Greg Mitchell's Blog, page 182

Doom With a VU

Wash Post writer claims this is the single greatest note in the history of rock 'n roll, courtesy naturally of the Velvet Underground.   It comes below at 2:16 after Lou screams, "And then my mind split open."   Comment below if you want to provide YOUR feedback. (Plus, cool, slightly saner, version from their re-union tour).

Adagio

Sometimes I think the greatest movement in Beethoven's Ninth is its least known (due to no use in commercial themes, perhaps).  That would be the adagio, and never done better than the offering led by Dudamel in his L.A. Philharmonic debut, which I caught as televised. In fact, is there anything greater?  In two parts:

Michael Hastings' Brother Shoots Down 'Truthers'

And the guy should know.  Not only was he the dead writers brother, he was within him on final day, in final hours.  Certain the conspiracy theories are all wrong, which has always been my take.  This Q & A also discusses his views on Mike's life and career and views, and the media coverage.  "I really rule out foul play entirely. I might have been suspicious if I hadn’t been with him the day before he died. After all, he definitely was investigating and writing about a lot of sensitive subjects. But based on being with him and talking to people who were worried about him in the weeks leading up to his death, and being around him when he had had similar problems when he was younger, I was pretty much convinced that he wasn’t in danger from any outside agency."

Toddler Shoots Dad

Today's tragic story from Gun Nutty USA hails from one of the nuttiest states of all, Arkansas, where a man was found shot in the back in a Wal Mart  (where else?) parking lot.  On further inspections it seems his 3-year-old son had climbed into the car ahead of him and grabbed a shot gun.  Dad in stable condition.  Physicially.  Love the comment at the newspaper site: "Accidents happen!"

Sandy Storm

One year ago, our front yard after post-Sandy snow storm (we were still in hotel).

What Sister Ray Said

When Lawrence Welk did Lou Reed's "Sister Ray."  Well, not quite, but a cool goofy mash-up.  Still, not enough cow bell!

Fracking, Texas Style

Bird's-eye view of modern Texas landscape.  Story here.

Shots Fired at Paramus Mall

Tuesday update:  Suspect found dead of self-inflicted gunshot inside mall.  Age 20 from Teaneck.  Left an "ambiguous" note.  Gun belonged to brother.  Alleged drug abuser, loved "Molly."   Selfie (left) with American History X poster which he is copying.   Edward Norton character was a neo-Nazi skinhead, remember?


Updates:  At 11 p.m. presser,  local CBS reports,  Paramus mayor suggests only one shot fired--and shooter probably left mall...Another good thing:  no ambulances have arrived, at least not in force... CNN says at least one police report says that shooter may have exited mall....Famed "K-Lo" from National Review tweeting from Paramus mall, holed up there. @ kathrynlopez

Earlier:  Another incident, after the near-tragedy at Conn. college today.  This is ongoing--reports of eight shots fired just before closing at a mall in Paramus, NJ, not far from my home.  Gunman in body armor still there--if reports true-- along with many police.  And gunman is shooting out security cameras, they say.  CNN and MSNBC on it.  SWAT teams suiting up. One witness claims guy was wearing black outfit and black helmet, tall, with rifle.

Did Obama 'Lie' About Key Obamacare Provision?

You know, the one about everyone being able to keep their personal insurance if they want to.  The NYT in an editorial yesterday hit him for it but said he merely "misspoke." Right-wingers and some readers claimed that was far too soft.   On the other hand, the Times in its editorial voice has never said that Bush or Cheney "lied" about WMD in Iraq, so there's that.  Anyway, public editor Margaret Sullivan took the question to editorial page boss Andy Rosenthal, who doesn't back down.  He says we don't know what Obama knew when he made that statement, multiple times. Sullivan doesn't offer her own view in this case. 

Another College Lockdown

Emergency at Central Connecticut State U.   SWAT teams there with shields and weapons drawn.  Students told to stay in rooms.  Local schools in lockdown.  Hartford Courant coverage still vague, though with photos.  Live TV here.  Suspect or suspects in James Hall, someone with gun and/or  knife--allegedly.  No gunshots heard yet.  No one hurt yet.  Update:  Person my be trapped in room and in negotiation with police.   A former police officer says he saw him carrying handgun, backpack possibly with ammo.  Others say also carrying long sword.  Dressed in camouflage. Update #2:  Suspect in custody.  No shots, no injuries.