Quotes of the Day

“Every time I see Chris Christie I’m looking for signs that he’s actually lost some weight.” — WaPo‘s Nia Malika Henderson on MSNBC’s “The Daily Rundown” this morning. She explained it gives her a clue as to whether Christie can and will run for Prez in 2016.

AN APPLE A DAY…“Breakfast.” — MetroWeekly Editor-in-Chief Randy Shulman.

The threesome: BuzzFeed, YouTube and CNN

“There can only be one name for a site created by BuzzFeed, YouTube and CNN – and it’s ‘DungBeetle’. — David Burge, Iowahawkblog.

NYPost Weiner Headline: “Weiner Stands Tall” And the dick jokes continue…The lede on an opinion piece by Nicole Gelinas: “Want an idea of how limp the Democratic mayoral field is? It finally has a candidate offering specifics on how New York can avoid going bankrupt. But it’s Anthony Weiner, the guy with nothing left to hide and nothing to lose.”

A stewardess’s polite warning about death

“When flying in, before landing, stewardess gets on intercom, sort of randomly, to remind passengers drug trafficking is punishable by death.” — WaPo’s Tim Craig.

INTO THE WILD: “Going on @bpshow this AM with @peterogburn from 8-9. Been in the woods all wknd so I’ll try to keep up.” — Yahoo! News‘ Chris Moody.

Politico Playbook Publish Time: 5:19 a.m.

Ponytale hell

“Someone should name the massive headache one gets from having a lot of hair and wearing it in a ponytail.” — Ellen Carmichael, GOP operative and former presidential campaign spokeswoman to Herman Cain.

Convo Between Two Journos

LAURA INGRAHAM: “Hearing @MarkHalperin on @todayshow discussing how @BarackObama is now worrying abt his “legacy”… Time to turn off TV, hit the trail.” — Conservative radio host Laura Ingraham.

MARK HALPERIN: “Hey, @scarylawyerguy & @IngrahamAngle how about we have coffee & discuss the Obama legacy? #pilot. Thanks for watching @todayshow!!” — TIME and MSNBC’s Mark Halperin.

Journo eats bison tongue

“Trying to figure out if the bison tongue at Au Pied De Cochon is the best dish I’ve had thus far in Montreal.” — Washington Examiner‘s David Drucker. It actually looks better than it sounds (as you can see pictured above).

Gene Weingarten’s anal focus…

Read more

Washington mommy bloggers watch out, there may soon be a new sheriff in town.

Washington Business Journal is reporting that Washingtonian‘s parent company, Washingtonian Media, is adding a new magazine for area moms. The straightforward name — Washingtonian Mom — will have Washingtonian‘s fashion editor Kate Bennett at the helm.

The new mag will be published quarterly.

Asked what the feel of the new publication will be, Bennett explained to FishbowlDC, “I think we just saw a need in the region for a slightly higher-end publication that speaks directly to moms who are savvy and insightful. The content will run the gamut from fashion and beauty, to lifestyle, health and wellness, food, newest/latest/greatest places to go and things to do. We’ll also include profiles of local moms, thoughtful first-person essays and home and living. We’ve been thrilled with the positive feedback we’ve received since we started talking about this new publication.”

As for the look, it’ll be “slightly oversized, thicker paper, more in line with our Washingtonian Bride & Groom publication,” said Bennett. “We’re working with the award-winning firm Design Army on the overall design of the premiere issue.”

Read the full story.

Washingtonian Fashion Editor Kate Bennett and ABC7′s Rebecca Cooper Dupin will host an inaugural Washington fundraiser for the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund to take place at TABANDEH boutique, which sells jewelry like the piece pictured at right.

The event is May 8th from 6:30 – 8:30PM.

Also hosting will be Mobius Consulting’s CEO Melaine Privitera.

The Ovarian Cancer Research Fund is known best for their annual “Super Saturday fundraiser” in the Hamptons hosted by celebrity spokesperson Kelly Ripa.

Quotes of the Day

“I think I can call you Joe now that you’re not in the Congress anymore.” — Bloomberg View columnist Jonathan Alter on MSNBC’s Martin Bashir‘s program Monday while arguing with former Rep. Joe Walsh (R-N.Y.). “Yeah, yeah,” the former lawmaker replied, unruffled by Alter’s obvious disdain for him. Walsh spent two years in Congress with his term ending in 2013.

Politico reporter will no longer read New York Post

“No joke, I’m sort of unwilling to read anything in the New York Post after last week. That may not pass.” — Politico‘s Dylan Byers. GASP! Will they go out of business as a result? Last week NYP falsely reported that 12 people at the Boston Marathon had been killed when only three had died. They also ran a photograph of two men with the headline “Bag Men: Feds seek these two pictured at Boston Marathon” but they weren’t the right guys. In yet another report, they wrote that a Saudi national was a suspect. Boston police later denied the report.

Au de Metro: “Someone on this Metro train smells intensely of moth balls.” — Josh Lederman, White House reporter for the AP.

Eavesdrop Cafe with Washingtonian‘s Fashion Editor

“I’m sorry, I don’t usually do this, but there is a first date happening next to me at this bar that is a soundbite festival of goodness.” — Washingtonian Fashion Editor Kate Bennett. “Here’s a snippet: ‘I mean, I don’t sweat a lot, but when I do it’s pretty bad.’ …’When I do go to a potluck, I always bring something. Always.’”

Goldberg gets hate mail over story on Hagel

“The hate mail I get for saying that Chuck Hagel is friendly to Israel is very hatey. Here’s what they’re reacting to.” — The Atlantic‘s Jeffrey Goldberg, who links to this Bloomberg View story he wrote with the headline: “Israel Welcomes Hagel, a Friend Bearing Gifts.”

Eddie Scarry contributed to this report.

Ex-Politico staffer Karin Tanabe revealed last night that there will be a sequel to her fictional book The List. “There’s got to be a sequel,” she said at a party celebrating the publication of her first book.

Though The List is a kind of fictional tell-all about Tanabe’s tenure at Politico, several current staffers still showed up to offer congratulations. Former employees showed up as well, including Kendra Marr Chaikind, who was fired from the publication in 2011.

“I wrote it really fast in secrecy,” Tanabe said in a short speech to the room of 70-ish attendees. She started it in the summer of 2011 while still working at Politico. “I was terrified,” she said.

Tanabe acknowledged other Politico “survivors” in the room (some of whom could be heard trading jokes about Politico) and said her book is about “paying homage” to reporters working in today’s new media environment. Of new media, she said, “It’s easier to make your career but also break your career.”

At one point, what appeared to be the cast of D.C. Housewives swooped in and had their photo snapped by the photographer. Among the women (and wearing all sorts of furs and leathers) were… Read more

Quotes of the Day — the Oscar edition

Oscar coverage, attendance

“I just used a port-a-potty while wearing a tux. #glamour#oscars” — WaPo‘s Dan Zak.

“I love that my ticket for the Oscars tonight specifies ‘formal’ attire.” — Garance Franke-Ruta, senior editor, The Atlantic, whose work in ACT UP, the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power, was made into an Oscar-nominated documentary, “How to Survive a Plague.”

Editor dreads need for reading glasses

“Getting gray hair didn’t bother me. Hitting 40 was no big deal. But new realization that reading glasses are necessary isn’t sitting well.” — The Hill‘s Managing Editor Bob Cusack.

Sighting: rapper at DCA

“SPOTTED – @2chainz at DCA Washington Reagan National Airport this morning #DMV” — Marky Mark, a.k.a. Mark Wilkins, DC Celebrity. 2 Chainz’ real name is Tauheed Epps. His previous nickname was Tity Boi.

Dana Perino: a slave to travel size products

“Very glad to have found @3floz - products to save a woman traveler’s life. Take THAT airport security lines!” — FNC’s Dana Perino.

“On our way to the Oscars.” – Former Rep. Dennis Kucinich, with wife, Elizabeth.

D.C. Oscar Observers

• “Reese Witherspoon says she let her 13-year-old pick out her dress. It shows.” — Roll Call’s Meredith Shiner.

• “Seacrest, you really don’t need to stoop down to talk to Little Q.” — Conservative freelancer Lisa De Pasquale.

• “I know everyone loves her… but every time Kerry Washington opens her mouth and I’m watching, I swear I lose brain cells.” — D.C. socialite Katherine Kennedy.

• “It is now time for me to turn off and stow electronic devices. BUT HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO SEE WHAT ANNE HATHAWAY IS WEARING? Ugh.” — The Daily Caller‘s Taylor Bigler.

• “Somebody get a box for Ryan Seacrest to stand on.” — Paul Brandus, of West Wing Reports and a columnist for The Week.

• “Whoever is pregnant lady in the black lace cap sleeve dress, it suits you vvery nicely. you are w/channiing tatum who suits well too. #Oscar.” — NPR’s Kitty Eisele.

• “OMG, Beasts of the Southern Wild won’t win because it’s too good to win, too good for this world!” — NYT‘s Jonathan Weisman.

• “John Travolta introducing the muscials tribute is pretty gay.” — BuzzFeed‘s Chris Geidner.

Splish Splash…“Just gave the one-week-old a bath. To thank me, she drenched me with urine.” — BuzzFeed Political Editor McKay Coppins.

Um, use the rear entrance

“TONIGHT: Fashion Industry Sunday Party in DC at Huxley w/sexy deep house and live sax. Open bar 8-9pm! Use rear entrance, knock twice!” — Real Housewives of D.C.’s favorite stylist Paul Wharton.

D.C. journo finds a new pet peeve and more D.C. scribes offer Oscar observations, some are even worth reading… Read more

What’s better than Santa?

Well, not much apparently. Or getting put on the Very Nice list, which is what happened for about 50 VIPs and “children of” at Tysons Corner Center.  On Saturday morning, Tysons hosted area VIPs for a party with Santa, complete with breakfast, balloon animals, facepainting, caricature artists and music (and of chats and photos with Mr. Claus).  Attendees included Washingtonian publisher Cathy Merrill Williams, Washingtonian fashion editor Kate Bennett (pictured here), K St. Kate’s Kate Michael, freelance writer and author Cathy Alter, Urban Daddy Washington editor Jeff Dufour and Vocus VP Erin McCahill. (We hear Dufour had such a long list that Mr. Claus had to move him along. He then allegedly tried to remove Santa’s beard. We can’t fathom how he got himself a spot on Santa’s VIP list.)

Quotes of the Day

Blow off work and GO SHOPPING

“Streets of Georgetown closing. Go take advantage of the insane sale – we’re hearing up to 80% off. #dresswell #thankmelater” — Washingtonian Fashion Editor Kate Bennett.

Publicist sees bright side of being sick

“Being sick didn’t stop me from putting on all my gold jewelry #arealjew” — Publicist Courtney Cohen, a former producer for ABC’s “This Week.”

NBCer gripes about closed Hill office

“Love when it’s not Christmas, New Year’s or an actual holiday and get VM from congressional office: ‘the office is currently closed.’” — NBC’s Domenico Montanaro.

Warning: this quote might make you cry

“Remarkably sad image in restaurant I’m in. Everyone sitting separate and alone looking at their phones. Irony not lost on me.” — National Journal “The Hotline”‘s Chris Peleo-Lazar.

Speaking of crying…

“Grandma(s) alert: on @Morning_Joe tmw to try to describe how much I #lovethatboy without choking up.” — National Journal‘s Ron Fournier, last night, who has been tweeting non-stop about a story he wrote about raising a son with Asperger’s Syndrome that published last Thursday. He added this morning, “Gonna try to talk to @morningmika and @Morning_Joe about how much I #lovethatboy w/out choking up.”

The Observer takes on NBC Nightly News and a crime reporter notices helicopter in vicinity of her home… Read more

It has been two weeks since Drybar, a well-known blow dry saloon in Manhattan, opened its doors in Washington. Actually, two salons — one in D.C., another in Bethesda. So we wanted to check in with female journalists, bloggers and publicists around town about their thoughts about it. Will it make their lives easier? Do they even care?

“It’s about damn time!” said Pamela Sorensen of the “Pamela’s Punch” blog. “I’ve been to the one in Studio City because of Pacific Punch a few times and am totally addicted. I met with Alli Webb last year at her Sunset Boulevard location and had a great conversation with her. She’s brilliant, down to earth, a savvy businesswoman and gets the simplicity and convenience of what women want when it comes to an easy style.”

Sorensen, who thinks Drybar is a “no-brainer” says she loves the “bar” theme from the style names, to the services, to the elements within the salon. The yellow, gray and white scheme is fun and cheery and the stylists are excellent.”

Washingtonian‘s Fashion Editor Kate Bennett, something of a blow dry connoisseur, also sings the new salon’s praises. “At the end of the day, women here are busy, but we also like to look good,” she said. “I can’t see any reason not to celebrate a one-stop blowout shop with a $40 price tag for fabulous hair. As someone who gets blowouts 2-3 times a week (yes, I do) I’m sort of waiting for Drybar like a kid waiting to open presents on Christmas morning. There, I said it.”

Her colleague, Washingtonian Editor-at-Large Carol Joynt was lukewarm on the concept, although it looks like she could wind up there every so often… Read more

Quotes of the Day – The Debate Edition

“Is Jim Lehrer sleeping zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz?” – GOP Consultant Roger Stone.

“Is that Jim Lehrer’s heart rate monitor on the bottom of the CNN screen?” — Comedian Chris Rock parody account. He also commented on the first lady’s attire, saying, “Michelle Obama is wearing sleeves. This is serious.”

Advice for Lehrer: “I think Jim Lehrer just needs to start randomly yelling “get off my lawn” when he wants to move to the next topic.” — CNN Contributor and RedState‘s Erick Erickson.

And another thing…“Jim Lehrer looks confused, almost fearful. And pale. Awfully pale.” — Bloomberglp’s Dir. of Social Media Jared Keller. And another thing…“Q: Did Jim Lehrer ask to be made up to look like Burgess Meredith?” — Author Eric Metaxas. And another thing…“We’re deep enough into this to say that Jim Lehrer is blowing this as a moderator.” — MetroWeekly‘s Co-Publisher Sean Bugg.

The Word Police

“Obama uses the term ‘ironically’ to mean unfortunately. It drives me crazy when people do that.” — TWT Opinion Writer Emily Miller.

The Observer

“Journalists posting screengrabs of their TV hits is this election’s worst development.” – Politico‘s Patrick Gavin.

Ragging on the Prez

• “Not to pile on, but there is no overstating how irritated Obama looks and sounds tonight. Not a good look for him.” — National Journal “The Hotline Senior Editor Tim Alberta.

• “Pres Obama has really a developed a penchant for talking ….. at considerable length.” — NYT Deputy Washington Bureau Chief Carl Hulse.

• “Obama says it is never mind.. Obama is lost, all he can he do is lie.” — WaPo‘s right-wing blogger Jennifer Rubin.

• “Slowly the left is starting to acknowledge that Obama is losing this debate.” — WaPo‘s Aaron Blake.

• “Obama has many talents as a politician, but debating is not one of them.” — The New Yorker staff writer David Grann.

• “Romney more lively, O has case of slowskis – yet much of debate a ref on Mitt’s econ plan.” — Politico‘s Jonathan Martin.

• “Obama needs some of Romney’s 5-Hour Energy.” — National Journal Deputy Editor James Oliphant.

• “Obama’s use of a boring accent is a pander to boring people.” — Slate‘s Dave Weigel.

• “Visuals matter. Mute your TV and what do you see? Smiling Romney and peeved, smirking Obama” — National Journal Editor-in-Chief Ron Fournier.

Question to Ponder: “Why is Obama looking down so much?” — WaPo‘s Chris Cillizza.

Something else to Ponder: “Ok, I promise I’m listening and not just focusing on the flag pins, but what is that mark on Romney’s pin?” — Washingtonian‘s Fashion Editor Kate Bennett.

Journo prefers Honey Boo Boo

“Obama, Romney, for your sakes, I hope Honey Boo Boo isn’t on. Because this is getting pretty wonky.” — National Journal’s Elahe Izadi.

A compliment for Romney from the left: “Romney’s been natural and unusually funny in this debate. It’s a very strong performance.” — WaPo‘s left-wing wonk writer Ezra Klein.

Debate Downers

“I’m not picturing the senior citizens of Boca West understanding this debate so far.” — The Atlantic‘s Jeffrey Goldberg.

“We need to minimize the maximifications of the absolute level of mumbojumbery. Or else, fiscal cliff up the ying yang!” — Reason magazine’s Nick Gillespie.

Ivanka is proud of her dad

“Wow! How many times are the candidates going to mention my father this debate?!? What an honor!” — Ivanka Trump.

What, no bathroom breaks?

“Sometimes I wish I had a catheter.” — Elizabeth Lauten, a.k.a. DCGOPGirl, who reported for CNN during the summer conventions. She added, “Seriously, they ought to have one bathroom break in the middle or something. It’s otherwise inhumane.” (Elizabeth, your catheter for the next debate is in the mail.) 

From the Dept. of Bragiculture 

“Finally hit the big time: Just got an interview request from a Danish high school paper. Some of you will be lucky to say you knew me when.” — The Daily Caller‘s Taylor Bigler.