An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but Steve Holland of Reuters, who is covering the RNC in Tampa this week, is finding the apple something of a nuisance.

Paid $1.88 for an apple at the hotel…and Tampa security just confiscated it upon entering the convention press center

— Steve Holland (@steveholland1) August 27, 2012

“My Reuters colleague, Debbie Charles, had an apple confiscated as well,” Holland told FishbowlDC when we inquired about the incident. “She asked and they said it was so you can’t throw it at someone. I didn’t carry an umbrella in because I had one of those confiscated at the 2004 RNC convention in New York. But I didn’t think about the apple. I promptly bought another one once inside.”

Despite having his apple taken, he tried again and was successful.

Just to close the loop on this thing, just paid $1.25 for another apple INSIDE the Tampa convention press center. Go figure

— Steve Holland (@steveholland1) August 27, 2012

 

Quotes of the Day

A Brilliant Suggestion

“With Andy Rooney retiring, only viable option for 60 Minutes is to bring in @markknoller for that role.” – Reuters White House Correspondent Steve Holland referencing CBS White House radio correspondent Mark Knoller. Read the breaking story on Rooney here.

G-dropping discussion continues…

“OK, so we’ll start dropping g’s on every pol we cover, right?” — PBS’s Gwen Ifill to CNBC and NYT‘s John Harwood.

Revenge of the Smoothie

“Why do I take a smoothie from home to work you ask? What else can I use to coat the inside of my car, my phone, and my trousers?” — Slate‘s John Dickerson.

The Anti-Christie

“Downside of weighing 100lbs? You’re the first person people want to sit next to. Maximum space.” — The Blaze‘s Eddie Scarry.

Only in Washington…

“One of the best days at National Journal is the day the new Almanac of American Politics arrives #coolperk” — NJ Congressional reporter Major Garrett.

A message to the universe: “BUMMED AS EVER RE EXISTENCE RIGHT NOW, HINT HINT JOB CREATORS” — Washington freelancer Moe Tkacik.

Travel blogger seeks explanation for global insanity

“Is there some crazy lunar eclipse tonight? I’d like an explanation why everyone I’ve talked to today is hostile, angry or just plain cuckoo.” — Poshbrood founder Elizabeth Thorp.

Deep Thoughts: “Is Chris Christie even Chris Christie?” — Politico‘s Jake Sherman. And more on Christie from “Fast Break” (h/t Mike Allen) Sherman’s colleague Matt Negrin: “How many times is MSNBC going to say there’s ‘BUZZ’ around Christie???? It’s the beehive of cable TV!”

Rhetorical q’s at a glance

“There are people who go on twitter to look smart?” — Gawker Political Editor Jim Newell in response to Politico Ben White‘s question, “What percentage of Twitter consists of reporters trying to look smart to other reporters? My guess: A lot.”

News that makes you go HUH? The View‘s Sherri Shepherd, who doesn’t exactly have the reed thin physique of Bob Schieffer‘s crush, Gwyneth Paltrow, is saying she worries that big, fat Chris Christie could die in office. Meanwhile, Barbara Walters insists that Christie will be the GOP candidate. Many Twitter followers wrote to tell us that at least one fat President  — William Taft — had been elected and even had a special bathtub made for him. Does The View have a special tub for Sherri?

Quick Convo Amongst Three Journos

HuffPost’s Amanda Terkel: @brianbeutler Why are you linking to porn sites? I think you meant to link to this: [Read here.]

HuffPost‘s Jennifer Bendery: Touching Porn Movie?

TPM‘s Brian Beutler: Talking Porns Memo?

Were you at the JW Marriot’s Garden Terrace Monday night?

We hear that there was a record crowd, including White House Press Secretary Dana Perino and all the press office, travel office and advance office staffs.

Food? Rare roast beef, fresh garlicky pasta and plenty of wine and beer.

Dana gave a short thank you and introduced husband Peter McMahon. Reporters welcomed back Kelly O’Donnell (who just departed to cover Capitol Hill for NBC) and Steve Holland (now covering campaigns for Reuters).

There was lots of gossip about who to invite as the entertainment for the big dinner next April 26th, 2008, but late night comedians have been ruled out.

Board member Ken Herman of Cox came early and Mike Allen of Politico, who is also a board member, stayed late.

Steve Holland is leaving the White House beat after 16 years as of today to become a special correspondent in the Washington office to help out with Reuters’ coverage of the 2008 campaign. Holland covered Presidents Bush, Clinton and Bush and will now turn his attention to covering who the next president will be. All three of those presidents sent letters of congratulations to Steve that were presented to him last night at a party at the Old Ebbitt Grill organized by White House Correspondents Association President Steve Scully and his successor, Ann Compton of ABC News. Steve heads off to Manchester, New Hampshire on Sunday to cover the two presidential debates there next week.

A quiet week for the pool, complete with an ostrich farm, some good natured teasing and a naked lady for good measure. Ok, ok, the naked lady was a tattoo.