It's Known As...The CSI Effect

Televisions ongoing influence on the way we perceive the truth.

The Creation

The past 8 years, a television phenomenon known as C.S.I has evolve an into entity of legendary status. Since their conception these shows have known nothing but success. Gaining a cult following known by only a few.These shows appeal to our captivation, and disgust, with societies ongoing violent behavior. Creating a scenario for the horrific murder of beautiful victims. Whose deaths will be solved by an equally attractive group of investigators. These shows have added to the network dominance owned by CBS. And the way these crimes are so speedily solved is more like science fiction than science fact. But what else should you expect from 40-45 minutes of air time. Because I doubt the truth would provide the same level of entertainment.

Fact vs. Fiction

Isn't it amazing how on these episodes, that once the crime scene has been quarantined, how the pieces to the crime are assembled like a simple jigsaw puzzle. The officers with rubbers gloves on hands; cotton swabs gently wiping, and cameras flashing, while quickly bagging and tagging all needed evidence.Let's not forget the new technology awaiting them back at head quarters. The lab filled with wall-to-wall bottles of chemicals, with the guarantee detecting unseen residue. The ability to lift a fingerprint from anything. Or the instant delivery of a toxicology report, which in truth it can take up to several months for the production of an accurate result. Let's not forget the down to minute accuracy for time of death. Which in the real world is never that accurate.

Pros and Cons

Since their introduction these shows have cause a debate as to their effects on a jury's decision making. It is not 100% proven; but it is believed that because of the shows popularity, and their almost 100% reliance upon science to solve every crime, juries find themselves doubting their common sense. They are no longer relying on means, motive, and witness testimony. They are now expecting an officer in a white lab coat to come into the courtroom and provide them with irrevocable proof of a crime as seen on TV. Cases the courts would have easily won, have now been acquitted due to lack of evidence.Maybe this is bad because it is allowing the guilty to go unpunished. Or it might be good because it is forcing the prosecution to deeply evaluate their cases, by providing a more detailed proof of guilt.

There's a new sheriff in town

I must admit that I kinda like CSI Miami, mostly because of Horatio Caine. He's not your cliche Hollywood police chief. You know the ones I'm talking about. The right in your face, unnecessarily yelling at the top of their voices. Truthfully I could never really buy into that. Because the idea of a grown man; yelling at another man that's packing a loading gun, seems like an individual that's begging to be shot. I like Horatio because he portrays the soft spoken demander of respect. Anyone not paying him this respect, soon finds out that he's walking softly, but he's definitely carrying a big stick.

The Effect

The numbers of loyal watchers is astounding. The CSI-Las Vegas 2005 season finally, "Grave Danger", was directed by the film maker Quentin Tarantino. This one episode had 35 million viewers. Now if that's not pulp fiction I don't know what is.After the first season of CSI-Las Vegas the number of forensic science majors has significantly increased. Making it one of the more popular majors on many campuses. West Virginia University in 1999 had 4 graduates. In 2000 enrolled 400 new forensic science majors making it the largest major on campus. So maybe this show's unrealistic approach to crime fighting may do a little good.One thing's for sure, CBS has proven that in it's own way, crime does pay.

Just a few more words from,

AnotherDarkKnight.

"But What About Bob?"

"Smiling Bob Has To Be The Happiest Guy Alive."

Bob's the happiest guy alive and why shouldn't he be? In his own way he's living the dream. He's got the life. He's got the job. He's got the envy and admiration of all his friends. And he also has a very,very happy wife. Achieving all of this with his new found swelling of pride, which has been provided by his once a day male enhancement pill.

But unlike Bob, many were not blessed with the miraculous affects that the makers of Enzyte alleged to provide. Not only was Enzyte ineffective, the product was never scientifically tested, proving its enhancement capabilities. Which is a direct violation of FDA trade policies and also in violation of laws that prohibit false claims or deceptive advertising.

Steve Warshak is the owner of the five dietary supplement companies involved.These companies are all based in Cincinnati, OH, they are:The Wagner NutraceuticalsInc, Boland NaturalsInc, Berkeley Premium NutraceuticalsInc, Lifekey Inc, and the Warner Health Care Inc. Mr. Warshak, obviously a gambling man, never anticipated that the Attorney Generals of 18 states and Washington D.C. would be calling his bluff. Forcing him to cash in his chips to the tune of $5,000,000 and restitution to anyone deemed allegable.This multi-state settlement was announced by Attorney General Rob McKenna in 2006.

Enzyte even classified their product with a fake scientific name calling it,"suffragium asotis", claiming that it means, "better sex". That in itself is ludicrous because anyone with knowledge of Latin would know that,"Suffragium" means vote. And that," asotis " is not Latin. The main ingrediants are:

Tribulus terretris (punture vine)
Niacin
Panax Ginseng
Epimedium (horny goat weed)
Avena Sativa (oat)
Zinc Oxide
Lepidium meyenii (maca)
Muira puama
L-Arginine
Saw palmetto
These ingredients, if taken as a part of a daily regiment, are a combination to the perfect storm. But as an answer to male enhancement...it's the perfect placebo at best. Even now it seems that feelings are still mixed about this happy guy. I have always saw Bob for what he was...a brilliant advertising ploy, which left me entertained with it's crude style of,"Saturday Night live" humor.

After watching these commercials I have always wanted to ask Enzyte a question. If Enzyte worked so well for Bob's pride, how come his swimming trunks came off in the pool? Not trying to sound crude, but things didn't quite add up, if you know what I mean.

Just a few more words from,

AnotherDarkKnight

Out of Africa

"The Trials and Tribulations of the Women of Accra"

For almost two years I have been doing a study on the lives of the women of Accra, Ghana. What I encountered has undoubtedly altered my outlook on life forever. As much as I would like to believe the glass is half full, after these past twenty months of research I've found my cup a little emptier than before. Now I have always prided myself on not being naive, but I found myself truly appalled by some of the things I stumbled upon.Now I know life is difficult all over the world. And that many countries have resourceful and resilient women. But the women of Accra are definitely in the top ten when it comes to personal strength, and overall survival tactics.

Most of these women have little or no formal education. And usually find themselves working in the street markets selling food items. Their days may start at 4am ending at 9 or 10 pm. The reasons for such long days; are the amounts of food that need to be manually carted, because many bus operators will not allow these women on broad if their loads are too large. The ones lucky enough to get transportation may find themselves spending 40% of their earnings for this service.During this extremely difficult day, some may also find themselves attending to the needs of children, and guarding their merchandise from theft. Their day does not end at the market. When arriving home they are expected to perform domestic chores which include cooking; cleaning, and catering to the needs and desires of their husbands.

Because of the economy; many Ghanaians do not have the access to basic utilities such as gas; indoor plumbing, or electricity. So water for bathing and cooking has to be toted to their homes.In the cities jobs are very scarce. And what jobs they may find often come with a probationary period. Now this part is absolutely ludicrous. In most countries employment does come with a probationary period. Which after completion you are considered as an employee, and in most cases given a small raise for completion of training as an incentive to remain. In Accra many times there is a 30 day probationary period which by the way is without pay. So there are times on the 29Th day they are fired because their performance wasn't up to par; and some other person is hired, who most likely will also have inadequate growth potential for the position.

Being an attractive woman may help or hinder a woman's success for employment. I say it will help because it will probably get their foot in the door. But in order to keep their feet inside they may have to loose their shoes; along with everything else they are wearing, because the boss just might decide that sex is a part of the job description. So many women figure if they are required to have sex in order to make money; they might as well cut out the middle man, and seek prostitution as their means for a sufficient income. Tourist and married men prey on this desperation like vultures.

These women have what is called,"The Pretty Woman" complex. They believe that some rich tourist is going to come and marry them, rescuing them from their life of poverty. Many men know this, using this dream in order to receive sex for free, or next to nothing. So truthfully what they consider prostitution is pretty much what women are doing worldwide. Pimps are almost non-existent. They have what are called runners, which are just young boys that arrange these meetings, and receive compensation for their efforts. Money is rarely discussed during these dates. Customers decide what is adequate reimbursement for services provided. Similar to the tipping process provided after a meal in a restaurant. The better the service; the higher the tip, depending on customer generosity. I have read stories from English; and Dutch men bragging about their depraved escapades with women. If I could have found these men, I would be ringing their doorbells with bat in hand!

This choice of social studies all began with the rash of news reports about Ghanaian and Nigerian scam artist which made me curious as to why these acts were occurring so frequently. And also because of my natural belief of,"The Three Sides Theory". Which is one person's side; another ones side, and the truth. Well I did discover a third side. What the news media failed to mention was there are more dating scams coming out of the Ukraine than Accra or Nigeria. Mostly because of their access to personal computers. Most people in Accra only make about 4,298,400 cedi a year. That's about $450 . So they have to use Internet cafes for the price of about $1 or more an hour which limits there time on line.

But I must say... one good thing came from my research. I met my fiance who has become the love of my life; hero, and one of the strongest women I have ever known. She has taught me how to romantically love again in a way that I thought was no longer possible. Allowing me to be the man I always knew I could be.

So Benice when you read this...midowu(I love You). And I promise you our love will last, for forever and a day.

Just a few more words from,

AnotherDarkKnight.