Blue strobe lights.
Winking, blinking.
Against dense fog.
Like azure cotton candy.
Winding country roads.
Dark, like tree-lined tunnels.
Telephone poles and mailboxes, quickly passing.
Glancing from ditch to ditch.
A deer?
Moonlight behind trees.
Tall gnarled fingers disappearing into a night-blackened sky.
“Are we close?”
“No, not yet. We was a long ways in the country. Maybe three more miles.”
Radio lights blink in sequence.
Dispatcher speaks in monotone.
Stolen car on interstate.
Disturbance in West End.
Shoplifter at convenience store, Third and Bellview.
More lights blink.
More telephone poles.
More curves.
Tires squeal.
Then…
“There. Right there.”
“Body’s in the woods, to your left.”
“Drug him across the ditch right there.”
“See where the weeds are knocked down?”
Guns drawn.
Flashlights.
Leaves crunch.
Twigs snap.
Careful.
Don’t disturb scene.
Gun-leather creaking.
Keys jingle.
“Where?”
Shrug.
“Thought it was here.”
“Maybe there.”
“Everything looks the same.”
“I was scared.”
Humidity high.
Sweating.
Vests like dense clay.
Hours pass.
Spider webs.
Flies.
Dogs.
Noses to ground.
Mosquitoes.
Hundreds of mosquitoes.
Nighttime yields to dawn.
Light pushes through tree canopies.
Like translucent yellow wands.
“I found it!”
A man.
No, it’s a boy.
Leaves and pine needles.
Eyes closed, mouth open.
Hands bound in back.
Gray duct tape.
Nose and mouth.
Insects in and out.
Like cars on the 101.
Sickening.
Cameras.
Measuring.
Gathering.
9mm casings.
Execution.
Gansta wannabes.
Interrogation.
“Didn’t know gun was loaded.”
“Took it from Dad’s nightstand.”
“A joke.”
“Honest.”
“It was just a…”
“Joke.”
“Wanted to scare him…”
Teenagers.
One dead.
Four in prison.
Life sentences.
A joke.
Just a joke…
The Graveyard Shift extends our condolences to the families of the officers who sacrificed everything to keep us safe.
Officer Richard J. Halford, 48
Atlanta Georgia Police Department
November 3, 2012 – Officer Richard Halford was killed in a helicopter crash during the search for a missing 9-year-old child. He is survived by his daughter.
Officer Shawn A. Smiley, 40
Atlanta Georgia Police Department
November 3, 2012 – Officer Richard Halford was killed in a helicopter crash during the search for a missing 9-year-old child. He is survived by his wife and three children.
Border Patrol Agent Jeffrey Rameriz, 25
Department Of Homeland Security
September 15, 2012 – Agent Jeffrey Rameriz died after suffering heatstroke during a training exercise. He is survived by his wife, son, parents, sister, and two brothers.
Officer Marcia Figueroa, 54
Cleveland Ohio Police Department
November 4, 2012 – Officer Marcia Figueroa died after suffering a medical emergency while on a protective detail for President Obama.
Agent Ivan. G. Roman Matos, 34
Puerto Rico Police Department
November 7, 2012 – Agent Ivan Roman Matos was shot and killed while in foot pursuit of an armed robber. He is survived by his son.
We here at the ol’ Online Education Database can’t promise that following these Twitter feeds by periodicals, bloggers, agents, editors, and writers will score you a coveted publishing contract. But we can promise that you’ll more than likely find at least one of them extremely useful when researching the five Ws (and one H) of getting your name out there as an author. And if these don’t work, chances are they link up to a microblog that does. And if that doesn’t work, then the blame probably sits with you.
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Writer’s Digest:
One of the best routinely released resources for authors provides updated information about the state of the publishing industry, generating ideas, self-editing, and everything else they need to know.
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Publishers Weekly:
Follow this absolutely essential Twitter feed for all the latest news and trends regarding the publishing world; after all, knowing how it works is half the battle (Disclaimer: It might be a little more or a little less than half).
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GalleyCat:
Media Bistro’s GalleyCat blog (and, of course, accompanying Twitter) focuses on delivering the headlining stories about publishing today and tomorrow. Also probably the next day and the day after that.
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Carole Blake:
She didn’t write THE book on how to get published, but this literary agent wrote A book on how to get published. Head to her Twitter for expert advice regarding the writing and submission process.
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Kevin Smokler:
Publishing and other media collide in one illuminating resource for writers and wannabe writers trying to make it in the business as it transitions fully into the digital age.
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Victoria Strauss:
As the co-founder of Writer Beware, this veteran writer knows what her fellow artists need to look out for to prevent being preyed upon by publishing scams.
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SPR:
The Self-Publishing Review posts up advice, reviews, and other resources devoted to helping writers launch their careers autonomously.
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New Pages:
New Pages catalogs literary journals looking for submissions, so it would behoove every short-form writer out there to check them out regularly and see what new opportunities pop up.
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FreelanceWritingJobs:
Like the name says, this is one of the top resources where writers head to find themselves some gigs to launch their careers. It might not be about publishing what they want, but it still provides links to numerous opportunities as well as advice.
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Writers Write:
Another fully fab resource where writers turn to for advice and publishing news as well as information about what relevant jobs are currently available around the United States.
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Nathan Bransford:
One of the most popular bloggers on publishing pulls from his extensive experience as a literary agent, author, and social media guru.
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Publishing Talk:
Every publishing topic, from DIY to the latest news and trends from the Big Six, receives thorough coverage at the Publishing Talk blog and magazine.
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PublishersLunch:
One of the biggest resources for professional and wannabe publishers takes to Twitter to exchange news and views from across the industry.
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Kassia Krozser:
Booksquare welds technology to publishing and reading and fearlessly picks apart both with the hopes of unveiling the truths behind them.
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Vicki Lame:
This St. Martin’s Press editor and literary magazine publicist knows quite a bit about what makes a great submission, so pay attention to her advice and commentary.
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Michael Hyatt:
Former CEO of Thomas Nelson Publishers Michael Hyatt offers up tips for authors and other professionals to stand out amongst the millions of other Twitter users. Getting noticed means increasing the chances of a contract, after all!
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Page-Turner:
The New Yorker’s book blog provides thrilling insight into “books that matter” in addition to publishing news and trends.
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The Paris Review:
Since 1953, this literary superstar has published interviews with some of the most influential members of the writing world, making it an essential read for hopeful authors looking for a few tips from their favorites.
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Digital Book World:
Interested in publishing through more technological means? Visit Digital Book World’s Twitter and network for an in-depth look at the changing shape of publishing through simple strategizing.
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Laurie Abekmeier:
AGENT OBVIOUS founder Laurie Abekmeier boasts experience as both an agent and an editor, and her site and social media presence bursts with advice for writers, editors, agents, and publishers alike.
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Guardian Books:
Hear what The Guardian’s team of literary buffs have to say about the latest book releases, today’s most successful writers, and other stories relevant to the bibliophile’s dream industry.
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New York Times Books:
Knowledge is power, and while The New York Times can’t hook you up with personalized advice, its respected author interviews, reviews, and news provide opportunities to glean inspiration. Which is knowledge.
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L.A. Times Books:
On the other coast sits this essential resource covering reviews and commentaries of the latest releases and news about all the latest publishing goings-on.
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Cheryl Klein:
Cheryl Klein works as an editor at Scholastic as well as a writer, so she peers into publishing from multiple perspectives.
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Mignon Fogarty:
OK. So she won’t help you get published. But the Grammar Girl’s signature “quick and dirty” advice can help you clean up the errors in your manuscript before submitting it to agents and publishers.
*Today’s article by Online Education Database
Last night, we were treated to a fun, light-hearted episode, and that’s where the characters of Castle truly shine. Sometimes, I believe Fillion and Katic could do this show in silent-film-style (no talking) and they’d still be deliver an entertaining show. Yep, their acting is that good, and this episode was proof. Of course, the supporting cast members offered plenty of their own “moments” throughout. And we saw the return of Perlmutter last night. His presence and ability to almost sound like a real M.E. were a definite plus.
I’m curious, though, as to what Melanie thought about this episode. So, off we go…
This episode centered around a murder at SuperNovaCon, a fan convention for Nebula 9, a fictional sci-fi franchise. Mentions from Nathan Fillion’s Firefly and just about every other sci-fi series ever aired abounded in this one, and the results were hilarious. One of my friends who loves sci-fi texted me throughout the entire show about all the references… and I didn’t catch half of them. Yes, I’ve seen several episodes of Firefly, because I love Nathan, but I’m not a big sci-fi buff.
Kate Beckett is, however… as evidenced by her dabbling in Nebula 9 sci-fi role play while in college at Stanford. A picture of her in a Nebula 9 uniform entrances Rick, and he’s blown away to learn she’s a closet sci-fi geek. The entire episode was light and fun, except maybe when they discussed the actual murder-by-laser, and I cracked up with Rick spotted Alexis at the con dressed in a skimpy costume. Too funny! Kate had to pull him away from Alexis to keep him from totally embarrassing her.
Kate and Rick were joined at the hip in this one. We didn’t get a kiss, but I love seeing them in a relationship, even if the episode wasn’t heavy on romance. Rick kept on about Kate’s costume, so by the end of the show, she finally agreed to dress up for him at the loft. The camera focused in on him on the bed, waiting for her to come out of the bathroom… and she did, foot and backside first. Then she stepped all the way into the room — in a short black skirt, a Nebula 9-looking top, and a hideous alien head with giant, bloody teeth — and Rick freaked out. Hahaha!
Not a lot of depth or actual romance in this one, but I still enjoyed it. Next week’s episode is one done documentary style (like The Office), so that will be different, too. I think we’ll get a good peek into all of the characters… and that’s not a bad thing. The previews made me smile. I just love this show.
Police procedure and forensics…hmm… Not much cop stuff in this episode. Of course, we saw the return of Perlmutter, who was pretty much believable, as usual, even when talking about unbelievable things (ray guns). Did you notice that he didn’t refer to a crystal ball?
Seriously, Perlmutter based his time of death on liver temp (good), and he suggested that the victim’s wound was not caused by a gunshot. His reason…no spatter/bloodstain patterns, and no stippling.
A great line delivered by Perlmutter was in response to Beckett’s question, “What caused the wound?” Perlmutter’s response was, “No clue. Never seen anything quite like it.” Then he went on to say he’d be able to tell more once he got the body back to the morgue. See how easy that is, and it’s believable! Why, oh why, can’t they give this stuff to Lanie? To do so would help her character tremendously. Believable make believe. That’s the key!
Oh, Perlmutter delivered another great line when he welcomed Beckett and Castle as they entered the room, “Detective Beckett…and non-Detective Castle.” Good one.
– Esposito does his usual walk-up to Beckett to deliver the latest clue, and says, “Perlmutter says the laser was definitely murder weapon.” Okay, a bit of Lanie must’ve rubbed off on good old Perlmutter, because M.E.’s do not test weapons. Nope. Their job is to determine the cause of death. I doubt seriously that examining laser weapons (Laser Weapons 202) is offered in medical school.
– I’m sure everyone is aware of this, but I’ll mention it just in case… Detectives don’t herd all the suspects into one room for a mass questioning/reveal of evidence, like they’re playing a real-life game of clue. But it worked well for this show, because that’s what this is…television. It’s supposed to be entertaining.
Finally, the costume…
Priceless!
Dax invites you to see some of his favorite things, and to meet a few of his friends. So, please, put on your walking shoes and follow along.
Church
Frog in garden pond
Guinea fowl
Berries
Dax searching for more fun
Dove feather caught on a branch
Blackberries
A turkey visits from neighboring farm
Dragonfly
Nothing like napping with a good friend after a long day…
* * *
Dax’s best 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.
It’s no secret that prison and jail inmates have the uncanny ability to fashion a deadly weapon from almost any available material, including ink pens, nails, soap, batteries, and even newspaper. And, yes, even something as unassuming as dental floss can be transformed into an instrument of death. Actually, dental floss is a prized item in prisons and jails because of its versatility. For example:
1. In Wisconsin, two inmates braided over 3 miles of dental floss to make the extremely strong ropes they used to help scale the prison walls during an escape. Same thing in West Virginia, where an inmate braided floss to use as a rope. He escaped and was on the run for weeks before being captured.
2. Three Illinois prisoners made a rope ladder from dental floss. Salt and pepper shakers stolen from the dining hall were used as rungs/stirrups.
3. Dental floss can be used to saw through bars. It takes a long time, however, and requires a bit of toothpaste to achieve the goal. You see, toothpaste is a mild abrasive, therefore, when applied to dental floss…presto, an instant hacksaw.
4. Out of sewing thread? Well, dental floss could be your answer. Prisoners have been known to use floss for their sewing needs. For instance, the inmate who used floss to stitch together a dummy he placed on his bed to fool officers during his escape. And let’s not forget to mention the prison escapees who used dental floss to stitch up the gunshot wounds they’d received during their prison break.
5. The plastic case surrounding dental floss is also great material used for making handcuff keys and handles for various types of stabbing-type weapons.
6. Floss is also used to pass and retrieve items from one cell to another. Objects are tied to the floss and then tossed to a fellow inmate along the same tier. Or, the object(s) are lowered to a tier below. The same goal can be achieved through the prison plumbing. An object of desire (anything from drugs and alcolhol to food) is tied to dental floss (wrapped in plastic) and is then flushed down the toilet. The receiving prisoner/inmate also flushes a weighted object tied to floss. The two strings become tangled deep in the plumbing and the object is then easily reeled in.
7. And, of course, dental floss can be used to choke and strangle.
Due to the variety of uses for dental floss in the prison and jail environment, officials in many locations have banned the product from their institutions. Prisoners, though, have already filed a $500 million lawsuit claiming their dental health has been compromised because, as we all know, people who do not floss are subject to more cavities.
Isn’t it heartwarming to hear that these prisoners are so concerned about their oral health? You know, the same guys who ingest stuff they’ve retrieved from a common sewer line.
Yum…
Police Procedure and Investigation: A Guide for Writers
