The Implosion of First Look's 'The Intercept'

A genuine laugh riot.

At Gigaom, "If you want more news from First Look Media’s The Intercept, you’re going to have to wait."

Via Louise Mensch:

Oh boy, the implosion of First Look Media. The BTL comments here are hilarious, including #Greenwald's whine https://t.co/tMwzvWHWhK

— Louise Mensch (@LouiseMensch) April 15, 2014

Greenwald is justifying himself here at 12:37. FirstLook doesn't let you link to comments. https://t.co/tMwzvWHWhK Made of Fail

— Louise Mensch (@LouiseMensch) April 15, 2014

On a scale of Rob Zombie to Lady Stoneheart, just how dead is @Pierre's $250m @FirstLook? #Greenwald #Snowden https://t.co/tMwzvWHWhK

— Louise Mensch (@LouiseMensch) April 15, 2014

Comments on John Cook's "passover greetings from the editor" Intercept post are a bloodbath. Almost feel sorry for him.

— Paul Carr (@paulcarr) April 15, 2014

Cook admits he's deleting negative comments on his Intercept q&a. Transparency. pic.twitter.com/SCcRAgPolX

— Paul Carr (@paulcarr) April 14, 2014

Beginning to think karma deserves her reputation. @Guardian plunges to below 200k circulation, @FirstLook implodes. #TeamBond

— Louise Mensch (@LouiseMensch) April 15, 2014

First Look also states its hiring policy "Not white. Not male." What was Glenn's severance package? Oh.

— Louise Mensch (@LouiseMensch) April 15, 2014

The Slow Death of Free Speech

From Mark Steyn, "The 'Safe Space' is Where Cultures Go to Die."

Linking his new essay at the Spectator UK, "How the Left, here and abroad, is trying to shut down debate — from Islam and Israel to global warming and gay marriage":

I heard a lot of that kind of talk during my battles with the Canadian ‘human rights’ commissions a few years ago: of course, we all believe in free speech, but it’s a question of how you ‘strike the balance’, where you ‘draw the line’… which all sounds terribly reasonable and Canadian, and apparently Australian, too. But in reality the point of free speech is for the stuff that’s over the line, and strikingly unbalanced. If free speech is only for polite persons of mild temperament within government-policed parameters, it isn’t free at all. So screw that.

But I don’t really think that many people these days are genuinely interested in ‘striking the balance’; they’ve drawn the line and they’re increasingly unashamed about which side of it they stand. What all the above stories have in common, whether nominally about Israel, gay marriage, climate change, Islam, or even freedom of the press, is that one side has cheerfully swapped that apocryphal Voltaire quote about disagreeing with what you say but defending to the death your right to say it for the pithier Ring Lardner line: ‘“Shut up,” he explained.’

A generation ago, progressive opinion at least felt obliged to pay lip service to the Voltaire shtick. These days, nobody’s asking you to defend yourself to the death: a mildly supportive retweet would do. But even that’s further than most of those in the academy, the arts, the media are prepared to go. As Erin Ching, a student at 60-grand-a-year Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, put it in her college newspaper the other day: ‘What really bothered me is the whole idea that at a liberal arts college we need to be hearing a diversity of opinion.’ Yeah, who needs that? There speaks the voice of a generation: celebrate diversity by enforcing conformity...

Oh pshaw!

What'a all this talk about crushing free speech?!! Ayaan Hirsi Ali can come to Brandeis and speak whenever she wants, lol!

F-king morons.

'More crazy Moscow newspaper covers, please...'

Yes, please!

Via Nataliya Vasilyeva:

"We have everything! Except medicine, airplanes..." Russian paper advises readers to buy local. Good luck with that. pic.twitter.com/I5TGs2yYdS

— Laura Mills (@lauraphylmills) April 16, 2014

'X-Men: Days of Future Past'

Heh, what a wicked flick.

At LAT, "'X-Men: Days of Future Past': Wolverine center stage in final trailer."

About Those AC/DC Retirement Rumors...

At Billboard, "AC/DC Not on Cusp of Retirement: Sources":

Rumors of AC/DC's imminent demise appear to be exaggerated.

Reports surfaced Monday in the group's native Australia that the quintet was on the verge of announcing its retirement due to one band member's (presumably guitarist Malcolm Young's) serious illness. But insiders tell Billboard that there's no truth to the rumor, though the group's management and Columbia Records, its current label, have chosen not to comment on the matter...

Hmm. Expect updates.

Hopefully the boys will be able to keep on jammin'. And best wishes to Malcolm Young.

Background at London's Daily Mail, "AC/DC guitarist Malcolm Young 'too sick to play live', according to friends," and the Orstrahyun, "RIP AC/DC: 1973 - 2014, UPDATES ON MALCOLM YOUNG."

Petra Nemcova in Thailand for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit

She's a beauty.

Frazier Glenn Miller, Jr., #Democrat-KKK Suspect in Kansas Jewish Shooting, Indicted on Capital Murder Charges

At NYT, "Capital Murder Among Charges for Suspect in Kansas Shooting":

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — State prosecutors on Tuesday charged a 73-year-old white supremacist with murder in the killing of three people outside two Jewish community facilities on Sunday.

At a news conference in this Kansas City suburb, the authorities announced one count of capital murder and one count of premeditated first-degree murder had been filed against Frazier Glenn Miller of Aurora, Mo., who has for decades espoused anti-Semitic and racist beliefs.

If convicted, he would face life without parole, though prosecutors could choose to seek the death penalty.

“This is making sure justice is done,” said Stephen M. Howe, the district attorney for Johnson County, Kan. “This is not about retribution.”

Barry Grissom, the United States attorney for the District of Kansas, said that his office was pursuing federal hate crime charges and would present evidence to a grand jury soon. That, too, could qualify as a death penalty case, he said.

Hours later, Mr. Miller, a well-known Klansman, made a video appearance in Johnson County District Court from jail. He was brought to the camera room in a wheelchair, his hair plastered to his forehead, his thin arms poking out from a suicide prevention smock. Officials would not comment about his medical condition or cell arrangements.

At the brief court hearing, Mr. Miller responded to questions from Magistrate Judge Dan Vokins by saying that he understood the charges and that he could not afford his own lawyer.

Bond was set at $10 million, and another court appearance was scheduled for next week.

What prompted the shooting remained unanswered. Mr. Miller drove to Overland Park, the authorities said, armed with at least a shotgun and a handgun...

Really?

"What prompted the shooting remain unanswered," other than murderous Democrat Party hatred and white supremacy?

Those boys at NYT are on the case!

Ukraine Mobilizes Against Russia-Backed Separatists

At the Washington Post, "Ukrainian troops secure airfield as operations against pro-Russian militants begin."

And at the New York Times, "Tensions Boil Over on Camera in Ukraine’s East and West."

More, from Telegraph UK, "Eastern Ukraine: separatists storm government offices":

Ukraine pushes tanks toward a flashpoint eastern city to quash a separatist surge backed by Moscow.

Ukraine is “on the brink” of civil war as the government launched an “antiterrorist operation” against pro-Russian separatists in the east of the country.

In the first sign of a fightback against militias who have now seized key buildings in a dozen eastern cities, Kiev despatched special forces, combat aircraft and heavy armour to the area.

Russian state media claimed that up to 11 people had been killed during an attack on an airbase in Kramatorsk, but there was no immediate confirmation of casualties.

Amid fears that the fighting could push Ukraine and Russia into full-scale hostilities, William Hague, the Foreign Secretary, accused Moscow of “deliberately” stirring the confrontation. He warned that it would damage relations for at least a decade.

“In recent days Russia has deliberately pushed Ukraine to the brink, and created a still greater risk of violent confrontation,” he said.

“Russia must choose whether it is open to diplomacy and de-escalation, and if it decides otherwise, we must be ready for a different state of relations with Russia in the next 10 years than in the last 20.”

Also at Euro News, "Ukrainian forces reassert control over an airfield in the east but locals put up a hostile front."

Hundreds Missing After South Korea Ferry Sinks

At LAT, "South Korea ferry sinks: 2 dead, 295 missing."

And ITN, "Two dead as ferry sinks off South Korea."

Canada's Annual East Coast Seal Hunt Begins

They're so cute too.

At Toronto's Globe and Mail, "East Coast seal hunt starts amid ongoing court case, trade challenge":

The annual East Coast seal hunt starts Monday against a backdrop of ongoing trade and court challenges in Europe and renewed claims from animal welfare groups that the 400-year-old industry is dead in the water.

Rebecca Aldworth, executive director of the Canadian wing of Humane Society International, said on Sunday that only 15 boats have signalled their intention to take part in the hunt, which typically focuses on harp seals off the northeast coast of Newfoundland.

With the market for seal products closed in the United States, most of Europe and Russia, the commercial hunt is a shadow of what it once was, largely surviving on subsidies from the Newfoundland and Labrador government in the past few years, Aldworth said.

“From a market perspective, the seal hunt is very much over,” she said in an interview, adding her group will return to the ice floes to document the slaughter. “Markets around the world have closed ... It’s an industry that’s limping along on credit and subsidies.”

However, the federal government has been steadfast in its support of the hunt, insisting it’s a humane, sustainable and an economically viable pursuit that is important to many coastal communities.

Fisheries Minister Gail Shea admitted Sunday that those opposed to the hunt have been effective in shutting down international markets.

“They have been spreading misinformation about the Canadian seal hunt and Canadian seal products for as long as I’ve been in this position,” Shea said in an interview from Vancouver. “It’s grossly unfair. We’ve done a lot of work in ensuring that our Canadian seal hunt is humane.”

Every seal hunter must be trained on proper killing techniques before they are allowed to take part in the hunt, she said.

“I believe there’s great opportunity in the sealing industry,” Shea said, adding that Ottawa continues to invest in product development.

Meanwhile, the industry continues to push ahead with a court case in the European Union aimed at overturning a ban on seal products, and the federal government is appealing a recent World Trade Organization decision to uphold the ban.

The WTO concluded in November that while the ban undermines fair trade, the restrictions can be justified on “public moral concerns” for animal welfare.

Last month, Canada’s northern development minister said the WTO’s decision had set a dangerous precedent for future trade relations.

More at the Calgary Herald, "Annual East Coast seal hunt starts amid ongoing court case and trade challenge."

Men Have Too Much Confidence?

Heteronormative patriarchal privilege, I guess.

From Katty Kay and Claire Shipman, at the Atlantic, "The Confidence Gap."

.@KattyKayBBC and I had a great time doing this! Huge thank you to @TheAtlantic. pic.twitter.com/PCef68mWt8

— Claire Shipman (@ClaireShipman) April 15, 2014

A lot of young men I teach do not have "too much confidence." This is more of the war on boys, if you ask me.

#Boston Police Detonate Backpack Near Marathon Finish Line — #BPD #BPDSafetyAlert #BPDMediaAdvisory

I'm like wtf?!!

At the Boston Globe, "Police detonate backpack at Marathon finish line."

Public Safety Alert: #BPD investigating 2 unattended backpacks found in the area of Boston Marathon Finish Line.

— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) April 15, 2014

Public Safety Alert: #BPD asking pedestrians & motorists to avoid the area in and around the Boston Marathon Finish Line.

— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) April 15, 2014

#BPDPublicSafetyAlert: Boylston St has been closed & MBTA Green Line service temporarily suspended. Community members asked to avoid area.

— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) April 15, 2014

#BPDPublicSafetyAlert: #BPD Bomb Squad still on scene in the area of Marathon Finish Line investigating call for 2 unattended backpacks.

— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) April 15, 2014

#BPDMediaAdvisory: For officer safety - media outlets are discouraged from showing any live video of backpacks found near Finish Line.

— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) April 15, 2014

#BPDPublicSafetyAlert: #BPD confirming a male suspect in custody in connection to the unattended backpacks found at the Finish Line.

— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) April 16, 2014

#BPDMediaAdvisory: The BPD Bomb Squad is still on scene. Live video of the area is prohibited & discouraged until the scene is cleared.

— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) April 16, 2014

#BPDPublicSafetyAlert: BPD confirming that the unattended bags at the Finish Line have been disrupted for precautionary reasons.

— Boston Police Dept. (@bostonpolice) April 16, 2014

Today was the anniversary remembrance, "A year later, Boston pauses to remember."

On April 15, 2013, their lives intersected. One year later, they returned to the scene http://t.co/mrgyiucLBp pic.twitter.com/1e9cUzsgjh

— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) April 16, 2014

PHOTOS: Behind the scenes of the Boston Marathon finish line photo shoot http://t.co/vIIFMdCuhY pic.twitter.com/ELVUI4IqAs

— The Boston Globe (@BostonGlobe) April 16, 2014

Progs Throw Jew-Hating KKK-Whisperer @MaxBlumenthal Under the Bus

At Legal Insurrection, "Why aren’t mainstream Israel critics defending Max Blumenthal?"

Limbaugh is 1 of several right-wingers blaming @MaxBlumenthal for Overland Park shootings. Silence from establishment Liberals is deafening.

— Rania Khalek (@RaniaKhalek) April 15, 2014

Sandra Fluke ordeal taught us @msnbc & @thinkprogress would rush to our defense when Limbaugh attacks. Just not for @MaxBlumenthal I guess.

— Rania Khalek (@RaniaKhalek) April 15, 2014

ADDED!:

For 2 days rightwing Israel supporters have blamed @MaxBlumenthal 4 white supremacy. And for 2 days liberal outlets have been silent.

— Rania Khalek (@RaniaKhalek) April 16, 2014

Be sure to follow the links.

My favorite? Daniel Greenfield:

.@MaxBlumenthal has "finally achieved his great dream. Inspiring the murder of Jews": http://t.co/duaIgr4WXa cc. @RSMcCain

— Donald Douglas (@AmPowerBlog) April 15, 2014

Jessica Kingham in Lingerie for Zoo Magazine

Well, let's break this up a little with some smokin' Rule 5.

At Egotastic!, "Supermodel Jessica Kingham shows off her luscious love mounds in this month's Zoo Magazine."

#BundyRanch Battle: Megyn Kelly Exclusive Behind the Scenes Footage

From last night's show, at Biz Pac Review, "Megyn Kelly: Chilling exclusive behind the scenes look at Nevada ranch showdown."



More at Liberty News, "Bundy Ranch Now Surrounded by Heavily Armed Guards as Talk of Federal Raid Picks Up." Also at Young Cons, "16 Incredible Photos from the Bundy Ranch Standoff Including the “Picture of the Year”."

'You're a middle aged man who writes a blog...'

Isn't amazing how unglued leftists get when you accurately peg a murderering KKK grand dragon as a hardline Democrat?

@AmPowerBlog here's an inconvenient truth for you asswipe. Your a middle aged man who writes a blog. You couldn't possibly be more pathetic
— Con Assassin (@ConAssassin) April 15, 2014

.@ConAssassin That'd be "you're."
— Donald Douglas (@AmPowerBlog) April 15, 2014

But yeah, I'm a middle aged blogger. A professor too, though. You gotta mind your p's and q's, heh!

Oops! Even More Democrats Than Republicans Rejected Interracial Marriage in Early 2000s — #Racism

Well, yeah, because historically it's the Democrats who're the party of racism.

From Guy Benson, at Town Hall, "Top Democrat: Yes, 'Elements' of the GOP Base are 'Animated by Racism'."

Benson's referring to Democrat Congressional Campaign Committee Chairman Steve Israel, who accused Republicans of having "elements that are animated by racism."

Perhaps, although actual survey data find a slightly higher figure for Democrat racism, which is what we'd expect. Here's Benson's post at Hot Air from February, "Re: MSNBC postscript on race":

Well, well well. A perfectly even distribution of racist attitudes across both major political parties, with Republicans being very slightly less racist than Democrats. These data points came, incidentally, from a 2002 UC Berkeley project...

Man, the truth about #DemocratParty murderous anti-Semitism and hate really driving depraved leftists insane! #JewishCommunityCenter

— Donald Douglas (@AmPowerBlog) April 15, 2014

Democrats: The party of racism.

"Well, so another Leftist wacko snapped, huh? Oooops, here's some 'inconvenient truth' for you Leftist trolls..."

LOL!

Here's LethalLily, at the comments at the Daily Caller:

Well, so another Leftist wacko snapped, huh? Oooops, here's some "inconvenient truth" for you Leftist trolls, slithering around the threads....

~ Nidal Hasan - Ft Hood Shooter: Reg­istered Democrat and Muslim.
~ Aaron Alexis, Navy Yard shooter - black liberal/Obama voter
~ Seung-Hui Cho - Virginia Tech shooter: Wrote hate mail to President Bush and to his staff, registered Democrat.
~ James Holmes - the "Dark Knight"/Colorado shooter: Registered Democrat, staff worker on the Obama campaign, #Occu­py guy,progressive liberal, hated Christians.
~ Amy Bishop, the rabid leftist, killed her colleagues in Alabama, Obama supporter.
~ Andrew J. Stack, flew plane into IRS building in Texas - Leftist Democrat
~ James J. Lee who was the "green activist"/ leftist took hostages at Discovery Channel - progressive liberal Democrat.
~ Jared Loughner, the Tucson shooter - Leftist, Marxist.
~ Ohio bomb plot derps were occupy Wall St leftists.
~ Harris and Klebold, the Columbine Shooters - families registered Democrats and progressive Leftists.
~ Bill Ayers, Weather Underground bomber - Leftist Democrat.
~Lee Harvey Oswald, Socialist, Communist and Democrat - killed Kennedy...
~ Leon Czolgosz, Leftist/anarchist - killed W. McKinley, 25th president - a Republican.
~ Charles Guiteau, psychopath, felt he was "owed" something, killed Garfield, 20th president - a Republican.

and on and on and on....the Left is chock full o' nuts...

Yep. Frazier Glenn Miller follows a long line of leftist, Democrat cowards and murderers.

Why are all mass murderers Democrats?

— Todd Kincannon (@Todd__Kincannon) April 15, 2014

PREVIOUSLY: "Frazier Glenn Miller, Jr., Kansas Jewish Murder Suspect, Made Democrat Congressional Bid in 2006," and "Far-Left Max Blumenthal: Key Inspiration for #Democrat Murder Suspect Frazier Glenn Miller, Jr. — #JewishCommunityCenter."

BONUS: From Azsteve53:

Fred Phelps, Westboro Baptist church, committed far left nutball and life long member of the Democrat party who ran for governor of Kansas three times under the Democrat banner...

Heh.

Utah Mother Megan Huntsman Accused of Killing Six Babies

Police found the remains of seven dead babies, six of which were murdered.

At the Other McCain, "Police: Woman Killed Six of Her Own Babies, Hid Bodies in Garage."

Majority of Americans Says Federal Taxes Too High

But not Democrats.

Nope, those murderous collectivists love high taxes and want to jack confiscation even higher.

At Gallup, "More Than Half of Americans Say Federal Taxes Too High."



Image Credit: The People's Cube, "Soviet agitprop discovered in Jay Carney's kitchen."

BONUS: At Protein Wisdom, "“Do liberals really think an 80% top tax rate wouldn’t hurt the US economy?”, and "The American Left and commie kitsch."