Madam Zelda’s Top Ten 2014 Predictions

Top 2017 Predictions

Madam Zelda did a reading for us this morning and she’s confident 2014 will be a fantastic year. Here’s a list of her top ten predictions. Believe me, she’s always right.

1. Someone will record a song without the aid of autotune. It will not be Taylor Swift.

2. To help identify criminal suspects, police will begin to use reflections seen in photographs of the eyes of witnesses and victims.

3. 2014 will be the year of the whistleblower. Seeing that nothing happened to Edward Snowden, more people will come forward with secrets.

4. Justin Bieber will continue to be an annoying and immature brat.

5. Kanye will say something stupid.

7. Sometime during the year Christina Aguilera will wear a low-cut top and too much makeup.

8. The Duck Dynasty men will continue to grow their beards

9. Brittany Spears will lip-sync during her Vegas performances.

10. The 2014 Writers’ Police Academy will be the biggest and best ever.

So there you have it. Looks like a great year for all.

Happy New Year!

*Remember – Drive sober or get pulled over!

/by

DUI/DWI: The Breath Test

DUI, DWI

 

The party was a blast and you drank a little of everything in sight, including a swallow from the host’s aquarium. Sure, it was a dare, and you spit the goldfish back into the tank, but that should’ve been the first hint that you’d consumed a wee bit too much alcohol. But it wasn’t. Neither was carrying on a conversation with the coat rack and kissing your boss goodbye before stumbling outside where you relieved yourself into a bed of pansies while singing a medley of Celine Dion tunes.

You weren’t drunk. No, not you. At least that’s what your lips were saying while your brain was doing its best to tread water in a whirlpool of beer, whiskey, rum, and tequila. So you got behind the wheel of your prized VW and headed for home. Where you ended up, though, was at the police station, thanks to a few wrong turns and “misunderstandings” with dancing streetlights, mailboxes that insisted on playing chicken with your front bumper, and the row of hedges that used to be a part of the new landscaping in the front yard of the mayor’s house.

So there you sat, quietly humming Lady Gaga’s latest, while a red-faced police officer who, by the way, couldn’t be much older than your kids, fiddled with some sort of gadget while asking you questions. Too many questions, actually. And why, you wondered, did he keep looking at his watch?

Now he’s asking you to…this is ridiculous. You refuse to cooperate with his little test. What’s the worst that could happen? Well…

The scenario above may sound a bit silly, but it happens more often that you’d think. Here are the steps to conducting a breath test on a person who’s suspecting of driving under the influence of alcohol (this is after all the roadside tests have been conducted and the driver is indeed suspected of being under the influence of alcohol).

*These steps apply to the Commonwealth of Virginia. As always, procedures and laws may vary in other areas. By the way, operators/officers conducting the tests must be licensed by the Division of Forensic Sciences. Not all police officers are licensed to conduct the tests.

The procedure:

– The officer must observe the suspect for a minimum of 20 minutes prior to the test. This is so the officer can be certain the suspect has not burped, belched, consumed any additional alcohol, eaten, or consumed beverages of any type.

– the operator presses the enter key on the device, starting a test sequence.

– operator swipes their license through the slot on the device, which then displays their individual information – name, agency, license number, etc.

– operator swipes the suspect’s drivers license, which records their information and enters it in the appropriate lines of the final certificate of analysis. Those without a license require manual entry of information.

– auto testing sequence and purging of the machine is complete at this point. If there is a reading outside the allowable values the testing must be terminated.

– after a few self-check messages, a prompt of “Please blow until the tone stops” begins flashing on the screen.

– the prompt flashes for three minutes, or until the subject blows into the mouthpiece.

– subject blows into the mouthpiece.

– a portion of the breath is then collected into a fuel cell where it is analyzed.

– the mouthpiece is removed and the device purges and waits for the next sample.

– after a two minute wait, and watching the subject to be sure he/she hasn’t burped, etc., a new prompt displays and the operator installs a new mouthpiece.

– the prompt “please blow” appears on the display

The machine provides the data from the two tests and the result used as the official number (blood alcohol content – BAC) is the lowest of the two tests. A certificate of analysis is printed.

Next on the agenda is usually a night spent in jail. By the way, refusing to take the breath test can result in a 12-month suspension of your drivers license and, you could still be found guilty of the DUI if the officer testifies to his observations of your actions during field sobriety tests, etc.

Driving is a privilege, not a right, and everyone who is issued a license to drive (in Va.) implicitly agrees to submit to a breath test when they’re suspected of driving under the influence. No exceptions.

Alcohol Facts

1. Between 90% and 98% of alcohol is oxidized in the liver.

2. Only a small amount of alcohol is excreted through perspiration, the breath, and urine – 2% – 10%

3. The body starts to eliminate alcohol the minute it enters the liver via the blood system. The rate of elimination from the body is between .015 to .018 g/210L per hour, depending, of course, on factors such as disease, drug use, and exercise. Urination and perspiration have no effect on the rate of elimination. Sex and weight also have little to do with the rate of elimination.

 

/by

Gilbralter: From The Top Of The Rock

Gilbralter

 

Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory situated at the entrance to the Mediterranean, is home to approximately 30,000 people.  Today, Coroner’s Investigator Paul Beecroft takes us on a pictorial journey of the region, and to the top of “the rock.”

Flag of Gibralter

The “rock” from ground level.

View from the top of the rock.

Overlooking Spain

Again from the top of the Rock. The white ship you can see is actually not a ship but a Hotel that is in the process of being built.

Lighthouse at Europa Point

Moorish Castle

Memorial/Monument. (American/English)

Still with the Memorial (Two sides to it)

Memorial Plaque

Lord Nelson

*     *     *

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. Paul currently works as a coroner’s investigator and has traveled all over England, Wales, Scotland and even Germany to investigate crimes.

/by

Friday’s Heroes: Remembering The Fallen

Friday's Heroes - Remembering the fallen officers

 

You gave your all to protect and serve us, and for that we are eternally grateful.

Officer Robert Deckard, 31

San Antonio Texas Police Department

On December 8, 2013, Officer Robert Deckard was in pursuit of two robbery suspects when one of the men opened fire on him. A round passed through the windshield of the patrol car and struck the officer in the head. He remained in the hospital until he passed away on December 20th. Officer Deckard leaves behind his wife and two children.

Investigator Cuauhtemoc Estrada, 50

Cook County Illinois Sheriff’s Department

December 20, 2013 – Investigator Cuauhtemoc Estrada was leaving a Christmas party when he observed an armed robbery in progress in the parking lot. He was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend the two suspects.

Investigator Jeffrey Hugh Bryant, 51

Centre Alabama Police Department

December 20, 2013 – After meeting with an officer in a neighboring county, Investigator Jeffrey Bryant was on his way back to Centre when a motorist lost control of her vehicle and crossed the center line. The vehicle struck Investigator Bryant’s police car head-on. Killed in the crash were Investigator Bryant, the driver of the other vehicle and her 2-year-old child. A second child was airlifted to a nearby hospital.

Corporal Kevin “Gale” Stauffer, 38

Tupelo Mississippi Police Department

December 23, 2013 – Corporal Gale Stauffer was shot and killed after responding to a bank robbery. As he approached the two suspects, one opened fire at close range. Another officer was seriously wounded during gunfire. Corporal Stauffer leaves behind his wife and two young children. The robbers remain at large.

Correctional Deputy Jeremy Wayne Meyst, 31

Tulare California Sheriff’s Office

December 24, 2013 – Deputy Jeremy Meyst was killed in a single vehicle rollover crash while transporting two prisoners from a substation to the main jail. The inmates received minor injuries. Deputy Meyst leaves behind his wife and three children.

Petty Officer Travis Raymond Obendorf

U. S. Coast Guard Office of Law Enforcement

December 13, 2013 – Petty Officer Travis Obendorf died as a result of injuries received while rescuing the crew of a fishing vessel in the Bering Sea, north of Amak Island, Alaska.

/by

The Oak Ridge Boys: Uncle Luther Made The Stuffin’

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

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Almost Christmas: Where Have They Gone?

Almost Christmas, where have they gone

Where have they gone?

Why, it seems like just yesterday when they were here

There was laughter and love

Games and hugs

And bedtime stories

Of giants and beanstalks

Jack Horner and Miss Muffett too

Family meals

School plays

Summertime fun

The beach

Taffy and arcades

A milkshake and some french fries

Special times

Fun times

Why, it was just yesterday when my mother held me in her arms

While an aunt made faces

And funny sounds

Holidays

Easter

Grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins

Yes, the cousins

All sizes, all shapes

Boys and girls alike

Colored eggs

Playing in the old barn

Cowboys and cowgirls

Pretend horses and sticks for guns

Toy trucks, and wagon rides

Such fun

Sometimes doing things we knew we shouldn’t

We were carefree

And worried not

Life was forever

Fireflies, hide-and-seek, and freeze tag

A new season

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the new year

Sleigh bells

Santa

The tree, the lights, and the angel perched high above

The turkeys and hams and holiday treats

Presents, trees, and eggnog

There was laughter and love

Games and hugs

But…

It’s mostly quiet now

As I often sit, thinking and wondering

Where have they gone?

My grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles

It’s almost Christmas…

…and they’re no longer here.

 

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The Friday Before Christmas: You’ll Wish You Were Here

Friday before Christmas

 

We walked away from the sunset, a smoldering and dazzling sphere of yellow and orange sinking into the marsh, heading toward a powder blue sky, the color of my grandmother’s favorite Sunday-go-to-meetin’ dress.

Ahead lay the heavens and the sea, a palette of azure and soft pinks and violet.

The small island is finally at rest after a summer filled with squeals, laughter, picnics and volleyball.

Sea foam sizzled softly as it met the cool sand, leaving behind tiny shells and tidbits for the gulls to peck.

Tranquility was plentiful.

And then it was night. And it was the Friday before Christmas.

And all through the streets and beaches, not a creature was stirring. Not even the police.

We searched high and we searched low.

But we found no one. Nothing.

Time had stood still.

Then, peeking from above, there it was. As plain as day.

A star? A planet?

Could someone, perhaps three wise travelers, use the bright light to lead the way?

I wonder. I wondered, indeed.

After all, it was the Friday before Christmas.

/by

Friday’s Heroes: Remembering The Fallen

Friday's Heroes - Remembering the fallen officers

You gave your all to protect and serve us, and for that we are eternally grateful.

Trooper David Cunniff, 35

New York State Police

December 17, 2013 – Trooper David Cunniff had stopped a car for speeding when a tractor trailer struck his patrol car from behind. He received massive injuries after being partially ejected, and was transported to a local hospital where he died the following day. He leaves behind his wife and two sons.

Deputy Sheriff Clinton H. Frazier, 36

Union County Mississippi Sheriff’s Office

December 18, 2013 – Deputy Clinton Frazier was killed when his patrol car left the roadway and overturned. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Sergeant Investigator Adam Sowders, 31

Burleson County Texas Sheriff’s Office

December 19, 2013 – Sergeant Investigator Adam Sowders was shot and killed as he and other officers served a search warrant. The suspect was taken into custody at the scene.

/by

Abolishing the DHS

Abolish the DHS
Source: SecurityDegreeHub.com

* The views, facts, and stats in the above infographic are those of securitydegreehub. While The Graveyard Shift may or may not agree, this site is always open to expressions of ideas and opinions. It is up to you, the reader, to decide which side of the path you choose to walk. With that said, what are your thoughts on the DHS? Should they stay, go, or be trimmed back a notch or two?

/by

10 Tips For Safe Holiday Shopping

10 tips for safe holiday shopping

Every single day since the moon rose over Black Friday shoppers, I’ve read story after sad story about thefts, assaults, robberies, and other Grinch-like criminal activity. We all know they’re out there, the holiday shoplifters, stocking-grabbers, and skedaddling purse-snatchers. Yet, it happens time and time again…shoppers let down their guard. They don’t think. They’re not careful. They ASSUME it won’t happen to them.

Well, if I may be so bold, let me say, yes, it could happen to you, and you, and…HEY! You over there…PAY ATTENTION! You’d be the first person blogging tomorrow morning about the creep who swiped your brand new waffle maker and jumbo holiday pack of various processed meat logs and cheese-flavored spreads.

Here are a few holiday shopping safety tips to consider while you’re out and about. By the way…I need socks, more books, tools, and one of those new waffle makers, if you can manage to hang on to it. Hint, hint…

10 Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

1. Shop during daylight hours. if possible.

2. Shop with a friend or family member(s). Not alone.

3. If you must shop at night, park in well-lit areas, and as close to the store as possible.

4. Don’t leave valuables, or anything that looks valuable, in sight. Place them inside the glove compartment, console, trunk, or in the back of the SUV, covered with a blanket.

5. Check your surroundings before getting out of the car. Wait for strangers to pass before unlocking the car door. Bad guys troll parking lots!

6. Don’t carry large purses or bags. Instead, take only the items you need—driver’s license, the least amount of cash needed, and a credit card. Place those items in your FRONT pocket. If you absolutely cannot leave home without the suitcase-size bag, then carry it over your shoulder. At least it’s a bit more difficult to steal when carried that way.

Clean out your wallet! Do not carry 47 credit cards, directions to house, your pin numbers and alarm code, your computer passwords, pictures of your house, spouse, and kids, divorce papers, and keys to your safety deposit box. Necessary items only.

By the way, never use your actual home address as the “home” location on your GPS. Instead, pick an address that’s a few blocks away. Hopefully, you’re not so dependent on the gizmo that you’d be able to find your way home from there. By using a different address other than your own—if your car is stolen—the thief won’t drive straight to your house where he’d conveniently use the garage remote to gain access to your goodies.

7. When you get that uneasy feeling about anything in the parking lot, go back inside the store. Do not attempt to go to your car. Sure, you might make it there safely, and you can lock your doors…but glass breaks easily. Go back to the store and ask a security guard to escort you to your vehicle.

8. When placing packages inside your car, always place them in the trunk (or covered in the rear of the SUV). And, at that time, it’s a good idea to move the car to a parking space in another area of the mall. That way potential thieves who’ve been watching and waiting will think you’ve left and will move on.

9. Watch out for false charities. Just because someone is ringing a bell doesn’t mean they’re legitimate. If you don’t trust the person with their hand out, but you’d like to help out in some way, you could always mail in your contribution. Remember, the bad guys are waiting for you to open your purse so they can grab the cash and run.

10. Pay attention! Pay attention! Pay attention! Have your keys ready and in hand when heading across the parking lot. Do not go to your car if you see someone standing nearby , or, if you sense someone following you. Look inside the car before getting in—front and back. Be sure no one is hiding on the other side of the car before opening your door.

You know, shopping just isn’t what it used to be, with lively holiday music playing in the background, smiling faces all around, and spiked eggnog on the breath of the mall Santa. Instead, we nearly have to suit up in Kevlar, carry a five gallon bucket filled with pepper spray, arm ourselves with stun guns and Tasers, and strap on a pair of matching pistols in case holiday robbers insist upon making us empty our pockets. Me, well, I do my gift-buying online. It’s safer that way, and that’s a shame. A real shame.

Shopping…Bah, Humbug…

/by