SPENCE FORENSIC RESOURCES UPDATE

Dr. Spence posed a trivia question to me earlier today:  Is it ever a serious crime to touch anything?  My first instinct was to say yes, and then I thought it might be a trick question, so I said no.  The following is Dr. Spence's reply:

Mary,

I will set up the blog in 6 days, ...then start pasting in the writings. I haven't 100% settled on the name, probably "DNA Technology and Our Criminal Justice System".

The answer is "Yes". People who commit serious crimes, ....and are eventually let out of prison, are forbidden to so much as TOUCH any firearm. Felon in Possession of a Firearm is a serious FEDERAL Offense. I have worked on four cases for which the prosecution's evidence included DNA information extracted off of a firearm.

When a DNA expert witness for the prosecution takes the stand and calls the detection technology "Touch DNA" testing, .....they are feeding the jury conclusive, prejudicial information, ....RIGHT THERE, simply by giving THAT name to the testing. When acceptable phrases such as "Trace DNA" or Low Copy Number DNA are available for use, ......rejecting those and intentionally spewing out the phrase "Touch DNA", it is nothing more than a scientist, unethically attempting to influence the jury with information that has NOTHING TO DO WITH SCIENCE.

When I was with the Indiana State Police, I was warned to avoid the word "Victim" when referring to, ....well, ....the victim, ....during testimony. The reason why is that many cases are NOT 'WHO DONE IT?" CASES. Often the issue surrounding the trial is "Was there a crime committed, ....or was there NO crime committed." If the testifying scientist keeps spewing out the word "victim" it might be viewed as an attempt to make the decision for the jurors, ....that INDEED there was a crime and hence, a victim. It is NOT the scientist's job to do this. It is NOT the scientist's job to TELL THE JURY, "This is touch DNA on the firearm." The DNA expert has no means to prove that, .....and by doing that, they presume to take the Guilty/Not Guilty decision out of the hands of the jury. It's downright arrogant. Yeah, ....you can tell, ....they piss me off alright. By the way, the defense lost ALL THREE of those firearm possession DNA cases. The fourth one is pending in ABQ.

Mike

Michael J. Spence, Ph.D.
Forensic DNA Consultant

SPENCE FORENSIC RESOURCES

Michael J. Spence, Ph.D., of Spence Forensic Resources is a Forensic DNA Consultant with a gift of writing about highly technical data in a way that makes it easy for the average reader to follow.  The following article http://www.spenceforensics.com/authoredbydrspence.html is but one of a series of articles published by Dr. Spence.

If you liked the movie Conviction (2010) starring Hilary Swank, you will love Dr. Spence's articles.  Fascinating!

Why are comments and likes that I have not posted showing up on Facebook?

Facebook shuffles your profile info. Shame on you, Facebook!

I have been reading a book about 101 miracles and have been feeling especially close to God these days. I do not regularly check my profile info, as I do not need to edit it. Yesterday, after seeing all the changes that facebook continues to make, I felt compelled to check my profile info.

Unfortunately, those who have looked at my profile info believe that in the About Me, I wrote: The Lord giveth Hahahahahahahahaha No, really. Jajajajajajajajaj. For my address, I'd written Hahahahahahahahaha No, really. Jajajajajajajajaj. And, in the About Me, I'd simply written, The Lord giveth, and nothing more. This was done deliberately, as my address was revised to a simple: hahahah

If I was a litigious person, I would consider filing a lawsuit, as it has conveyed me as a person who scoffs at the notion that The Lord giveth. I am slow to anger, but this is something that I will need to pray about and give it to the Lord.

If there is no wind, row. Latin Proverb

If someone had told me last year that 2011 was going to be one of the most challenging years of my life, I would not have believed them. After all, we are truly blessed. Our children and two grandchildren are all healthy and happy, and we enjoy all that one could wish for out of life. My husband is self-employed, and we golf to our heart's content. We are blessed in that we can pick up and go whenever we decide to travel, visiting our daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Chris, and spend time with our two granddaughters, Kylie Mae and Keira Ivy. Both of our children live in CA, and we are also blessed in that they live only about a half an hour away from each other, traffic permitting. So, after hosting Thanksgiving dinner at our home, we went to CA to spend Christmas with our kids. We were very excited that we were going to get to spend time with our son, Jack, as this would have been our first Christmas without him. And, we were especially excited to get to spend time with him and his Nerda. Andrea/Nerda recently posted one of her photos on facebook. It is titled "True Love", and it is a photo of our son with one of her many birthday presents to him: 27 varieties of cupcakes for his 27th birthday this year.

Upon returning from CA, as is unfortunately sometimes the case, I became clinically depressed, so January was a very tough time for me. In February, the day of the snow that caused rolling blackouts not only in Las Cruces, but also in El Paso, I became very ill, and was taken by ambulance for treatment of a manic episode. I have had bipolar disorder since it manifested on February 8, 1988, and prior to February of this year, had been hospitalized on ten different occasions. So, in twenty-three years, I was only hospitalized a total of ten times. Upon being released one week later, I once again was admitted on March 1st, suffering from another manic episode. Finally, in early April, I was admitted for the third time, and released on April 18. What in the world was happening to me, and how was I supposed to stay out of the hospital if at the beginning of each month, I kept returning? During that last hospitalization, a ray of hope. A card from my husband, "If there is no wind, row." Inside it said, I believe in you...

VACATION!

I've been moving so fast these past few days, I can't seem to stop. So much needs to be done before we leave. Got a passport, check. Make sure to pack a light jacket and/or sweater, medication, etc.

Still need to keep checking the checklist to make sure we don't forget something important. Must remember to ask hubby to print out the checklist!

Hopefully, when we return, I will remember how to continue posting. For some reason, every time I leave my blog for more than a couple of months, things change and I need to learn how to post all over again. Oh! And, I always wonder why when I get a notice that I've posted, or that there is a comment on a post, the notice defaults to junk. lol That must be the Lord's way of keeping me humble. Whatever helps, is what I always say.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

It was amazing to me, when I was speaking "In My Own Voice", advocating for NAMI (National Alliance for Mentally Ill), how so many of us came together, as we did our part in battling mental illness. There were those who suffered from PTSD, chemical imbalances, bipolar disorder, and all manner of mental illnesses, and when all was said and done, regardless of the disorder, we had a common bond. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder was something that I could identify with especially, since my brother was a Viet Nam vet, and shared some of his stories with me. As it turns out, when it come to coping with life's daily struggles, be it a diagnosed mental disorder, or just the blues, we are all in the same boat. I remember, after a presentation, I always looked forward to the question and answer session. It was quite gratifying to answer questions from the audience, as I quickly learned that by answering questions, I was finding answers necessary for my own personal challenges.

A LITTLE HELP, PLEASE...

I cannot remember how to invite someone to read my blog. I remember that I need to have their e-mail address, but I cannot find where it is that I used to click in order to invite an interested follower. I've checked Dashboard, and My Account, but cannot see where I am allowed to invite. Please comment on this post and remind me. Thank you!

HEAVEN

HEAVEN
By Mary Spence

They play in sparkling white; these children of the light.
If I were you, I’d take a leap of faith—they are near—exist afar.
Believe this; for this is where they are.
From alpha to omega, the children sing and praise,
For they alone were blessed to play until the end.
Every race and every creed should pray to be like them;
For these beings from the start, have been with Him.
The time is now upon us when He will cull the wicked, fallen one.
For He alone from Heaven above made a mortal of His Son.
In Heaven, the children know not that on earth we have free will.
And in Heaven, never will His children feel the urge to kill;
For knowing only Heaven, they play and sing and praise.
If only earthly children could remain as once they were,
They could go back to Heaven; yes, each him and every her.
But sadly, earthly children began to war and fight and kill;
They forget their child-like innocence and abuse free will.
They find it all too easy to war and kill; yes, most all of them.
They forget their child-like innocence and lose all innocence.
They foolishly forget to love and obey him.

Heed this—pray that the 144,000 find you, remind you; and just as soon as that,
Many Jews and many Gentiles will repent, as they slowly come to believe
The Word of those, His chosen; make atonement and repent.
But, sadly, legion will resent and resist that long-lost memory
That they once were child-like too.
Oh, woe and grief will be their fate; the same as all who are wanton--it is true.
Envy, greed, gluttony, lust, sloth, pride and vengeance enslave them firmly in their grip.
When all they need do to regain their child-like innocence is to
Skip and play, and sing and praise.
Close your eyes now, and remember the innocence of your childhood;
When all of us heeded the words, “Be good.”
The time is now; yes closer still
When The Lord will fulfill the sacred words in Revelation,
And each and every one of us; yes, indeed in every nation,
Together with the Chosen Ones will be with Him again.
No more guns; no more destruction.
They will run and they will hide from His brilliant light,
Those who do not heed the Word,
And love, worship, pray, praise, and humbly ask for mercy from Our Lord.
Amen

SO THAT HE KNOWS

WITHOUT YOU
By Mary Spence

Without you, I’d have long since disappeared, gone away; searching for my peace of mind.
But, like a feather in the wind, I wouldn’t find my way, I’d be groundless, I’d be lost.
Just one more of the endless, mindless people, grasping for an answer with no clue;
Homeless, wearing that old sign—will work for food—and oblivious at what cost.

And, all the memories that we’ve built would most definitely be destroyed;
The bitter and the sweet, the love and making up, everything I had with you.
Without you, I’d lose my rock; there wouldn’t be a place I could call home.
My sanctuary would be gone; and though I’d never know it, still it would be true.

Although some people say, what a way to treat a wife, you just take it all in stride;
Yes, you take the blows, never offering an explanation or apology, only restraint.
And I try to make them see; I’m the best that I can be only when you’re by my side.
But, they think that I’m a fool, giving up on life without a fight; without complaint.

You ought to know the truth from the one who loves you so; no matter what they think,
Without you, I would have lost my way; an empty shell in a body—void without a soul.
Yet, without a fuss, you’ve shrugged off all the glares, and continued by my side.
And, no one but the Lord will ever know why he chose you for this painful , lonely role.

What I’d like to say to them would only be a waste, because they’d never understand
That without you guiding my way; stopping blunders as I stumble through my day,
I’d have long since disappeared, not knowing who I was, or even if I’d ever really been.
I wouldn’t last a day; but thank God, your eyes tell me, don’t worry, I won’t go away.

ENDURING LOVE

ENDURING LOVE
By Mary Spence

When I was but a girl, I longed for love,
And when I wasn’t looking, love found me.
He wrote about his love for me in words so sweet,
And, at the altar, as we pledged our love, we became one.

Our first days in wedlock--too short, for we treasured every moment.
Then, not long after that, a daughter first, and then a son.
With each new babe, fresh flowers from my love.
And, my! How my eyes delighted in their bloom!

The years slipped by,
Both children grown,
The bloom of youth is gone,
And yes, our children too.

Alone, yet not alone; I have my friend--my love.
From time to time, because he's sweet,
He brings me flowers--straight from our courtyard.
And, still, my eyes delight in every bloom he gives to me!

Just like the blooms of spring, our love endures
Through everything life brings.
Both children living their lives now—so many miles away from us.
Although I'm with my love, my heart yearns to have the children near.

Throughout our home, the flowers that my children and my love
Have given me are dry, but well preserved; and daily catch my eye.
My love's and both our children’s tenderly enduring love
Reflected in these flowers that I see, as I pause to contemplate the day.

I also see the love that shines from both my children's dear, sweet eyes
In all the dreams I have of them, most nearly every night.
Playing, laughing--they are children once again.
Safe in my heart--here with me and my true love, as once they were.

SLEEPLESS NIGHTS

SLEEPLESS NIGHTS
By Mary Spence
God, it’s me again, she whispers.
She feels guilt take a bite, sending shivers down her spine.
Why is it, she ponders, that the only times
We call on Our Lord
Are in these times of darkness?
She listens intently, for she knows He is there
With His mighty and glorious hand
Shielding her from one more night of torment.
Still frightened, unwilling to close her eyes,
Fearing the terror that holds her firmly in its grip.
Praying to retain that feeling of peace
Bestowed from Heaven above,
Just before closing her eyes;
Letting sleep take her.
He is fighting battles that are troubling her mind and spirit.
As she sleeps,
He watches over her,
Slaying demons
That are vexing to the soul.
She springs out of bed and sleep, and
On bended knee,
She prays for that elusive peace of mind
That binds her to the beauty and grace
Of God in Heaven.
Lord, she prays,
Hear my prayer.
Heal me.
Yes, Lord, I understand, but I am frightened, she cries.
Closing her eyes tightly, she prays;
Lord, I am not worthy, but only say the word,
And I shall be healed.
She stops; listening intently for His Word.
She clings firmly to the knowledge that
He is indeed listening.
I am so cold, she whispers to herself;
Yet, feels oddly burned by intense heat from within.
Those seeds, planted by a mind not yet healed,
Keep falling and falling,
Deep into that place from which there is no return.
Yes, Lord, I am listening; she prays,
Dear Lord, I am not worthy, but
Only say the word and I shall be healed.
I am an empty vessel ready to fulfill thy will.
Yes, she murmurs to herself,
This is the way.
So many times,
For so many years,
She has whispered these words, over and over;
Time and time again;
Praying that she can become
Pleasing in His eyes.
For, in his eyes alone are the answers.
She would do anything, anything if she could
Find her peace of mind;
The peace of mind that was once hers as a child,
A child of God,
Full of grace.

BLACK OR WHITE

BLACK OR WHITE
By Mary Spence

I keep trying, just keep on trying
To make my whole world black, so I can be home free.
But, there’s no such thing for me.

Close your eyes; sew them shut.
Hold a black cloth in your fists,
And jam both fists into your eyes.

Oh! Only black or white for me.
But, I’m not surprised, not surprised at all.
Still, only black or white, you see.

And, I keep trying, I just keep on trying
To make my whole world black, so I can be home free.
But I already know--there’s no such thing for me.

I want to send it to that black hole of Calcutta!
But, it’s got one hell of a hold on me,
And, I’m not giving up—no, I’ll never give up on me.

Keeps me up all night;
It’s got a hold on me I cannot break.
I just cannot break away.

It drags me down--keeps dragging me down, and down.
Just keeps on, keeps on, dragging me down,
And if I give up now, in a matter of time I’ll drown.

Please tell me that you understand.
But, maybe you just cannot see,
That I can’t give up—I will never give up on me.

I've decided to continue with my blog.

I was recently asked if I write poetry, and if I am published. I replied, it's complicated. Then, I sent this person two of my poems. I may post them here, and then perhaps I will go back to what I've always wanted to do: simply write. I remember in 1988, when I first thought of writing, and all that ensued because of my intent to write a novel. Yesterday, I told my husband about the interest on my blog, "Dig ME!", and that I was told that I should write. He chuckled, and asked me if I'd told that person about how I once thought I'd be on Johnny Carson. It made me laugh, and then later, I thought. You know? I think I'll start writing again. Very soon.