Today is May 3rd. On this date in 1469, Niccolo Machiavelli was born. The political philosopher is best known for penning the pamphlet, later published as a book, The Prince, wherein he describes an ideal leader as being cruel and duplicitous. The word Machiavellian is used to this day to describe taking actions for one’s own benefit regardless of right or wrong, or harm to others. Hey, sounds like [politician you don’t like], am I right? Also on this date, in 1952, Joseph Fletcher landed the first plane to reach the North Pole. Fletcher is also famous for probably being the first person to actually stand at the exact geographic pole, and for having a broad face and a little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly. And on this date in 1999, Hasbro released the first set of toys for the movie The Phantom Menace. Ah, Niccolo would be so proud. Finally, don’t forget to celebrate “National Two Different Colored Shoes Day“! Truly a hallowed occasion. Consider this an Open Thread.

A Tale of Two Wardrobes | The Right Sphere
“Making you think Ann Romney and her husband are greedy pigs is going to be something you see a lot of over the next 6 months. It’s all they have. Now, let’s look at a few headlines surrounding Michelle Obama’s fashion choices:”

The Human Consequences of EPA’s War on Coal | The Foundry
“There are very real consequences to the Environmental Protection Agency’s continued efforts to undermine America’s coal industry. Those consequences were recently spotlighted in an industry-produced video, embedded above.”

Occupy mob assaults counter-protesters | PJ Media
“During the May Day Occupy march in New York yesterday, a trio of counter-protesters were assaulted by a screaming mob of left-wing demonstrators.”

Senators Fail Their Constituents With Ambush Vote | RCP
“Known as the “ambush election” rule, the Obama labor board’s regulation will now take effect on April 30th. Senators who failed to oppose the regulation sided with unelected bureaucrats doing the bidding of Big Labor bosses, and punished local workers and job creators whose interests they claim to defend.”

Video: May Day Protestor Throwing Bricks At Crowd From A Roof | Free Beacon
“A San Francisco May Day protestor threw bricks into a crowd from a building rooftop Monday, KCBS reports. One person was hit by a brick thrown from the roof.”

Today’s Word of the Day is via Dictionary.com, and you’ll read it in Jerry Seinfeld’s voice.
numen (NOO-min): noun Divine power, especially one who inhabits a particular object.