One Insane Week

This has been one of the weirdest, most enlightening, fun yet challenging weeks, I think I have ever experienced in my life. First last Friday evening, (9-11-) I ran into a man that I speak to almost weekly when I go out to dinner. I knew he was a firefighter who worked the Towers on 9-11. He told me some very passionate, sad and heroic tales. Well this past Friday he came in and he looked really tired and I asked him what was up. I was not prepared for him to tell me that he had just gotten back home from NYC, where he had attended THE 9-11 Memorial Tribute. I was shocked and wasn’t sure what to say to this hero before me that I have known as “just a regular” guy. So, I hugged him. Said I was sorry for what he went through and then thanked him. What a humbling experience.

I managed to make it in time to see the sun rise TWICE this week. I used to make it much more often but somehow I let everyday life get so busy that I have missed out on this most precious gift of the start of the day. I have; however, made it to the second most amazing part to the start of the workday. I get to hear revelry and see the raising of colors. I consider this an honor and wish more people had this opportunity.

The most exciting thing, a podcast I did was released this week. The pilot episode of Anything You Say, turned out to the point I was very very happy with. I also received an email from the Executive Producer who forwarded and email from the investigators of the Chris Watts case and thanked me for my analyzation and interpretation of their behavior. They may reach out to me and I hope they do. I want to thank them for validating me and what I do…..my first thought? How can I get them to Zoom with my Spring Semester students for Criminal Investigations….lol Always thinking…..love my professor job and the tweaks I can bring to it that add to my students’ educational experience.

Went out for date night last night and realized that I would rather be locked up, on my own with a prison full of inmates than hang out with a couple of girls. Geez, now they can reek much more havoc than inmates. You may be able to wear that dress but aren’t you a little old for it?!?! LOL like seriously?!? At first I was hurt. Then I was annoyed, followed by mad and then I found it funny. Jealousy doesn’t look good on anyone.

ICCI, my cold case institute made a lot of progress this week. I am beyond excited with them.

This was one roller coaster of a week and I am looking forward to the next one.

Dr. M

Podcast Antics with my College Bestie

This week’s episode is more like a long chat with an old friend you haven’t seen in forever. If you have participated in any of our True Crime and a Glass of Wine virtual events, then you have already met Kerri Lynne Black. If you haven’t met her yet just imagine a tall, red-headed Irish New Yorker…. she will make you laugh till you cry and then be just as quick to tell you what she thinks of you. She can kill you either way…. that’s why I love her. Not to mention when I go to visit, she takes me on tours on iconic crime scenes and vineyards!

PCubed created this concept for the podcast that lets the listener control the topic. People think things don’t happen in “my backyard.” Well we gave you the challenge to look and see what HAS happened in your own backyard and you guys are delivering.

Did I say Kerri lives on Long Island? She definitely had her pick of topics for our crazy fun but informative discussion. So who did she choose? The guy just down the street, Joel Rifkin!

Thanks PCubed for this weird way to host this series! Just so everyone knows PCubed will be back on air soon and he at some point will be hosting his own “Hometown Murder.” His episode topic is famous and changed everything…..

Dr. M

Heading Back to Class Tomorrow

So today is my last and ONLY day I have available to squeeze in everything that I haven’t been able to do to get ready for going back to teaching. Laugh away but the students aren’t the only ones who need clothes, supplies, and a million other things….like an attitude adjustment as a result of being home (even though I taught the whole time) for FIVE months.

As I am typing this I am watching the Discovery Channel because it is Shark Week. This may not be one of my brighter ideas since a friend and I are free diving with sharks in less than two weeks. I updated my Will/Trust and Living Will and Power of Attorney…. not that I am worried or anything. Let’s just say I am starting this school year off SUPER prepared!

I am teaching both face to face as well as online. I can’t wait because I am going to have so much fun relating criminal justice to the real world…outside of the box. So if you haven’t side up for one of my classes yet…. you are sooo going to miss out!!!!

By the way we dropped a new episode of our #MurderandMysterieswithMassnick yesterday. This will be a very fun and interesting season as we are using stories of our listeners as well. So get caught up. Email on the FB webpage your story and who knows you may get a call from me or PCubed to record and episode.

So much going on that my head is spinning but I am super excited to get started. Let’s jump in together….I have missed everyone!

Dr. M

Thankful

Every time I log on to blog I realize how quickly the time has passed. I can’t deny this fact as my blogs are dated so I can clearly see how long it is between posts. Instead of being upset by this I have decided that I am truly blessed beyond measure to be so busy that I allow my blogs to get away from me.

I have the gift of creativity, imagination, hard work and somehow opportunity. With these traits I have been able to meet the most interesting people, have been able to helps others, feel compassion without pity and scare the heck out of some people because I love to be challenged, try new things and LOVE going “outside of the box.”

I write but I usually keep it to myself. I am now being asked to share that. I am still pondering my options there. Maybe I will keep the poetry to myself as it is an outlet for my feelings and thoughts. Maybe I will take the offer given by a well known local to co-author a book with him.

CrimeCon is always an event I look forward to presenting at and meeting true crime fans and legends alike. I am thankful for CC as it has opened many doors. I feel as if opportunity doesn’t just knock anymore - it comes through the windows, and cracks (and since my house is only 7 months old I had better NOT find a crack), it might as well huff and puff and blow me over.

I believe we are going to re-open the college for classes in less than a month and I can NOT wait to interact with students again. It is hard to tell tone, humor and sarcasm that seem to be synonymous with my name when you are completely online. I learn as much from those students as I hope they do me.

Well, I guess I better stop trying to vent because I have a podcast to prep for. For those of you who could never attend True Crime and a Glass of Wine because you were not local, we have been doing them virtually through Zoom every Wednesday night at 8:00 pm. I have had special guests on many of them. One person was even offered a job from someone who watched one of the recorded versions. You just know never.

I guess I truly am blessed. I live by allowing the wind to blow me in the direction I am most wanted or needed and so far, I have loved every place that I have landed. Enjoy life…..