The Moody Blues Cruise

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The Moody Blues Cruise

How many of you 50 and 60 somethings still like to listen to the songs of our youth? That’s probably why the Rogues still take a swing at it!  That’s also why Karen and I coerced 5 other couples to take a ‘cruise down memory lane’ in February. Click here for a summary of what went on.

I mean how could you pass up a 5 day cruise to Nassau and Grand Turk Island on one of the most elegant Italian cruise liners in the world?! On top of that you can listen to live good ol’ rock 'n' roll from noon til the wee hours, five nights in a row. How about this for a lineup:

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Thanks to the Tennessee Dental Hygienists Association

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What a treat it was to speak to the Tennessee Dental Hygienists Association on Friday, April 11th!  It was so good to see some familiar faces (this is my third time to be there) and to meet some new ones.  I also really appreciate the interest in our book, Walk of Death, and the direct application it has to solving the mystery of at least one missing person.

Just as a reminder, if there any of you who would like to be a part of the mass disaster dental ID team, but you want to stay away from the more objectionable parts of the process, you can certainly help us with the ante-mortem database.  It’s not messy and really important. 

You may be getting an email from us soon to follow up with your interest in forensics. We are compiling a newsletter to send out, so if you haven't signed up yet, please do so below. Hopefully we can stay connected with you and your fine profession.

We couldn’t do it without you!!

Meeting the "Medical Examiner to the Stars"

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Meeting the "Medical Examiner to the Stars"

Hey guys! We just returned week before last from the American Academy of Forensic Science meeting, this year in Seattle.  We had a great meeting, and had the opportunity to debut Walk of Death to over 200 forensic odontologists from all across the United States and the world.  The presentation was most successful.  While in Seattle, I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Tom Nogushi, affectionately known as the "medical examiner to the stars."

Dr. Nogushi served for almost 20 years in the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office and performed autopsies for many of Hollywood's famous residents.  Some of his more notable autopsies were performed on celebrities like John Belushi, Janis Joplin, Sharon Tate, Robert F. Kennedy, and Marilyn Monroe.  What a wonderfully delightful gentleman, still willing and hungry to share and teach to all who are interested. He is still a very active and spry 87 years old.

I am proud to have been able to have met Dr. Nogushi, one of the most famous individuals in the field of forensic science!

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What It's Like Being Married To A Forensic Scientist

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What It's Like Being Married To A Forensic Scientist

For those of you who know me (and those who will get to know me through my book, blog, and website) you know that my beautiful wife, Karen, plays an integral role in my life and work. She holds a unique and interesting perspective of what goes on in the life of a forensic scientist. So I thought I would hand the reigns of the blog over to her this week to share what it’s like to be married to a forensic scientist.

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First Annual Walk of Death Golf Tourney

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First Annual Walk of Death Golf Tourney

Throughout the years, one of the most influential mentors I have had is Dr. Richard Souviron, Chief Forensic Dentist for the Miami/Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office. You have seen him interviewed on 60 Minutes and other magazine/news programs. He has provided testimony (along with yours truly) for the West Memphis Three trial most recently. He is most well known for his testimony in the State of Florida vs. Ted Bundy, a landmark case in forensic identification. It is the first time a US citizen has been convicted and executed for a capital offense, where a human bitemark was the primary source of evidence.  

Our friendship has continued over the years, including his OPPOSING testimony in the case State of Tennessee vs Castleman in 1985. It was the first time bitemark evidence had ever been allowed as admissible evidence in a Tennessee courtroom. This happened to be my first time EVER in a courtroom. Talk about David vs Goliath!!

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Jackson Hole, Wyoming

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Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Even though you’d find it hard to believe, I am not employed by the Jackson Hole Visitor’s Bureau. It just happens to be one of the most beautiful places on earth! That’s why Karen and I have to make a regular trek out for our Rocky Mountain fix. Snuggled right up against an edge of Yellowstone National Park, this rugged little western town, carved right out of the 1800’s, boasts an elevation of up to 10,450 feet and population of much less. It serves as home to at least a few celebrities including but not limited to Harrison Ford, Sandra Bullock, Dick Cheney, and recognized trial lawyer Gerry Spence (remember the OJ trial coverage?).

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A Special Thanks To Trudy and Whit Clark

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A Special Thanks To Trudy and Whit Clark

Well, it’s been a month now since the official launch of the Walk of Death book promotion. It’s been a fast and furious ride so far! What a special way to kick it off than to have special friends like Trudy and Whit Clark to host an event at their awesome real estate offices, Fridrich and Clark, in the Green Hills area. It proved to be a well received event for many of their realtor colleagues in the middle Tennessee area. Just a great chance to meet some of their friends and start the momentum rolling for the middle Tennessee promotion. 

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New Way to Meet Mystery Readers

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New Way to Meet Mystery Readers

Funny thing happened on the way to the Boston airport. So cool that it deserves its own blog. We are checking our bags at the Southwest Airlines counter, Karen is lugging this 24x30 color poster of the Walk of Death book while I’m trying to set each suitcase on the little machine to see if it weighs over 50 lbs. I’m giving it the business (*&^%$#@) cause we’re having to shift around to fit the weight requirements. I took out a couple of extra WOD books out of one suitcase, set it up on the counter to transfer it (and its weight) to the next suitcase. 

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A Tribute To Ronnie Letellier

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A Tribute To Ronnie Letellier

In the spring of 1965, or some time close to that, six guys got together to form a rock and roll band. It all started by forming a collaboration of guys who had managed to buy some new or used musical equipment, speakers, and microphones. My first love had always been the drums. Probably because my ultimate hero then was Ringo Starr. Every drummer or wannabe that was anybody wanted or tried to get Ludwig drums, Zildjian cymbals, especially if you could get it in black pearl. That was Ringo’s colors.

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