Hawaiian senator’s departing thought: “Aloha”

Politico Breaking News alert: “Sen. Daniel Inouye, the second longest serving senator in U.S. history and a decorated World War II hero, has died, his office announced in a statement. He was 88. According to his office, ‘His last words were, ‘Aloha.’”

A real BigJournalism headline: “CBS Describes Semi-Auto Weapons as ‘Rapid-Fire’ to Make Them Sound Menacing”

Happy holidays! Now how about gun control?

“As we reflect on the lives lost last week, we must also, as the President urged, consider how each of us can play a part in making our country worthy of the memory of those little children. I hope you and the ones you love have a happy and safe holiday.” — President Obama campaign aide David Axelrod in a holiday/political note to supporters.

GOP lawmakers mum on guns: “Republicans continue their own moment of silence on gun control. Nancy Cordes reports 2 dozen GOP lawmakers decline to discuss the issue.” — CBS White House Correspondent Peter Maer.

The White House tease

“Wow. Amazing sunrise behind the White House North Lawn camera setup position.” — Nathan Hager, WNEW morning anchor, appallingly without a photograph to go with it.

NBC’s Engel is alive and well

Statement from NBC: “After being kidnapped and held for five days inside Syria by an unknown group, NBC News Chief Foreign Correspondent Richard Engel and his production crew members have been freed unharmed. We are pleased to report they are safely out of the country.”

“I’m very happy to do this live shot this morning…We’re in good health, we’re okay.” — Richard Engel on NBC’s TODAY Show.

And a word from his fan club: “Y’all, Richard Engel’s hair has not suffered in this ordeal. The hair is still fabulous… After a kidnapping.” — the Twitter handle known as @emokidsloveme.

“Great to see NBC’s Richard Engel and his 2 colleagues alive and well this morning. Some happy news in a week of untold misery.” — CNN’s Piers Morgan.

See what today’s self-appointed media critic has to say… continued…

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CNN Ed Henry‘s photo from India: “This sounds sick and wrong.”

Journos react to Olbermann suspension

“Shortest suspension in the woooorrrld.” — HuffPost National Editor Nico Pitney in a Sunday night tweet.

“His punishment was to take Friday and Monday off? I believe that’s called a long weekend.” — NJ‘s Matt Cooper in a Sunday night tweet.

“The Worst Person in the World Keith Olbermann will be back on his MSNBC show on Tuesday…$70k poorer and one the wiser.” — Human Events senior editor Emily Miller in a weekend tweet.

Advice to Obama on “60 Minutes”: Down with the doily

“60 Minutes” notes: Kroft — don’t read questions verbatim from notes. Obama: Take doily off water glass. –Politico‘s Patrick Gavin in a Sunday night tweet.

Brief TBD critique

“TBD seems to be doing really well with the community-building. I’d like to see them break some more stories.” — WTOP news reporter Neal Augenstein in a weekend tweet.

Insensitive headline award

Politics Daily: “Jill Clayburgh is Dead. Long Live the Unmarried Woman.”

A polite warning

“Cleaning up my following list. If I unfollow you in the near future, I may just have moved you to a list.” — WTOP’s weekend anchor and general assignment reporter Nathan Hager in a weekend tweet.

A Kennedy free Congress

“When Patrick Kennedy leaves office, it’ll be the first time since 1947 that Congress will be without a member of the Kennedy clan.” — NJ “The Hotline’s” Executive Editor Reid Wilson in a weekend tweet.

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