Greg Mitchell's Blog, page 128

Doubting Thomas

Don't always agreed with Jeff Toobin, but glad to see he is roasting Clarence Thomas at The New Yorker for something many make excuses--his total silence at SCOTUS for eight years now (anniversary is tomorrow).  Toobin accurately calls it an "embarrassment" both for Thomas and the institution.  And even "demeaning." 

He also projects a different kind of silence than he did earlier in his tenure. In his first years on the Court, Thomas would rock forward, whisper comments about the lawyers to his neighbors Breyer and Kennedy, and generally look like he was acknowledging where he was. These days, Thomas only reclines; his leather chair is pitched so he can stare at the ceiling, which he does at length. He strokes his chin. His eyelids look heavy. Every schoolteacher knows this look. It’s called “not paying attention.”

Malcolm and Sam

Malcolm X assassinated in NYC on this day in 1965.  I was in high school and had just read his autobiography, a major moment in my life.  Here from the Spike Lee movie, his final day, with Sam Cooke's "Change Gonna Come."

4 Killed at Eviction Hearing

Shocker tonight as word emerges that a woman shot and killed four at a Native American tribal office over an eviction dispute--and when she ran out of ammo took out a butcher knife and stabbed one more.  Details still sketchy but here you go for now. Updated here.  Suspect (who had been evicted with child) is IDed.   Friday update.   Two seriously injured in hospital.

Motorcycle, Nightmare

You may have heard today that a "Venezuelan beauty queen" was shot and killed and became the new face of protest there.  Now there's a haunting photo, from Reuters, left, of her getting carried away on a motorcycle.  Other photos show her being treated in the hospital.

There's a Pussy Riot Goin' On

They post new anti-Putin video today, including unseen footage of the Cossack attack on them yesterday.

Rosanne: Modern, Blue

Great live cut just posted from recent show by my fave NYC radio station WFUV.

Taibbi Gathers No Moss

Matt exiting Rolling Stone for First Look, pens thank you farewell.  First Look release. Note: he learned he was getting his big career break while walking in my native Niagara Falls.

To be able to say you work for Rolling Stone, it’s a feeling any journalist in his right mind should want to experience. The magazine’s very name is like a magic word. I noticed it from the very first assignment. Even people who know they probably shouldn’t talk to you, do, once they hear you’re from the magazine Dr. Hook sang about. And if they actually see the business card, forget it. People will do anything to get into the magazine, to have some of that iconic cool rub off on them.

There were times when I would think about the great reporters and writers who’ve had the same job I was so lucky to have, and it would be almost overwhelming – it was like being the Dread Pirate Roberts. It was a true honor and I’ll eternally be in the debt of Will and Jann, and Sean Woods and Coco McPherson and Victor Juhasz and Alison Weinflash and so many others with whom it was my privilege to work. I wish there was something I could say that is stronger than Thank You.

No journalist has ever been luckier than me. Thank you, Rolling Stone.

Classic Bob

One of the great and often funny early Dylan interviews, on Les Crane show, 49 years ago this week.  And here are the two songs he sang--not yet on record.

Lightnin' Strikes

Classic clip of Mr. Hopkins covering Brother Ray's "What I'd Say," in his inimitable style.

Russian Militia Attack Pussy Rioters With Whips

It happened this morning as the two freed members plus four others attempted to sing their new song about Putin and the Motherland in public.  AP has report here and Mashable covers here with photos.  AP photo at left. More photos.