FNC’s Bret Baier. He replied, “I have.”

Reporter counts down hours until she pays her rent

“ONLY A FEW HOURS LEFT until its October and I have to pay rent.” — Politico‘s Kate Nocera.

NPR’s Carvin finishing up his book

“After 18 months of writing I now have a completed manuscript for my book, three days early. Now the hard part: editing. #acarvinbook” — NPR’s Andy Carvin.

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Journo hangs loose

“I am now going to eat a comfort Toblerone and unbutton my pants on the couch. Or, as I call it, ‘debate prep.’” — Mother Jones Engagement Editor  and security reporter Adam Weinstein.

Uh oh.

“Apparently, my neighbor mistakenly ripped out my phone line when doing renovations.” — DoubleThinkOnline writer J.P. Freire.

Harrowing feat! Editor buys new sneakers

“So, @stevebuttry can face industry upheaval, find new jobs as old ones fold under him, but buying new sneakers? That stresses him out.” — Mimi Johnson, wife of Steve Buttry, former TBDer and Digital Transformation Editor at Journal Register Co. Buttry reasoned, “The new ones take weeks to mold to my feet.” We sure hope he didn’t buy this bad boys from Christian Louboutin.

VERY Important Question to Ponder: “Is nondairy creamer the worst product made in the world?” — The Guardian and Salon‘s Jim Newell.

The Observer

“I’m curiously bemused when I see “PR friendly” bloggers kvetching about being inundated with press releases and emails.” — NBC Washington cameraman Jim Long.

A few things on Washingtonian‘s mind…

• “Good news if you are or know a teenager: Researchers have discovered a virus that attacks the formation of zits”

• “For sore muscles, Icy Hot isn’t the only option. 4 natural pain-relieving creams to try…”

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.

CRAPPY CAR SIGHTING: “Sen. Richard Burr’s (R-N.C.) car is a sight to behold (it’s called ‘The Thing’)” — WaPo’s Aaron Blake. The senator explained, “It’ll take more than a fire to stop the Thing. Back on the rd. Alive, well, running like a dream.”

Creepy stalker fanboy says hi to Molly Ringwald

“@secupp PLEASE tell Molly Ringwald I said ‘hi’ #NotACreepyStalkerFanBoyOrAnythingLikeThat” — Conservative blogger and former TWTer Robert Stacy McCain. Ringwald appeared on MSNBC’s The Cycle Thursday.

Breitbart.com editor turns Ben Smith into a verb

“MY LATEST –> Hilariously bad journalism here –> #BenSmithing Paul Ryan: BuzzFeed Story Undermines Its Own Headline.” — Breitbart.com editor John Nolte on arch enemy BuzzFeed Political Editor Ben Smith. The story is here.  What flattery! Who doesn’t want to be turned into a verb?

The Defender

“Sorry to see conservatives piling on @JanCBS. I’m a big fan of hers.” — RedState Editor and CNN Contributor Erick Erickson in reference to Jan Crawford.

Journo to attend little sis’ wedding

“The blushing bride is running about two hours late to pick me up at the airport. I’m not saying a word.#dangerzone.” — Reuters‘ Sam Youngman upon arrival in Kentucky, where wifi connection will be sparse. The voyage there was potentially iffy. “When people pronounce Louisville correctly (Lulvull), I assume they’re either locals or drunk. Hope my pilot was a native.”

Speaking of weddings…

“I’ll start typing political nonsense again next week… For now I am focusing on not fucking up my best friend’s wedding.” — The Guardian and Salon‘s journo vagabond Jim Newell. What could possibly go wrong?

It’s not you, it’s me.

“If I could generalize about the stuff that’s said and written about him, it’s that it’s usually much more of a reflection of the person who’s doing the writing than it is about him. So it’s possible John Heilemann doesn’t like people. That’s possible. It’s weird.” — Vanity Fair Contributor Michael Lewis on his profile of President Obama to Bloomberg.

OMG: Springsteen Bound!

“Before the ‘OMG I’m a cool kid bc I am at Springsteen’ tweets start tnight, let it be known I liked him when it wasn’t cool back in Texas.” — Roll Call‘s Abby Livingston.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

I knew it was a different kind of party when one of the first guests I ran into was this iguana, named Liz. Liz was awfully subdued, so she was either asleep or high. Guests were allowed to touch her, but not hold her. One party-goer was kindly asked not to touch the claws on her feet because “they are very sharp” and it could end badly. The space featured several interactive science exhibits and tanks of fish, jellyfish and other sea life.

Liz was joined by Herbie, this turtle with a camera strapped to his back. While this might have been an elaborate plan to shoot up the ladies’ skirts, it was too dark in the venue to see much of anything. Milling in the crowd were Politico’s Dylan Byers, Juana Summers and Maggie Haberman; Rebecca Schoenkopf and Jim Newell from Wonkette; CNN’s Erin Burnett; White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer, Neera Tanden, President of Center for American Progress; Michael Shure of Current TV; ABC’s Jonathan Karl; among SEVERAL others. BuzzFeed’s own talent was there in full force. Editor-in-chief Ben Smith politely chatted up the army of partygoers while Washington Bureau Chief John Stanton stood next to a stuffed grizzly bear that looked a little too familiar.

The party had several accessible bars and served up a fruit and cheese buffet while servers paraded such goodies as fried mac n cheese and lollipops. For those of you wondering, it’s hard to get a salad in this part of America.

See more pictures…. continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

The morning started as I was greeting by this sweaty, shouty member of the God Delegation. He was strolling the streets with a LOUD microphone asking that we repent and ask forgiveness from Jesus Christ. (Full disclosure: I didn’t)

Right behind Jesus Screamer was Herman Cain this Black Cowboy. Everyone seemed to want to take pictures with him. Take a good look at that picture, because it’s the last one I took before rain began to spray over the entire city.

After dodging waterfall all day long, I managed to find myself at the “super secret” Wonkette Party. To call it a party would be generous. It was a gathering of about 10 people in a house where Team Wonkette is staying for the week of the convention. Hostess Rebecca Schoenkopf (a.k.a. Ripped Rebecca) was joined by Jim Newell, Liz Gorman and Liz Glover, for a bounty of fried chicken and keg beer. While convention speeches aired in the background, there was plenty of snark flying around the room. I can confirm that Schoenkopf was NOT ripping drunk when I met her. When word got out that I was a writer for FBDC, I was exposed to a few big boy words. After calling our coverage of her drunken escapade at the Politico party in Tampa “fucked up,” Schoenkopf marveled at her own thin-skinned reaction to our story. I sulked away into the rainy night, hoping against hope that Roaring Rebecca will get ripped at Charlotte’s Politico Hub tonight.

After that, it was Politico Live! time. I moved over to the Politico Hub on Church St. to watch more speeches, drink more free hooch and try to break into shots with the Shermanator (i.e. reporter Jake Sherman). We arrived in time to see Mike Allen ambling through the crowd and getting a soda from the fancy, newfangled soda machines.

Overall, it was a well-stocked, fancy affair, but it was FAR more subdued than I expected from the Behemoth of the Beltway that is Politico. With the exception of this scene, which features a scantily-clad party-goer taking hors d’oeuvres from a server wearing sunglasses. INSIDE. At 10pm.

After that, I stumbled out into the torrential downpour to find more trouble in Fishbowl Charlotte. Stay tuned…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Ripped Rebecca

Festivities kick off at 6 p.m. Those who want the secret address should email: wonketteparty@gmail.com. Although we know the address, we have agreed not to print it in the spirit of secrecy. The party will be a joint Bikram Yoga Capitol Hill/Glover Group Media/Wonkette party. Some of the partygoers who will be attending: “Elizabeth Glover and her dog, Storm, Wonkette’s Jim Newell, Riley Waggaman, Liz Gorman and Vice‘s Aaron Lake Smith and a bunch of other fun people.”

We wish Rebecca a lovely, safe evening. And please whatever else you do, tweet, write and take as many grainy cell phone pictures as possible.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

“The AIR CONDITIONED porta-potty at the CNN Grill #rnc2012” -- BuzzFeed‘s John Stanton. Really, double sinks?

If fat jokes offend you, don’t read this.

“Oh my god you guys, the FATTEST PERSON WE HAVE EVER SEEN just walked onto the stage. Ha ha ha! 10:36 — Did you see him walk on stage? Waddle waddle waddle, whee! 10:38 — Chris Christie’s parents were the poorest people who have ever lived. Mom took 64 buses to work, and made no money, ever… 10:40 — When is he going to smash an ice cream cone in some joe’s face on the boardwalk? 10:41 — Liquified ham sandwiches are being sent up his butt via a reverse-enema, every three seconds. This could backfire quite literally!” — Jim Newell for Wonkette. See the full live blog for evening.

Other Christie commentary…

“People are talking about Christie not mentioning Romney like it was an oversight. Pretty sure these speeches are written in advance.” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball.

“SPOTTED: @DanaBashCNN on the massive screen onstage beside Chris Christie.” — ABC’s Jonathan Karl. We’re pretty sure this isn’t a fat joke.

“Hoping that by speech’s end, Christie will have taken off his suit coat, dress shirt and tie, revealing only a sauced stained wife beater.” — Clear Channel’s Colby Hall, who can’t resist.

“I would say I love this speech, but I guess I just respect it.” — Reasons‘ Peter Suderman mocking Christie for saying he prefers respect to love.

The Complainers: “Whatever is being projected on the screen behind Gov. Chris Christie is vertigo-inducing.” — Marketplace’s David Gura. And Ezzy on acid: “Feel like the blue mist swirling behind Chris Christie is about to coalesce into a Genie.” — WaPo‘s Ezra Klein.

Reporters drool over N.C. Gov. Nikki Haley

“Ooo. I like Nikki Haley’s necklace a lot.” — HuffPost‘s Amanda Terkel. Terkel also gushes, “Nikki Haley’s suit is fantastic too.” And our own Eddie Scarry has an unusual “How Can I Make This About Me” moment last night, writing, “I remember seeing Gov. Nikki Haley come speak to auditorium at my school when she was a candidate. Maybe 15 people showed up.”

As compassionate as it gets.

“Reasons NOT to stay at the office during evening newscasts. The cleaning crew vacuums without any clue that they’re disrupting work.” — the ever compassionate conservative Tim Graham of Media Research Center last night at 7:19 p.m. Graham occasionally tweets (or toots) about passing gas.

Meanwhile, journos, others melt for Ann Romney.

“Only flaw of this speech: We may have nominated the wrong Romney.” — National Review‘s Jim Geraghty.

“Wow, Ann is looking gorgeous.” — Heritage Foundry writer Lachlan Markay.

“Honestly, Ann Romney looks stunning.” — Eddie Scarry. (Eddie, are you okay?)

“Now some ground rules ya’ll this is a nice lady, and she has MS. No mean jokes or Ima have to wreck you on Twitter.” — Sophia Nelson, a columnist who writes for USA Today, Essence and theGrio.com.

“There’s something sort of Hollywood about Ann Romney.” — LAT‘s David Horsey.

“Democrats are watching Ann Romney and slowly dying inside. Heh heh heh.” — Breitbart.com editor John Nolte.

“I find it very refreshing to hear from a prez candidate’s wife who isn’t badmouthing her hubby publicly all the time.” — Conservative author Michelle Malkin.

“Ann Romney tonight: gracious, intelligent, kind, firm, truthful, incisive. A home run. Juan Williams — what an embarrassment for FOX.” — Americans for Prosperity Prez Tim Phillips.

“Ann Romney will play huge. Ameica [sic] loves her.” — Conservative radio host Laura Ingraham, who meant to write “America.”

“Ann Romney delivers the best speech of the night so far.” — WaPo‘s Jonathan Capehart.

The Anti-Ann Dissenters

“Am I the only one who thinks Ann Romney is a little too cheerful talking about all these sad people?” — HuffPost‘s Christina Wilkie.

“Dude this speech by Ann Romney is kinda creepy…” — InTheseTimes.com Labor journo Mike Elk.

“Ann Romney is so polished that I am actually afraid of her.” — Colby Hall.

“Nancy Reagan red. What a fashion shocker.” — Baron‘s James McTague.

“I believe Ann Romney’s outfit is Sudafed red.” — HuffPost‘s Elise Foley.

And another thing, boogers?

“This host is arguably the least funny human I’ve met. He’s telling booger jokes. BOOGER JOKES.” — BuzzFeed Washington Bureau Chief John Stanton on a comedy show at the GOP National Convention. Stanton also observed National Journal‘s funnyman Matt Cooper doing standup: “Matt Cooper now telling Chris Christie jokes. Cause they’re both fat. And no I’m not joking.”

Journo endures snoring neighbor

“Dispatch from Clearwater: I am awake at this hour because I can actually hear the snoring from the room next door to me. #paperthinwalls” — TPM‘s Erin McPike at 3:16 a.m.

Meanwhile, another scribe is knee deep in chicken fingers

“Admire reporters who are on trail full-time & don’t keel over. 2 days in, I’m a pile of chicken finger baskets & Coke cans.” — HotAir’s Mary Katharine Ham.

File this under life’s little F.U.’s

“I should have more followers than Luke Russert.” — Comedian Joe Mande. The tally: Mande has 43, 489; Russert clobbers him at 105,988.

Peter Ogburn and Eddie Scarry Contributed to this report.

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