Posts Tagged Natalee Holloway
“The Murder Business” (What’s Wrong with this Picture?)
Posted by Administrator in Survivors of Homicide, Violent Crime on January 30, 2012
What would people do or say when asked what we do for a living…or for our passion… when we replied that, “We are in the business of murder”?? I can see it now… Little old ladies would run the other way. College professors would immediately have a puzzled look and little kids would scream! Yikes! We’re only telling the truth in the most concise way. ‘No big deal…. Or is it? Is it our job to make them feel comfortable and do our jobs too? No! However, it takes so long to explain precisely what we do…no matter what our titles, job tasks, salaries…or lack of salaries (‘can’t forget that one!) Those who have no real salaries have earned their reservations in heaven right next to good people like Jennifer Hawke Petit, Michaela and Hayley Petit, Caylee Anthony, Roberta Murphy, Gail Palmgen, Kathleen Savio, Natalee Holloway… I could go on and on….
However, my point is that murder is a real business for some. (No, I’m not referring to the near and dear to our hearts, Alfred Hitchcock…) There are a whole list of “players.” Let’s examine a little closer and decide what it tells us…. Can we judge the importance of a profession by the amount of money they are paid? If this was a common sense world, yes. But, we know it’s frequently not a common sense anything!
[Sources: e-How.com-Money; Payscale.com; Indeed.com; jobsdescriptionsguide.com]
National Average Annual Salaries (Depending upon Geographic Location and Specific Industry)
Public Defenders: (As of December 9, 2011)
$41,000 to $49,000; ‘Lowest State of Pennsylvania; State of California – Range of $56,000 to $102,000 annually. This profession is projected 13% lower than all positions to 2018;
Prosecuting Attorneys: National Average is $129,440; Low end with just one year’s experience is $54,130 annually. Those with 20 years experience – $165,470 annually.
***Prosecutors working in the Petroleum/Coal industry salary = $$208,410 annually;
*** Prosecutors working in the Tobacco industry salary = $193,020 annually;
*** Prosecutors working in the Electronic Shopping or Mall Order industries: salary = $182,130 annually;
Crime Victim Advocates – (Court Based or Non- Profit)
***$45, 0000 annually which is 38% lower than the average of all job postings!
Private Investigators (As of May 2009) Average Hourly wage is $22.66; Average annual wage = $47,130; Investigators with one year of experience = $25,602 annually; Investigators with 20+ years of experience -
*** Range = $37,443 to $70,080 annually;
***Private Investigators working in the Management, Scientific and Consulting Industries the most well compensated: Average = $90,030 annually;
***Private Investigators in the Natural Gas Distribution Industry earn $83,080 annually; ***Private Investigators in the Computer System Design Industry earn $79,380 annually; ***Private Investigators in the Telecommunications Industry earn $74,800 annually; The highest paid private investigator employed by a state is Virginia at $$68,420 annually;
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics…
Police Detectives earn a range of $34,402 to $94,171 annually;
Homicide Detectives earn a median salary of $62,110 nationally; In a 2010 Survey of 435 detectives a salary range of $44,613 to $81,796 was reported;Detectives in the Federal System earn an average of $75,390 annually; Detectives in State Government earn an average of $54,940 annually; Detectives in Local Government earn an average of $61,230 annually;
Top Five Highest Paid Cities – Detective Salaries as of an August 2010 Survey) (Includes Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Chicago and St. Louis )
***Salary Range on Average was $68,200 to 107,304 annually;
Domestic Violence /Intimate Partner Homicide- Director of Non-Profit:
***Executive Director position earns an average of $48,155 annually;
***Program Manager Non– Profit position earns an average of $42,907annually;
***Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) earns an average of $39,996 annually;
***Masters of Social Work (MSW) earns an average of $33,384 annually;
Medical Examiners: (As of February 2011)
***California Average is $51,000; Nationally is $45,000; Average Advertised salary is $102,044- Working as a law enforcement primary ME versus a technician under supervision. A medical examiner earns a medical degree followed by a 3rd or 4th year post graduate program. After graduating medical school, a residency of 3 to 8 years in pathology is required followed by a licensing board examination.
Coroners: Data Varies: Range = $12,164 to $107.916; ‘Other sources report $19,574 to $84,849; According to the National Average Salary Board (July 2011) Coroners earn $97,044 annually.
A coroner is an elected or appointed official who has no background in medical or forensic science. A coroner is a politician who wins enough votes to become the incumbent. He can be a sheriff, a dentist, a baker, or local pizza shop owner. He will have little or no knowledge of forensic investigation.
During the past quarter century, the rules of the office of the coroner have evolved such that many jurisdictions today require the coroner to be a licensed medical doctor. He may be an internist, a gynecologist, or dermatologist but does not necessarily have to be a pathologist or a forensic pathologist. He may not have the qualifications to perform the duties of a coroner. For this reason, the medical examiner system has evolved.
A medical examiner (ME) is a doctor of medicine who is licensed to practice medicine. Most ME’s are trained in pathology, particularly forensic pathology. This means they have specialized training in pathology and training and experience in forensics. A forensic pathologist is a clinical pathologist who has special training in the field of forensics. He is usually the person in charge of a crime lab. He is an overseer of all aspects of death and criminal injury. The primary duty of the forensic pathologist is to perform forensic autopsies, which are needed to determine the cause and manner of death.
Many rural areas, where county, state, or federal funding is minimal, still have the coroner system today. The coroner in these jurisdictions is an elected public servant in charge of investigating a death. The reason for this trend is that these developing areas just do not have a big enough population to justify the presence of a highly trained forensic pathologist as a medical examiner. Under these circumstances, a coroner must outsource a forensic autopsy when needed.
With advancing technology, the coroner system will eventually be obsolete leaving the medical examiner system all by itself. Highly educated individuals with special knowledge of laboratory testing and forensic autopsies will be required to fill the position of the office of the medical examiner.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/572455
***True Crime Authors: No Specific Data; However, the generic title of “Author” yields the following salary range annually – $13,922 to $80,149 annually. [LJ- That’s a “Grand Canyon” difference, sister!]
Marketing -Public Relations Director The median expected salary for a typical Marketing Director in the United States is $134,366. Directs and oversees an organization’s marketing policies, objectives, and initiatives. Conducts market research and develops marketing plans for specific products, services, or business lines. Reviews changes to the marketplace and industry and adjusts marketing plan accordingly. Requires a bachelor’s degree with at least 10 years of experience in the field. Familiar with a variety of the field’s concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Leads and directs the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Typically reports to top management. [LJ—Well, not the one’s I know!!]
Do you see the pattern here? What’s wrong with this picture? All of the important human service; hands on, “let’s save a life work” is more or less a pittance compared to gas, coal, tobacco and technology.
Question: Is there life on Mars? (I know scientist recently proved there is water… If so, how do I sign up?)
Donna/ “Ladyjustice” Reporting
An Aruban Mystery Blossoms into a Resource Center
Posted by Administrator in Advocacy, Justice, Survivors of Homicide, Victimization, Violent Crime on July 10, 2011
To this blogger, the name Natalee Holloway is nearly a “household name,” synonymous with other unsolved crimes which have gone before her. We can readily conjure up a mental picture of this bubbly, bright, blonde young woman, “free at last” away from parental influence and on the precipices of adulthood, sipping her island drink. Unfortunately, she was totally unprepared for the local male vultures that make a game of taking advantage of female tourists.
The birth of the Natalee Holloway Resource Center sheds some dignified light and effort on this tragic “missing person presumeddead” case. The NHRC, based in Washington D.C. and housed within the National Museum of Crime and Punishment, is “a charitable foundation dedicated to helping missing persons and does not represent the Holloway family.” (“per se”) (Although Beth Holloway spent five years searching for an appropriate way to honor her daughter and endorses this venture-LJ).
The dastardly deeds of the person of interest and primary suspect are probably all too familiar. A brief account is more ink than he deserves…. Joran van der Sloot is the narcissistic womanizer, pathological liar with a very short fuse.
Natalee was reported missing and presumed murdered on Thursday, May, 30, 2005 when she did not report to her group for a return trip home following a high school graduation trip in Aruba.
Background:
Murderer’s Timeline Within the Past Year
(as reported on the NHRC website)
February 25, 2010
‘Still another “confession” 20 and counting…. Seriously!
Former confessions include:
- - Joran and his friends dropped her off at her hotel;
- - Joran left her on the beach alone;
- - Joran sold her to a man in a boat for $10,000;
- - A friend disposed of her body after she had a seizure following their sexual encounter;
- - Joran dumped her body in a swamp;
According to the NHRC web information, van der Sloot has not been arrested to date due to a lack of corroboration from witnesses and the lack of forensic evidence. Although computer and cell phone communications have been established between suspects, apparently, prosecutors have no substantial physical evidence as a prerequisite.
Thus, witness testimony has been the focus as well as the innumerable false confessions.
March 19, 2010
Scuba divers come forward claiming an underwater photo depicts the remains of a person, potentially Natalee Holloway. Outcome: Testing proves this to be a specious claim.
June 2, 2010
Stephany Tatiana Flores Ramirez is found dead in a Peruvian hotel room. Joran van der Sloot is again noted to be the last person to see and interact with her at a gaming casino and is “under suspicion of murder.”
June 3, 2010
van der Sloot flees Peru for Santiago, Chile on the day that Stephany goes missing. Van der Sloot is extradited via Interpol.
June 6, 2010
The FBI files two criminal complaints in the Natalee Holloway case involving wire fraud and extortion. Van der Sloot reportedly extorted $15,000 from Beth Holloway as partial payment to reveal the location of Natalee’s body. (Total requested $250,000). As a wire transfer was used, this represents “a scheme to defraud” with the possible penalty of up to 20 years for extortion and 30 years for wire fraud.
June 8, 2011
Joran van der Sloot confesses to the murder of Stephany Ramirez. News accounts state that Stephany invades van der Sloot’s privacy by reading information about him from his laptop computer, enraging him; whereupon he breaks her neck, killing her. Possible sentence: 15 to 35 years in prison.
June 11, 2011
During the interrogation of Stephany Ramirez’ murder, van der Sloot claims to know the location of Natalee Holloway’s body. However, he will only reveal it to Aruban police. (Let’s make a deal anyone?? LJ)
June 16, 2010
Aruban and Peruvian authorities pledge to “work together” via separate interviews and forensic analyses of the laptop computer. In the meantime, van der Sloot is jailed in the maximum security Castro Castro prison in Peru. And… his attorney temporarily quits following the receipt of death threats.
June 17, 2010
A hearing is announced on the Ramirez murder with a promise to share any information revealed that is related to Natalee.
June 23, 2010
van der Sloot claims he “was tricked into a confession” concerning the Ramirez killing…
***A psychological evaluation reveals “a low tolerance for frustration, especially when being contradicted, emotional immaturity leading to lack of self-control and de-valuing of the female role.”
June 28, 2010
Claims of “rights violations” prove to be unfounded. Go directly to jail… Do not pass go… Do not collect $200.00!
August 25, 2010
Joran keeps trying…. Continued requests to have his confession of Stephany’s murder thrown out for… “ improper representation and a non-official translator.”
Re: Natalee Holloway Case- van der Sloot remains a suspect. However, no charges are filed.
July, 2011
No news…is hardly good news! However, Ladyjustice was able to view previous footage of this Peruvian Jail. It should be named “Animal House” – such a fitting name for Joran! He is housed in Lurigancho Prison, which is the worst of the worst,” Michael Griffith, senior partner at the International Legal Defense Counsel, tells AOL News. “They should have a sign above the door there saying, ‘All those who pass this way leave all hope behind.’ “
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/inside/3144/Photos#tab-Photos/5
Feature Story:
1) According to the U.S. Department of State, 2,500 citizens are arrested abroad each year. Nearly half of the arrests are for very small amounts of narcotics. Alcohol abuse is typically involved; Sexual assaults and robberies occur because students/travelers find themselves in unfamiliar locations. “Date rape drugs” are not identified often until it is too late… Such travelers cannot protect themselves under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Frequently, they are also unfamiliar with different standards of safety abroad. Motor vehicle deaths are the second most common causes of death abroad after natural death.
The State Department endorses a program called Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order for their agency to contact a student traveler in the case of emergency in the U.S. or while in a foreign country. (http://studentsabroad.state.gov). In addition, the Department of Homeland Security’s Website: www.getyouhome.gov can assist with passport and other required documents.
As a society, we need only look in our own backyards to see examples of Spring Break gone wrong with potential terrible consequences. In addition, others seeking careers internationally have been victims of the most horrendous crimes imaginable.
2) Such is the case of Ladyjustice’s friend. Since April 14, 2005, Maxine Russell has dedicated every waking moment to her primary purpose, that of finding the true answers in the horrific treatment and ultimate death of her son Darren, living in China. Darren was embarking on a new career as a missionary teacher in China. This so called “traffic accident” has become an international cover up of the greatest proportion, irreparably changing the lives of her entire family, taking its toll physically, emotionally, financially and otherwise! Please go to the new website created at: www.russellcase.net (website) and on Twitter at killed_in_China.
3)The Natalee Holloway Resource Center
The Natalee Holloway Resource Center focuses on education, and crime prevention. It is not a “recovery center.” This is a misnomer, as we survivors of crime know; there is no “recovery”. There is no “closure”.
NHRC shares selected goals similar to other organizations such as the gathering of resources, coordination of a plan to search for the missing and means to contact the media for purposes of public awareness.
However, in the opinion of Ladyjustice, what makes the NHRC unique includes a mission focusing on educational programs for teens, a traveling safe program, promoting careers in forensic science and law enforcement and providing educational curriculums on law enforcement for “high risk students.”
Ladyjustice chooses to focus on the traveling safe program, as it is often so overlooked, and certainly a contributing factor in Natalee’s death!
The Travel Safe Program includes general and specific safety tips and detailed checklists for domestic and international travel. Although many of the suggestions may be common sense, many people are not obsessive when it comes to the details of planning a vacation. With teens in particular, it’s “throw a couple of pairs of shorts in a duffle bag with your bathing suit… and you’re done! Nothing could be further from the truth when you are travelling to a foreign country. Just ask Maxine Russell…. She will tell you!
Readers, please indulge Ladyjustice for including the detailed list here and now. It is so important… It could save a life. (Be sure to check the website for handy checklists too!)
Make A Difference Natalee Holloway Resource Center www.helpthemissing.org Developed by National Museum of Crime & Punishment
Domestic and International Travel Tips
The key to safe traveling in any area is situational awareness. Distractions because of luggage, children, hotel personnel, strangers, etc. can put you at risk.
Know your surroundings and stay in control of every situation. Look and act confident. Be alert.
Act like you know where you are going. Do not look lost or confused; simply look for an authoritative person or company in which you can ask for directions.
Never flash your money in public. Exchange funds with reputable and recognized exchangers only.
Do not discuss travel plans, your room number or any other personal information in public within earshot of strangers.
Watch for scams on the street. Children working with adults are notorious as pickpockets.
Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances.
1) Documentation/Personal Information
Passport, cash and credit cards should be kept in a hotel safe or in various places on your body.
Avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets – inside pockets or a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest. Consider locking/tying the zippers shut.
Be aware of pick picketers.
Never list your home address on the luggage tag. If on business, put the company’s address on the tag; if visiting friends you can list their address. Use covered luggage tags as well.
Stay with your luggage until the luggage is checked. If you must put your bag down, keep one foot on the handle.
Carry important papers with you; NEVER check anything that you simply cannot afford to lose.
If possible travel with only one or two credit cards, and keep them in separate storage areas/pockets.
Do not wear name tags in public.
Leave a copy of your passport identification page, airline tickets, driver’s license, the credit cards you’re taking, serial numbers of your travelers’ checks, insurance information, as well as the addresses and phone numbers of the places you’ll be. Having copies of these documents at home will allow your family or friends to contact you or help you in case of an emergency. (Carry additional copies of these documents with you on your trip, separate from the originals.)
Consider bringing your driver’s license, even if you didn’t plan to drive, as when faced with an emergency, you may need to drive.
2) Police/Laws
Visit www.travel.state.gov before you travel abroad.
Register your travel. http://studentsabroad.state.gov/
The Consular Information Program consists of three main components that provide information to the American public about travel to specific countries: Country Specific Information, Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts.
Familiarize yourself with your destination.
If you are planning to drive, familiarize yourself with driving laws.
Learn the emergency contact number, as “9-1-1” isn’t universal in every country.
Do not carry or buy recreational drugs. Besides this being against the law, other countries often have different penalties that can include the death penalty.
Know the liquid limits and luggage weight limits for traveling prior to date of travel and pack accordingly.
3) Culture/customs/local activities
Learn the local dress code and any religious dress customs; buy appropriate clothing locally if necessary.
Learn some phrases in the local language or have them handy in written form so that you can signal your need for police or medical help.
Never wear anything that projects affluence. No gold chains, expensive watches and rings, luggage, or other paraphernalia should be in easy view. Best option: leave your jewelry at home.
Never accept a drink from a stranger. Keep an eye on your drink at all times.
Vary your schedule; try not to come and go at the same time every day.
Never leave with a stranger.
Never go out alone. Use the buddy system!
4) Currency
Convert your cash before you go abroad.
Know the US dollar ratio.
Use Travelers’ Checks.
Consider using prepaid credit cards, as in the case of theft or loss, at least there are limited funds on the card.
5) Communication
If your cell phone does not work outside of the country, consider renting one that does for the duration of your trip. Consider purchasing a worldwide cellular SIM card before you travel.
Consider purchasing portable alarms that emit a loud sound.
You may want to purchase several calling cards.
Purchase a mini translator, or a dictionary.
Establish a Skype account before you travel. This allows international calls for free via the internet.
6) Navigation
Bring a small flashlight. You never know when you’ll suddenly be “in the dark” and find yourself in unfamiliar surroundings.
If you must rent a car, rent only from a reputable company. Any operating problems that occur could signal sabotage.
Familiarize yourself with train and bus schedules before traveling. Have an alternate plan in place in the event your transportation plans change.
Confirm cost of journey/travel prior to entering a taxi.
Do not use unmarked taxi cabs.
Beware of taxi drivers wanting to take diversions while on route- to shopping areas (as often they get commission from store owners to do this).
Sit behind the driver so you can see him, but he cannot see you.
Pay the driver upon arriving at your destination and while you are still sitting in the vehicle.
Be aware of ‘staged’ car accidents meant to catch you off guard.
Back into your parking spaces to facilitate a quick exit.
Park only in well lit and well traveled areas.
Never pick up hitchhikers.
Don’t use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly lit streets.
If you do not feel safe stopping at a red light, proceed safely with caution.
Keep your car doors locked at all times, including when you are in the vehicle.
Only pull over for the police.
7) US Emergency Contacts
Discuss with your family/home contact, what they would do in event of an emergency while away from home, e.g. whom to call, how to contact emergency personnel, etc.
Provide your family/home with your itinerary and all travel information and contacts.
Write down important contact numbers that you will need, in the event that your cell phone gets lost or stolen.
While traveling, if you plan to use an internet café, ensure that you log out of all applications- especially any application that has your private or confidential information.
Traveling with Children:
Write your child’s name, your contact information and your hotel number on an index card; include close friends or relatives contact information. Give a card to each child which they will carry with them as long as you are traveling. Destroy once home.
Bring along an updated photograph of each child in the event that you become separated from them.
Consider writing your cell phone number on an item/labeled pined to your child
8) Safety/Health
Visit the Travelers’ Health page of the CDC- http://www.cdc.gov/travel
If your medical insurance does not cover you abroad, purchase a short-term policy that does.
Any medications being carried overseas should be left in their original containers and be clearly labeled.
If you wear eyeglasses, take an extra pair with you. If you wear contacts, take a pair of eye-glasses with you too.
Make sure your prescription medication is not considered and illegal narcotic.
Travel with a basic first aid kit with bandages, iodine, mosquito repellant, sunscreen, alcohol packets, motion sickness pills, stomach upset/diarrhea medicine, etc.
Research the nearest and best hospitals or urgent care facilities and pharmacies.
Bring any medicines you need in your carry-on luggage.
Make sure that your prescription medicines are filled properly and labeled accurately. Ensure that you have enough medicine in the event your return trip gets delayed.
9) Lodging
Research area and make reservation(s) with a reputable hotel. Use online reference sites like Trip Advisor and Yelp, to view visitor’s comments.
Only stay in a hotel that uses cards to open room doors and make sure your room has a peephole and a deadbolt lock. Secure the chain and secure the door by pushing a rubber stop under it.
Keep your hotel door locked at all times. Meet visitors in the lobby. Do not allow any strangers into your hotel room.
Do not leave money and other valuables in your hotel room while you are out. Use the hotel safe.
Have gratuity/tips ready in advance for service personnel.
Know the identity of any visitors before opening the door of your hotel room. Don’t invite strangers to your hotel room, or to remote locations.
Try to stay in a room near a stairwell. Never take the elevator if a fire or smoke is detected. Always stay in a hotel where the doors enter the hallway and not directly from the outside.
Read the fire safety instructions in your hotel room. Know how to report a fire, and be sure you know where the nearest fire exits and alternate exits are located. (Count the doors between your room and the nearest exit; this could be a lifesaver if you have to crawl through a smoke-filled corridor.)
10) Embassies
Make note of the US Embassy in the country you are traveling to- http://www.usembassy.gov/
Crime Movies? Here’s What “Lady Justice” Thinks!
Posted by Administrator in Movie Reviews on February 4, 2011
Crime can appear to be fiction. It is portrayed so often on TV as an entertainment form that “the untouched populous” become immune to it and the line separating reality and make believe is blurred at best…
The actual occurrence of a criminal act upon a person otherwise oblivious to this reality can seem like fiction- totally unreal and dream-like when it is fact.
If crime and violence has indeed become part of the fabric of our lives, how well do moviemakers do when depicting crime on the big screen? No matter the era, there are fine examples of movies that make a statement, provoke thought and discussion, engage the viewer as well as movies that move us to tears…. or to action.
Crime is a serious matter and those of us who represent survivors and victims alike, are not so comfortable having our lives turned into an “art form”. I cringe at the thought of Murder Mysteries presented at dinner theaters “just for entertainment sake.” However, we cannot get away from it. We are powerless to stop it. Crime is a big money maker in Hollywood and elsewhere. So, I personally am resigned to its presence and am constantly looking for the best vehicles in order to educate others… versus the sensational trash that is out there too. This is my way of compensating for what our society has become.
In that spirit, here is a sampling of some of this blogger’s favorite movies representing crime in one form or another via written review by this author.
Stay tuned for more… and reach for the popcorn.
Topic – Homicide; Domestic Violence
You rated this movie: 5.0
“Rear Window” is one of my all time favorites. The acting, photography and conceptualization of the movie and its layers of relationships are the best! Imagine all of those windows tell their own complex stories among the backdrop of the 1950′s. In addition to the stellar performances of Grace Kelly and Jimmy Stewart, the humor and “every woman” personality of Thelma Ritter, the “insurance nurse” is just wonderful.
If you are too young to have enjoyed this one, Jimmy Stewart plays a traveling photographer in the trenches throughout his career that is suddenly laid up and confined to a wheelchair with a broken leg.
His girlfriend, played by the beautiful Grace Kelly, is “high society to the max.” Stewart’s character has nothing better to do but stare out the window at his neighbors all day. Inadvertently, he “puts the pieces together,” (Not unlike our own Susan Murphy Milano and her detective buddies) to solve a very unlikely and public murder. Soon others begin to believe as well… but where is the evidence???
We get the opportunity to peer into the lives of Ms. Lonely-hearts, Ms. Torso etc, as well as the arrogant murderer, Thorwald, skillfully played by Raymond Burr of Perry Mason and Ironside fame.
This one must be part of your collection!
Topic – Homicide
You rated this movie: 4.0
As a fellow homicide survivor, I was naturally very interested in this topic and how accurate the film would be to actual events known. In fact I viewed it twice. Over the years, I have known many people and families like Beth Holloway. This type of event shakes you to the core and either destroys or makes families stronger and hopefully closer.
As this movie is an overview of facts as told from a mother’s perspective, it should be viewed in this light. Given that so much is left assumed but unproven; the filmmakers did a laudable job with this piece. It is important that viewers listen to the commentary re her message and purpose in doing the film. This gives it more credibility and… perhaps, someone, somewhere, someday may come forward with information which will convict Jorhan.
A mother’s love knows no bounds. She gathers strength… and has to live with the fact that ultimately, no matter how smart academically, how much promise she had, she was another young women having fun that used bad judgment and was unprepared for a culture and environment different from her own. DRG
Topic- Hit and Run; Vehicular Homicide
You rated this movie: 5.0
As a homicide survivor from the same geographic area, this film was fascinating in its unique inclusion of the perpetrator’s view of events and how his cowardly deed impacted his life and others. I could truly relate to the grieving parent’s unrelenting torment and feeling that “the police are doing nothing.” However, to inadvertently entwine yourself with the killer of your son by picking the perpetrator’s law firm…How bizarre… The Director wondered if the grief is somehow different in a wealthy, elitist family versus those in the poor inner city. Grief is grief. However, I think that wealthy families are far more insulated and become complacent…and they are truly unprepared emotionally. The acting, scenes chosen and storyline were convincing. The viewer does need to imagine how and if final justice plays out, as the story only suggests. Ladyjustice
Topic- Sexual Abuse in the Church
You rated this movie: 4.0
“Our Fathers” is an intelligently written and acted production. Christopher Plummer, Ted Danson and others do the controversial story proud. The focus remains on the victim’s rights, their search for justice and the utter failings of the church, in particular Bernard Law, who turned a blind eye to rampant abuse over time.
It does not exploit, it tries to explain the complex forces at work. It’s amazing that the Catholic church survived this at all… Blind faith in religious leaders, political power and money do not speak well for any religion. Four stars! Ladyjustice
CompulsionTopic- Thrill Kill; Mental Illness
You rated this movie: 3.0
Compulsion is a classic portrayal of too much money, too bored and no respect for human life. A weak tormented man is the puppet for the insane murder of an innocent child, what we would term ‘a thrill kill” these days. Bradford Dillman plays the insane and manipulative friend. Orson Wells is the everyman lawyer as he bravely tries to defend the lives of these twisted two. Quite a commentary on the shallow lives of those who have everything, but in reality is severely deprived morally. DRG
Masterpiece Contemporary: Collision
Topic- Multiple Vehicular Fatalities
You rated this movie: 5.0
This British movie was a very engrossing story. Although it is ultimately about solving a horrific traffic accident with multiple fatalities, it is also about the personal lives of all of the players… Oh what a tangled web we weave…
These people have secrets and that’s what makes it all the more intriguing! And…. the ending is a real shocker (i.e. the true cause of the accident). There is an adversarial relationship between the two main investigators at first. However, differences are ironed out and it turns to something else. The acting and storyline is first rate. I watched it twice! DRG
Topic- Suicide; Personal Terrorism
You rated this movie: 5.0
The original “Airport” movie is a classic, very entertaining and a heart wrenching movie. The line up of actors is excellent with seven different story lines on-going. The musical score truly enhances the action. All of the actors do a wonderful job of portraying their roles. However a couple stands out for me… Helen Hayes is superb as the stowaway. Maureen Stapleton is also stellar in her performance as the spouse of D. O. Guererro, the ne’er do well bomber. Forget the fact that smoking is no longer allowed on planes and that a family station wagon doubling as the airport manager’s car in the storm would most likely be replaced by an SUV today. It is a classic story with characters one can relate to.
Although unlikely, and not quite up to standard with the original, I also enjoyed “Airport 75″ with Karen Black as the stewardess who drives the plane to safety until a pilot can be air-dropped in. Enjoy these two films. They don’t make them any more. DRG
Topic – Domestic Violence; Kidnapping
You rated this movie: 5.0
Greetings! This film is uncomfortable to watch. It stirs emotions… The viewer sees the injustice of the situation, Betty’s naiveté and how a housewife from Michigan was totally unprepared for Iran. The controlling domestic violence is familiar but Betty is smart enough to “play the game” to ensure her safety and that of her daughter’s after her husband’s lessons on “how it’s going to be.” You root for her throughout the movie and despise what is going on. If not for a truly good Samaritan with connections, all would have been lost. Acting, photography and direction were excellent! DRG
A Woman Scorned: The Betty Broderick Story
Stalking; Homicide
You rated this movie: 4.0
Greetings! This is a four star movie in my view! The only quarrel I have with its authenticity is that Meredith Baxter is a bit too attractive. The real BB was attractively dressed and “hair styled”. However, she was overweight and not a raving beauty.
Listen to the commentary. It was meticulously researched. The movie accurately portrays both spouses as money hungry, materialistic and shallow. Stephen Collins does fine as the wheeler-dealer lawyer who is emotionally immature. However, he bends over backwards to be understanding toward his wife, even when confronted with constant harassment, stalking, destruction of property and ‘poisoning the minds” of the children. No he’s not a saint, but….
The movie builds to a point of utter disgust as his wife’s behavior becomes ever more outrageous….and her lack of responsibility and remorse simply unbelievable! Watch out friends, the real BB is up for parole in March of 2010. I wouldn’t trust her for a minute! DRG
Blue Murder: Set 4 (2-Disc Series)
Topic -British Murder Series
You rated this movie: 4.0
Caroline Quentin is wonderful as Inspector Lewis, trying to manage a rowdy group of detectives and four children as a single mother. This series has her experiencing more personal crisis with the children acting out as the ex-husband is supposedly residing in Spain. Therefore, she makes more of an effort to be less of a 24/7 cop.
She has her colleague and best buddy Richard substituting as a male role model when needed. The episodes are interesting with one subplot being the consideration of a new job. Another story has Richard going under cover in prison with a near fatal result. These stories are truly good viewing. The one minus is the strong dialect in which American audiences might miss a few lines here and there. I hope there is a Set 5 to come. DRG
Blue Murder: Set 3 (2-Disc Series)
Topic= British Murder Series
You rated this movie: 5.0
The third set of shows for Blue Murder I rate highly. Caroline Quentin & Ian Kelsey continue their playful banter throughout. The murders are engrossing stories. The second episode even includes a brief love interest for Jenine, but alas, it is not to be in the end. The home environment is still chaotic and the children are missing their father. Meanwhile, he is struggling with an infant and a post depressive wife. Instead of saying “I told you so…” Jenine has class and offers tea and sympathy. The only downside is the strong dialects. You have to press the rewind at times to catch certain phrases. I wish there were more episodes! DRG
Topic- Homicide; Homophobia
You rated this movie: 5.0
The Times of Harvey Milk- A five star rating! This is extremely well done and different than the Sean Penn movie. Interviews and film clips enhance the feeling of the time.
I learned more about the circumstances such as Dan White’s lack of reappointment may have been influenced by the mass suicide from many followers of Jim Jones; the day after Harvey’s killing was his birthday, the legal concept of diminished mental capacity vs. diminished actuality;
White’s sneaking in the window of the courthouse on the fatal day and…. how the airing of his confession backfired. As the filmmakers said, the trial could have been a movie in and of itself. Don’t miss this or the accompanying audio commentary!
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