The case against Kamala’s coke
The latest twist in the White House cocaine saga sees NBC News clarify that the substance was found in an entrance area “near where some vehicles, like the vice president’s limo or SUV, park.” But Cockburn isn’t convinced of Kamala’s credibility as a possible culprit. Just listen to the Veep at the Essence Festival this week:
Well, I think culture is… it is a reflection of our moment in our time. Right. And… and… and… present culture is the way we express how we’re feeling about the moment. And… and we should always find times to express how we feel about the moment. That is a reflection of joy because, ev- you know. It comes in the morning (laugh). We have to find ways to also express the way we feel about the moment in terms of just having language and… and.. and a connection to how people are experiencing life. And I think about it in that way, too.
Cockburn has heard his share of drug-fueled rants over the years — and these ramblings sound far more like the mellow musings of someone with a Xanax buzz than the result of an illegal stimulant like naughty salt… and of course we know that Kamala requires no chemical assistance when it comes to mind-opening monologues: remember her space speech?
Can robots replace journalists?
Unionized staffers at the G/O Media Union, including those at Jezebel, the AV Club and Deadspin, are up in arms that their tight-fisted bosses are laying off humans and replacing them with artificial intelligence. But how smooth will the transition be? Cockburn decided to experiment with ChatGPT to find out:
G/O Media Union voices concern as artificial intelligence enters the writing realm
In a bold move that has sparked controversy within the G/O Media Union, the media conglomerate has begun testing the waters of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate content for their websites. Members of the union, comprised of talented writers and journalists, have expressed their discontent with this new development.
While AI has undoubtedly revolutionized various industries, the idea of algorithms penning articles for prominent publications raises valid concerns. The very essence of journalism lies in human creativity, critical thinking, and the ability to capture the nuances of complex stories. Can AI truly replicate the soul and depth that skilled writers bring to their craft?
Union members argue that the implementation of AI-written articles jeopardizes the quality of content, resulting in a homogenized and formulaic approach. Additionally, they fear the potential loss of jobs, as human writers might be replaced by machines programmed to churn out articles at an unprecedented rate.
Amidst this unease, it is essential for G/O Media to engage in open dialogue with the union, addressing concerns and working towards a collaborative solution. Balancing the benefits of AI with the irreplaceable value of human journalism is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the media landscape.
As AI technology continues to evolve, it is vital to recognize its limitations and preserve the distinctive voice and insight that human writers offer. By embracing AI as a tool rather than a replacement, G/O Media can navigate this challenging terrain while safeguarding the crucial role of journalists in shaping the future of news.
Cockburn’s verdict: while ChatGPT’s copy is clear and makes enough sense, it filed 100 words over and entirely lacks the catty Jezebel voice that’s made the women’s blog one of the most intolerable sites on the internet. Also, trust AI to refer to involving the “benefits of AI” as “crucial.” And at the end of the second paragraph, the AI poses a question the piece doesn’t go on to answer: criminal! 2/10 — the mean girls of journalism will fight on another day…
MTG out of HFC?
New developments in the catfight between Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Lauren Boebert appear set to see “little bitch” Boebert emerge victorious.
Following months of division between House Freedom Caucus members, MTG’s expulsion from the group appears imminent, the first in its history.
The move was driven by personality, not ideology. MTG is still a Trump-loving, Ultra MAGA bomb-thrower who would seemingly be aligned with the hard-right HFC, a group co-founded by none other than Ron DeSantis.
However, those close to the move cite her recent Twitter attacks on HFC member Ken Buck as one of the many final straws, which also include her public feud with HFC communications chair Boebert, whom she called a “little bitch,” along with a notable shift in her voting record, which has closely aligned with the priorities of House GOP leadership. A Republican source told NBC News that HFC chair Scott Perry “has not directly notified Greene that she has been kicked out of the caucus.”
“Yikes,” a senior staffer close to GOP leadership said. “This is a total shitshow.”
Worst wedding gift ever?
Cockburn is no stranger to marital strife, but the big problems usually set in a few years after saying his vows — not the week before. Former top UK politician, George Osborne, is at least starting his next marriage off with a bang, after an anonymous email was sent out to wedding guests and journalists a few days before the big day.
The email, which is now so infamous that it is being referred to in the British press as The Email (see London Playbook, see Popbitch), is 2,500 words long and contains audacious, unrepeatable and legally problematic claims about the newlywed-to-be’s personal life.
It has raised questions of whether the wedding will even go ahead, and more importantly, who the Gossip Girl-like figure is that sent it. Cockburn asked a wedding guest what they think will happen: “Hopefully George had his emails on do-not-disturb.”
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