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Category: Culture
December 19, 2023
Jack Montgomery
Culture
UK

Scotland Mulls Taylor Swift Ticket Tax.

Scotland’s left-separatist government is considering a “Taylor Swift ticket tax” on people attending stadium gigs for popular musicians, to raise tax revenue after blowing billions on welfare programs and mass migration. The tax would take the form of a £1 (~$1.30) levy on ticket purchases.

“We have gone through a pivot point during the pandemic; there has been a change in social behaviors and there has been extreme distress in the arts and cultural sector,” said Angus Robertson, Minister for Culture in the Scottish Government.

“We acknowledge that and we have tried to support the sector through that difficult period,” he continued, saying the “levy proposal is worthy of further consideration.”

The Scottish Government, headed by the Scottish National Party (SNP) in coalition with the Scottish Greens, currently faces a £1.5 billion budget shortfall. Nevertheless, First Minister Humza Yousaf is currently lobbying to import thousands of Gazans, which would strain public finances even further.

Arts and culture funding is not always spent wisely, with the Scottish Government previously funding “queer datasets” used to produce artificial intelligence drag shows.

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Scotland's left-separatist government is considering a "Taylor Swift ticket tax" on people attending stadium gigs for popular musicians, to raise tax revenue after blowing billions on welfare programs and mass migration. The tax would take the form of a £1 (~$1.30) levy on ticket purchases. show more
December 18, 2023
Jack Montgomery
Culture
News
World

Empire State Building Lit Up in Colors of Islamist Dictatorship Which Funds Hamas.

New York’s Empire State Building was lit up in the colors of the State of Qatar from midnight Sunday until sunrise on December 18th, to celebrate the Islamist dictatorship’s national day. Qatar is a state sponsor of global terrorism and even funds and houses Hamas leaders.

The iconic building is owned by the Empire State Realty Trust. The trust is run by Anthony Malkin, who has donated tens of thousands of dollars mainly to Democratic politicians, including Chuck Schumer and John Fetterman. Another 10 percent of the trust was acquired by the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) in 2016. The QIA is owned and controlled by the Qatari state.

Qatar is ruled by an emir with dictatorial powers and boasts a legal system based on sharia law. The decision to honor it therefore met with considerable backlash on social media.

The Empire State Realty Trust previously refused to light the building in gold for Childhood Cancer Awareness in 2021. The American Childhood Cancer Organization confirmed the trust has been rejecting similar requests for almost a decade in September 2023. It has also rejected a request to light the building in Polish colors for Revolutionary War hero Casimir Pulaski.

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New York's Empire State Building was lit up in the colors of the State of Qatar from midnight Sunday until sunrise on December 18th, to celebrate the Islamist dictatorship's national day. Qatar is a state sponsor of global terrorism and even funds and houses Hamas leaders. show more
December 18, 2023
Culture

UPDATED: Arlington Confederate Memorial Removal Paused After Restraining Order by Federal Judge.

MONDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE:

A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order barring removal of the memorial as originally reported below. A group called Defend Arlington filed a lawsuit on Sunday, according to the Associated Press, which led to the restraining order. A hearing on the matter is now scheduled for Wednesday. Our original report, unedited, appears below. Defend Arlington is fundraising for legal costs to fight the removal of the memorial.

ORIGINAL MONDAY MORNING REPORT:

The iconic Confederate memorial in Arlington National Cemetery is set to be removed this week, a cemetery official announced Saturday. Moves to desecrate the site – first intended as a “peace” monument which also serves as the grave site for its designer, America’s first globally renowned Jewish artist Moses Ezekiel – began Monday.

The decision to trash the stunning monument was made over a year ago part of efforts to erase Confederate iconography from America. Objections raised by over 40 Republican congressmen eventually went unheeded, with a total sum of over $62 million allocated for the removal of a number of Confederate and otherwise “problematic” statues.

The monument was first unveiled in 1914, with Ezekiel explaining at the time: “The intention is that it is a peace monument… Without forgetting the sacrifices and the heroism of the South, and emphasizing the fact that they were fighting for a constitutional right, and not to uphold slavery, I have attempted to have the dominant idea the future and not the past, to show that the intention of the South is to rest the future on her industry and her agriculture, and let the past go, but not be forgotten.”

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin says he plans to relocate the statue to the New Market battlefield state historical park in the Shenandoah Valley.

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MONDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE:

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Editor’s Notes

Behind-the-scenes political intrigue exclusively for Pulse+ subscribers.

RAHEEM J. KASSAM Editor-in-Chief
I wrote a lot more about this last year
for exclusive members-only insights
I wrote a lot more about this last year show more
for exclusive members-only insights
Satanic
December 12, 2023
Culture
Religion

WATCH: Statehouse Displays Satanic Baphomet Idol in Kim Reynolds’s Iowa.

The Iowa Statehouse is hosting an idol of the demon Baphomet. The ram-headed statue is being maintained by the Satanic Temple, which has billed it as an expression of “religious freedom”. It has been sited near traditional Christmas trees and Jewish menorahs, with critics questioning why Governor Kim Reynolds, who recently endorsed Ron DeSantis for the GOP presidential nomination, is allowing it.

“We’re going to really relish the opportunity to be represented in a public forum. We don’t have a church on every street corner,” boasted Satanic Temple co-founder Lucien Greaves. They were able to abuse rules allowing anyone to apply for a permit for a display to install the idol. Lawmaker Brad Sherman described this as “a tortured and twisted interpretation of law that affords Satan, who is universally understood to be the enemy of God, religious expression equal to God in an institution of government that depends upon God for continued blessings.”

“I hope that people realize spiritual warfare is real. That there are evil Satanic forces that are trying to infiltrate our state,” commented Shellie Flockhart, part of a Christian prayer group opposed to the demonic display.

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The Iowa Statehouse is hosting an idol of the demon Baphomet. The ram-headed statue is being maintained by the Satanic Temple, which has billed it as an expression of "religious freedom". It has been sited near traditional Christmas trees and Jewish menorahs, with critics questioning why Governor Kim Reynolds, who recently endorsed Ron DeSantis for the GOP presidential nomination, is allowing it. show more
December 7, 2023
Jack Montgomery
Culture
News

After Attacks on NYC Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony by Pro-Palestinians, California Tree Lighting Will Be Virtual.

The traditional “holiday tree” lighting at the California Capitol in Sacramento will be “virtual”. Officials in the Democrat-led state fear violent protestors would target an in-person ceremony, as happened in New York.

“As we continue to see protests across the country impacting the safety of events of all scales – and for the safety and security of all participating members and guests including children and families – the ceremony this year will be virtual,” said a spokesman for Governor Gavin Newsom.

Newsom’s office offered no specifics on those behind the protests. The Sacramento Regional Coalition for Palestinian Rights had planned a march and rally to coincide with the tree lighting, however. It now complains “Newsom [is] hiding from the public because he doesn’t want to face their anger at his shameful stance in regard to the genocide in Gaza.”

The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting ceremony in New York City was targeted by pro-Palestinian activists. Police had to establish barricades, and exchanged fists with rioters who tried to rush through.

California is not the only place to curtail or eliminate seasonal festivities for fear of protestors. Across the Atlantic in London, municipal officials scrapped a planned menorah-lighting ceremony to mark the beginning of Hanukkah.

“[I]t would be unwise to move forward with the installation which could risk further inflaming tensions,” the officials claimed. Jewish community leaders accused them of capitulating to the mob.

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The traditional "holiday tree" lighting at the California Capitol in Sacramento will be "virtual". Officials in the Democrat-led state fear violent protestors would target an in-person ceremony, as happened in New York. show more
December 6, 2023
Jake Welch
Culture
News
Politics

School Board Gets Death Threats After Refusing $10K From LGBT+ Group.

A school district in Lynchburg, Virginia, has received multiple death threats after the Washington Post published an article that claimed the board created a “blueprint for how to belittle, betray and dismiss kids” because it refused a $10,000 donation from a radical LGBT-pushing group.

The Lynchburg City School Board voted 7 to 2 against the creation of LGBT “safe spaces” in its schools – designed to take children out of lessons and allow them to talk about their feelings in “comfortable chairs, blankets and low light” – with funds from the charity “It Gets Better.”

The rejection infuriated Petula Dvorak of the Post, who reports that the school kids were left feeling “terrified” and “incandescent” with rage. The decision was “[a]nimated by a conservative movement linking parental fears and grievances to anything related by being LGBTQ+,” Dvorak asserts.

The school board began receiving death threats shortly after the piece was published on November 30. The police have opened an investigation into the messages after the board became sufficiently concerned to contact the authorities.

“I know that these emails are affecting some of the board members to a greater extent than they are affecting other board members, and to that end, we are taking this very seriously,” said Christian Depaul, a member of the board.

Worse still, Depaul hit out at the Jeff Bezos-owned newspaper for neglecting to mention that the district “plans on providing safe spaces” for students but does not want It Gets Better funding to do so.

The LGBT charity was founded by the gay activist Dan Savage and his husband, Terry Miller, in 2010. Savage is best known for a number of controversial remarks, such as wishing Republicans “were all f*cking dead” as well as suggesting “abortion should be mandatory for about 30 years.”

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A school district in Lynchburg, Virginia, has received multiple death threats after the Washington Post published an article that claimed the board created a "blueprint for how to belittle, betray and dismiss kids" because it refused a $10,000 donation from a radical LGBT-pushing group. show more
December 6, 2023
Culture

Taylor Swift Named Time’s Person of the Year.

Pop music superstar Taylor Swift has been declared TIME magazine’s Person of the Year, eclipsing eight other finalists including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Barbie, among others. The 33-year-old singer, whose blockbuster tour this year contributed to her ascension into billionaire status, follows last year’s choice, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, amid the continued Russia-Ukraine tension. “This is the proudest, happiest, most creatively fulfilling and free I’ve ever felt,” stated Swift in an interview published in the renowned magazine.

The pop singer also elaborated on her ongoing relationship with NFL vaccine pusher Travis Kelce, known for his tenure with the Kansas City Chiefs and Pfizer. She addressed, for the first time, the attention garnered from her public appearances at his games. Swift further detailed her training routine she adhered to in preparation for her landmark “Eras” tour, citing daily treadmill runs and singing sessions combined with three months of dance classes.

TIME’s Person of the Year recognition is a tradition dating back 96 years. Over the decades, the title has been awarded to Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Ayatollah Khomeini. Swift’s selection emphasizes her achievement in the entertainment industry in 2023, with her tour branded as potentially the “biggest of all time”.

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Pop music superstar Taylor Swift has been declared TIME magazine's Person of the Year, eclipsing eight other finalists including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Barbie, among others. The 33-year-old singer, whose blockbuster tour this year contributed to her ascension into billionaire status, follows last year's choice, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, amid the continued Russia-Ukraine tension. "This is the proudest, happiest, most creatively fulfilling and free I’ve ever felt," stated Swift in an interview published in the renowned magazine. show more

Editor’s Notes

Behind-the-scenes political intrigue exclusively for Pulse+ subscribers.

RAHEEM J. KASSAM Editor-in-Chief
I really don’t get the whole Taylor Swift thing
for exclusive members-only insights
I really don’t get the whole Taylor Swift thing show more
for exclusive members-only insights
December 4, 2023
Jake Welch
Culture

Cosmo Mag Encourages Women to Have ‘Satanic Abortions’.

Cosmopolitan magazine is openly encouraging women to abort their unborn babies in satanic ceremonies that were first created by The Satanic Temple (TST) on social media platform Instagram.

The magazine recounted the experience of one 37-year-old mother of three who visited a Satanic abortion clinic in New Mexico, claiming that she found it to be “just very supportive” before going on to explain how its online audience – predominantly young women interested in fashion and gossip – can try it for themselves over several posts.

The first slide suggests young women “bring a mirror” into which they can gaze and reflect on their “personhood” before taking abortion pills. The second recommends reading aloud the so-called tenet, “One’s body is inviolable, subject to one’s own will alone.”

“Take the medication and immediately afterward, recite: Beliefs should conform to one’s best scientific understanding of the world. One should take care never to distort scientific facts to fit one’s beliefs,” the instructions continue. To complete the abortion, the post states, one must recite the words: “By my body, my blood; by my will, it is done.”

The last slide recommends that those aborting their children should encourage “as many loved ones as they’d like” to participate and should consider lighting candles or dressing up for the occasion.

Cosmopolitan continued to push Satanic abortions in another post on the platform, clarifying that it is a real trend that has “managed to piss off abortion opponents and reproductive free fighters alike.” It adds elsewhere the trend may be “the most genius reproductive justice play of our time.”

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Cosmopolitan magazine is openly encouraging women to abort their unborn babies in satanic ceremonies that were first created by The Satanic Temple (TST) on social media platform Instagram. show more

Editor’s Notes

Behind-the-scenes political intrigue exclusively for Pulse+ subscribers.

RAHEEM J. KASSAM Editor-in-Chief
Btw the phrase “Satanic abortions” is tautological, as one user on Instagram noted in Cosmo’s replies
for exclusive members-only insights
Btw the phrase “Satanic abortions” is tautological, as one user on Instagram noted in Cosmo’s replies show more
for exclusive members-only insights
December 4, 2023
Jack Montgomery
Culture
Media
News

LISTEN: Frasier’s Kelsey Grammer Tells BBC He Still Supports Trump, Paramount+ PR Team Ends Interview.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has alleged that Paramount+ public relations officers cut short an interview with Frasier star Kelsey Grammer after the award-winning actor reiterated his support for President Donald J. Trump.

Early in the interview – in which Grammer also discussed the murder of his sister and his friendship with co-star Nicholas Lyndhurst –  the Cheers and associated spin-off star said Roseanne Barr inspired the Frasier relaunch. Noting Barr was also a Trump supporter, interviewer Justin Webb later asked if Grammer is still a backer of the 45th President.

“I am, and I’ll let that be the end of it,” Grammer replied with a slight chuckle, before the interview came to an abrupt halt.

Webb explained, afterwards: “I have to say actually Kelsey Grammer himself was perfectly happy to go on talking about it. The Paramount+ PR people, less happy that he talked about it at some length,” said Webb after the pre-recorded interview, suggesting part of their discussion was not aired.

“But I should stress that he was perfectly happy to talk about why he supports Donald Trump and still does in the forthcoming election,” Webb added.

Grammer explained in 2019 that he welcomed Trump as a disruptor, saying did not “think Washington did us any favors for the last 50, 60 years. I think they’ve all been sort of the same party, the same bunch of clowns, the same bunch of really unpleasant people, and I don’t think they’ve been helping anybody but themselves.”

LISTEN:

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The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has alleged that Paramount+ public relations officers cut short an interview with Frasier star Kelsey Grammer after the award-winning actor reiterated his support for President Donald J. Trump. show more

Editor’s Notes

Behind-the-scenes political intrigue exclusively for Pulse+ subscribers.

RAHEEM J. KASSAM Editor-in-Chief
Let me tell you a little story about a time I was sitting in one of my favorite restaurants in London, Boisdale of Belgravia, and I turn to my right and none other than Kelsey Grammer is sitting next to me, at a table with the owner, Ranald
for exclusive members-only insights
Let me tell you a little story about a time I was sitting in one of my favorite restaurants in London, Boisdale of Belgravia, and I turn to my right and none other than Kelsey Grammer is sitting next to me, at a table with the owner, Ranald show more
for exclusive members-only insights
trump's record on abortion
December 3, 2023
Jake Welch
Culture
Religion

REJOICE! 137 ‘Abortion Clinics’ Closed in Just 2 Years.

One hundred and thirty seven abortion clinics were forced to close or halt their operations over the past two years in the United States, according to the Christian charity Operation Rescue.

A total of 88 clinics closed or halted operations in 2022, with another 49 following suit this year. Of the 49 clinics that either closed or halted operations this year, 51 percent were pill-only facilities, and 49 percent were surgical.

There are now 670 abortion clinics left in the country, representing a 69 percent reduction in the total number of facilities compared to 1991, in which there were well over 2,176 in operation.

“The overturn of Roe v. Wade is undoubtedly saving lives. And the enduring efforts of faithful Americans on the pro-life side are paying off and having a winning effect,” said Operation Rescue’s President Troy Newman.

“While the pro-life community has much to celebrate, the pro-death crowd continues to find methods of killing as many human beings as possible. The prayers and work involved in exposing the evil behind the Abortion Cartel is more important than ever!” Newman added.

As of late November, one in four babies that would have been aborted in the United States have been born as a direct result of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe. Since then, fourteen states are considered “abortion-free” by Operation Rescue, including Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia.

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One hundred and thirty seven abortion clinics were forced to close or halt their operations over the past two years in the United States, according to the Christian charity Operation Rescue. show more