Castle: A Night Of Dance – A Review And Recap

Castle: A Night Of Dance

Well, it was better than the last episode.

Yep, that’s how I’ve started rating Castle episodes. It’s an easy system, really. Only four grades (4 being the worst).

MY CASTLE RATING SYSTEM

4. Lanie’s off the charts. Toss the remote at the TV

3. Filler episode (which, by the way, is almost every episode these days). Ho Hum.

2. Well, it was better than the last episode. Minimal cursing at the TV

1. The Castle we used to love. At least there’s some, however minimal, reference to Castle as a mystery writer. Remember, that’s what this show was about once upon a time.

So, for me, this episode was a 2. It wasn’t all that hot, but it was better than the last episode. But it could be worse. We could all be Brian Dunkleman, right? American Idol will never go anywhere, so I’m quitting. What…a…dummy.

Anyway, the episode wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t all that good either. At least we had Lanie and her nonsense to keep us entertained. More on that in a minute. First, let’s see what Melanie has to say. I can see her all goo-goo-eyed over this one.

Melanie Atkins

The show is finally back after its early March hiatus with A Dance with Death, a classic-Castle episode that begins with a murder on the set of a dancing show titled A Night of Dance. I enjoyed this one. The case was twisty without being too convoluted, at least to me, and the friendly banter kept me watching. We got a little theory building, a lot of smiles, and some goo-goo eyes between our dynamic duo, but no real movement on the relationship front. Although I can’t help but notice how Rick and Kate’s relationship has evolved. They stand closer to each other than ever before, they touch a lot, and those glances are way more potent than ever before.

One of my favorite parts of this one, however, didn’t involve them at all. I’m talking about the ring incident between Ryan and Esposito. Ryan got Esposito to wear his wedding ring while they went to question a stripper to see which detective the woman might flirt with — Esposito, with the ring on, or Ryan… with no ring. And much to Ryan’s chagrin, the stripper still flirted with Esposito more. The worst part, though? Ryan’s ring got stuck on Esposito’s hand. Oops! Took them the rest of the show to get it off, when Kate saved the day with some silky lotion. Hilarious.

I also enjoyed the dinner Martha hosted at the loft to impress an old nemesis: a theater critic who had panned one of her performances back in the early ’80’s. All was well at first, with Rick, Alexis, Martha, and Oona Marconi, the critic, sharing a lovely meal. Ms. Marconi even agreed to visit Martha’s acting school and mention it in her column. Then the woman brought up the old review, and Martha let her ego get away from her. All hell broke loose. Rick and Alexis could only sit back and watch the train wreck. What a hoot!

All worked out in the end, of course. Kate, Rick, and the boys caught the killer, Ryan retrieved his precious ring after it flew across the precinct when it finally came off Esposito’s hand, and Martha smoothed things over with the critic by promising Ms. Marconi Rick would read her novel — a tome that looked to me like it had to be a thousand page book. Poor guy. He just had to open his big mouth and tell his mom he’d do whatever he could to help. Famous last words.

I had fun watching this episode. Nothing earthshaking happened, but it kept me entertained. Yay for classic Castle! Next week, in episode nineteen, the drama returns… and so does the angst when a secret is revealed. From the spoilers I’ve gleaned off the Internet, we’re in for some major relationship movement in the near future — and I’m on the roller coaster, ready for the ride.

Melanie, I’m sorry, but this show no longer has the roller coaster feel to it. I feel more like we’ve been forced to ride with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. on a NASCAR track—’round and ’round in left-hand circles with no end in sight.

Of course, “steady as she goes” Lanie never lets me down, and she was flying her true colors last night. Boy, was she ever in rare form…

Let’s see:

“Cause of death was a single gunshot wound to the heart.” I’m guessing Lanie slipped on her x-ray specs so she could see the bullet’s path through the victim’s body. Because that’s the only way she could’ve seen the heart while still at the crime scene, with the victim still fully-clothed.

“Probably a 9mm.” Really, Lanie? Really? You could tell the size of the round merely by looking at a hole in the victim’s clothing? Really?

“She died instantly.” I almost tossed an entire bowl of popcorn at the screen. Really, I did.

We learned a bit of Lanie’s history last night—a ballerina wannabe. Man, I wish she’d gone that route, because an M.E. she’s not. Not even close. And now she got her intern, Alexis, spouting off the same gobbledygook. I’m glad they’re giving Alexis more to do, but this is totally unbelievable. An untrained intern pouring over old case files, discovering something that even a rookie coroner would not have overlooked…GRRRRR………

Beckett and crew went through the usual, boilerplate red herring suspect list. Boring as always, so I’m not going there. Alibi, alibi, alibi. Yawn.

The entire notion that person A would pay person B to undergo surgery so she’d look like person A so person B could do things that person A didn’t want to do—community service, submit urine sample for drug testing, etc., is too far-fetched, even for this show. By the way, did all that person A and B stuff sound confusing? Sure it did, and that’s about how it came across in the show.

Good and bad points:

– The original dead woman, person A, was friends with Suzanne. Best friends from childhood. Yet, Suzanne wasn’t sharp enough to spot the imposter (person B)?

– Espo and Ryan with the wedding ring/married men are invisible to single women thing. For me, this was the best part of the show.

– The butler did it. One last ditch at yet another suspect before revealing the killer.

Well, guess what? It wasn’t the butler. Big surprise there. No, it was another guy we’d barely seen with absolutely no clues pointing to him. But the lack of clues is a good thing in this show. Simply watch for the guy in the background, the guy who does nothing, says little, and smiles. There’s your killer.

I just wish they’d bring back the original Castle, but I’m afraid they’re too far gone now and can’t turn back. At this point, I’m not even sure they’d know how to get back on track. But I do know this, I watch the forums and message boards and there are a whole lot of unhappy, diehard Castle fans out there. Sure, they’re still hanging on, but you can hear the sound of war drums in the distance. I’m also seeing the word “filler” on every page. Fans don’t especially care for the so-called filler episodes.

Why are there filler episodes, anyway? Is it that difficult to deliver your best each and every week? Don’t the fans deserve the best? ‘Cause, you know, the show wouldn’t be what it is without the fans.

You know, you can only take advantage of a fan’s loyalty for so long before…

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9 Surprising Reasons a Police Officer Might Pull You Over

9 Reasons to get pulled over

You’re in the home stretch — just blocks from your apartment after a long day’s work. You’re ready for some cold pizza and a nice, quiet evening of blowing up stuff in Call of Duty. And then, you see them. Flashing red and blue lights, meant just for you. You check your speedometer. Nothing there. You glance at your tags. Nothing’s out of date. Before you start to sweat, make sure you know these nine surprising reasons that you might be getting pulled over. And, please. Just the facts, ma’am.

Your Door Is Open Too Long

Oregon is quite literally not a fan of the open-door policy. According to section 811.490(b) of Oregon’s state traffic laws, it is a Class D traffic violation to leave a car door open “for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.” What about groceries? What about when you’re cleaning out your car at the gas station? If this law were taken to its logical conclusions, every single Oregonian with a car would at some point be a law-breaker.

You Accidentally Screeched Your Tires

If you’re trying to avoid some roadkill in Derby, Kan., be sure you don’t get too swerve happy. If your tires screech, you can be pulled over and ticketed. Local officials claim that the law is in place to minimize occurrences of drag racing, but if you catch a cop on a bad day, you might be the lucky motorist to take home a ticket for (literally) burning rubber. Better try and keep quiet on the mean streets of Derby — the fine can be up to $500 or 30 days in jail.

You’re Singing A Rap Song With Your Windows Down

In Rockville, Maryland, Section 13-53(a) of their municipal ordinance states that, “[a] person may not profanely curse and swear or use obscene language upon or near any street, sidewalk or highway within the hearing of persons passing by, upon or along such street, sidewalk or highway.” If you’re going to cuss, make sure you do it with the windows rolled up, which won’t be a problem if you’re Michael Bolton.

It’s Dark, It’s Late, And You’re Alone

You’re driving home alone in the middle of the night. It’s dead silent. The streets are deserted. The light is red. You can practically hear the theme from The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly as a tumbleweed crosses your path. Four hours later, and the light’s still red. No one’s coming. No one’s around. You’re all alone, in an asphalt wilderness. The dark road ahead beckons you. It’s completely safe to go. You’re missing Cougar Town. You’re worried you forgot to DVR Colbert. So, you go for it … and then, of course, you see blinding lights and hear a deafening siren behind you. This is your nightmare.

You’re Driving Near A Bar

Several states have passed laws allowing “sobriety checkpoints” along roads with a high instance of alcohol-related accidents, as well as “no refusal” weekends in entire urban areas. In these cases, police officers in cities like Austin and Houston, Texas may stop your vehicle without probable cause. Your only crime? Driving on roads on which drunk idiots have also driven. Although these checkpoints are presumably set to encourage motoring safety, their constitutionality is constantly being challenged in the courts — and it’s hard to argue that they’re not eerily reminiscent of Checkpoint Charlie.

You’re Doing A Real-Life Oregon Trail in Wisconsin

If you’re camping in your wagon while trekking the deadly and perilous Oregon Trail, don’t do it on a highway in Wisconsin. According to Section 86.025 of Wisconsin traffic law, it is “unlawful for any person or persons to camp in wagons [. . .] on the public highways.” With a possible fine of 10 whole dollars and a month in jail, you’re better off fording the river and setting up camp in a different state. Word to the wise: the Oregon Trail does not go through Wisconsin.

You Parked In Front of Dunkin Donuts on Main Street West in South Berwick, Maine

You can burn off a few calories while you’re getting your donut holes and the shop’s infamous cup of coffee, as it is illegal in the township of South Berwick, Maine, to park within 25 feet southward of the Main Street Dunkin Donuts.

You’re Having Sex In The Front Seat of Your Taxi During Your Shift

Although you might get tapped for public indecency if you’re off the clock, it is straight up illegal for Massachusetts cab drivers to have a nooner in the front of their cabs if they’re on the clock. Instead of wondering precisely how or why this law got on the books, maybe just avoid the front seat of Massachusetts cabs.

You’re A Child, And You’re Driving A Big Wheels Tonka Truck

If you live in Ohio, are under the age of 10, and/or if you can (awkwardly) fit in a Power Wheels car, you’re hosed. In Canton, Ohio, it’s against municipal ordinance to “go upon any roadway” if you’re on “roller skates or riding in or by means of any coaster, toy vehicle, skateboard or similar device.”

*Today’s article brought to you by www.criminaljusticedegreesguide.com

*     *     *

Registration for the 2012 Writers’ Police Academy is well underway.

Featuring Lee Child as keynote speaker.

Special guest speaker – Renowned forensic anthropologist Dr. Elizabeth Murray.

All new workshops!

Firearms, K-9’s, arson investigation, fingerprinting, interview and interrogation, ride-a-longs with sheriff’s deputies and patrol officers, polygraph, firefighters, and much, much more!

Special surprise (you won’t believe this once-in-a-lifetime…oops, almost spilled the beans!!)

www.writerspoliceacademy.com

And…

How do you like The Graveyard Shift’s new look?

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Cooking With Cops: Shrimp Lo Mein and GLUG

Cooking with cops shrimp

Emily Farnham says this lo mein recipe is so simple that even our resident chef can cook it. But, as you can see, he hasn’t quite mastered noodles yet. So maybe you guys should try this one on your own. Don’t worry, though, if your attempt produces slop, today’s second recipe’ll help you forget all about your mistakes.

Shrimp Lo Mein

Steam lo mein noodles till tender.

Stir fry 1/2 cup onions, 1/2 cup green peppers, 1/2 cup mushrooms, and shrimp (4 lg. shrimp per person) together until tender

Feel free to use chopped bok choy or cabbage as well.

Stir in 2 tbsp fish broth and 2 tbsp soy sauce

Add lo mein noodles and stir til all is blended –  do not over cook veg.

This makes 4 healthy servings.

 

…and for Emily’s alcohol loving peeps, her friend Gunnilla sends this:

Glug

1 large bottle burgundy

1 c aquvite

2 large navel oranges

4 cloves

1/4 c raisins

1/4 c walnuts

1 large bottle port

1 large bottle rose

1 cup sugar

Peel oranges and place peels and cloves in cheese cloth bag.

Over medium heat add all liquids and sugar except aquvite.

Place cheesecloth bag in until warmed and flavors are infused.

Add aquvite and light match.

Serve Glug over raisins and nuts.

Do not perform any activities that require brain cells.

Blow at flame serve and enjoy.

*Today’s recipe comes to us from the kitchen of Southland fan Emily Farnham. You can visit Emily on Facebook. You can visit Southland Tuesday nights on TNT at 10pm. You can enjoy Emily’s Lo Mein and Glug anytime.

*Do you have a recipe you’d like to share with thousands of daily Graveyard Shift readers? If so, please contact us at lofland32@msn.com.

*     *     *

Registration for the 2012 Writers’ Police Academy is well underway.

Featuring Lee Child as keynote speaker.

Special guest speaker – Renowned forensic anthropologist Dr. Elizabeth Murray.

All new workshops!

Firearms, K-9’s, arson investigation, fingerprinting, interview and interrogation, ride-a-longs with sheriff’s deputies and patrol officers, polygraph, firefighters, and much, much more!

Special surprise (you won’t believe this once-in-a-lifetime…oops, almost spilled the beans!!)

www.writerspoliceacademy.com

And…

How do you like The Graveyard Shift’s new look?

/by

Southland: Risk – A Review And Recap

Southland: Risk

As cops become more experienced their confidence inevitably grows. Confidence can lead them to take more risks. That’s when they’re in real danger.

Overconfident. Complacency. Two words that easily roll off the tongue. Two words that don’t sound so bad, right? You know, they even have a certain “coolness” about them. But in a cop’s world, they’re two words that’ll get you killed. Yeah, been there, seen that—the bloody results of overconfidence and complacency. And, unfortunately, on Fridays you sometimes read about it right here on this blog.

A badge is called a shield, not a suit of armor. It’s not hanging on the chest as a means to stop flying lead. Yes, confidence is a great thing when used in conjunction with experience, training, and common sense. But “bulletproof” confidence alone, well, it can land even the best of cops in an ocean filled with bubbling and boiling hot water.

Common sense is probably one of the most important tools of the cop trade. It’s even more important than guns, Tasers, handcuffs, and radios. Did our Southland heroes use their common sense this week, or were they victims of an overdose of confidence? Well, let’s see. Why don’t we hop into the backseat of a few of SL’s patrol cars and eavesdrop a bit.

Partners. Sounds so carefree and happy, doesn’t it? But, let’s put that word in perspective. Cops ride together, eat together, carry on conversations, breath the same air, fight the same fights, argue the same arguments, talk to the same people, experience the same things, day in and day out, month after month, year after year. The same two people are crammed inside the jam-packed front compartment of a patrol car. And they do this on good days, bad days, happy days, sad days, grieving days, sick days, well days, and all while wearing a ton of gear, uncomfortable shoes, and a steaming hot Kevlar vest.

So think about it for a second. How would that same atmosphere be if one of those two people no longer trusted his partner? How thick would the air be inside that snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug front compartment? Not so nice, huh? Well, that’s what it’s like inside the CoopTang Mobile. Tensions are high, to say the least. And Tang’s about to be promoted to sergeant? Coop’s blood has to be boiling beneath that “iceman” exterior.

Cooper and Tang at the range is a good example of the icy conditions between the two. Tang says she thinks she’s going to get the promotion. Cooper’s cool reply, “Good for you,” had enough frost on it to chill a tall glass of freshly brewed iced tea. This partnership is done. Stick a fork in it.

Lydia…what can I say. All my bellyaching over the past few weeks came to a head tonight. Lydia (Regina King) belted out that money-making high note at the end of this week’s performance. Lesson learned…keep my hands and feet inside and my mouth tightly shut, and let Cheo Coker and Regina King drive this car, because they certainly knew where they were headed. Holy cow, what a scene—a gang member trying time and time again to stab Lydia, and almost succeeding until Ruben runs in to kick a three-pointer with the thug’s melon-size head. I was on the edge of my seat, reaching for my weapon. Hell, a rock, a stick, my fists…anything to stop the attack. But, the best I could come up with was a DVR remote and an ink pen. At least hitting the pause button gave Lydia a little breather between punctures.

Still, the scenes with Lydia, prior to this week and last night, were perfect examples of “confidence.” Well, they were good examples of overconfidence and complacency. Last night, for example, when Lydia (with child) does a few stupid things, like poking her little cop head inside a building where armed gang members are known to hang out. There’s a better way and that wasn’t it. Neither was Ruben running off to chase a fleeing bad guy, leaving Lydia all alone inside the rundown house. Never leave your partner in danger. Bad guys are a dime a dozen, just reach inside the barrel and grab another. There’s plenty to go around.

Sammy and Ben seem to be mending their differences. Sammy, however, tells Ben that he hopes there are no repercussions from the “pimp pounding” he delivered last week. An excellent example of common sense taking a backseat overconfidence—wanting to save the world in a day, and stupidity.

Let’s take a moment to point out a few high points of the show before moving on.

– Lydia and Ruben are at a murder scene. While gazing at the dead body, they’re talking about food—what to have for lunch, etc. Nothing unusual here, folks. I’ve seen people eat while standing around dead bodies. I remember one officer standing at the scene of a traffic crash and while waiting for the coroner, he had a snack of Pop Tarts, a cops’ instant meal. I’ve even seen a coroner and his crew eating donuts while standing not two feet away from their “guest of the day.”

– Cooper and Tang stop a car. Cooper approaches on the driver’s side while Tang stops at the rear window of the passenger side. Good technique. Tang could then observe any and all activity not visible to Cooper or the passengers inside.

– Ben offers a prostitute money if she’ll quit the business and go home to her family. But Sammy speeds off before Ben can complete his sentence. Rookies sometimes fall prey to folks like prostitutes, drug users and abusers, etc., wanting to save them from their pitiful lives. It’s easy to do, but the results are seldom positive. The users and abusers usually wind up taking advantage of the officer’s pity, leaving the rookie a little lighter in the wallet and a little more bitter in the heart.

– The scenes with Lydia and Ruben and the gang members were good examples of “playing the game” while interrogating suspects. Lydia’s promissory note stating that she would not arrest the kid was priceless. It’s a classic and is used quite often, as are many others. Separating the thugs is always a good idea too. And always, always, always cull the weakest from the herd. They’ll talk first. Doing so also makes the remaining suspects a little nervous, so they’ll often start snitching on their buddies to try and divert to attention away from themselves.

– Cooper and Tang are once again interviewed by internal affairs investigators. This situation is eating at Cooper’s “Do Right” nerve. He wants Tang to do the right thing. He wants to tell what he thinks happened. But he’s a patrol cop, and patrol cops rely on facts.

– Tang…well, she’s a liar and will do anything to get that extra stripe. Coop’s done with her. And good for him.

– Lydia finally admits to Ruben that she’s pregnant.

– Lydia was stabbed several times. Vests do not stop penetrations from knives, ice picks, screwdrivers, and other sharp objects. However, there is a trauma plate (steel or ceramic) that covers the center of the chest. The removable plate (it’s removable to allow for washing the cloth carrier) is inserted into a pocket for added protection against the impact of a round to that area. And that’s where all but one of the punctures were delivered to Lydia’s vest.

And that brings us to this…

The recipient of the pimp pounding drives up to Ben and Sammy and begins to unload his semi-auto into the car. The result is a reverse high-speed pursuit with the cops being chased by the bad guy.

Bullets are flying, Ben is frantically calling for assistance, when suddenly…

Then we see this, the end-result of Ben stepping over the line.

Can Ben live with the consequences of his overconfident rookie mistakes?

This was probably the best episode of Southland to ever hit our living rooms. The acting was stellar, and the story was superb, starting like a train leaving the station, chugging, and puffing, and blowing clouds of hot smoke everywhere until the engine was booming our way at 100mph. And it all ended with a crash that spun to a stop at our feet.

All I could say at that point was…WOW!

This episode is a shining example of why Southland is best darn cop show on TV…ever.

 

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*I’m issuing a BOLO (Be On The Lookout). Be on the lookout for an all new look for The Graveyard Shift. It just might take place sometime today. Check back often, and please tell all your friends!

*The Writers’ Police Academy announces renowned forensic anthropologist Dr. Elizabeth Murray as 2012 Special Guest Speaker.

Dr. Murray is an author, researcher, and media consultant whose work has taken her around the world as a forensic anthropology consultant for local, regional and national agencies and organizations. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the 2012 WPA, including:

– Forensic Science Specialist for the Department of Justice/National Institute of Justice’s National Unidentified and Missing Persons System (NamUs)

– Author of two recent science books for young adults

– Numerous peer-reviewed presentations before the American Academy of Forensic Sciences

– Regular cast member for the Skeleton Stories TV series on the Discovery Health Channel

– Scientific Consultant and on-camera personality for the four-part mini-series, Skeleton Crew/Buried Secrets for the National Geographic Channel

– Visiting Scientist to the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, U.S. Military Central Identification Laboratory, Hawaii and Laos

– Forensic Anthropology Lecturer and Mass Disaster Team Member for the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology

– Appearances on Forensic Files, New Detectives, Unsolved Mysteries, America’s Most Wanted

– Historic and prehistoric skeletal analyses, including principal investigator for Cincinnati’s Music Hall skeletal collection.

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20 Great Ways Libraries Are Using Pinterest

Libraries using Pinterest

Pinterest is taking the social media world by storm, and it isn’t just popular with individual users. Businesses, nonprofits, and even libraries are sharing ideas and information through the site as well, connecting with people from around the country and around the globe. Whether you’re a librarian, student, teacher, or just an avowed bibliophile, Pinterest offers another great way to keep up with creative and cutting-edge ways libraries are engaging with their communities. Read on to learn about some of the many ways libraries are helping spread the word about the resources and services they offer, using this innovative new social media forum.

Pinning book covers. Many librarians are capitalizing on the visual power of Pinterest to show off book covers, especially those from new books, special collections, and kid-friendly material. It can be a great way to attract readers to books they might not have otherwise checked out.

Showcasing historic archives. Libraries often have much more than books in their archives. Take the San Francisco Public Library, for instance. They’re using Pinterest to show off amazing historic images of the city, from photos of old library branches to some unbelievable WWII images of the bay.

Creating reading lists. Pinterest makes it simple to create visually appealing reading lists for just about every topic under the sun. Some common lists include books made into movies, librarian recommendations, and kid-friendly fare.

Sharing new acquisitions. Want to keep patrons in the loop about the library’s latest books and media? Pinterest is turning out to be a great way to do that, and many libraries are logging on and sharing their latest and greatest. Fullerton Public Library is one such library getting on the Pinterest bandwagon, and they have boards for new acquisitions in fiction, non-fiction, young adult, children’s, and downloadable media.

Promoting library activities. If you’d like to stay up-to-date about what your local library is doing, consider looking them up on Pinterest. Many libraries are showcasing fliers about their events right on the image-centric site, showcasing everything from lectures, to job help, to author visits.

Research. While much of what is passed around on Pinterest is fun, crafty stuff, some librarians and academics are seeing potential in the site for much more serious applications. Check out this webcast from the Association of College & Research Libraries to learn how libraries can use Pinterest as a valuable research tool, especially when it comes to tracking archival content like images and documents.

Showcasing learning-related infographics. These days, there’s an infographic for just about everything out there, including reading, books, and libraries. Some libraries, like the Pinal County Library, are collecting infographics they think might be of interest to patrons in one easily accessible board.

Encouraging kids and teens to read. Librarian Dawn Krause uses her Pinterest account for a wide range of purposes, but an especially cool one is collecting crafts, books, and materials that appeal to teens. She’s got loads of resources on young adult favorites like The Hunger Games, a practice other libraries looking to boost teen readership could emulate.

Collecting ideas for library displays. Libraries can be magical places for young kids, especially when librarians get creative in designing reading areas, bulletin boards, and other fun places in the library. Pinterest is full of amazing ideas that can inspire any library to go above and beyond.

Getting inspired for library programs. Looking to bring new programs into your library? Librarians and patrons alike can find hundreds of amazing craft and project ideas that can be built into ongoing library programs. Take children’s librarian Anne Clark, for example. She pinned dozens of ideas for fun sewing projects kids can do, flannel book and board ideas, and even storytelling props.

Collecting learning materials for parents. Many parents want to help get their kids into reading but just don’t know where to look for the right materials to do so. Some librarians are helping them out by collecting printables that are fun for kids (and encourage learning) onto a publicly accessible board.

Highlighting library staff members. Library staff members often don’t get the credit they deserve for the hours of dedication they put in to helping patrons. Pinterest is helping some libraries change that. Some are using the site to capture images and short bios of their employees, so the community can get to know the librarians and what makes them tick.

Offering up access to digital collections. With e-books rapidly edging in on traditional books in terms of popularity, many libraries are beefing up their digital collections. Some are sharing links to new material through Pinterest and others are showcasing the wealth of free, open content available on the web through sites like Project Gutenberg and The Open Library.

Running reading programs. Pinterest can be a great place for librarians to find inspiration for summer reading programs and for parents and kids to keep up with the latest reads, fun integrated projects, and much more. Many are already sharing ideas for this year’s summer reading programs, perfect for parents who want to plan ahead and librarians who are looking for creative ways to keep things fresh.

Showing off things in the local community. Libraries aren’t just promoting their own programs and services through Pinterest. Many, like the Sacramento Public Library, are also highlighting local businesses, restaurants, tourist attractions, and events.

Showing pictures of the library. If your library is super cool, why not show it off? That’s just what some libraries are doing, especially after undergoing a big renovation project. One such library is Escondito Library, who showcases photos of their great murals, DVD sections, meeting rooms, children’s department, and more.

Sharing craft projects. Pinterest is a crafter’s paradise, and with so much to choose from, many librarians are collecting great craft ideas for the library, themselves, and to inspire patrons. It’s a great way to inspire creativity and might even get the crafts and sewing section some heavy traffic.

Helping patrons start book clubs. Book clubs are a great way to not only read more but to also get a chance to discuss a book more in-depth. Some libraries, like Fullerton Public Library, are supplying links to book clubs kits (hosted on GoodReads) that provide all the essentials for understanding and analyzing some of the most popular reads of the past few years.

Building a community of libraries online. Libraries aren’t just connecting with patrons, they’re also using Pinterest to connect to other libraries. Follow this link to see how one librarian is keeping track of all the libraries that are using Pinterest, showcasing some of their most unique and exciting ideas.

Creating collaborative boards with patrons. Pinterest provides a way for libraries to interact with those in the community, sometimes in very fun and creative ways. Take the St. Johns County Public Library System. They created a public board called “reading pets” and asked patrons to submit pictures of their pets “reading” their favorite books.

*Today’s article brought to you by www.onlinecolleges.net

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10 Forensic Myths Spread by TV

10 forensic myths spread by TV

If you’ve watched enough reruns of shows like CSI, NCIS, Law and Order, and Bones, you probably think you’re pretty well-versed in the science of forensics and crime-solving. Think again. Sure, you’ve probably picked up a few handy tips for the next time you plan on committing a crime (which we hope is never), but for the most part, these TV shows misrepresent the forensics profession in some major ways. If you’re thinking of a career in forensic science, make sure you know the truth behind these 10 myths spread by TV before you get in too deep.

  1. Forensic scientists only work on murders

    Think of the number of people you know who have died. Now consider how many of those were murdered. The percentage is probably pretty low. So is the percentage of homicide cases that forensic scientists work on in their careers. Even though we only see the CSI team studying evidence from bizarre murders, the real forensics teams deal with far less crime. There are many more accidental deaths or deaths from natural causes than there are homicide investigations, so someone who works in forensics won’t be solving murders every day of his career. In Portland, Ore., for example, medical examiner cases are made up of 60% natural-causes cases and only 2% homicides. Some cities may see more action than others, but it’s still unlikely that the bulk of their cases will be murders.

  2. They’re raking in the cash

    Sure, they deal with dead bodies, fluids, and weapons on a daily basis, but members of a forensics team aren’t compensated nearly as well as you’d think they’d be. The national average for a medical examiner is $45,000. Southern states tend to pay a little less, and salaries get higher as you move west and north. Forensic engineers, who are often called to help in fire investigations and traffic accidents, tend to be paid a little more, making as much as $79,000 a year in some states. None of the pay scales, though, are quite enough to make Horatio Caine’s Hummer in CSI: Miami believable.

  3. They interrogate suspects and make arrests

    In forensic shows on TV, it seems like the CSI unit is the most important team at the murder scene, calling the shots, interviewing the bad guys, and then hauling them off in handcuffs. In reality, most forensic analysts work mostly in the lab, occasionally going out in the field to collect evidence or process a crime scene, depending on what their exact role is. All the interrogating and arrests are left to the police. There are some instances of CSI agents also being sworn police officers who could do both jobs, but those cases are much rarer than you see on TV.

  4. DNA evidence wraps up every case

    You see it in almost every episode of whatever version of CSI you happen to be watching. The team finds DNA evidence, sticks it into a computer program, and minutes later, a suspect appears, along with his complete criminal record and a current address. How are there any unsolved cases out there with magical technology like this? The truth is, while DNA evidence is a great tool for police and lawyers, it’s not fool-proof and it’s not a guarantee that the case will be solved. The system that many shows use to match their DNA is CODIS, a real U.S. DNA profile archive. The number of DNA profiles in CODIS has risen significantly in the past 10 years, but there are still fewer than 9 million offender profiles in the system as of 2010. Considering there are about 313 million people in the U.S., it’s not hard to imagine that not every DNA sample found matches up with someone on file.

  5. Tests are done in a matter of hours

    On TV, we see analysts performing various tests and then rushing to their supervisor with the results minutes later. Often, medical examiners are rattling off the results of the toxicology report before the body’s even been fully autopsied. It certainly makes for quicker paced TV shows, but it’s far from reality. A typical toxicology test involves taking samples of blood, urine, and various body tissues, testing them for drugs and other substances, and often involves the specimens being passed between many different people. A forensics toxicology test actually takes four to six weeks in a normal case

  1. Forensic analysts never make mistakes

    As the entertainment market has become inundated with forensics shows, the average person becomes more and more familiar with what they think is the real justice process. It seems commonplace that prosecutors would have piles of irrefutable forensic evidence to convince jurors of a suspect’s guilt. This idea, known as the “CSI Effect,” is actually affecting real-life trials. Juries expect to be given a show and hard evidence like they’ve seen on TV, and when they don’t get it, they often don’t think the case is strong enough. On the other end of the “CSI Effect” is the notion that forensic analysts are infallible. Juries believe these analysts’ test results, even though it’s been proven time and time again that many tests can be flawed.

  2. Criminals always make mistakes

    Another detrimental aspect of the “CSI Effect” is the knowledge it gives criminals about what crime scene units do. Many murderers and rapists now know what measures to take to avoid leaving DNA evidence behind, such as burning bodies or using bleach, and how to keep blood out of their cars. This doesn’t mean that they don’t screw up in other areas or have friends who turn them in, but it is certainly making it harder on police to get solid evidence linking someone with a crime. Combine this fact with jurors not convicting as often without high-tech evidence, and forensics shows could really be messing things up for our police and prosecutors.

  3. Forensics labs are high-tech and stocked with all necessary equipment

    Crime shows give the impression that every police department has its own forensics lab. Police, medical examiners, and analysts all seem to be housed in the same building, when in reality, forensics labs often serve hundreds of city and town police departments. New Hampshire, for example, has one lab that serves the whole state. Not only are these labs few and far between, they’re also not as fancy, roomy, and well-equipped as you see on TV. Labs across the nation are underfunded and understaffed, and you won’t find every piece of needed equipment in any of them.

  4. Crimes are solved quickly

    On NCIS, CSI, and Law and Order, murders are solved in an hour — and that’s including the commercials. Even though Law and Order lets you see a time and location for every move its detectives and attorneys make, it can’t begin to show the real time frame of solving most crimes. Let’s put it in perspective: there are more than 300,000 backlogged requests for forensic services in labs across the country, and the longer DNA sits in a lab, the colder a case can get, and the less likely it is the crime will be solved. The average lab has 152 backlogged DNA requests. While we’re not saying that the majority of cases go unsolved, those that are solved will likely take months if not years to figure out.

  5. You have to have a catchy one-liner about every death

    Forensics analysts and CSI agents are used to being around dead bodies, but this doesn’t mean they’re insensitive enough to make puns about a person’s death on a regular basis. CSI: Miami‘s Horatio Caine is known for putting on his signature pair of sunglasses and dropping a corny one-liner about the dead body at hand right before the theme song begins playing. It’s safe to say that a real forensics investigator would have to go through sensitivity training if they acted like this during every case.

 

* Today’s article brought to you by www.criminaljusticedegreesguide.com

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Writers’ Police Academy Registration IS Officially Open…and almost full!

20-Hot tips: Preparing for 2015 WPA

 

Registration for the 2012 Writers’ Police Academy is officially open!

The Writers’ Police Academy offers the most hands-on, interactive and educational experience writers can find to enhance their understanding of all aspects of law enforcement and forensics.

This event is the real deal. You’ll train in a real police academy in workshops taught by actual police academy instructors and experts.

The WPA is a one of a kind event, not offered anywhere else in the country…in the entire world, actually!

We offer the best police, fire, and EMS instructors in the business.

Top experts in their fields (criminal psychology, cold cases, computer forensics, police snipers, etc.) come from all over the country to help writers “get it right.”

Experts from the elite Sirchie Fingerprint Laboratories present “law enforcement only” sessions.

Learn how the pros investigate criminal cases. Fingerprinting, handcuffing, impression evidence, cold cases, undercover work, defensive tactics, arson investigations, K-9’s, bomb squads, dive teams, helicopters, motorcycles, firearms, federal agents, role play, emergency medicine, death investigation, and much, much more. Far too much to see and do in one weekend!

You’ll use real police, fire and EMS equipment.

We have a real, working fire station on site (with real, working firefighters!)

Experience the feel and smells associated with crime scene investigations.

And, where else can you go to play cops and robbers with Lee Child? Yes, Lee Child is the 2012 WPA keynote speaker!

See you in September!

www.writerspoliceacademy.com

*Space is limited to the first 150 people to sign up, and we have almost reached that point.

*FATS (firearms training simulator) and Driving Simulator slots are limited to the first 60 people to sign up. Very few slots remain for either of those exciting sessions.

From last year:

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Friday’s Heroes: Remembering The Fallen

Friday's Heroes - Remembering the fallen officers

 

The Graveyard Shift extends our condolences to the families of these brave officers.

Deputy Sheriff Barbara Pill, 53

Brevard County Florida Sheriff’s Office

March 6, 2012 – Deputy Sheriff Barbara Pill was shot and killed after stopping a vehicle that was wanted in connection with stolen property. She attempted to make contact with the driver, ordering him out of the car, when he opened fire. Deputy Pill was struck by several rounds. The male driver and female passenger were later apprehended and charged with murder.

Deputy Pill is survived by her husband, two sons, and a grandchild.

Corrections Officer Britney Meux, 25

Lake County Indiana Sheriff’s Department

March 6, 2012 – Corrections Officer Britney Meux was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver while jogging around the perimeter of the jail with three other officers. All four were struck by the vehicle, but Officer Meux was killed instantly. The other three officers were hospitalized. The driver fled the scene and is still at large.

Officer Meux is survived by her daughter.

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The 10 Greatest Cases of Fraud in University Research

University fraud cases

University researchers are typically well-respected and trusted individuals, and as such, are granted a great degree of freedom in their work. Most are worthy of this trust, but there are plenty of bad apples out there as well, gladly manipulating research data, funds, and more to beat out competitors in the cutthroat race for grant money. There’s no denying that research fraud is alive and well in today’s universities: a recent survey from the British Medical Journal indicates that one in eight UK scientists has witnessed research fraud. When this fraud is uncovered, it’s big news, and we’ve shared 10 incredible cases of fraud in university research here, including several high profile cases you’ve probably heard of before. Read on to learn about highly disturbing cases of fraud at the university level, and consider how you might carefully protect your own work from the experience of research misconduct.

  1. sychologist Diederik Stapel

    Noted Dutch psychologist Diederik Stapel, of Tillburg University, was found to have committed academic fraud in several publications. The fraud spans about a decade of work, including papers on racial stereotyping, advertisements, and the power of hypocrisy. Stapel’s work has been published not just in psychology journals and publications, but also in worldwide newspapers including The New York Times. Doctoral theses that Stapel oversaw have also been called into question, with interviews from former students and colleagues revealing that more than a dozen theses may no longer be valid, putting not only Stapel’s reputation, but also former students’ degrees at risk. Stapel says of himself, “I have failed as a scientist and a researcher.”

  2. Dr. Anil Potti’s Cancer Research

    In late 2010, Dr. Anil Potti resigned from his job at Duke University amid questions of research fraud, and his scandalous story continues to play out in 2012. Before he resigned, it was discovered that Potti exaggerated his credentials, claiming incorrectly that he was a Rhodes scholar, a discovery that led to the American Cancer Society suspending hundreds of thousands of grant dollars that were to be used for Potti’s work. Since then, nine of Potti’s papers on individualized treatments for cancer have been retracted, dashing the hopes of those who would like to believe that this “holy grail of cancer” research might actually work. Potti’s work sounded like a miracle, but his promise that 80% of patients enrolled in his drug trials would find the right drug for them proved too good to be true, and some of the patients involved with Potti’s research have filed suit against Duke. Despite these ongoing allegations of fraud, Potti continues to work in the field of cancer research, responding to an investigation by 60 Minutes with the comment, “My primary concern at all times is and will be the care of patients and seeking new ways to treat cancer.”

  3. Plagiarism at KU

    Two University of Kansas computer scientists, Mahesh Visvanathan and Gerald Lushington, were found to have plagiarized major portions of their research, for which they had published three articles with an international audience. So much of their work was lifted from other scientists’ work, that even “the entire summarizing statement in their presentation had come from someone else’s journal article,” a presentation that they had planned to make at a conference in Sweden, which they ultimately did not make due to accusations of plagiarism. The two researchers have been working with the U.S. Office of Research Integrity, which found them to be ignorant and complacent about plagiarism in their research program at KU. Unlike so many others involved in research scandals, Visvanathan and Lushington have been allowed to keep their jobs, but under an agreement with the U.S. Office of Research Integrity, KU is to carefully monitor the legitimacy of research that they put out during the next few years.

  4. Andrew Wakefield’s Vaccine Connection

    In 1998, physician Andrew Wakefield published a study in The Lancet, claiming that his research indicated a connection between autism and the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine. This research was highly respected and undermined public confidence in the vaccine, leading to many parents refusing the shot. Ultimately, this led to increases in the number of cases of measles and mumps in the U.S. and Europe, with some areas reporting very dangerous and widespread outbreaks. When faced with an investigation in 2010, it was revealed that Wakefield and his colleagues had altered facts about the children in their study, and Wakefield had even been paid off by a lawyer planning to sue the manufacturer of the vaccine. The British General Medical Council found Wakefield guilty of fraud and misconduct, and his work is now viewed by the medical and research community as an “elaborate fraud.” Wakefield, however, still defends his research and promises that he “will not be deterred.”

  5. Hwang Woo-suk’s Stem Cell Research

    In 2006, Korean researcher Hwang Woo-suk was found to have fabricated a series of experiments in stem cell research, a field in which he was once considered one of the pioneering experts. He was previously infamous for his two Science journal articles in which he reported success in creating human embryonic stem cells through cloning, but is now infamous for his massive case of fraud and scientific misconduct after it was revealed that much of his stem cell research had been faked. Hwang was charged with embezzlement and bioethics law violations, for which he was sentenced to a two-year suspended prison sentence and barred from engaging in stem cell research by the South Korean government, as well as fired from his position with Seoul National University. However, Hwang continues to lead research in creating embryonic stem cell lines from cloned pig embryos, and his lab has been actively publishing manuscripts on PubMed.

  1. Bengü Sezen’s Research Misconduct

    For Bengü Sezen at Columbia University, research was just a matter of manipulation. Over the course of a decade, Sezen held a “massive and sustained effort” to manipulate and falsify research data, and even created fictitious people and organizations to back up her data and results. When investigated by the Office of Research Integrity, Sezen was found guilty of 21 counts of research misconduct, with at least nine papers found to be falsified, fabricated, plagiarized, or unable to be replicated. It is likely that Columbia University will revoke her PhD, as reports paint her as a “master of deception” who would, “defend the integrity of her research results in the face of all evidence to the contrary.” Sezen did not seem to care about the effect her fraud had on others, as the reports explain that young colleagues of the fake scientist spent “considerable time attempting to reproduce [Sezen’s] results” to no avail, with three students even leaving the program as a result. Her fraud is believed to be one of the worst ever in the chemistry community.

  2. The Columbia University “Miracle” Study

    Just weeks after the September 11th attacks in 2001, the New York Times reported that Columbia University Medical Center in New York had discovered a virtual miracle of prayer: infertile women who had the support of prayer groups were able to become pregnant twice as fast as those who did not have the same faith-based support. The study was quite reassuring to those struggling to become pregnant, and was a great glimmer of hope for a worried nation. However, the study has been called into question, as all three researchers involved in the study either refuse to comment on their findings, or have been charged with fraud and conspiracy. The “prayer study” has been found to have a “bewildering study design” with many errors, and in fact may have never been conducted at all.

  3. Photoshopping the Benefits of Red Wine

    News about the benefits of red wine sounds great to just about everyone, so researcher Dipak K. Das’ work indicating longevity for wine drinkers was welcomed with open arms. However, Das has been charged with widespread scientific fraud, spanning 26 articles in 11 journals. A report indicated that his published research articles contained 145 instances of data falsification and even fabrication, many of which involved cutting and pasting photographic images and manipulating them without an explicit description of what had been done. His current grants, totaling nearly $1 million, have been returned to the federal government, and it seems that Das’ work in reservatrol research is over.

  4. More Photoshop Manipulation

    Dipak Das isn’t the only one using Photoshop to overcome research roadblocks: gastroenterology researcher Stefano Fiorucci at the University of Perugia has been indicted for fraud and embezzlement for the same charges. Fiorucci’s research manipulation won him about 2 million Euros in grant funding, but the case against him has, so far, resulted in four paper retractions as well as nine Expressions of Concern. He has been charged with embezzlement for using public funds for “research uses” which proved to be not just unauthorized, but also false. Fiorucci’s case is believed to be the first time that embezzlement charges have been brought against a scientist that has also committed fraud.

  5. Penn State’s $3 Million Research Fraud

    When undergrads plagiarize and falsify research, it’s unfortunate, but when it happens at the graduate and professor level, it’s federal fraud. At Penn State, professor Craig Grimes has been accused of defrauding the National Institutes of Health and Advanced Research Projects Agency of federal grant monies, to the tune of $3 million. Grimes requested grants to study the measurement of gases in a patient’s blood, but the money was not spent for this research. Instead, clinical trials were never performed, and the grant funds were misappropriated, largely for the personal use of Grimes. Grimes has been charged with making false statements, money laundering, and fraud. He faces up to 35 years in prison and a fine of $750,000.

*Today’s article brought to you by www.onlineuniversities.com

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Registration for the 2012 Writers’ Police Academy has officially begun.

Space is limited to the first 150 people to sign up.

You don’t want to miss this action-packed weekend. Besides, where else could you go to play cops and robbers with Lee Child!

www.writerspoliceacademy.com

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Southland: God’s Work – A Review And Recap

Southland: God's Work

Cops are often asked if they believe they’re doing God’s work. Officer Ben Sherman is just trying to do the job without losing his soul.

All cops burn out. That was the message delivered in the pre-shift briefing, or “muster” as it’s called in some departments. But, no matter what you call the meeting, the message remains the same. It’s a tough job that can wear you down. Down to the core if you’re not careful. All that built-up tension and stress has to go somewhere. After all, you shake the soda bottle, and you shake it, and you shake it, and then when the top finally pops off…well, we all know happens. And it’s a mess.

Speaking of a real mess. Ben Sherman reached that rookie fork-in-the-road and definitely went in the wrong direction, taking a left when the scarecrow pointed right. And Ben’s unfortunate choice has led him down a very lonely and dangerous road called “I can save the world all by myself.” Had he chosen, instead, to go right as the dimwitted talking mattress had suggested, by now Officer Sherman would have been a well-adjusted and productive police officer who still shines his shoes and polishes his badge daily, much to the delight of his superiors.

Instead, we see a rookie who’s speeding down the road to unemployment, and possibly wearing handcuffs. His shoes are scuffed and the sheen is fading from his badge. It happens. Officers often find themselves standing at the fork in the road, forcing them to make a decision between left and right. But all they have to do is listen to the scarecrow inside their head. He always knows the right way. Never buck the scarecrow.

This week, actually, we see each of our teams—partners—facing that fork in the road, with each of them up against different, potentially badge-dulling decisions.

Cooper’s guts are churning over the issue with Tang. She covered up something that really needed no cover. He can no longer trust her. But the worst part of it all is that he hasn’t come forward with the truth, and that’s what wearing the badge is all about. That’s really what’s eating at John Cooper. It’s his own integrity he’s questioning, not hers. He already knows what she’s all about.

Using a lie—almost killing an innocent person and then covering up the act—to advance your career. Yeah, that’s disgusting.

Cooper is later seen with his sponsor, who asks him, “Still thinking about it (the drugs and his addiction)?”

Cooper responds, “Every minute of every day.”

A pause.

Cooper asks, “Ever get over that?”

Sponsor. “No, but it gets easier.”

How true. Drug addiction is not like a cold. You don’t get well after you fight off the sickness, you just don’t use drugs. But you’ll always want to.

Michael Cudlitz does a wonderful job of playing the troubled John Cooper. If I didn’t know better I’d think he’s really a reincarnated drug-addicted veteran cop. There are parallels between his character and some real life cops that are, well, they’re simply uncanny.

Lydia and Ruben catch a case where a pregnant nanny fell to her death from an upper tier in a parking garage. The case was unusually weak for this series, with no real closure for the viewers. But the scenes weren’t about the case. Instead, it was yet another incident designed to further the storyline regarding Adams’ pregnancy. And we did learn the father’s name this week, Terrell, and that Papa “T” is a married man.

I still say this particular storyline is a slight hurdle for the show. It slows the episode to an almost standstill every time we see it. Yes, I know that female officers do get pregnant and they do have to work around the pregnancy while continuing their careers. But that’s in real life, why insert that into what’s always been an extremely action-packed TV series. Still, Regina King is a fantastic actor who does a great job with what she’s given. Don’t get me wrong, the writing is solid. Excellent, even. I’m just not a fan of the direction they’ve given Lydia to travel. Any other show, yes. But not for Southland. However, some viewers may love these scenes and what they bring to the show.

Tell you what, though, I have a perfect scene in mind for Lydia. Cheo, you listening??

Sammy and Ben – Ben’s traveling down the “save the world” path and he’s dragging Sammy along with him. However, Sammy’s only there to pick up pieces and clean up the mess Ben’s leaving in his wake. In fact, Ben’s on such a destructive path (beating up/assaulting a pimp, punching a teenage girl, sleeping with every badge bunny with a pulse, etc.) that Sammy’s forced to give him the “I’ll pull you to safety but stop kicking while I swim,” speech.

During Sammy’s speech, he pointed out the things an officer stands to lose by not following the rules and living up to the standards that go hand in hand with wearing a badge.  He said, “I’ll back you up punch for punch, bullet for bullet. But I’m not going to give you my house. I’m not going to give you my pension. And I’m not going to give you my freedom. Don’t ever do anything like that again.” So you see, police officers have a lot more to lose than just a job when they break the rules. One wrong move and they could lose everything.

And let’s not forget the stellar performance by Ben McKenzie. He’s truly bringing us a very complex character and he’s delivering him to us in large servings. Great, great job.

Compelling moments during this episode:

– The woman/rape victim realizing she’d shot a man who was simply trying to give her the set of keys she’d dropped. He was not stalking her.

– The teenage girl forced to work as a prostitute to survive.

– Tang using her “shooting gone wrong” to impress the panel during her promotion-to-sergeant interview.

– Sammy facial expressions. No words could have better described what he said to Ben with that face.

– Dewey’s comment to Tang – “If you can live with it (the shooting and the lies) nobody can stop you.”

– Cooper looking on during Tang’s sergeant interview.

– Sammy and Ben searching the vacant house. They both took a glance down before climbing the stairs. No tripping. No noise. Never give away your position.

– Sammy’s favorite line, repeated by Ben, “Who wants to go to jail; who wants to go home? We’ve all said that at least a thousand times, and it usually produces excellent results. There’s always someone who’d rather give up the goods than to go to jail.

Southland is definitely a character-driven show. I think you could hand this cast a handful of furniture store going-out-of-business-sale flyers, telling them that’s the script for the next episode, and they’d turn those few silly words into a gripping, compelling story that would keep us all coming back for more.

I’ll say it again, this is the best, most realistic cop show to ever hit the TV screen.

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Registration for the 2012 Writers’ Police Academy has officially begun.

Space is limited to the first 150 people to sign up.

You don’t want to miss this action-packed weekend. Besides, where else could you go to play cops and robbers with Lee Child!

www.writerspoliceacademy.com

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