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The Unabomber: The World Was His Target Practice
Posted in Uncategorized on May 31, 2012
David Kaczynski, brother of Ted is an enigma… He is soft spoken, dignified and a man who carries the weight of an anguished heart that will never heal… David is also considered the traitor… He is “the one” who turned in his brother “The Unabomber” to the authorities all those years ago based on Ted’s writings. David and his wife Linda saw Ted’s “Manifesto” published in the Washington Post, and noticed an eerie similarity in thought and language pattern using his personal correspondence as a comparison.
And yet, David is also a staunch supporter of crime victims, as a former presenter and attendee for several years at the Melanie Ilene Rieger Memorial Conference against Violence, held annually in Connecticut. David Kaczynski is also a victim in his own right… However, many crime victims cringe and often are uncomfortable in his presence, as some feel he “hasn’t earned his stripes” in the club of true crime victimization… Guilt by association, this writer guesses… Some detest him for his brother’s actions – a 17 year hunt and murder-maiming spree, until Ted was finally arrested in 1996. Ted avoided the death penalty after the U.S. Justice Department was convinced by his family and others, that his delusions, (commensurate with paranoid schizophrenia) occurred prior to his violent behaviors
David subsequently became a vocal advocate for options to New York’s heretofore ineffective death penalty by starting the non-profit, “New Yorker’s for Alternatives to the Death Penalty” (NYADP); http://www.nyadp.org/. Currently the organization focuses on promoting community initiatives with lots of outreach to many sectors involved in the criminal justice spectrum, promoting restorative justice (an approach using dialogue, accountability and responsibility by offending parties to victims, in order to facilitate healing) and violence prevention.
According to Sam Rieger, Melanie’s father, this may be David’s final appearance at the 2012 Conference, (http://melanieriegerconference.com/common/) as he is retiring and moving to another state.
What about Ted’s Victims?
The 17 year manhunt was distilled within two worthy journalistic accounts by the Washington Post and the New York Times in April 1996. Additional Resource: www.historycommon.org.
The victims of the Unabomber as a group are varied…and at best, have very little connection to each other occupationally or culturally. The ultimate irony is that Ted Kaczynski had no personal knowledge or relationship whatsoever with any of his victims! The “perceived injustices” and disdain for all people and things relating to research, technology, computer science, engineering and affluence seemed to be the only thread tying any of them together.
Ted admits in his warped writings that “When we were young and comparatively restless, we were much more careless in selecting targets than we are now.” At other times, he regrets the fate of some of his victims – as in “The idea was to kill a lot of business people who we assumed would constitute the majority of passengers. But of course, some passengers would likely have been innocent people – maybe kids or some working stiff going to see his sick grandmother. We’re glad now that that attempt failed.” When mentioning a secretary who was injured, he wrote, “We certainly regret that.”
It seemed as if The Washington Post journalists likened his behavior to a “cat and mouse game” – competing for attention in the national spotlight over the Oklahoma City bombing earlier in 1995. Kaczynski freely admitted to the murder of one victim, Thomas Mosser. “We blew up Thomas Mosser last December because he was a Burston-Marstellar executive (Reportedly, one if the largest PR firms in the U.S.) Ted went on, “… this means that its business is the development of techniques for manipulating people’s attitudes.”
After the Oklahoma City bombing of the Federal Building, it was Ted’s desire to always be in the forefront. His comments were those of a sick braggart. “We took a couple of years off to do some experimenting. We now know how to make pipe bombs powerful enough. Some bombings were successful, some were not.” [LJ- What’s this “we” terminology? It was a singular mission all the way… Only in Ted’s delusional mind was it ever “we.”]
A List of Victims:
- Percy Woods – Age 76 – President of United Airlines; (Wounded)
- Patrick Fischer- Head of the Computer Science Department at Vanderbilt University (Was on vacation) His secretary opened the wooden box with the pipe bomb (Wounded);
- Diogenes Angelokos- an electrical engineer at University of California- Berkley. Pipe bomb encountered in the faculty lounge (Wounded);
- Gilbert Murray – Lobbyist and President of the California Forestry Association in Sacramento (Died);
- Thomas Mosser- New Jersey Advertising Executive; Pipe bomb exploded in kitchen (Died);
- John Hauser – a graduate engineering student at the University of California- Berkley and an Air Force pilot. Bomb caused three severed fingers and artery in his right arm; (Severely Wounded) This bomb was much more powerful in that ammonium nitrate was used as main ingredient. Hauser walked into the computer lab, saw a wooden box on top of some notebooks. Colleague used a tie as a tourniquet and saved his life… but not his Air Force career;
- James V. McConnell – a University of Michigan psychology professor and author who was “rich, flamboyant, irreverent and controversial.” His behavior modification theories scared people like Kaczynski. McConnell espoused the theory that “people could be molded simply by deciding what they should be and then their behavior was manipulated by others.” McConnell conducted his research with flatworms and even appeared on the Steve Allen show. (Kaczynski happened to be a graduate student at Ann Arbor in the Mathematics Department when this was happening). McConnell achieved greater fame with his “Understanding Human Behavior” textbook, with widespread use in over 700 campuses, from which he received royalties of $250,000 per year. (Aftermath – Mild hearing loss but McConnell stated, “I wandered around the house scared, angry and frustrated – Died in 1990)
- Nicklaus Suino, Age 25, Assistant to McConnell “wrestled with package” to open it (Wounded – shrapnel and powder burns);
- Hugh C. Scrutton, Age 32; Bomb was disguised as debris outside his Sacramento computer store. Scrutton was a summer math student the same year Kaczynski began teaching there in 1967. (Died);
- Tom Tyler- A social psychology professor at Berkley. Tyler “nearly sealed his fate” when he publically made objectionable comments re Ted Kaczynski and the Oklahoma City bombers. Tyler stated they had, “Exaggerated feelings that the government was out to get them. The letter asks Tyler to read his document, which he had sent to the New York Times, the Washington Post, and three other media outlets (see September 19, 1995). Tyler responds that he welcomes Kaczynski’s suggestion that revolution “need not be violent or sudden,” says that Kaczynski is not alone in feeling discontented with today’s society, and that “it is wrong to simply say that people who are dissatisfied are in some way non-rational.” However, Tyler disagrees with his argument that industrial-technological society cannot be reformed. (Appears to have been unharmed);
- Dr. Charles Epstein, a geneticist from Tiburon, California at the University of California, opens a package mailed to his home and brought inside by his daughter Joanna. The package, a wooden box, contains a bomb. The explosion blows off several of Epstein’s fingers, breaks his arm, and causes a number of abdominal injuries. (Severely Wounded) (Epstein is known as a researcher who has helped identify a gene that may contribute to Down’s Syndrome).
A Curious Thing or Two…
1) “Wood”- Ted Kaczynski was strangely preoccupied with wood. As reported by the Washington Post, he “painstakingly carved wooden pieces” to construct his bombs and wooden containers. Percy A. Wood, President of United Airlines sustained serious injuries and had the “right/wrong name.” Another “wood connection” was the fact that Ted killed Gilbert Murray, the Lobbyist/President of the California Forestry Association.
[LJ- What did Ted have against wood? It is a natural resource, “made by nature,” and not related to technology per se.]
“A Careless Academician”
2) For all off his theories, experimentation, practice runs and planning, Ted Kaczynski was very careless. News accounts reveal that he used outdated University directories, newsletters and other publications. Ted would also purposefully use other people’s addresses as “sender”. He used cancelled stamps. One mailing was sent to the University of Chicago, but addressed to a professor at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, hundreds of miles away. The fake return address was “from a professor at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Ultimately, it was returned to the sender and disarmed after notifying the police. Another incident occurred in which a bomb package was addressed to a predecessor at the California Forestry Association.
To Ladyjustice, it appears that accuracy didn’t count with Ted. It’s as if the world was just target practice…and with few exceptions…. anyone he killed was just fine!
When the final count was taken, Ted’s “master plan” included at least 16 attempts, 3 murders and 23 serious injuries!
The Book: “Unabomber: The Secret Life of Ted Kaczynski;” Author- Christopher Waits
Ladyjustice read this book in the late 1990’s and was fascinated. Chris Wait was Kaczynski’s Montana neighbor who befriended the reclusive killer. Waits, in fact, aided and abetted Kaczynski’s murderous goals without realizing what he was doing. The book contains many true life descriptions of survivalist life in the Northern Rockies, is informative, intriguing and includes undisputed proof re Ted’s journal entries, thoughts and photos of their 25 year journey as neighbors. One of the saddest realizations is that Chris Waits was Kaczynski’s only true friend for 25 years. Link: http://www.amazon.com/Unabomber-The-Secret-Life-Kaczynski/dp/1560371315
“Your Relationship with Uncertainty and Death Will Dictate how you Live Your Life” Duane Bowers, Healing the Broken
Posted in Radio Show Shattered Lives on May 27, 2012
Duane Bowers is a regular kind of guy… You can hear it in his voice… And yet, he brings a wealth of knowledge and common sense to the shattered landscape of those experiencing trauma. He specializes in working with families who have a missing loved one, exploited children, suicide, and various populations dealing with post traumatic stress including the military, victims of terrorism in the U.S. and in war-torn countries….
Listen to interview with Duane Bowers: CLICK HERE
Duane Bowers is also the Facilitator at the annual Keys to Healing Retreat sponsored by Project Jason for the well-being and care of families with missing persons.
“The professionally trained staff at Project Jason know the difficulties we face in this situation. We know the emotions and the frustrations. None of us knows how long this journey will last, so it’s important that we do all that we do what we can to keep ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually strong for the day we have our answers. These are the Keys to Healing, the keys to help you face each day without your missing loved one. “…Kelly Jolkowski, Founder of Project Jason and Mother of Missing Jason Jolkowski
For registration information on the August retreat, visit the Project Jason website: http://projectjason.org/forums/index.php?topic=11580.0.
Families return year after year, particularly if their resolution is not yet in their grasp… for support, sustenance and hope.
Shattered Lives was treated to a great hour with this insightful man and very likeable professional….. Please do listen …..
Topics covered included the following:
- What is Trauma and PTSD?
- How does your reaction figure into the equation? (and warning signs);
- How to be a good consumer when shopping for the best mental health professional;
- Trauma & Certified EMDR – What is it and why is it important?
- The uniqueness of being a victim of violent crime versus other kinds of trauma (Two important distinctions)…
- You know a family member or friend needs help…Yet how do you convince them?
- PTG- Post Traumatic Growth – ‘Ladyjustice” as a shining example;
- More on Resilience and Recovery;
- Moving out of PTSD and “Moving On;”
- Coping – Curling Up in a Ball versus Grabbing the World by the Tail; (What’s Your Motive?);
- 9-11…. Differing Expectations of Tragedy;
- What is Terrorism really about?”
- 9-11 The importance of money;
- The O’Jay’s Song –“Just for fun” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G41r9IgHvhU;
- The many Environments of Trauma versus Pain and Suffering;
- Coping with uncertainty, the plight of the missing;
- The first visit trauma and counseling – What should happen;
- Trust and becoming a “Functioning Human Being;”
- The Missing – Continuing, ever-changing Trauma (“Past Versus Present Tense”)
- DV/ Intimate Partner Violence Experts as those who can most effectively deal with the missing;
- Creating two realities of the future; Reducing fear, building confidence, having a safety plan; Escalation and empowerment;
- Don’t Divulge to “the perp;” The EAA: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eObfB43uFsg;
- What to know about Childhood Sexual Abuse and repressed memories as an adult?
- Short Term Versus Long Term Treatment – Pros and Cons; Approaches;
That’s all folks… Stay tuned for another show in the fall with Duane Bowers, LPC, CCHt
Tarzan’s Friend Retaliates….On the Doorstep of Death for Charla Nash
Posted in Judicial System, Victimization on May 23, 2012
In the Beginning Imagine…a widow in her early 70’s living in an affluent section of Connecticut. She is the owner “and mate” to an animal actor, a chimpanzee named Travis, born in an animal compound in Missouri and adopted when he was three days old in 1995. Travis was adopted by Sandra and Jerome Herold who owned a towing company In Stamford, CT. Travis appeared in Coca-Cola commercials and a TV pilot with Sheryl Crow among others.
The Herolds doted on Travis to the point of treating him as if he was their “human son”. (They had previously lost a child in a car accident.) According to Wikipedia.com Travis viewed photos on the computer, performed a variety of domestic chores, was dressed up in a baseball uniform, accompanied them on car towing calls and could anticipate when all of the neighborhood ice cream trucks arrived… However, at some point in time, Sandra really crossed the line into lunacy when she not only ate with him…. but slept and bathed with him. [LJ One can speculate that such bizarre behavior increased as Travis grew from a young chimp to a 220 pounds over his 15 years of life.] Reportedly, Sandra’s husband died of cancer in 2004.
In May 2010, abcnews.go.com covered the passing of Sandra Herold in sympathetic tones, claiming she suffered “a series of heartbreaking losses over the past several years” – the death of her only child, the death of her husband, the killing of her beloved chimp (2009), the tragic maiming and near death of her friend, Charla Nash. [LJ As if loss excuses total irresponsibility!]
The article stated that the past year was “particularly difficult for her… living alone in a house with constant reminders of the vibrant and happy life she once lead….and the stress of defending a multi-million dollar law suit.” [LJ- Oh C’mon… Where’s the true remorse for Charla? If you want to live a bizarre life behind closed doors that doesn’t affect others, that’s one thing… (***See yet another example from Ladyjustice: http://herewomentalk.com/san-francisco%E2%80%99s-decline-into-darkness%E2%80%A6). However, when your predilections are not in the mainstream… When you try to “fill the void of grief with dangerous hobbies and behaviors, such as trying to domesticate a wild animal, you are asking for “Mount Catastrophe.” You become a hazard to the public.
February 2010 Imagine….Police officer Frank Chiafari receiving the call and responding to the Herold’s home… 911 Call: (Sandra Herold) “The chimp killed my friend. Send the police with a gun, with a gun.” Dispatcher: “Who’s killing your friend?” (Sandra Herold) “My chimpanzee. He ripped her apart. Shoot him. Shoot him!”
Imagine… Officer Chiafari goes to the palatial Legislative Office Building (LOB) in Hartford and recounts his personal nightmare in order to advocate for a bill to offer worker’s compensation to police officers using deadly force “on a mammal”…as it was worded in the bill. http://www.cga.ct.gov/2010/FC/2010SB-00168-R000609-FC.htm.
Initially, Chiafari was denied worker’s compensation by a supervisor within five days of the ordeal! As reported in the Hartford Courant on February 26, 2010, Chiafari was called to the scene, positioned his patrol car to try to create a barrier against further attack. The officer unlocked his door, hoping to reach Charla Nash who was fighting for her life on the ground. Suddenly, the out-of-control chimp jerked open the driver’s side door. Officer Chiafari said he was “face to face with the 220 pound monster, who brushed up against him showing fangs and a blood soaked face after he had effectively eaten or ripped off 55-year-old Charla Nash’s hands, nose, lips and eye lids! The chimp appeared to taunt the policeman as if to say, “You’re next.”
Chiafari told legislators that, “the thing touched me”, was in a frenzied state banging on his patrol car and knocking the rear view mirror off “like butter.” The officer was able to remove his gun from his holster and shoot four times. Travis the chimp backed off and would eventually die on the property.
Reportedly this officer developed post traumatic stress disorder, manifested by depression, flashbacks and nightmares. He purposefully kept a very low profile… not sharing the details prior to his legislative testimony,
Frank Chiafari: “To come to a scene and you see a fellow human being ripped apart, I feel for that.” I see this person scalped. I don’t want to get into the gory things. There were fingers ripped off and everything. Yeah, it’s going to get to you. I’ve been a cop for 25 years. I’ve had little kids killed, but I’ve dealt with it. I’m pretty sensitive… probably more than most cops. But I deal with it when I’ve had stressful calls.” {LJ: BUT… this CLEARLY was “over the top “and very unusual for anyone!]
Legally Speaking
Senate Bill 168 was narrowly focused in that it would provide for worker’s compensation only in the event of serious physical injury or death from an animal, due to the already anticipated risk and danger of one’s chosen occupation. The dilemma concerning eligibility for worker’s compensation appeared to be the question of whether killing a chimpanzee versus a human qualified Officer Chiafari for benefits.
Testimony from Dr. J. Mark Hall, Ph.D.:
“I have been a psychologist with a specialty in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for 22 years. I understand that a central question in the deliberation over Officer Chiafari’s diagnosis of PTSD is whether or not his having killed a chimpanzee, as opposed to a human, would qualify as a sufficiently traumatic event to justify the diagnosis. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association in listing the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, considers a traumatic situation one in which the person has “experienced, witnessed, or been confronted with an event or events that involve actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of oneself or others”, and that the person’s response “involved intense fear, helplessness, or horror”. Common sense tells me that this is a highly unusual/unanticipated situation of horrific violence that would likely be considered shocking by most people.”
Long story short, there was a great deal of empathy among legislators. SB 168 did make it up the “legislative chain of command” as far as the Senate, where it was passed. However, ultimately, it was not discussed in the House of Representatives (whether for lack of time or whether it would have failed because of opposition as another “unfunded mandate on cities and towns.”
In the aftermath, Frank Chiafari did avail himself of mental health counseling…and the City of Stamford “eventually agreed to pay thousands of dollars for his medical expenses, despite the rejection by the worker’s compensation board. Chiafari was not seeking a large settlement, as his bills were paid. He returned to work three weeks later.
In 2003, the State Department of Environmental Protection strengthened its regulations to prohibit the possession of potentially dangerous/exotic animals in four separate categories… everything from a cheetah, to a tree kangaroo to a ruby throated hummingbird…
[CONN. GEN. STAT. §26-40A - Possession of potentially dangerous animals.]
As well as requiring permits for importing any one of the following:
• [CONN. GEN. STAT. §26-55 - Permit for importing, possessing or liberating fish, wild birds, wild quadrupeds, reptiles or amphibians.]
In 2009, Charla Nish’s family initiated a 150 million dollar lawsuit against the State of Connecticut. The lawsuit alleges that, among other things, Sandra Herold’s action of giving Travis (who had Lyme disease) tea with the anti-anxiety medication Xanax, contributed to his violent behavior.
Fast Forward to 2012
Attorneys for Charla Nash recently hired a ‘well connected lobbyist –lawyer” for $60,000 to assist with political angles, once the suit goes to court, according to Courant governmental affairs reporter Jon Lender. Lobbyist Kevin Reynolds is an attorney for the State Democratic Party. The suit also alleges that the State failed to restrict the ownership of dangerous exotic animals “treated as pets” and failed to protect the citizenry.
*** The crux of the matter is that people who attempt to sue the State of Connecticut have to ask permission of the Claims Commissioner! Why? The State enjoys what’s called, “sovereign immunity” – meaning any damage or injury lawsuits must be approved by the Commissioner,) The Commissioner has the option to approve, deny or set a monetary limitation. In addition, this determination has to then pass muster by the Judiciary Committee followed by the full legislature.
The Claims Commissioner is a politically appointed position by the Governor. Therein lays the value of the lobbyist… to attempt to change any negative rulings. In fact, the Nash’s are concerned about political influence and sought legal counsel for that reason.
Another Law Suit
A civil law suit was filed in Waterbury Superior Court in March 2009, a month after the horrendous attack against the estate of the now deceased Sandra Herold. The suit request 50 million dollars in damages, extreme emotional distress and for the extraordinary medical expenses incurred with face and hand transplants etc.
Sandra and Charla
Sandra and Charla met and became friends in the 1970’s after riding horses in Loretta Lynn’s traveling rodeo; At some point in the relationship, Charla became an employee of the Herold’s business and was a neighbor as well; Following he attack, Charla was a patient at the Cleveland (Ohio) Clinic (Family Health and Surgery Center…and renowned research hospital) for the extensive type of transplants required from 2009 to May 2010; Charla appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show in November, 2009, her first public appearance and continues o wear a veil in order to prevent scaring others with her appearance. At the time of the interview, Charla stated, “I don’t remember anything and the paramedics told the doctor I don’t want to remember.”
As of December 2009, it was determined that no charges would be filed against Sandra Herold as per the Stamford District Attorney’s Office.
Reasons for the attack have been varied. Of those not already mentioned, it has been stated that Travis did not recognize her when she tried to assist due to wearing sunglasses or having a different hairstyle.
Why??
Upon her death, Sandra Herold’s attorney wrote “… She marched to the beat of her own drum and was proud of it.” [LJ –She was proud to own a 220pound chimp whom she slept with and bathed with and whom she could not control??] Why did Sandra call on Charla and not summon the police to assist in corralling her primate when he was taking an anti-anxiety drug?
The Final Straw…. (Edited version of Jon Lender report):
The state environmental agency “was more than merely aware of the existence of this animal [Travis].” The agency “had received specific reports and complaints concerning the chimpanzee, was advised in no uncertain terms of the gravity which the possession of such a large primate entailed, … and had been warned by its own staff some four months prior to the attack that some form of prophylactic action had to be taken by DEP to safeguard against the dangers posed by this animal,” they wrote.
On October 28, 2008, DEP Official, Elaine Hinch, wrote a memo to two high-ranking officials issuing a warning — marked with “high importance.” It said in part:
“The animal has reached adult maturity, is very large and tremendously strong. I am concerned that if he feels threatened or if someone enters his territory, he could seriously hurt someone. … [State law] prohibits the possession of a primate weighing more than fifty pounds. … This exemption was supported by those persons who own primates but recognized that a primate over 50 lbs. has the size and strength to potentially [inflict] harm and damage. … Every day the animal stays on site, [there is] … the likelihood of a problem occurring. … I would like to address the urgency of this issue. It is an accident waiting to happen.”
In their 2010 letter, Charla Nash’s attorneys wrote, “In spite of this awareness, the DEP took absolutely no action, not even to investigate the conditions under which this animal was being held. The DEP did nothing.”
They said the argument by the attorney general’s office that the “private duty doctrine” protects the state is “without merit.”
“The failure of the DEP to act resulted in precisely the harm that was foreseeable, a harm that would not have occurred if the DEP had taken action as mandated by statute. The DEP’s failure to act was an actual cause in the resulting harm to Charla Nash.”
Charla Quoted on Oprah
“These exotic animals are very dangerous and shouldn’t be around. There’s a place for them that does not include residential areas.”
Related articles
- Exclusive: Charla Nash’s Lawyer Blames State For Chimp Attack, Seeks $150 Million (newyork.cbslocal.com)
- Malloy: I Assumed Chimp Owners Were In Compliance With Law (connecticut.cbslocal.com)
- AG Says State Not To Blame In Charla Nash Case (connecticut.cbslocal.com)
- Chimp Attack Victim Says Mayor Knew of Danger (foxnews.com)
- Chimp victim: Governor knew animal was dangerous (foxnews.com)
Movie Reviews: A Look at “Shattered Lives” on Film
Posted in Uncategorized on May 21, 2012
It wasn’t Siskel and Ebert… It was Gore and Jones…
BUT FIRST: What it’s like around the ImaginePublicity “water cooler” (a snapshot);
Plugging the Melanie Ilene Rieger Memorial Conference on Violence; http://melanieriegerconference.com/common/annual.php;
Plugging The Keys to Healing: Mind, Body & Spirit: Project Jason Retreat; http://www.projectjason.org/retreat.shtml
What can we learn from the movies? From Ladyjustice’s perspective, we learn that life is imperfect and that the best movies are about the human condition. We ask, are movies truly a reflection of real life or “just a form of escapism?” LJ believes that movies today are mostly superficial and don’t want to deal with the real issues… with an occasional “take your breath away” movie.
When You Listen: You Will Learn About: (Videos Clips Included at End!)
- Movie History – A loose timeline according to Delilah;
- Featured Movie: Running on Empty” (1988) Starring Judd Hirsch, Christine Lahti, River Phoenix, Martha Plimpton; (1988) Events based loosely on the Weather Underground leaders Bill Ayers and Bernadine Dohrn.[1] John Simon states that the characters’ bombing of a napalm research facility was inspired by the Sterling Hall bombing of 1970.[2] “Major themes; Key Scenes; Plot; Discussion about viewing movies initially and…”when you are older and wiser” What we can learn from this movie’s shatter;
- Featured Movie: “The Doctor” (1991) Based on the Book “A Taste of My Own Medicine” by Dr. Ed Rosenbaum; Starring William Hurt, Christine Lahti, Mandy Patinkin and Adam Arkin; ; Major themes; Key Scenes; Plot; Discussion about viewing movies initially and…”when you are older and wiser” What we can learn from this movie’s shatter;
- Featured Movie: “The City of Angels” (1998) Starring Nicholas Cage, Meg Ryan; Brief discussion of Major themes and plot; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Angels_%28film%29;
- Featured Movie (Docu-drama) “The Staircase” (2004) The Michael Peterson Case; Description of the movie, Discussion of the trial: “The Perfect Husband” , The Motive; “Deaver the Dunce”; “The Owl Did It, “Circumstantial Evidence; Paid Expert Witness;
- Post by Donna Gore “Three Petersons in a Pod” http://donnagore.com/2011/10/21/three-petersons-in-a-pod/
- Watch The Staircase…..http://movies.netflix.com/movie/The-Staircase/70035095
- “The Blow poke” and more in WRITTEN IN BLOOD by true crime author Diane Fanning who attended the trial of Michael Peterson…… http://dianefanning.com/truecrimebooks/writteninblood.html;
A Preview Of Coming Attractions: Future Shows on “Shattered Lives”
May 26th – Mr. Duane Bowers- Trauma Specialist;
June 2nd – Robin Moore- Search & Rescue Dogs;
Chuck Elgin- The Use of Sonar in Search & Rescue;
June 9th – Kim Anklin, P.I. Sexual Harassment and Civil Law Suits -
(Up Close and Personal);
June 16th-Ann Baldwin – Media Consultant, Former NBC Connecticut
News Anchor: How to Assist Victims of Violence Crime with
“the Media Sharks” and Why I Gave it Up;
June 23rd- Robert Rahn, P. I. and a very special “Cold Case;”
June 30th- Connecticut Author, Raymond Bechard, re “The Berlin Turnpike”,
Human Trafficking Book and Upcoming Play;
July 7th - Angie Warner, Daughter of Alice Donovan, who was kidnapped at gun point and killed, but her remains were not found until 6 years later, after the trial and death row conviction of the two killers: Their Personal Journey;
July 14th- Monica Caison – Founder of the CUE Center for Missing Persons –
A Missing Persons Case…and More…
July 21st- Connecticut Author, Michael Dooling , re “Clueless in New England:
The Unsolved Disappearances of Paula Welden, Connie Smith and Kathleen Hull”(1936 – 1952);
July 28th- Surviving Father, David Francis re Former Missing Son and Mountaineer, Jon Francis and the Jon Francis Foundation – Wilderness Search and Safety.
Selected Video Clips of Featured Movies Discussed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBM5kzLG6z8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5Ztq4icMGU;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn7j5IbQCQ8&NR=1&feature=endscreen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oq39uCqkFzU&feature=relmfu
(Don’t mind the Spanish subtitles… They don’t even match the action)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-28_u2K8jwU&feature=relmfu
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99AFj2nCvpw;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LJLqvnBFz8;
Thanks All Folks!
“Ladyjustice”
No Good Reason to Die…Highway Work Zones
Posted in Uncategorized on May 15, 2012
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is charged with overseeing highway safety under the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
To create public awareness for this important issue, Ladyjustice invites you to view and vote for your favorite highway work zone video via your Windows Media Player. These are a few samples taken from the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation’s website….
“Don’t be a Cone head”
“At the Office”
“In the Elevator”
As drivers, we frequently travel on “automatic pilot” and do not give the road and environs 100% of our attention. We all know what is required to be safe…but how many times do we “push the envelope” into the distracted arena? We are all guilty of little infractions. Will we have an accident if our hands are not at the “ten o’clock two o’clock position” on the wheel? No… However, controlling distance between vehicles, speed and our full attention will ensure a “safest possible” ride, as we know we can control our behavior… but we never can control the behavior of others… Cell phone use (in those states that still permit it), personal grooming, drinking/eating and cigarette smoking are the most common distractions to driver concentration.
Definition: Distracted Driving is any non-driving activity that takes your eyes off the road (Visual). Hands off the wheel (Manual) or interrupts your concentration (Cognitive).
A study from the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration revealed the following statistics: 1) Lives lost: Nearly 6,000 people (2008); 2) 20% of all crashes involved some kind of distraction; 3) Drivers using cell phones have 37% less brain activity to attend to driving (Reference: Carnegie Melon)
The CDC conducts investigations of fatal occupational injuries called Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluations (FACE). Regarding Highway Work Zone Safety, as of June 2011, an inventory was generated which includes report numbers, the state in which the fatal incident occurred and a one sentence “explanation”. Ladyjustice reviewed one such fatality inventory representing approximately 16 states considered “cooperative partners.” The one sentence reviews involve being struck, backed over, crushed, sustained falls, or rolled over.
The most frequent scenario, 21/72 incidents (nearly 30%) involved being backed over by dump trucks. This would imply that there is an inherent danger in this type of vehicle that is not being addressed! This writer asks, are they consistently equipped with the latest technology with electronic signals, sensors and the like? Obviously not…
As of 2010, States with the Highest Number of Fatalities within Work Zones included:
(Reference: www.workzonesafety.org)
Texas 96 in Work Zone 2,998 Total;
California 41 in Work Zone 2,716 Total;
Florida 43 in Work Zones 2,445 Total;
Pennsylvania 23 in Work Zone 1,324 Total
This writer can only speculate that by virtue of their size or hilly terrain (Pennsylvania), such statistics appear to be reasonably predictable.
Smallest States- Statistics:
Connecticut 2 in Work Zone 319 Total;
Rhode Island 2 in Work Zone 66 Total;
Delaware 0 in Work Zone 101 Total;
Hawaii 0 in Work Zone 113 Total
Sample of a Real Fatality Assessment Report:
South Carolina Highway Construction Supervisor Dies after Being Backed Over By a Water Truck
Summary:
On June 17, 2005, a male roadway construction supervisor died after being backed over by a water truck at a roadway construction site. The victim was part of a seven-man crew performing a milling operation on a 2,200-foot-long and eight-foot-wide blacktop berm of a recently paved section of a four-lane state highway.
Due to a quality control problem, the blacktop berm had to be taken up and replaced. The milling machine had the capacity to remove a six-foot-wide section of the berm at a time. The crew had completed the six-foot-wide milling operation on the 2,200 foot section of the berm and had decided to mill the remaining two feet of berm before quitting for the day. A tractor equipped with a road sweeper was positioned behind the milling machine and the water truck was positioned beside the milling machine in the closed right side, westbound lane of the highway.
The supervisor jumped onto the running board of the water truck and instructed the driver to return to the starting point of the milling operation and to apply water to the remaining two feet of the berm. The driver began to back the truck the 2,200 feet to the starting point. After dismounting the truck’s running board, the supervisor walked around the tractor and into the path of the backing water truck. The two rear passenger-side truck axles backed over the supervisor before the tractor operator could alert the truck driver. A crew member called 911 from a company cell phone while other crew members moved the victim from underneath the truck. The victim was breathing and vital signs could be detected. The victim was transported to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead by the attending physician.
NIOSH investigators concluded that, to help prevent similar incidents, employers should:
- ensure that workers on foot remain clear of moving equipment
- consider the use of electronic signaling devices or sensors to warn equipment operators of workers on foot in the immediate work area
- ensure that backing procedures are in place for the use of mobile construction vehicles, and use spotters for assistance when backing trucks and equipment in the work zone
Additionally;
- Manufacturers of heavy construction equipment, such as water trucks, should explore the possibility of incorporating new monitoring technology (e.g., radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and tag readers) on their equipment to help monitor the presence of workers on foot in blind areas
Investigation
The employer was a roadway construction company that had been in business under the present ownership since 2003 and employed between 1,200 and 1,400 workers, including five corporate safety officers. The employer had a comprehensive safety and training program. Training was conducted both in the classroom and on the job. A one-day orientation was conducted for new employees. This included watching videos on topics such as personal protective equipment, safety at the worksite, excavation, and vehicle and equipment backing. All safety materials were presented to Hispanic workers in Spanish. Supervisors had to complete the OSHA ten-hour course on work zone safety and the company-developed work zone supervisor training program. The victim had completed this training. Flaggers had to complete a flagger certification program. The victim had worked for the company for five years and had over twenty years of experience. The safety officers stated that the victim was very safety conscious. The safety officers also stated that the company had policies and procedures in place to limit the backing distances of equipment and vehicles
The employer had been contracted by the state Department of Transportation to repave a 2,200 foot-length of one and a half-inch thick blacktop on a four-lane state highway that ran in an east and west direction. The contract also called for an eight-foot-wide blacktop berm to be applied on each side of the highway.
After this work had been completed, the company’s quality control department identified an unspecified problem with the blacktop on the westbound berm and determined that it would have to be milled up, hauled back to the blacktop plant, and new blacktop would be applied.
On Friday June 17, 2005 the work began at 7:00 am. A milling machine and a broom tractor had been previously transported to the site. The seven-man crew consisting of the supervisor, the water and dump truck drivers, the broom tractor and milling machine operators and two laborers drove their personal trucks, a water truck and a dump truck to the site. Paving equipment had also been transported to the site and was located in a staging area approximately one quarter mile eastbound behind the milling operation with the personal vehicles. The supervisor was responsible for safety at the site. The work progressed until 5:30 p.m., when the last of the six-foot section had been milled.
The seven-man crew decided that, since it was Friday afternoon, they would back the milling machine and tractor to the starting point and mill the remaining two feet of blacktop so that they could begin reapplying the blacktop at the start of work the following Monday morning.
Conclusion:
Despite training, safety protocols, and work experience, we will never know why this supervisor chose to make the fatal decision contributing to his death. Was it “just human error,” fatigue or a rush to complete the job on a Friday afternoon?
As they say in Department of Transportation circles…
“Let ‘em Work, Let ‘em Live”
(Don’t forget to cast your video votes and let LJ know which one you would likely pay attention to….)
And She Said…. “I Can Find Another Job…I Can’t Find Another Sister”
Posted in Radio Show Shattered Lives on May 14, 2012
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From left to right: Maureen Brainard-Barnes’s sister, Melissa Cann; Amber Costello’s sister, Kimberly Overstreet; Megan Waterman’s mother, Lorraine Ela; Melissa Barthelemy’s mother, Lynn; and Shannan Gilbert’s mother, Mari.
(Photo: Mary Ellen Mark)
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Melissa “Missy” Cann carries on valiantly….. contending with multiple life tragedies… She is a mother, wife, sister, supportive friend and volunteer. But, who could have known that she would literally and figuratively walk the path where the Long Island Serial Killer stalked and ultimately killed his victims? She could not have known… nor was she prepared for this journey!
However, Missy has willingly taken a “crash course” in crime victimization like no other… Her mission is to raise reward money for other victims and their families… But more importantly, she seeks accuracy, and respect from the media and the general public when speaking about these victims!
Listen to interview with Melissa Cann: CLICK HERE
We at “Shattered Lives” chose to put the spotlight on the positive aspects of Maureen Brainard- Barne’s life…. Because she deserves it… and because it’s the right thing to do….
What You Will Learn From this “Shattered Lives” episode:
- Why Missy is “going the extra mile” for other victims of the L.I. Serial Killer;
- Maureen- a portrait of a budding poet and lyricist; “Hug-A-War not Tug –A-War;”
- Staying in touch with the other families… like her “Morning Coffee;”
- Candlelight Vigils – past and in the future…;
- The Mission with Crimestoppers that Drives Missy;
- Planning for the Future with “Stunts 4Justice” [http://stunts4justice.webs.com//]
- Names Mean Something…. A report card on the media and theories of “Amateur Super Sleuths” (Fear versus Rumor);
- Maureen’s early life…;
- Missy’s sources of support…. How she keeps going…;
- The importance of taking care of yourself- juxtaposed with “Doing for others more than you doing for yourself;”
- Missy’s personal goals… “If I can save one person…;”
- How to help: Crimestoppers and the Suffolk County Police Department;
https://www.everribbon.com/stunts4justice;
http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Police.aspx
- What is the greatest need for the group of surviving families?
- Great idea - A new support group in the future!
- New crime victims – When and how to reach out versus the “downward spiral;”
- The trip to Time’s Square by Missy’s husband and brother… “When Something is Wrong, you just Have to React;”
- Missy’s Personal Tragedy at age 21- The Accident… “The Middle Child Who Almost Wasn’t;” and Waking Up with her Sister, Maureen at her side…;
- The NamUS Conference in Connecticut ; http://www.ct.gov/ova/lib/ova/NAMEUS_REGISTRATION.pdf;
- Help is Needed… to Plan other Events….. Get Involved!
- Presenting the $30,000 Check at Summer’s End;
- Missy’s parting message…. Be persistent… Be the Voice for those who are missing!
- What Imagine Publicity and “Ladyjustice” have to offer you….
Related articles
- “The Speaker Recognizes Mr. Norton” (donnagore.com)
- Doc Bonn disagrees with new Suffolk homicide chief: Just one Long Island serial killer (docbonn.wordpress.com)
- “It Died in Committee!” Re-Victimization of Crime Victims (donnagore.com)
- Finding Those Who Go Missing: It’s a MAZE (donnagore.com)
- Shattered Lives with Donna R. Gore, “LadyJustice:” Andrew Norton, How the Legislature Works (imaginepublicity.com)
“On Golden Pond” (A Doddering Old SOB…and Other Characters)
Posted in Missing Persons, Movie Reviews on May 9, 2012
Ladyjustice’s memory was peaked regarding a recent story of an elderly man in Litchfield County, Connecticut with Alzheimer’s type dementia missing since July 2007 (nearly 5 years), who was reportedly near incapacitation and remains missing without any substantial clues.
Read the 1st of the series by Jack Coraggio and Andy Thibault in Country Times: CLICK HERE
It doesn’t make sense from a medical standpoint, a search and rescue standpoint, or from a common sense perspective. However, Tom Drew continues to be among the missing and most likely dead. Such scenarios sadden LJ’s heart… and remind her of the frailty of the elderly and the “disposable mentality” of the elderly held by some people.
The 1979 play, “On Golden Pond” was adapted to an award-winning 1981 movie starring Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn (as the married couple), with an estranged daughter played by Jane Fonda…and Doug McKeon as a begrudging young guest.
The movie holds many lessons and has a charm all its own. The character of Norman Thayer is a crusty old man whose prime in life has passed him by. He struggles with cognitive deficits such as memory problems and disorientation as well as failing health. But, he desperately hangs on to his pleasures and failings in life. Norman’s pleasures are few. They include his ever patient wife, Ethel…and fishing. His failings include an “incommunicado status” with his daughter and inability to express his true feelings.
Norman’s daughter breezes in and out of her parent’s life. She too is filled with resentment toward her father… as if her personal failings and inflexibility was Norman’s fault. So…she thinks she has found happiness in a new husband (Dabney Coleman) whom she brings to their summer home hoping that they will embrace him… and babysit a newly acquired step-son.
“Billy” is a cool 13-year-old who likes to “cruise chicks and suck face” back home. He feels abandoned by his father for dumping him with an old couple. As the story progresses, Billy is both puzzled and yet begins to like Norman and learning to fish. Billy and Norman attempt to catch the “infamous Big Walter” (i.e. the fish that got away years ago…nearly caught, but not quite.) Ladyjustice speculates that “Big Walter” may be a metaphor for Norman’s daughter.
Ethel Thayer is a woman who unconditionally loves her family… flaws and all! She is the consummate mediator. One gets the impression that she has sacrificed much for Norman….and accepts “the facts of life” as they are. Scenes between Hepburn and Fonda are often priceless.
This writer does not want to give away too much. There are many touching, sad and delightful moments in this film. Henry Fonda flawlessly delivers funny, sometimes shocking dialogue while playing “an entitled elder” as no one else could. This, in fact, was Henry Fonda’s last role.
Memorable Video Clips:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8T1VxZoT6s&feature=relmfu;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWCZ2mqGfIE;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_h8C_rCbgU&feature=endscreen&NR=1
And… what can we say in parting about advancing age? ‘Words to the wise…
“It is not the number of years we have behind us, but the number we have before us, that makes us careful and responsible and determined to find out the truth about everything.” George Bernard Shaw
DRG
‘In the Face of Sexual Assault… “A Footprint from God”
Posted in Radio Show Shattered Lives, Uncategorized on May 6, 2012
Someone in America is Sexually Assaulted Every Two Minutes…..
We are not kidding!
Anna Doroghazi speaks in an articulate manner… with a passion to serve victims of sexual assault and to help forge public policy in Connecticut. She provides a voice for victims and helps to create a safe haven with the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiners Program, among many other functions within their consortium of care.
Lavinia Masters is a “Master” of her topic, is self empowered and has empowered many others by sharing her personal experience of sexual assault, becoming a shining example of hope for those in the U.S. and in areas with flagrant oppression including South Africa where sexual assault is at epidemic proportions. She has championed the cause of efficient DNA analysis which belies her personal horrific reality of having to wait 20 years before the DNA of her perpetrator was analyzed!
Listen to the interview on Shattered Lives: CLICK HERE
This edition of “Shattered Lives” was a lively exchange of information, ideas and emotional engagement by all parties….. Please do listen to this show… It will enlighten you… It will inspire you…It may even save your life!
You will learn about:
- What the S.A.V.E. Minitry.org is;
- Lavinina’s personal story;
- DNA… “A Footprint from God;”
- CONSACS – What they do…. from infancy to old age;
- The Timeliness of Forensics Evidence and when to reach out for services;
- How to Heal and Why the Statute of Limitations is Important; (The window of opportunity in Forensics);
- Legislation in Texas and at the Federal Level;
- Myths Concerning Sexual Assault (What We Hear, What We Internalize);
- Statistics and How to Correct the Myths;
- S.A.F.E. and SART Programs;
- Evidence Collection Kits – The Victim’s Body IS the Crime Scene… (What happens…What’s the process?);
- Lavinia’s Aftermath – Her Second Re-Victimization;
- Serenity Rooms – What are they, who has them and who doesn’t?
- The Crime of Sexual Assault and Re-victimization;
- Lavinia’s Experience in South Africa…. “Treated like Royalty” Lavinia you are the Reason….;
- Fighting for the Use of DNA in South Africa;
- Roundtable Discussion of DNA Backlogs in Washington, D. C.;
- Anna on Public Policy and the Crime Victim as the Expert;
- Those with Multiple Disabilities: A Shameful Court Decision by the Appellate Court in Connecticut… Time for a Change…. “It’s not up to the victim to fight when saying “No”
- Contact information and parting words…..
Respectfully Written and Hosted by “Ladyjustice”
Related articles
- Shattered Lives:Anna Doroghazi of CT Sexual Assault Crisis Services and Lavinia Masters of S.A.V.E. Ministry (imaginepublicity.com)
- Lavinia Masters Participates in Department of Justice Roundtable Addressing Backlog of Sexual Assault Kits (imaginepublicity.com)
Mount Catastrophe
Posted in Victimization on May 1, 2012
If people were tolerant equally… If “we all could just get along,” there would be no
need to have as many lawyers, courts, crime victim advocates, law enforcement,
crisis counselors, emergency medical technicians, doctors or nurses. At the first
sign, that “miniscule molecule of trouble” could be dealt with quickly, with less
chance of escalation.
What’s the alternative? You can live a low risk life…stay at home, watch
TV …and “never do anything.” Or, you can live as most do, in other words,
take “reasonable risks” …a little spice… and be satisfied.
At the other extreme, you can live your life like Evil Knievel or John Gotti…and see
how fast you scale up “Mount Catastrophe.” Ladyjustice hopes that you never
work your way up the mountain – intentionally or inadvertently. Your ability to
cope with life’s problems is largely a function of genetics, your inner fortitude, your
intelligence and environmental factors.
When we examine what people like Evil Knievel, or those who “wish to conquer the
real Mount Everest” with its inherent dangers, we note that they invite catastrophe.
For a majority of crime victims in the mainstream, they live a relatively low risk life.
Based upon the law of averages and a good dose of hope… and luck, most people
escape “Mount Catastrophe” altogether.
For those who do not escape, see the illustration of escalation to the top of “Mount
Catastrophe”…. And then view this short video of the realities of being on Mount
Everest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMgNxA9DONg
‘See if Ladyjustice’s mock illustration of “Mount Catastrophe” is not too far from the
real thing… It could happen to you… if you do not take sufficient care of your life.
Or, in an instant, uncontrollably, you could find yourself on “Mount Catastrophe” at
the hands of others….
DRG
“The Speaker Recognizes Mr. Norton”
Posted in Radio Show Shattered Lives on April 29, 2012
The 30 minute lunch break always goes by too quickly with Andrew Norton in the room…. Ladyjustice has had the pleasure of his company for about five years as a colleague at the same agency in Connecticut state government. Andrew is an affable guy, chatty, funny and a scholar in the areas of politics/the legislative process, history, culture, and movies of yesteryear, to name a few…
He is always a dapper dresser, but at the same time, appears to not be in need of many material trappings (Just like Ladyjustice). The standard “Good Morning” greeting to Andrew, followed by, “How Are you”? is responded with “Good enough,” as if he is content with what he has… (Ladyjustice likes that!)
Listen to interview with Andrew Norton on Shattered Lives:
CLICK HERE
Andrew Norton began his schooling as an attorney…but then an opportunity in the Legislature came along…. and his aspirations were set to assist others in the governmental arena. And…he does not shy away from intellectual discourse. In fact, he likes to “get Ladyjustice’s goat” all in good fun, as we are often on different sides of the political spectrum…. However, there is respect and appreciation for each other’s views…
Andrew was our guest on “Shattered Lives,” helping us to better understand the legislative process and to make general recommendations to victims of violent crime.
TOPIC REVIEW
What you will learn by listening to this show:
1) What recourse do crime victims have if they have not received justice from their criminal trial? (Justice in their own circumstance and justice for the greater good…)
2) How to get started on creating legislation…
3) How to convince a legislator to be on your side…and assist you with your issue;
4) Advice to crime victims concerning how to begin…
5) What are the “odds of passage” and resources that can be helpful? (National Conference of State Legislators: ; The Council of State Governments
6) How are “Hot issues” handled?
7) Do’s and Don’ts when approaching legislators;
8) Are legislative bodies reactive or proactive?
9) What improvements have been seen in Connecticut in the victim rights arena?
10) Discussion of selected laws initiated as a result of crime victim’s experience with the criminal justice system: (Molly’s Law- Massachusetts; Joshua’s Law & Billy’s Law- Connecticut; Ethan’s Law- North Carolina)
You can be assured that there are helpful people in every state who work in state government with legislative experience. Andrew Norton chose this profession for a reason… He’s here to assist others by lending his knowledge and experience…
Chances are, there are other like-minded individuals in YOUR state as well!
Assignment from Ladyjustice:
- Listen to this show;
- Find people with legislative experience in your area…
- And…. be sure to go the legislative resources listed above for additional help.
Related articles
- “It Died in Committee!” Re-Victimization of Crime Victims (donnagore.com)
- SHATTERED LIVES with Donna R. Gore “LadyJustice”: CT Victims Advocate, Michelle Cruz (imaginepublicity.com)
- Melanie I. Rieger’s Legacy Continues to Blossom (donnagore.com)
- Pickin’ Up the Pieces… Dealing with the Criminal Justice System (donnagore.com)
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