Odd choice for a Friday night, but a functional toilet isn’t something you can just do without. CQ Roll Call‘s Neda Semnani kicked off the weekend by repairing hers.

“The toilet’s been running for months. Its just old or/or maybe poor quality,” she told FishbowlDC in an email. “I didn’t want to pay for a plumber unless I had to, so I went to the hardware store and got a kit and I followed the instructions.”

Semnani tweeted just after 9 p.m. that she was going to get wine and set out on her toilet adventure. Forty-five minutes later she returned and tweeted a photo of her tools, along with Huckleberry, her dog.

What ensued was a series of tweets in which Semnani demonstrated her lack of knowledge of all things commode-related, with her Twitter friends following along: Read more

Quotes of the Day

“Hmm which to choose?” — ABC’s Martha Raddatz with accompanying photograph.

Reader explains “tricks” scribes use to avoid crediting others

On Friday, WaPo‘s Paul Farhi wrote a story on Politico pulling a video that featured Sen. Min. Leader Mitch McConnell‘s (R-Ky.) COS blowing them love kisses. Turns out may that be against Senate rules, as reported by Roll Call‘s Meredith Shiner. So we wrote about Farhi’s failure to adequately cite Shiner and her story.

An Anonymous reader writes in…“Farhi’s failure to credit Roll Call: He use two of the oldest tricks in the book for skating past the explicit crediting of others: Don’t mention at top, but then mention the name of the news breaking organization without crediting them but attributing some small detail to their reporting. Fig leaf covered! The second dodge is when one your “friends” (your editor) tells you, “Farhi, you got beat on something!) Like the immaculate conception, if you hear it from someone else, then it is no longer breaking news!”

Important Question to Ponder: “Does Gray’s Anatomy have to be so bloody?” — FNC’s Greta Van Susteren.

The Observer

“Well, that was a new one: person in our row at Star Trek got up periodically throughout movie to do lunges in aisle.” — Anna Sproul-Latimer, literary agent.

S.E. Cupp finds perfect hamburger

“Found out the @innoutburger by LAX opens at 10:30 am. Plenty of time to grab a double-double animal style before my flight. #Worththetrip” — MSNBC’s S.E. Cupp.

Journo blows off steam

“Getting some aggression out at the driving range….” — Fox News Senate Producer Kara Rowland.

And another tries to recreate his heart attack

“Where is my ambulance? I think this is the widow maker – jk” — Mediaite White House Correspondent Tommy Christopher.

Producer looks to Trumps for finer things in life

“Got fabulous @IvankaTrump shoes this wk & delicious wine from @trumpwinery last wk. They sure make some good stuff. @realDonaldTrump” — WMAL Executive Producer Heather Smith.

Guiding Sophia’s Light

“New Golden Rule 21st Century style: I will do To you before you can do it to me! I will burn you before you can break me. I ain’t no punk.” — Essence and theGrio‘s Sophia Nelson.

See more Morning Chatter…

Read more

A memo to WaPo: Next time you want to give credit to a paper for breaking a story, how about doing it in the first couple of graphs? How about doing it at all?

On Friday morning at 9:58 a.m., Paul Farhi wrote about the flap over Politico yanking a video on its “about” page because Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) office got its knickers in a twist about the potential lack of ethics involving a video of his staffer on a page where they’re selling Politico.

The story is well-written and cites Politico Chief Operating Officer Kim Kingsley. But why does it take Farhi eight flippin’ graphs to mention the story and publication that broke it in the first place, which was Roll Call on Thursday at 4:58 p.m.? He writes,

“Roll Call, a Politico competitor, reported Thursday that senate ethics rules prohibit senators and their staff from making endorsements. The publication reports Holmes said he didn’t realize that the video would be used as an ad. He received a written request for a video interview from Politico’s director of marketing, who said the video would be ‘a profile of you first — and how you use Politico second.’”

Farhi told FishbowlDC by email: “I was not aware that Roll Call had broken the story until I got your email (I’m assuming you’re correct, btw). I was first alerted to the story yesterday by a colleague, who didn’t mention where he’d seen or heard about it. I reported it out and filed something short about it late last night. I DID notice that Roll Call had done some fine reporting on this and credited them accordingly.”

Psst…Farhi! Google is your friend.

We also reached out to Roll Call‘s Meredith Shiner, who broke the story, for comment.

UPDATE: WaPo‘s Erik Wemple also writes about the Politico-McConnell debacle — because why shouldn’t two media reporters from the same publication delve into the same story? He cites Shiner by name five graphs into a pretty lengthy post.

If you’re looking for the video on Politico’s website featuring Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R-Ky.) Chief of Staff Josh Holmes, then good luck.

Roll Call’s Meredith Shiner, a former staff writer at Politico, reported that as of Thursday, the video had been removed from the advertising page of the Rosslyn, Va. news outlet’s website at the request of McConnell’s office.

As the piece explains, the video may have violated Senate Ethics Rules, which prohibit senators and the staffs from using their “official congressional capacity” to endorse outside entities. This would not prevent Holmes (pictured at left) from endorsing Politico as an avid reader, but it does apply to the use of his chief of staff title.

From Roll Call:

“The video, posted earlier this week under the ‘audience’ tab of Politico’s advertising page, features Josh Holmes and identifies him with the title: “Chief of Staff, U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, KY.” Holmes spends the first half of the video explaining his job, with shots taken inside McConnell’s office, and the second half of the video explaining why he reads the Washington publication. The video ends with the top staffer saying, “I’m Josh Holmes and I’m a Politico.”

A shortened version of the video can be found here on Vimeo.

The full video was removed from the advertising page but can be found on a different Politico page, by itself, which Roll Call found “via a live Politico link.” Politico Editor-in-Chief John Harris was asked by FBDC to comment on the situation, but is on the road and unable to respond so he passed the request along to Sara Olson, Politico‘s VP of Marketing.

Read more

The Media Critic

The new Prince book from Toure sounds interesting. – CNN’s Jake Tapper

Spring Fever

You guys, this is the last Friday of the year for which baseball is not an option. - Roll Call’s Meredith Shiner

Never Forget

The song “Friday” by Rebecca Black is two years old this month. – Politico’s Byron Tau

Conversations Between Two Journos

“Somewhere in my family’s junk there is a receipt, signed by Lincoln, for a bunch of fixed roads/sidewalks in dc. No joke.” – Politico’s Ben White

WaPo’s Plumline author Greg Sargent writes back, “uh, dude? might be worth digging that out.” White replied that he’s “been on hunt for some time.” Best of luck, Ben.

Quotes of the Day

Writer dude raves about House chicken tenders

“Dude, House side chicken tenders crush Senate side any day. and more choice of dipping sauces.” — HuffPost‘s Jon Ward.

The Snowstorm That Wasn’t.

“DC such a train wreck of dysfunction even snow wants no part of it.” — Reuters‘ Sam Youngman.

“The Post should replace their weather gang with a drunken nearsighted lemur.” — BuzzFeed Washington Bureau Chief John Stanton.

“DC meteorologists – the Karl Roves of weather prediction. #snowquester” — Rep. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.).

“As a friendly DC flack told me today, ‘this town could use a blizzard.’” — CNN’s Jim Acosta.

“Well in case the world gets snowed in tomorrow—which it won’t—I’m glad I had the foresight to buy myself fresh hydrangeas.” — Roll Call‘s Meredith Shiner.

“This is incredibly fucking dumb. I can’t believe how freaked out DC is about this “snowstorm” #MassholeTweets” — BuzzFeed‘s Rosie Gray who links to this story from Politico on the House’s plan to gavel out Wednesday afternoon.

Premature prediction: “As of tomorrow, DC will only be a faint memory, an echo of forgotten power buried under a shroud of white death.” — Politico‘s Ben White.

“I’d be more impressed with this snowstorm, which has already shut down the government, if the snow would actually stick to the ground.” — The Atlantic‘s Jeffrey Goldberg.

“The people in my feed acting smug about the awfulness of the term ‘snowquester’ are becoming FAR more annoying than the term ‘snowquester.’” — Ben Harris, Rockville-based communications professional.

“Washington deals with snow about as well as it deals with everything else.” — Reason‘s Peter Suderman.

Late-night Bad Girls Club

MSNBC’s Touré: “Now that the Menendez story has blown up in a very embarrassing way, no one ever need take the Daily Caller seriously. Not that anyone did.”

Daily Caller‘s Jeff Poor: “Dear @Toure: You should put the J.Crew catalog down and catch up on the latest on the Daily Caller-Menendez story before popping off. Thx.”

(“Popping off” is a phrase often heard on “Bad Girls Club,” as noted by trusted Bad Girls Club expert and FBDC writer Eddie Scarry.)

Journo wasn’t allowed to lunch with Lanny Davis

“Lanny Davis once invited me out to lunch after I wrote a critical piece on him but my editor wouldn’t let me go.” — InTheseTimes labor journo Mike Elk at the Lanny Davis book party last night at The Hamilton.

Vietor picks on Stephanopoulos

After ABC “This Week” and GMA host George Stephanopoulos welcomed former White House aide Tommy Vietor to Twitter this morning, Vietor replied, “Thanks! We’d like to know when you sleep since you host every show on ABC except Dancing with the Stars (next season??)”

Gawker finds a terrible, fruity headline.

The Traveler

“Flying to Winnipeg this snowy morning” — conservative writer David Frum.

Have you been Marty’d? See Marty’s reaction to our profile on him and watch WaPo‘s Gene Weingarten make fun of the humblebrag… Read more

Quotes of the Day

“Dude I don’t even know how to make a gif #buzzfeedconfession” — BuzzFeed‘s newest Washingtonian Rosie Gray.

THREATENED: Reporters react to Woodward’s claims

“I never took nasty emails as threats. I took them as a sign I was doing my job. Nothing to do with bravery.” — Matt Apuzzo, AP investigative reporter in reaction to WaPo Bob Woodward‘s claim that he was threatened by the White House, namely Director of the National Economic Counsel Gene Sperling. (Sperling scoop by BuzzFeed Editor-in-Chief Ben Smith.)

“The flaks I know usually just call to yell at me. no email I hate more threatening than ‘Kate, do you have second to talk about this?’” — Politico‘s Kate Nocera.

“Think abt it: You’re a 22-year-old reporter and you see what happens to BOB WOODWARD. You may stay quiet about when a flack barks/pressures” — National Review‘s Robert Costa.

“Reminder of the night: Non-reporters don’t understand journo-source interactions.” — Politico‘s Kevin Robillard.

(From our favorite non-vacationer…) “I know I’m on vacation, but I’ve gotten threats from both Obamaland and Romneyland. ‘You’ll regret this’ is like a walk in the park.” — Former BuzzFeed scribe Zeke Miller.

Politico Playbook Publish Time: 9:09 a.m.

Journo marvels over price of smokes

“I just saw woman in NYC buy two packs of cigarettes for $31. Who can afford that habit here?” — TWT senior opinion writer Emily Miller.

Important Q to Ponder: “You think when Ben Smith was 8 & watching All The President’s Men for the first time, he knew that one day he’d #BenSmith that guy?” — Breitbart‘s John Nolte, official nemesis to BuzzFeed‘s Smith.

Watch out for reporter in PJ’s

“Dear DC: I’m about to wander you in my pajama pants and I’m feeling very Jay Cutler #DoonttttCarrrreeee-esque about it.” — Roll Call‘s Meredith Shiner.

More Woodward and what he’ll regret… 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

Quotes of the Day

Here we have the fantasy baby of our own FBDC’s Eddie Scarry and Mark Levine, a determined radio correspondent we affectionately refer to as “Queen Levine” for his dramatic email exchanges with Eddie. We must say, they’d produce adorable offspring. We’ll call her “Levina Scarry.”

Valentine’s Day Success Stories

“The Obamas went to Minibar tonight. That is a serious I-never-have-to-face-the-voters dining option. Also delicious. …How did he get a reservation?” — The New Yorker‘s Ryan Lizza.

“My parents spent Valentine’s Day at Disney World. Their 1st time w/o kids! How romantic. And cute! I’m super jealous.” — WJLA’s Mike Conneen.

“We were so stuffed from our Valentine’s Day lunch that we had a quiet dinner at home.” — Chairman of Accuracy in Media Don Irvine.

Stupid Question never to Ponder: “Is there a special app that will protect my tweets so morons can’t read them?” — Commentary‘s John Podhoretz. Note to Podhoretz: If you don’t want morons reading you then you shouldn’t be on Twitter.

Uh Oh.

Conservative radio host Dana Loesch: “Pick battles wisely folks so that they move our agenda forward, not back, or cause needless division. We’re all on the same side. Smiles!”

Conservative blogger and author Michelle Malkin: “I don’t get people who lecture me not to engage liberals on Twitter. This is a social ENGAGEMENT tool. For, you know, ENGAGING.”

Bureau Chief: Outraged by Poopy Cruise

“CNN has a ‘sweet home Alabama’ cryon for the poop cruise. I want those responsible put in a sack and thrown off a bridge.” — BuzzFeed D.C. Bureau Chief John Stanton.

Washington sex terms

“Lots of Washington terms are appropriate for Valentine’s Day: Holds, Mark up, Pocket veto, Rider, Score, Whip, Yield.” — Paul Brandus of WestWingReports.

Valentine’s Day Downers

“Totally having a 2 star meal at Brasserie Monte Carlo tonight. I’ve been bumped by the waitstaff at least a dozen times.” — Ben Harris, Rockville-based communications professional.

“When your boyfriend does last minute Valentine’s Day shopping you get a card in Spanish.” — National Journal‘s Ben Fishel. (Actual card at left.)

“Oh angry, loud single ladies getting drunk and wearing fake mustaches at this bar, Happy Valentine’s Day.” — Roll Call‘s Meredith Shiner.

“So much sappy music on the cab radio tonight. Can’t imagine why.” — Greenwire‘s Jessica Estepa.

“What a nightmare. Not one not two but three separate accidents and TWO lanes closed for roadwork on 395.” — Fox News Producer Kara Rowland.

The Media Critics

“CNN led am show with cruise nightmare OVER Russian meteorite!” — NJ‘s Josh Kraushaar.

“If a Free Beacon reporter asks your group for tax forms you don’t want to provide, tell Politico you’ve been assaulted by racists #protip.” — Newsweek-The Daily Beast‘s Eli Lake.

See the current names on our FishbowlDC Fan Club Board. Read more

Quotes of the Day — State of the Union-Fugitive Edition

SOTU quotes that are fit for a Fishbowl: “I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully.” — brought to our attention by HuffPost‘s Sam Stein‘s Twitter feed. It’s an old quote from former President George W. Bush. And this: “At least there’s no smoked fish joke in this one.” — Mother Jones‘ Nick Baumann.

“The outside of the Dome on SOTU night.” – Roll Call‘s Meredith Shiner with accompanying photograph.

Shut up SOTU clappers, journo wants his Zzzz’s

“Dear applauders: Please stop. I have a bedtime.” — WaPo‘s Chris Cillizza.

Importantish Q to Ponder: “So… Does Senator Menendez shake President Obama’s hand as he walks in? Awkward. #SOTU” — NRSC Strategist Brad Dayspring.

Important Q to Ponder: “So does CNN break away from the burning house to do the State of the Union.” — TPM‘s Josh Marshall.

Important Q to Ponder III: “What’s the over/under on the number of Nicorette patches John Boehner has plastered all over himself right now?” — Times of London‘s Matt Spence.

THE SPEAKER AND THE LOUDMOUTH: “Luke Russert shakes Speaker Boehner’s hand as he walks to the chamber for SOTU.” — NBC House of Representatives Producer Frank Thorp. Boehner affectionately (we think) refers to Russert as the “loudmouth.”

Rothenberg crushes the spirit of political reporters

“Political reporters always incredibly excited by SOTU. Real people not so much.” — Stu Rothenberg, who writes a column for Roll Call, a publication full of political reporters. And then, oddly, he writes, “My first SOTU inside the chamber? 1970 when I was Colby College intern in Ed Muskie’s office. AA gave me ticket.” Um, hey Stu, do real people give a sh-t about this?

Speaking of excitement…

“The hallway outside Sen. Durbin’s office smells overwhelmingly of barbecue.” — Roll Call‘s Shiner of the Illinois Democrat.

And again…

“Just spoke to Gabby Giffords for the first time since the day before she was shot. She looks amazing. Twinkle in her eye and broad smile.” — CNN Chief Congressional Correspondent Dana Bash.

“Senate page just said in Statuary Hall ‘Oh my God. Kelly Ayotte is rocking the mint-green!’ I am partial to Bader Ginsberg‘s red.” — Roll Call‘s Abby Livingston.

“McCain ribbing Kerry as he walks by.” — Politico‘s Manu Raju.

“Rep. Terry Sewell is the most energetic greeter of the House! Urrybody gets a kiss and big laugh and a thousand watt smile.” — BuzzFeed Washington Bureau Chief John Stanton.

“Lots of schmoozing with former colleagues as Secy Kerry makes his way down the aisle.” — CBS White House radio correspondent Mark Knoller.

“Whoever said that politics is showbiz for ugly people was a master of understatement. Or just blind.” — Reason‘s Nick Gillespie.

“VP Biden has a scratched cornea, reports NBC, which is why he is wearing glasses.” — The Hill‘s Emily Goodin.

Politico Playbook Publish Time: 7:43 a.m.

The Jokester Caucus

• “Press will now begin attacking Rubio for drinking problem.” — USA Today‘s Paul Singer.

• “I’m sure I’m going to dislike this but at least Beyonce is performing.” — Logan Dobson, before the SOTU address began.

• “When is halftime? Where is Beyonce?” — FNC’s Greg Gutfeld.

• “Who’s the fat lump of shit next to Mrs Obama? #SOTU.” — Anthony Cumia from the Opie and Anthony radio show.

• “Marco! Pollo! Marco! Pollo! Fish out of water!” [Insert Rubio Joke Here] #Rubioing.” — Syndicated columnist and Bullfight Strategies’ Karl Frisch.

• “What’s the opposite of 5-Hour Energy? Boehner’s had two of them, at least.” — Bloomberg Business Week‘s Joshua Green.

The Critics

“Really pathetic and sad reflection on media-culture that taking a drink of water can overwhelm everything else.” — Christian Heinze, founder of Prez16.com. Seconded by NRSC Spokesman Brian Walsh, who said, “Exactly.”

Oh, but wait: “Jesus… the water sip blew the whole speech. Was on board until then but he blew it. Cue SNL.” — Jason Killian Meath, President, GOP Media Firm.

“The problem with this speech is a.) we already knew what was in it and b.) little of it is new.” — Politico‘s Ben White.

“I like Rubio’s remarks thus far, dislike the dry mouth. Get the man a water. Let’s hear some solutions.” — Conservative radio host Dana Loesch.

“Was leaning off camera to get water really better than obviously needing one?” — WCP Editor Mike Madden during the GOP response of Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

“Rubio keeps grabbing at his face. What’s with that?” — Baron‘s D.C. Editor James McTague.

“Huh, Chris Matthews voted for George W. Bush. You can admit that on MSNBC and still have a job? #MSNBCAfterDark” — U.S. News & World Report‘s Robert Schlesinger at 12:19 a.m.

Gratitude is…

“SOMEBODY PLEASE GIF THAT AWKWARD WATER BOTTLE GRAB, RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!! wowowoowowowowoowowow” — WaPo Express’ Clinton Yates.

“Water grab! Thank God.” — ABC News’ Nico Hines.

“Rubio has serious case of drymouth. Thank god he just took a sip of water.” — Roll Call Senate Editor Emily Pierce.

Jeff Zucker, give this man a raise! 

“CNN has every story covered tonight. On CNN-US: SOTU coverage. On HLN, continuing live coverage of Calif. Manhunt.” — CNN Washington Bureau Chief Sam Feist.

Wardrobe Change

“I just changed into flats because it is SRO in the House press gallery. #SOTU” — TWT‘s Emily Miller.

The sharp-tongued observers… Read more