“Crazy” Ted Kaczynski Was Not Insane! He was Clairvoyant!

Lincoln, MT—In 1978 a two-decade bombing campaign began that untimely took three lives and maimed some 23 people.  Ingeniously hand constructed bombs were delivered, mailed or otherwise planted targeting people involved with advanced technology.  It was an effort to intimidate those involved to obstruct and discontinue their efforts.

I worked on this massive investigation myself for among others, ABC News.  The FBI dubbed the bomber as the, "UNABOM" (UNiversity & Airline BOMber).  Their agents meticulously reconstructed the bombs in their investigative process that consumed many of their entire careers.   

Everyone was trying to guess the reasoning behind this frightening serial killer’s actions.  The New York Times received a somewhat strange letter on April 24, 1995.  The author promised "to desist from terrorism" if the Times or the Washington Post published his manifesto, Industrial Society and Its Future (also called the "Unabomber Manifesto"), in which he argued that his bombings were extreme but necessary to attract attention to the erosion of human freedom necessitated by modern technologies requiring large-scale organization. 

That manifesto eventually led to the unmasking of the man responsible, Theodore John "Ted" Kaczynski.   Kaczynski was a genuine Harvard educated egghead with a PhD in mathematics.  Kaczynski was so beyond brilliant he did not fit into our society.  He shunned anything involving technology including automobiles.   He took up residence in a tiny shack and spent countless hours at his local library. 

Friends were elusive to Kaczynski who limited his human connections to two women in the small hamlet of Lincoln.  One was the librarian and the other headed the local Chamber of Commerce.

Kaczynski was not pleasant to be around primarily because of his lacking personal hygiene and unkempt appearance.  Most people avoided this eccentric fellow.  Once Kaczynski’s own brother David tipped off the FBI the so-called UNABOM suspect’s mad world came to a halt. 

This was a huge news story at the time and I was once more working with ABC News network reporter Bill Redeker.  I worked with Redeker before on the Oklahoma Bombing case and on both of these stories and our reports came way out on top.

A picture of Kaczynski soon emerged and the consensus was that he was simply crazy.  His redundantly re-published manifesto was anything but an easy read.  However to me Kaczynski’s message was clear and hauntingly ominous.

Technology was about to strangle all of society in a world far worse than George Orwell’s 1984!  Both Orwell and Kaczynski were absolutely right in their prophecies.  Government and select corporations now have the massive power to see and hear whatever they want almost anywhere they want. There is no privacy and there is no escape from those in power.  Between Google, the NSA and thousands of smaller government contractors we are in a police state that would make Adolf Hitler a very jealous man.

Right now in Oregon there are some brave men that are challenging the federal government’s authority to seize and control public land.  Decades of family business are at stake.  Now the government is about to crush this protest just like the BATFE, FBI and our military unlawfully did to the men, women and children in Waco, TX during the Branch Davidian Massacre.

Already in Oregon the Feds have compromised cell phones, deployed listening devices and drones to selectively locate, ambush and even kill one protester so far. 

The question remains as to how far this kind on tyranny will continue.  Will the federal enforcement agents follow their oaths of office or remain loyal to tyrannical government bureaucrats instead. 

We have learned from history that despots like Hitler maintained control by allowing his thugs to seize and keep citizen’s personal property, money, businesses and land.

Keeping government enforcers on the side of the citizenry always fails under despotic regimes.  Corruption always rules.  Today we have a totally corrupt government and our elected and appointed leaders are controlled by greed for power and money.  They don’t give a rat’s ass about the people that elected them.

Kaczynski saw the power that technology would give politicians and had the vision to understand that eventually life, as we knew it was on a track straight to Hell.  Kaczynski unsuccessfully tried to stop this but nobody would listen.  

Our Second Amendment to keep and bear arms has been completely hijacked.  It was meant to give the people defense parity with our government.  We allowed this important right to become meaningless.   The government has the power and technology to murder far beyond anyone’s worst nightmare.  The small arms we have are no match for our government’s current killing tools.

Kaczynski was a lot of things, but crazy he was not.  His warnings went ignored as we laughed him off.  I for one am not laughing anymore.

DJI Drone Warrantee Repair a Disappointing situation

I

Los Angeles, CA--I had my somewhat pricy DJI Inspire 1 camera drone for five months.  

I love the product and it never gave a bad moment.  Well not quite.  

DJI has an update policy from Hell.  They suddenly announce a firmware update.  You can't fly until you get to good internet service with a computer, download and install the update.  

That is a disaster when you drive to a location for a shoot and everything stops.  

Okay that sucks but while attempting my last update for the cold weather battery fix things went to Hell.

The camera stopped retaining the little SD memory card spitting it out! 

There suddenly was a second problem with the coupling of the camera and gimbal to the drone.  Contact was somehow lost.  

Technical support was sympathetic and told me to take it to Fedex and provided several explicate pages of instructions on shipping it back.

The repair facility is in nearby Carson but they demand it be shipped by Fedex even if you are located across the street!  Same with the return!  Two full days are added to the repair time and DJI eats the unnecessary cost! 

They fiddled with my drone and returned in in just over two weeks.  I put in the memory card without a hitch. However when I fired up the drone to move the landing gear for camera attachment it failed.

The ink was not dry yet on the FedEx receipt and I had a new problem!  After a 45 minute wait for technical support another sympathetic support agent quickly advised me it had to go back once again.  

Thankfully I had another copy of my original sales receipt to put in the shipment or I be paying for the repairs!

Just to make thing interesting they give you a 25 digit number to write in several places that begins with RMA.  I'm sure only God can help you if you screw that up!  

I know that everyone that crashes their DJI products blame the products for their own failures.  DJI must have a repair staff of people dealing with customers from Hell.  

Both legitimate and bogus claims must be difficult to deal with.

My repair return is complicated further by travel issues. I must now have it shipped to an address somewhere else!

Yep, I got the DJI double repair whammy.  What's going to be my next DJI misadventure? 

When it works I love it! When I'm in warranty jail I hate it.   

There's got to be a better way! 

Update:

I shipped the drone to DJI after the tech support guy said it needed to go back when the landing gear was apparently stuck in shipping position. 

They returned the drone to me in Las Vegas and upon upon trying once again the landing gear wouldn't budge. I called tech support and was told to send it back again. 

Suddenly it struck me that perhaps my radio controller was no longer coupled with the drone.  The lights went on in the tech support Guy's mind and he talked me through re-coupling and that was the issue. Now I can fly once more! 

The tech support guy was not as sharp as he should have been.  

  

Hans Gruber, A Masterful Movie Villain is Really Gone Today

Los Angeles, CA—I’ve always been sad that the greatest Villain of the Die Hard film franchise, Hans Gruber was killed off and has never returned.  I wanted so much to see a rematch that was impossible after the wild Gruber death scene.

Now it’s even sadder to report that the actor, Alan Rickman has left our world at age 69 from cancer. Rickman was an incredibly versatile actor that could play anything marvelously. 

Hans Gruber was a challenging role for Rickman playing the cunning, educated, suave and nasty terrorist/robber in the original Die Hard film.   Rickman mastered a German accent.  Gruber’s weapon of choice was a classic HK P7-M13, 9mm pistol with a suppressor.  It’s a very rare, highly dependable and undeniably expensive pistol to say the least.  I have the blue steel version terrific gun sans the suppressor.

Actors sometimes have the privilege to die more than once! This was Ricman’t lot in life.

Rickman’s death in the Die Hard film was exciting to say the least:

Massive Government and Media cover up in Progress of European Islamic Terrorism?

Berlin, Germany--Now there is little question that bringing in upwards of one million Islamic "refugees" to Germany was a grave and perhaps irreversible error. 

Are they really refugees or military invaders? They are mostly men of military age. We will be finding out as this story unfolds. 

The German media has been acting like Chancellor Mutti Merkel's lap dogs by dutifully under reporting despicable crimes committed by Islamic monsters.   Of course the American media has been doing the same here.  

However, unlike Europeans, Americans have plenty of firearms and are more inclined to put a halt to the horrors we are seeing in Europe. 

All over Europe there is an apparent tsunami rape and robbery crisis as a result of the immigration fiasco.  

As for the information I obtained on my recent visit to London and Germany it was from a number of cops in different areas in and near Berlin.  Cops told me it's getting worse by the second.  Cops also tell me they can't begin to deal with the sudden crime increase. 

There is the additional problem of Neo-Nazis agitating the Muslims.  Cops are wondering if a civil war is brewing now.  Are the cops exaggerating?  What could possibly be their motive to lie?  

German politicians are starting to react calling for a reduction of future refugees.  It remains to be seen just what happens.  

Europe's huge tourism industry is at risk as the dangers of Islamic terrorism and crime become evident.

If the media cover up is dangerous as I've been told uninformed people will not take safety precautions.  Victimization is sure to become much worse. 

Stay tuned as this ugly mess continues. 

There are over 3500 stories on this blog go to the main page at www.crimefilenews.com

My View of Women and Their Role in Society

Santa Fe, NM—Let me begin with the confession I love women.  I adore elegance, grace, beauty and brains.

Some believe that since I despise Hillary Clinton I must be sexist. I despise most every politician regardless of sex because they are all corrupt, freedom hating control freaks.

I’m beyond disappointed that women are routinely programed to be second-class.  They are the wives, mothers, housekeepers and they make magic in the kitchen. Because of technology and work saving devices women have much more time and ability to break out of that stereotype.

Women unnecessarily miss out on a lot of life’s fun and excitement because they think some activities are somehow not feminine or somehow too masculine.

Creating videos with drones is something enjoyed by less than three percent of women.  Why I ask?   It’s easy, fun and creative.  The women I’ve seen using drones are more skilled than the men.  

Things are changing since women are filling our medical, dental and law schools. I say bravo to that.

Actress Angelina Jolie said she would much rather play James Bond than a Bond girl. Why has Hollywood not expanded heroic and masterful roles for women? 

My all time favorite film is the World War II film Black Book.   In this film based on fact a very appealing Berlin Jewish nightclub singer hides out in the Netherlands from the Nazis.  She becomes an accentual member of the Dutch underground and a hero.

That film has an all around great cast that was led by Carice van Houten who absolutely rocked.  It was truly a role of a lifetime for a woman.  The film was far more realistic and much better those Mission Impossible or the James Bond films. 

Women need never lose their femininity or dignity to lead rather than follow men. 

As a firearms instructor I learned a lot about women.  Usually they shoot better then men simply because they listen to the instructors.  Men think that being macho is all they need so they don’t listen.   I always separate couples in those classes for obvious reasons.

The only thing holding back women are the women themselves.  I cheer on any woman that wants to break through.  

Any woman that can break out of the gender-programming mold is more attractive and sexier.   

Somehow many women juggle being wives, mothers and superheroes at the same time.  Why settle for second place?  My advice?  Don't take no for an answer!

    

Germany’s Immigration Fiasco and its Frightening Consequences for all of Europe

Cologne, Germany—An irreversible political decision was made under the guise of humanitarianism to bring in one million refugees from Islamic nations into Germany.  The political Left did this like they always do to bring in people they believe will keep a majority of poor so the Socialist political agenda is realized and maintained. 

These predominately Islamic refugee immigrants cannot speak German or even English that’s widely spoken in Europe.  They have no job skills other than their cultural military killing related knowledge.  They hate the Western world, its culture, Christian religion and women’s rights.  With rare exceptions, these people can only survive from what they are given or forcibly take from the Europeans.

These Muslims are claiming that the suggestive clothing worn by German women is an excuse brutal rape and robbery.  The Islamists claim they can’t control their sexual impulsivity when women are not covered in Burkas.  Does anyone really buy that nonsense?   

It was New Years and as always in the larger cities German people gather outside to celebrate.  The young women are bundled up in warm clothing that’s hardly suggestive because of those harsh winters. 

This year was different because the crowds included large roving groups of newly arrived, primarily North African Islamic thugs that singled out young German women, surrounded them, ripped their clothing away, beat and gang raped them.  The women were also robbed of jewelry, cell phones, credit cards and cash. A night of planned fun became the worst night of these women’s lives.

The police were powerless to stop this depraved horror and investigating this after the fact in order to bring the thugs to justice is nearly impossible.  The Conservative anti-immigrant PEGIDA movement and some hateful Neo-Nazis accurately predicted this kind of conduct.  The government’s politicians did everything possible to mitigate and cover-up this massive immigrant organized atrocity.  Eventually however the cat was let out of the bag.

Now that hundreds of young German woman’s lives have been irrevocably shattered the German people are waking up that the PEGIDA movement needs massive support.  They know that Germany cannot absorb these savage and hateful parasites.  The quality of lives, property, and physical safety of the German people has been simply gambled away so the Left could maintain political control.

Making matters worse is that law-abiding Germans have no gun rights and few guns.  Understandably sales of those woefully ineffective pepper spray devices right now are through the roof.  The Muslims have already smuggled loads of military grade arms into Europe.   Of course when criminals and terrorists are involved gun control is no more effective than drug control.  Gun Control and the lack of training for Germans have placed them at the absolute mercy of Islamic thugs.

Wherever the Muslim refugees have been placed there have been massive reports of shoplifting, robbery and similar crimes.  The police cannot deal with this large scale mess.  As they evade arrest and punishment the Islamic thugs will only become more prolific and emboldened. 

Germany must immediacy rethink gun control and look to every nation that allows permitted concealed weapons.  The statistics are very clear that those people behave themselves very well.

Germany must beef up law enforcement resources by bringing in trustworthy well-trained American military veterans to assist local police.  Being a veteran that was fortunate enough to serve in Germany I know we can work well together and better protect this nation.

The German people are learning a hard and violent lesson here.  The political Left has fooled them once again.  The refugee invaders are a clear and present danger to Germany.  Angela “Mutti” Merkel and her allies in Parliament’s political futures are now dead.

Immigration from these Islamic nations must cease and everything must be done to remove at least the criminal element, back where they came from. 

The German people deserve the ability to be trained with and carry arms so they can be self-reliant.  Training must include the law and liability of the justifiable use of deadly force.       

Germany must make it clear that any and all immigrants are accountable to laws.  They must behave as guests learn the language and work.  Immigrants that refuse to assimilate properly or behave must be expelled if Germany is to continue as a leading nation.

The German people have a greater than ever reputation for culture and kindness.  These are not the same people that allowed the Nazis to dictate for 12 years and watch their nation get destroyed.  Germany emerged as a new nation with heart, conscience and well-deserved pride.

What's The Future of Your Video News Delivery?

London, UK--Since the inception of TV news other than a switch to color, the use and abuse of the green screen technology and live on scene live broadcasting not much has changed over five decades. 

Suddenly we have the Internet, cheap quality video cameras and big changes are rocking the world of video news delivery. 

Television news management miscreants often took great delight in making their talent that left or were jettisoned just disappear. No goodbyes, no thank you, just nothing.  

That left viewers to wonder where about the fate of those once familiar faces. Now thanks to Facebook and Twitter that vile practice has ended for good.  That along those bogus non-compete contracts preventing reporter from moving to nearby stations are gone.  

However sadly the shrinking TV news audience has cost countless jobs and made reporters in too many markets eligible for food stamps. Making a living as a television journalist seems more challenging than ever. 

The speed and quantity of news delivery today is unprecedented however the quality has faltered.  The explosion of quality video devices has at least provided a somewhat unfiltered and often unflattering view of our world.  

Even the best video is lacking watchability without creative editing and clever, well written voice overs. 

Will the population ever learn the proper and incredibly easy way to shoot, edit and publish acceptable news stories with their cell phones? Most will not but many are learning the art well. 

Unlike days in the past we no longer have to wait for news crews gather their equipment, travel to, set up and begin to cover breaking news events.  Anyone already there with a smartphone, the ability and the desire can begin on the spot reporting.  Getting content video broadcast live on platforms such as Youtube, Ustream, Livestream and Periscope is a snap. Alerting your potential viewers on Twitter and Facebook is a must. 

The only seemingly slow issue to get resolved is funneling the revenue for the content to the creator's pockets. Additionally those that publish their exciting content must also learn about promotion.

Anyone with a modern smart phone has the most important tool to report news.  After that comes photography skill, storytelling ability and effective use of editing software such as iMovie or Final Cut Pro X.  

Here is a one take video story I recently created in London about that giant Ferris Wheel called, The London Eye. Although not perfect, I simply wanted my viewers to get a sense of my experience visiting this iconic tourist attraction.  

This was all shot, edited and uploaded to YouTube on my iPhone 6 Plus.  Additionally, I used a Rode lavalier microphone and a selfie stick.

Using Drones in Governmental and Private Security Applications is Safe, Effective and Economical

Santa Barbara, CA--Private Security is really more about deterrence, and loss prevention.  Bringing in drones is a perfect application for security contractors to rid their clients of burglars, sex offenders and vandals. 

Of course homeowners associations can create their own in house program but it's generally not needed.  However there are times when criminals show up in soft target communities then it's time to call in a qualified security contractor with drones.  

Wether it's a burglary or vandalism problem drones operated and flying at less than 300 feet can can easily observe and record the deeds.  Ground security and police can be quickly alerted to handle enforcement activities.

Drones are excellent for all industrial security applications.  They can be sent up as needed to examine areas or for responding to various alarms and such. 

Drones have been used to smuggle contraband into correctional facilities.  Actually those kinds of facilities could greatly benefit from using the drone technology to watch their own facilities augmenting ground patrols.  

FLIR thermal imaging and drones go really well together making night operations incredibly effective.  

Any professional guard agency can easily add drone patrol to their list of services. 

The only real question is when the FAA will stop standing in the way of progress and public safety?  Despite the existence of three million drones in unlicensed hands there's not been a single fatality, serious injury or notable property damage anywhere yet the FAA has engaged in massive restraint of trade and prior restraint style enforcement activities. 

The FAA seems to be in far greater need of control than America's drone operators. 

Woody Allen Move Over, an 800 Pound, Bright Blue Gorilla is Here!

Michael Glover, Robyn Rosenkrantz, Paul Huebl and Gregor Marvel

Berlin, Germany—I had the absolute pleasure to sit down with two expatriate Americans living in this great city.  Musicians and filmmakers Michael Glover and Robyn Rosenkrantz sold everything they owned but their musical instruments and the clothes on their backs taking the very bold step of moving to Europe. 

They’ve been making films with their own production company Bright Blue Gorilla.  I first met them through their European friends after getting invited to a Hollywood Screening of their farce film, Go With Le Flo.  It was a real Blue Carpet Event where I was handed a banana as I walked in the door.

The Film was terrific and the reception after was filled with cast members that flew in for the event.  It made for a delightful evening. 

I knew it was just a matter of time and I’d be visiting with them and another Berlin pal, Gregor Marvel that was in that film.

Imagine making a film in another country with several actors and crew members that have limited English skills.  A great director knows how to get the most out of actors and doing that with the accompanied communications challenges can be daunting. The Bright Blue Gorilla team has delivered in spades.

Thankfully far less expensive but sophisticated filmmaking equipment has become obtainable to these talented kids enabling their filmmaking visions.  In return they take the audience away from their own difficulties and entertain, delight and thrill them with their movies.

Internet Crowd-Funding has been a necessary part of their films and it’s been paying off for everyone.  Right now they are involved in yet another project,  Mr. Rudolpho’s Jubilee. I just know it will be another fun film to watch.

I have to ask what’s next for the Bright Blue Gorilla?  Will he come to the USA and make films here too?  If the monster talent agencies (like CAA) spies ever get wind of the Gorilla they will quickly sign him up and he may just bring his parents back to L.A.

I heard there maybe a surprise announcement regarding, Go With Le Flo next month!  I wonder just what that may be? 

Here is a trailer for GO WITH LE FLO!

Open Carrying of Firearms is a Recipe for Disaster!

Could the woman pictured be shot in the back and have her gun taken?

Phoenix, AZ—There is a significant contingent of gun rights advocates that are enamored with the idea of openly carrying handguns in public places. Yes, I believe it’s a right but is it safe or advisable? 

Let me begin by making it clear that such activity is constitutionally protected.  I have no desire for legislation prohibiting any form of bearing arms by the law abiding.   It’s a choice pure and simple. 

The truth is that open carry is a horrible idea.  I’ve seen the fallout of open carry over and over for decades. The ignorant advocate that seeing an armed civilian is somehow  a deterrent to violence.  Nothing could be further from he truth.

Let’s begin with reality and some cold hard facts. Until the 1980s when ballistic vests became the normal attire of cops more than half the officers killed where shot with their own guns. Better holsters and training has also helped protect our police. The FBI Uniform Crime Reports publishes circumstances concerning the deaths of every cop each year.

Civilians generally get limited training on weapon retention and they certainly don’t routinely wear body armor.

Carrying concealed firearms provide important tactical advantages.  Surprise is by far the best advantage to concealed carry.  Open carriers understandably become an instant target and are at a huge tactical disadvantage.

Carrying an unnecessarily exposed firearm opens the carrier to a host of hazards.  One is that some troublesome and or drunken fools love to provoke anyone they see that’s armed.  These same people love to call 911 and falsely claim they were victims of Aggravated Assault. 

Statements to police from an accuser along with a recovered firearm provide probable cause for police to arrest the gun carrier. Bail, lawyers, bad publicity, conviction and prison time may follow.  This kind of mess is also very expensive!  I know of numerous bogus convictions from that scenario. Ruined innocent lives are no laughing matter. 

If an armed robber sees an exposed gun he may simply shoot or otherwise disarm the gun-displaying carrier. Why give them the advantage?

I would say that exposed firearms may be a deterrent only for a group of armed people.  Also a group means there will be witnesses to derail phony assault complaints too.  But for anyone alone open carry is a nightmare waiting to happen.

There are those people that want to be seen with exposed guns for narcissistic or vanity reasons. Perhaps they want to shock members of the public.  Frankly I can’t imagine that kind of proclivity. I recommend psychiatric therapy for those people.  Unfortunately a number of states only allowed open carry making concealed carry a crime.  What I learned is that an exposed firearm is far more likely to be involved in regrettable incident than a concealed weapon.

Those of you that disagree with me and insist that open carry has some benefit should simply get help.  I don’t think you should be possessing any weapons. Saying all of that I won't suggest for a second that there could be some rare circumstance where exposed carry may have an advantage.  Think very carefully before making that choice. 

Your “Toy” Camera Drone Can Save Lives, Really!

Los Angeles, CA—The word of the day is FLIR!  I knew this was in development but now it’s actually here!  FLIR became a major public safety and search & rescue tool more than two decades ago.  Now even civilian camera drones are in the FLIR mix! 

Flir has primarily been delegated to expensive cameras carried on board conventional aircraft for military, police, fire and every public safety application.

Recently the popular drone maker DJI and Flir teamed up to offer these now affordable lifesaving cameras.  They can now operate from the popular DJI Inspire1 and Matrice 100 drone platforms.  That means anyone with these drones can save or at least protect lives. 

Flir is simply an optical device that captures imagery of heat signatures or thermal patterns.  At 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit our bodies are normally warmer than the ambient air temperature.  At night the outside air is almost always colder than the bodies of humans or warm-blooded animals.

A human walking in total darkness in a desert or wooded are stands out as a bright shadow and easily spotted from either the ground or air.  In many ways the FLIR is superior to conventional night vision devices and is essential when looking for lost people, trespassing criminals, lost pets and other such suspects.

You can also spot recently parked motor vehicles by their heat signatures too.

For firefighting efforts hotspots can easily be pinpointed directing the efforts to extinguish fires faster and more safely.  More importantly firemen can know in advance if and when they need to evacuate rooftops avoiding potential agonizing deaths or injuries.

This is truly a game and public perception changer on the value of the popular camera drones.   At a minimum people will be locating lost pets, children or wild animals roaming in their surroundings.  Until now you’d have to wait for first responders to evaluate the need, and then for them to travel to the search areas.

In our world we have earthquakes, floods, tornados and wildfires. Drones can operate safely in tighter areas where helicopters cannot enter.  Civilian FLIR equipped drones particularly in remote areas can be worth more than gold.

At the 2015 International Drone Expo I interviewed FLIR VUE specialist David Lee about the new camera.