The fast way

Finally, your protagonists can leave their tape measures, rulers, and graph paper in the trunks of their cars. Yes, thanks to a company called Leica Geosystems, law enforcement now has the capability to “scan” a crime scene in mere minutes, instead of the many hours they used to spend measuring and photographing.

Detectives set up a three dimensional laser scanner, switch it on, and the device does all the work, creating the scene in animated 3D. The re-creations and measurements are so accurate that they’re 100% approved for use in court testimony. In fact, the Kentucky State Police recently added one to their “toolbox.”

Surveillance: when legal

Surveillance is often the best means of obtaining the probable cause needed to arrest, or to obtain a search warrant. Of course, there are certain laws that must be followed before, and while playing peek-a-boo with the bad guys. Here are the basics:

1. People in public places (the mall, walking in the park, etc.) have no expectation of privacy. Therefore, it’s okay for officers to watch and record your every move. This can even be stretched to sounds, such as a suspect who’s inside a hotel room and is talking so loudly that his voice is easily heard in the public hallway outside his door. Yes, detectives can listen to that conversation, and they legally can use whatever they overhear. Also, police officers may look into windows, as long as their view through the glass is from a public place.

2. Remember the hotel room from above? Well, police do not have the right to listen through air-conditioning vents or other mechanical openings. The courts have said that’s a no-no—an invasion of privacy. Same thing for overhead vantage points in public restrooms. Besides, that’s a little creepy.

3. Trespassing onto private property to conduct surveillance is another NO. Officers cannot crawl across someone’s front yard and then peek into their windows to see what’s “going on.”

4. Trash that’s placed on the street for collection, or in other public places, is fair game. Officers may paw through to their little hearts’ content.

5. Officers cannot intercept wire communications (telephone, etc.) without a court order. In some states, however, as long as one party to the conversation consents to the tap, it is legal.

a) extension phones are not considered taps, so it’s okay to listen-in, as long as one party of the conversation consents.

b) electronic surveillance based on an order by a local or state judge is illegal under federal law, unless there is a specific state law that authorizes the judge to issue the order. Without that law on the books the local judge may not legally authorize the tap.

c) officers may “wire” informants because at least one party in the conversation (the informant) has knowledge of the “wire.” Again, this is state specific.

6. Scanning a home with heat-sensing, thermal imaging devices now requires a warrant.

Paul Beecroft: New Zealand

 

A trek off the New Zealand’s tourist path reveals some truly interesting sights.

Wild chickens living at a picnic area.

Beside the campground.

Pukeko (water bird)

Found these little guys during a stop in Hawaii.

Another Hawaiian friend.

*     *     *

Paul Beecroft has spent a good deal of his life in law enforcement, in England. He’s worked Foot Patrol, Area Car, Instant Response Car and also as a Police Motorcyclist. He currently serves as a coroner’s investigator and has traveled all over England, Wales, Scotland and even Germany to investigate crimes.

Friday's Heroes - Remembering the fallen officers

 

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

Probation-Parole Officer Jeffrey McCoy, 32

Oklahoma Department of Corrections

May 18, 2012 – Officer Jeffrey McCoy was making an unannounced visit to the home of one of his clients, when he was shot and killed. The man who shot him—the roommate of his client—answered the door and immediately attacked Officer McCoy. The attacker managed to take away the officer’s weapon, using it to shoot McCoy in the head. The suspect fired several shots into the air and then ran back inside the house. When the police arrived, the suspect began firing at them too. He was later arrested.

Officer McCoy is survived by his wife and two children.

Officer Justin Maples, 35

Cleveland Tennessee Police Department

May 20, 2012 – Officer Justin Maples was killed when his patrol left the highway and struck a telephone pole. He is survived by his wife and three sons.

*So far this year, 39 officers have died in the line of duty.

Dr. Denene Lofland

Our guest expert today is Dr. Denene Lofland. Dr. Lofland received her PhD in pathology from the Medical College of Virginia, and she’s a trained clinical microbiologist. She has served as the Director of Clinical Laboratory Sciences at Wright State University, and has worked in biotech/drug research and development for many years.

Denene has worked on drug development programs for the U.S. government’s Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA).  She contributed to the FDA approval of gemifloxacin (Factive), an antibiotic for the treatment of bacterial pneumonia, a drug that is now on the market and prescribed by physicians worldwide. She recently served as Manager of North Carolina Operations for a company that conducts high-level research and development in areas such as anti-bioterrorism.

She also supervised several projects, including government-sponsored research which required her to maintain a secret security clearance. Denene has published several articles in scientific journals and recently contributed to the thirteenth edition of Bailey and Scott’s Diagnostic Microbiology. She currently works as a professor at a medical school.

Microscopic Murder


What’s so interesting about microbiology?

Microorganisms were here before man walked the Earth, and they’ll be here after we’re gone. Actually, you would find it difficult to survive without them. Some bacteria, called commensals, live in and on our bodies to our benefit, protecting  us from invading pathogens (disease causing germs), and they produce vitamins.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are the bad bugs. They’re responsible for more deaths than cancer, heart attacks, and war. They can disfigure, eat flesh, paralyze, or just make you feel so bad you’ll wish you were dead.

There are four major types of pathogenic microorganisms: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They can cause damage directly, or they can release toxins that do the dirty work for them.

virus_big1dl.jpg

HIV virus

E.coli bacteria

Aspergillus (fungi)

Loa loa (parasite) in eye

So, how can your antagonists use microorganisms to kill? They’ll need a fundamental knowledge of microbiology, such as information that’s taught in a basic college course. Next, the bad guy will need a source of bacteria. Microbiology labs all over the world contain bugs of all types.

Biological safety hood for the safe handling of bacteria

Most of these laboratories are locked, so a little B & E would be in order. Or, maybe your antagonist has a connection with a person who has control of the bug of interest. If so, the evil-doer could make what’s known in the trade as a V.I.P. trip. He’d fly to the friend’s lab, place the bug in a plastic vial, hide the vial in his pocket (V.I.P.), and get back on the plane for the trip home.

Once the antagonist has the bug, he has to keep it alive and reproducing. Bacteria are grown on agar plates (food for bugs) in an incubator. In general, bacteria double in number every 20 minutes. So, if you start with just a few bugs, let’s say 10, and allow them to grow overnight…well, you do the math.

Once the killer has enough of the bug, then it’s time to deliver it to the intended victim.

Picking up bacteria from agar plate. The brownish-red material is the agar. The grayish coloring at the top of the agar is E.coli bacteria.

Now for a true story. It wasn’t murder, just an unfortunate accident that involved a woman, some green beans, and a home canning jar. Canning jars have lids designed to exhibit a slight indentation in their centers when food is fresh. If the indentation inverts (pops up), the vegetables may be contaminated, and should be discarded.

A woman was preparing dinner for her family and decided to serve some of her home-canned green beans that evening. She picked up a jar of beans, but thought the pop-up didn’t look quite right. So, to satisfy her curiosity, she opened the jar, touched her finger to the bean juice, and tasted it. It tasted fine to her, so she cooked the beans, and served the steaming hot dish to her family. The next day, the woman died, but her family survived. The beans contained botulism toxin, produced by the bacteria, Clostridium botulinum. C. botulinum lives naturally in the soil.

Botulism toxin is one of the most powerful neurotoxins known to man. About 10 ounces could kill everyone on Earth. It works by paralyzing its victim.

Oh, why didn’t the other members of the woman’s family die? The toxin is inactivated by heat.

* Per request, we’ve re-posted today’s article. I hope it helps with your research.

20 essential linked groups

Making it as a writer can be hard, no matter what kind of writer you aspire to be. That’s why it’s so important to reach out to other writers and people in the publishing industry to learn all you can, get support, and gain an understanding of how the business works. One of the best places to do that is on LinkedIn, and with the plethora of groups hosted by the site it’s easier than ever to build a seriously great network of those in the industry. If you’re not sure where to start, use these groups as a starting place. They’ll help you make connections and get valuable feedback on your work that can help you get started making a career as a writer.

  1. LinkEds & Writers: With more than 36,000 members, this is one of the biggest groups on LinkedIn for writers, proofreaders, and editors. It’s so big that there are several subgroups, each dedicated to a different specialty, making it easy to connect with those who work in a field you find interesting.
  2. Books and Writers: If you’ve got some writing you’d like to market or show off to publishers or other authors, then give this group a try. It caters to those who are looking to network and promote their work as writers.
  3. Affiliated Authors: Head to this group to promote your writing, meet others who publish and write books, and to learn just what it takes to make an idea a success.
  4. Authors, Writers, Publishers, Editors, & Writing Professionals: This group is for publishing professionals, which can make it a great place to learn more about how the industry operates. While you can’t use it to find yourself an agent or advertise your writing, it can be a highly enlightening forum for those who are truly new to the ins and outs of the publishing world.
  5. The Freelance Writers’ Connection: Have you ever considered working as a freelance writer? Check out this group to learn more about what it means to be a freelancer, and all the pros and cons that come along with it.
  6. Published Authors Network: You may not be a published author yet, but that shouldn’t stop you from checking out this open group. In it, you’ll find loads of advice and discussions on everything from finding a literary agent to budget-friendly book promotion.
  7. Iconoblast Writer’s Group: Head to this group to showcase your writing, meet up with other aspiring authors, and find some support for the often difficult parts of being a writer.
  8. Informed Ideas for Writers: Those looking for ideas on how to become a better writer, the present and future of the writing industry, or just a few writing prompts should join this group for a bit of guidance.
  9. Writers: Writers is a fairly large group that focuses on helping writers, both new and seasoned, get feedback on their writing. It’s a great place to meet people in the creative industries, as well as to get some tips on polishing your work.
  10. Fiction Writers Guild: If fiction is your favorite, then don’t miss out on the discussions held on this group. You’ll find loads of discussions on just about everything writing-related, including grammar, self-publishing, writer’s block, promoting your book, and more.
  11. Aspiring Writers: An obvious choice for aspiring writers, this group caters to those who are still trying to make it in the industry. Members share tips, advice, blogs, and much more as they work to help each other improve their work and get ahead.
  12. The Writers’ Network: Aspiring writers and those who are more established both frequent this group, as well as editors, agents, and others in the publishing business, making it an all-around great place to network.
  13. Writers International: Why just connect with writers in the U.S. when you can go global? This group will help you make connections with writers and literary enthusiasts from all around the world.
  14. Writers World: This group is home to writers who share their experiences, trips, suggestions, and questions, and writers at any level of experience are welcome. Even better, the group encourages shameless self-promotion.
  15. Authors & Publishers Association: Head to this group for authors, publishers, book manufacturers, agents, publicists, editors, and others in the literary trades to find some amazing discussions on all things writing-related.
  16. Writers and Authors Circle: Whether your work is published or not, the group encourages you to join up and start chatting with other authors.
  17. Nonfiction Authors Network: Not really into writing fiction? No worries, LinkedIn has you covered. This group is focused on nonfiction reads, allowing you to meet and get help from other authors, and you can promote your projects as well.
  18. Booksconnect: Get inspired to create an amazing book when you check out this group. It features articles and discussions that are sure to get you feeling creative. Even better, you can network with other writers at the same time.
  19. Authors and Writers: Share ideas, network, get feedback, and just learn more about writing from the members of this group, dedicated to sharing a passion for all things literary.
  20. Authonomy’s Aspiring Writers’ Group: Here you’ll find another group dedicated to aspiring writers, hosted by the website Authonomy (which is also a great place to discuss writing). It’s a casual, intimate place to meet other writers and get help with your work.

*Today’s article by www.onlinecollegecourses.com

8 APP's every writer should have

If you’re tired of your Moleskine and think that Microsoft Word is for laughable tech dinosaurs, consider going mobile with your writing. With non-verbal communication becoming the norm in today’s fast-paced, tech-forward world, there are many new tools designed to help you get the most out of your writing time, and, indeed, your words. If you’re struck with inspiration when you’re on the go, at least one of these eight essential apps should be available at your fingertips. Beware, wannabe writers! Once you’ve downloaded any or all of these tools, you’ll have less of an excuse to say that you “just can’t find the time” to write. For professionals and amateurs alike, these eight mobile-friendly writing apps are great assets to your toolkit.

  1. Clean Writer

    With all the clutter and noise out there keeping you from doing your best writing, there exists an app that silences all red underlines and dings until the time is write um, right. Boasting a “clean” user interface, “intuitive workflow,” and hidden editing options that only show up when you’re ready, Clean Writer is good for both beginning and advanced mobile writers. If you’ve got ideas to map and brainstorming to do, Clean Writer is an easy and functional tool for keeping yourself both organized and optimized.

  2. Pages

    It’s an industry standard, and there’s no question why. If you already use the word-processing application on your desktop Mac, you’ll be ready to go mobile with Pages in no time. The no-frills word processor allows for distraction free writing, and has cross-platform functionality that makes it truly a writer’s greatest tool.

  3. Story Tracker

    Story Tracker is an app that keeps track of your story submissions and pitches, and it’s a great tool for professionals and amateurs alike. Available in both paid and free versions, the creator of the app is intimately involved in transparently tracking sales, usage, and responding to feedback with important functionality updates. With the exception of guaranteeing that you’ll soon see your name in lights (or, in print, as it were), there’s not much you can’t do (or find help with) if you’re using Story Tracker.

  4. Advanced English Dictionary and Thesaurus

    Developed by the Cognitive Science Laboratory at Princeton, the Advanced English Dictionary and Thesaurus is a truly useful little app with a long name. Search for synonyms to break up writing monotony and improve your working vocabulary, and have a go at defining one of almost 150,000 included English words. Bust writer’s block and the diction doldrums by utilizing this invaluable, free tool of the trade, and do so from anywhere that your writing (or your life) might take you.

  5. B-Rhymes

    Who says all writers have to go pro(se)? For the nascent poet (or rapper) in you, get your hands on the free B-Rhymes rhyming dictionary app. B-Rhymes rocks because it doesn’t stick to a strict script — the app chooses words that “almost” rhyme with entries, providing you more creative freedom when you’ve got syllabic sounds to work around.

  6. ScriptWrite

    You could be the first award-winning screenwriter to pen a piece from your phone. Download ScriptWrite for $3.99, and easily write and format scripts by industry standards. The visual interface that tops the touch-screen keyboard makes it easy to include stage direction and dialog, and you don’t have to spend hours at a typewriter to get the right spacing effect. Budget-conscious customers (read: starving artists) prefer ScriptWrite to the insanely popular First Draft, as its software updates are free (and there’s a great mobile interface), unlike its big-timin’ predecessor.

  7. Grammar App HD

    If you need a refresher course on your grammar rules (you probably do), the internal tests in this $0.99 app can help you back to tip-top shape in no time. If you can’t pen your projects while using proper grammar, it’s likely that you’ll never find meaningful work as a writer. Journalists, grad students, and casual writers alike boast satisfaction with this highly interactive product, and it’s likely that even the most stringent grammarians still have a little something to learn.

  8. iA Writer

    iA Writer for iPad is brought to you by the lovely folks at Information Architects, and they’ve truly created the most beautiful writing app out there. While you can download a version of this for your mobile device, the true value of iA Writer is best viewed on an iPad. Another application known for distraction-free writing, the touch-screen tools (such as Focus Mode and One Tap Renaming) are truly where the difference in well-designed functionality lies.

*Today’s article by www.onlineclasses.org

*We are back home today, so the blog should be back to normal tomorrow (however, my definition of normal may differ greatly from yours). Thanks for your patience.

 

Paradise!

 

Friday's Heroes - Remembering the fallen officers

 

The Graveyard Shift extends our condolences to the family of this brave officer.

Patrolman Avery Freeman, 49

Chester Pennsylvania Police Department

April 30, 2012 – After completing an arrest at a domestic disturbance, Patrolman Freeman badly injured his knees, requiring surgery. After surgery, he suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism.

Patrolman Freeman is survived by his four children, mother, and siblings.

20 interesting ways colleges use Pinterest

Just about everyone and their mother (especially mothers) is on Pinterest these days, and we can’t blame them: it is a really cool resource for finding the very best ideas, inspiration, and all around neat stuff. So we are not at all surprised to find out that colleges and college students are joining in on the fun, too.

Many colleges and universities have jumped on Pinterest to create their own boards for prospective and current students, alumni, and other interested parties, and lots of them are doing a really great job. From game day fashion to alumni baby photos, college pinboards are full of some really fun and useful stuff. Read on, and we’ll share 20 of the college Pinterest boards that we’re most impressed with.

  1. Adorable bulldogs

    Drake University is doing great things with their Pinterest account, including Celebrate Drake, Study Abroad, Ultimate Fan, and Bulldogs Without Borders boards that are truly outstanding. Our personal favorite is one that highlights photos of bulldogs, Drake’s official mascot. This is a really fun and lighthearted way to bring school spirit to Pinterest.

  2. Future Aggies

    We’re big fans of the way that Texas A&M makes being an Aggie a family affair. In their Future Aggies Pinterest board, TAMU shares cute clothes, baby photos, and a celebration of everything that Texas A&M kids might like.

  3. Famous Maryland Alumni

    The University of Maryland makes their educational value stand out by highlighting alumni that have gone on to make it big. The school boasts graduates including Google’s Sergey Brin, Connie Chung, and Jim Henson, fun facts that we were oblivious to before Pinterest.

  4. Eat for $5

    Obviously catering to the poor college crowd, Multnomah University’s Eat for $5 Pinterest Board shares great eats that students can pick up for a fiver or less. Have a little more wiggle room? They’ve got a board for $10 meals and even $10 Portland activities.

  5. Bikes & Bike Style

    On the bike-friendly campus of Oberlin College, two-wheeled love doesn’t stop on the bike paths: it goes on Pinterest, too. Cool bikes, inspiring bike style photos, and even great ideas for never losing your bike key again are available through this college pinboard.

  6. Flip Flops & Long Boards-Campus Style

    California Baptist University embraces California style in this pinboard. Check out Flip Flops & Long Boards to find cool dorm ideas, shoe styles, and even rad skateboard designs.

  7. Weekend Adventures

    Stockton College has found a great way to motivate students, highlighting awesome adventures that they can look forward to each weekend. With a location that puts students close to the beach, Atlantic City, Philadelphia, and even New York City, Stockton’s collection of weekend adventures on Pinterest is impressive.

  8. The Treasures of Yale

    On Pinterest, Yale is able to highlight some of the most amazing artifacts in the university’s collection, posting videos in The Treasures of Yale. This video series and Pinterest board goes in depth to explore arts, humanities, and science treasures from Yale, including rare paintings and art pieces.

  9. Nowhere Like Here

    In this Pinboard, Bennington College does a great job of highlighting what makes their school unique. Photos of interesting spots on campus, unique activities, Bennington-only moments, and cool projects make this college look like a place you want to be.

  10. William Woods, the man

    Dedicated to the namesake of William Woods University, this Pinterest board has photos of Dr. William Stone Woods, as well as photos of his gravesite. We really enjoy the way that William Woods University celebrates its heritage here on Pinterest.

  11. Global Like No Other

    Although some colleges might say they offer a global education, Concordia College really backs it up with this Pinterest board. Through links, photos, and stories, the Global Like No Other board from Concordia offers extensive proof of why this school regularly ranks among the top 15 colleges in the country for global study.

  12. Historic Boston

    As a women-centered university located in Boston, Simmons College has a lot to offer when it comes to the history of the city. Old photos, maps, and historic architectural projects can be found in the college’s Historic Boston pinboard.

  13. Jobs, Careers, & Internships

    We’d like to see Folsom Lake College really explore all that Pinterest has to offer, but their Jobs, Careers, & Internships pinboard is off to a great start. Sharing relevant articles, news, and even the latest job openings, Folsom’s pinboard is a great resource for students to check out.

  14. True love

    Sometimes, true love happens on a college campus. This is evident at Illinois College, and they’ve dedicated an entire pinboard to highlighting Illinois College sweethearts, married couples who met and developed their relationships at the college. Newlyweds, families, and old married couples contribute to this pinboard’s warm and fuzzy feeling.

  15. People of Elizabethtown College

    Just who makes up Elizabethtown College? This pinboard offers an answer, sharing links to stories about students, alumni, faculty, staff, and others in the Elizabethtown community. We love how Elizabethtown offers this pinboard to help outsiders get an idea of what the college is all about.

  16. Things to do at Carleton

    We’re sure there’s no shortage of things to do at Carleton University, and this pinboard does a great job of pointing out several of the fun activities that the school has to offer. Through Things to do at Carleton, students and other interested parties can learn about art galleries, talent events, a butterfly exhibit, and even a magic show.

  17. Maymester Destinations

    Students at Piedmont College enjoy the opportunity to participate in a “Maymester” travel abroad experience, and the college highlights some of the possibilities in their Maymester Destinations pinboard. We’re impressed with how the college has found breathtaking photos of several different European, South American, and Asian locations, enticing students to take advantage of this great program.

  18. Creative Thought Matters

    As a college with a reputation for creativity, Skidmore College is staying true to its roots with a pinboard dedicated to creative thought. This collection of pins shares interesting exhibits, projects, and social proof that Skidmore is a hub of young creativity.

  19. Major Profiles

    Before actually heading off to college and choosing a major, it can be difficult for some students to imagine what their life might be like. With the Major Profiles pinboard, Hanover College allows prospective students to understand more about where various major paths can take them, relying on the experiences and firsthand accounts of actual Hanover students.

  20. FC Traditions

    Every campus loves to celebrate its historic traditions, and Franklin College is no exception. On the FC Traditions pinboard, visitors can check out fun activities like Grizzly Grandparents, fall tailgating, and the homecoming privy burn.

* We are still out of town visiting with my 104-year-old grandmother-in-law (Denene’s grandmother) who fell on Mother’s Day and broke her hip/femur. Surgery went well, though, and she’s anxious to leave the hospital.

Since my time online is limited for the next few days, the good folks at www.bestcollegesonline.com were kind enough to fill in for me with today’s article.