Also, I just wanted to say that this:

Her job was about academic credentials. Thing 1, she lied. Thing 2, she was lying about the very core of her job--accreditation.

Was sort of what my brain was thinking about but I didn't really get it together. (I'm trying to be somewhat neutral/mild, given that it's sort of close to home.) (I'm being paranoid) (BUT YOU NEVER KNOW)

erin and quester, I'm glad you've both checked in.

I'm debating about whether to call my bosses. I know they shop there regularly.

I got on the KC Star website and the TV critic was doing a play by play on the coverage. All of the local stations went to network at 6!?! But, I checked Google News and the news is already on the net in New Zealand! CNN is more up to date than any of the local stations. Sheesh!

Yeah, I got it from CNN. My parents were home enjoying the weather from their back porch. Still wondering if they're going to release the name of the cop who was shot.

Luckily, the cop will be ok. He was hit in one arm, but was able to put out an APB...wait it's on the news right now. Still no name yet.

The shooter killed an elderly neighbor, stole her car which must have been reported, because that's how the cop got involved. He spotted the car at a gas station and pulled in to investigate.

aha. The official KCPD statement:

Officers were called Sunday, April 29th, at about 149 pm to the 3700 block of East 93rd street to check the welfare of an elderly woman. When the officers arrived, they discovered a dead woman inside the home. Officers were also told the woman's car was missing. The officers put out a description of the woman's car.

At about 311 pm, an officer on patrol saw the vehicle that was reported missing from the woman's home. The officer stopped the car at 1311 Bannister road. When he stopped the car, the driver began shooting at the officer. The officer returned fire but was struck in the arm by one of the gunman's shots. The officer put out a description of the vehicle to officers. It is unknown if any of the officer's shots struck the man. He was transported to an area hospital for treatment. He was treated and released. The officer is 44 years old and has been with the department since January 1992.

At about 327 pm, we received a call regarding an outside disturbance with shots fired at the Ward Parkway mall, 8600 Ward Parkway. While on the way to the call, the officers received information that a man was inside the mall with a long gun. Officers from Kansas City and Leawood, along with security from the mall, confronted the man inside the common area of the mall. During this confrontation, the man was shot to death by the officers. It is believed the dead man is the one who shot the officer on Bannister road. His vehicle was found in the parking lot. Additionally, two people were found shot to death on each side of the vehicle the man was driving.

The cop is about 5 years too old to be someone I know.

Local news is reporting a high school in Holden will be closed tomorrow because of a bomb threat. what is this world coming to?

Oh, and I'm glad none of your friends were the shot cop, aurelia

I'm apparently still bitter about my earlier fuckup. Funny, that. I'm still cranky. Need to get over it.

Dad and I just discussed mortality. And cats' mortality (they lost 2 this year and it hurt.) Weird. Bottom line, he isn't allowed until he's 90 (too soon! I'll only be 57!) and has to do it doing something interesting. Like s&r and falling off a cliff. I so decree.

FWIW, all my friends are ok. No one was there. Looks like 3 dead, including shooter, 2 injuries, one gunshot, one shoulderdive outta the way.

Le sigh.

My dad talks about mortality too. I don't respond. Luckily my mother would mostly rather pretend she'll never die. Oh, she's old and she'll keep reminding you (well, of course she's old--I'm her daughter and I'm old), but death is verboten conversationally.

I should make a will. My mother's always been my life insurance beneficiary, but even though I have so little, it's probably tidiest.

My brother is my main beneficiary,I think. I don't recall the paperwork, which is insane. I'd want him and the kids to benefit. He'd be the best choice. Actually, my main concern is where my cats go. Which is pathetic, in a way. (to my parents, for the record.)

I don't like taking death with my parents, but we do. Usually in the most joshing manner possible. "Yeah, I want the library table, mom. After you die at 100 in your sleep." "OK, you can only die if you are on a s&r and having fun, otherwise, you ain't dead, dad. And I get the tschoskes."