American Heroes Radio will broadcast its 100th show, tonight, February 26, 2010, at 1700 hours Pacific. Guest for the Anniversary Show will include:
Former USMC Major Richard Botkin; Private Investigator Jimmie Mesis; former San Francisco Police Department Detective Linda Flanders, former Deputy Sheriff Brian Kinnard; former marine and Howard County Police Department police officer James H. Lilley; Vietnam Veteran Arthur Wiknik; former St. Louis County Police Department law enforcement official Ken Dye; the son of Colonel James R. Haun, a World War II fighter pilot; attorney and former police officer Sean Rogers; Senior Sergeant Martin Katz, Broward County Sheriff’s Office (ret.); Special Agent Bob Hamer, Federal Bureau of Investigation (ret.); Vietnam Veteran and former New York Police Department police officer Joe Sanchez; Vietnam Veteran and retired New York Police Department Detective Alan Sheppard; Retire New York State Correction Officer Al Bermudez Pereira; retired Sergeant Gregory Allen Doyle, Upland Police Department; Lieutenant Art Adkins Gainesville Police Department; Dr. Andrew J. Harvey, retired police captain, educator and author; Detective Don Howell, Huntington Beach Police Department (ret.); and, Captain Frank Root, Arizona Department of Public Safety (ret.).
Listen Live
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/lawenforcement/2010/02/27/100th-anniversary-show
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Plagued by Plague: New Research Shows Widespread Risk to Wildlife
February 24, 2010 - The effects of plague on wildlife may have been underestimated in the past, according to research published today in a special issue of Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases. Plague, a flea-borne bacterial disease introduced to North America in the late 1800s, spreads rapidly across a landscape, causing devastating effects to wildlife and posing risks to people. Conservation and recovery efforts for imperiled species such as the black-footed ferret and Utah prairie dog are greatly hampered by the effects of plague. Eruptions of the fatal disease have wiped out prairie dog colonies, as well as dependent ferret populations, in many locations over the years.
The newly published work demonstrates that plague continues to affect the black-footed ferret, one of the most critically endangered mammals in North America, as well as several species of prairie dogs, including the federally threatened Utah prairie dog—even when the disease does not erupt into epidemic form.
“The impacts of plague on mammal populations remain unknown for all but a few species, but the impact on those species we have studied raises alarms as well as important questions about how plague might be affecting conservation efforts in general,” said Dean Biggins, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and co-author of two papers in the special issue.
Biggins’ and his colleague’s research indicates that plague may be maintained in the wild within colonies of prairie dogs, the primary food of black-footed ferrets, without causing the large-scale, rapid die-off of prairie dogs that is commonly observed. The mechanisms of the bacterium’s low-level presence and survival, as well as the absence of a large-scale die-off of prairie dogs, remain under investigation.
“The overall difficulty of detecting plague in the absence of a large-scale die-off serves as a warning for those dedicated to wildlife conservation and human health,” Biggins said. “Hazards from plague may exist even where there have never been epidemics that caused widespread and readily detectable levels of mortality among local rodents such as prairie dogs,” he explained.
Two years ago, for example, a National Park Service employee in Arizona died of plague contracted from an infected cougar that he had found dead, even though a plague epidemic had not been observed in resident prairie dog populations.
The papers are part of a collection presented at an international symposium on the ecology of plague and its effects on wildlife, held in Fort Collins, Colo., in November 2008. The symposium was co-sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Colorado State University, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The special issue covers how plague persists in the wild, the role of rodents and other host species in disease transmission, diagnostic techniques, factors that affect the occurrence and spread of plague, effects to wildlife populations, and disease management and control. For a limited time, the journal will be available online at no charge
The newly published work demonstrates that plague continues to affect the black-footed ferret, one of the most critically endangered mammals in North America, as well as several species of prairie dogs, including the federally threatened Utah prairie dog—even when the disease does not erupt into epidemic form.
“The impacts of plague on mammal populations remain unknown for all but a few species, but the impact on those species we have studied raises alarms as well as important questions about how plague might be affecting conservation efforts in general,” said Dean Biggins, a wildlife biologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and co-author of two papers in the special issue.
Biggins’ and his colleague’s research indicates that plague may be maintained in the wild within colonies of prairie dogs, the primary food of black-footed ferrets, without causing the large-scale, rapid die-off of prairie dogs that is commonly observed. The mechanisms of the bacterium’s low-level presence and survival, as well as the absence of a large-scale die-off of prairie dogs, remain under investigation.
“The overall difficulty of detecting plague in the absence of a large-scale die-off serves as a warning for those dedicated to wildlife conservation and human health,” Biggins said. “Hazards from plague may exist even where there have never been epidemics that caused widespread and readily detectable levels of mortality among local rodents such as prairie dogs,” he explained.
Two years ago, for example, a National Park Service employee in Arizona died of plague contracted from an infected cougar that he had found dead, even though a plague epidemic had not been observed in resident prairie dog populations.
The papers are part of a collection presented at an international symposium on the ecology of plague and its effects on wildlife, held in Fort Collins, Colo., in November 2008. The symposium was co-sponsored by the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Colorado State University, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The special issue covers how plague persists in the wild, the role of rodents and other host species in disease transmission, diagnostic techniques, factors that affect the occurrence and spread of plague, effects to wildlife populations, and disease management and control. For a limited time, the journal will be available online at no charge
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Leadership
According to a recent reader of Leadership: Texas Hold ‘em Style, “I want to weigh in on this book written by Raymond Foster and his cohort Andrew Harvey. I returned to school last year after 30 years of working and raising my family. In the process I have bought a plethora of books in the last year or so. I bought this book as I studied leadership from a an academic point view as well as using it in my profession. I have enjoyed a great career in law enforcement and in recent years I find myself in positions of leadership, both at work and within our police union. With the advent of the current economic crash leadership skills are in huge demand. I can't believe I waited to read this book until now. I needed to read this book years ago as I found myself leading people through these times.
But hey, better late than never! The authors of this book are incredibly educated and insightful in their perceptions and philosophies on leadership. They are not writing from theory, they are writing from experience, adding to the credibility factor of this book! The poker analogies used in this book are awesome and very to the point. They take the topic of leadership and deliver their thoughts in a down to earth fashion that anyone can comprehend and apply. This book is so easy to read but yet makes one ponder and consider some very insightful principles. They both have had success in their lives and know from which they speak. I would recommend this book to anyone considering taking a leadership role. It is a meat and potato approach that should be mandatory reading for every leadership course.
Buy it, read it, apply it, and live it! Great book!
But hey, better late than never! The authors of this book are incredibly educated and insightful in their perceptions and philosophies on leadership. They are not writing from theory, they are writing from experience, adding to the credibility factor of this book! The poker analogies used in this book are awesome and very to the point. They take the topic of leadership and deliver their thoughts in a down to earth fashion that anyone can comprehend and apply. This book is so easy to read but yet makes one ponder and consider some very insightful principles. They both have had success in their lives and know from which they speak. I would recommend this book to anyone considering taking a leadership role. It is a meat and potato approach that should be mandatory reading for every leadership course.
Buy it, read it, apply it, and live it! Great book!
Friday, February 12, 2010
American Hunting Rifles: Their Application in the Field for Practical Shooting
A companion volume to Boddington's highly acclaimed Safari Rifles, this comprehensive book covers all the hunting rifles and calibers that are needed for North America's diverse game. From the great bears of the Arctic to the diminutive javelina of the Southwest deserts, America's game calls for a large variety of calibers, and Boddington covers them all, in the thorough, clear, and concise manner that we have come to expect of him. This incredible work will be a guide to all North American hunters, whether you shoot whitetails on the East Coast or elk in the Rocky Mountains. It covers literally all North American big game and all imaginable rifles, calibers, and shooting gear. Like his Safari Rifles, this book will be one of the most worn-out and dog-eared volumes in your sporting library! Also contains a detailed 24-page index and outfitter recommendations on rifles and calibers.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
New Jersey Coyote/Fox Hunter Survey
There are an estimated 930 canine (coyote, gray fox and red fox) hunters in New Jersey (Burnett 2004). Coyote and fox may be hunted during the small game seasons prescribed by New Jersey’s annual Game Code by properly licensed sportsmen (e.g., October 2 through November 12, 2004 - archery only and November 13, 2004 through February 21, 2005 firearm or bow and arrow). Properly licensed and permitted deer hunters may also harvest coyote and fox during proscribed deer seasons. A special permit was required when hunting coyote and fox between February 1-21, 2005 (inclusive) when hunting with a muzzleloading rifle in an area with no open deer season, when with a shotgun using shot size larger than #4 fine shot or when hunting at night with shotgun only [N.J.A.C. 7:25-5.19]. The daily bag limit was two coyote per day but no daily bag limit on fox. Five hundred forty-five permits were issued for the 18-day, February season.
A 2004-05 New Jersey Coyote/Fox Hunter Survey was mailed to all 545 holders of the Special Eastern Coyote and Fox Hunting Permit. The survey objective was to gather information regarding canine hunter demographics, prior hunting experience, current hunting activity, equipment used, predator response and expenditures (excluding license and permit fees).
Read On
http://www.newjersey.gov/dep/fgw/pdf/2005/coyote-fox_huntersurvey04-05.pdf
A 2004-05 New Jersey Coyote/Fox Hunter Survey was mailed to all 545 holders of the Special Eastern Coyote and Fox Hunting Permit. The survey objective was to gather information regarding canine hunter demographics, prior hunting experience, current hunting activity, equipment used, predator response and expenditures (excluding license and permit fees).
Read On
http://www.newjersey.gov/dep/fgw/pdf/2005/coyote-fox_huntersurvey04-05.pdf
Impact of Red Fox Predation on the Sex Ratio of Prairie Mallards
Preponderances of males in many populations of wild ducks have been reported since 1932, but the cause of the sex disparity has only been speculated upon. This report examines the role that red fox (Vulpes vulpes) predation may play in the etiology of unbalanced sex ratios among dabbling ducks. A simple model of mallard (Anas platyrhyrnchos) population dynamics, as affected by fox predation, hunting, and other mortality, was developed for the Prairie Pothole Region of North Dakota during 1963-73.
Annual estimates of red fox densities, obtained from aerial censuses, sightings by rural mail carriers, and numbers of foxes killed at strychnine-baited draw stations, averaged 0.1 family per square kilometer. Spring mallard densities were adapted from annual Waterfowl Breeding Pair Surveys conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. An index to the rate of fox predation (including scavenging) on mallards was the average number of mallards discernible in food remains found above ground at fox rearing dens. The index was converted to a measure of fox predation by accounting for mallards at dens but not detectable in food remains found above ground, mallards taken by foxes but not brought to dens, and the number of dens used by foxes to rear their pups. Most (79.8%) of the mallards found at fox dens were female. The average annual predation rates were 0.959 male and 3.601 female mallards taken per fox family. Survival rates of adult mallards, as estimated from preseason banding data for 1963-67, averaged 67.8% for males and 61.7% for females. Hunting mortality rates, estimated by adjusting recovery rates to account for birds that were not retrieved or not reported by hunters, averaged 15.8% and 10.2% for adult males and adult females, respectively. The model was constructed so that the actual numbers of female mallards need not be known. That quantity was calculated within the model, by the use of generalized recruitment rates, which incorporated both the addition of young into the population and the net effect of immigration and emigration.
The output of primary interest was the simulated spring sex ratio in the final (11th) year of the reference period, which averaged 126 males per 100 females.
The validity of the model was assessed by mathematical means and by comparing its results to those from field studies. Recorded spring sex ratios of prenesting mallards in the Prairie Pothole Region varied from 108 to 129 males per 100 females, as compared to the simulated 11th-year value of 126:100. Available fall sex ratios of adult mallards were also in agreement with the results of the simulations. Mortality rates for spring through summer, as calculated from the model, averaged 16.4% for males and 28.5% for females, both figures comparable to those obtained in other studies. One conclusion drawn from the model was that mortality rates for factors other than fox predation and hunting were slightly higher for females than for males. An examination of the sex specificity of other mortality factors suggested that: accidents represent a small but significant source of mortality, somewhat higher in females than males; losses attributed to weather and disease appear to affect males and females in proportion to their occurrence in exposed populations; and among predators other than foxes in the reference area, only the mink (Mustela vison), which takes mostly drakes, has been identified as an important predator of adult mallards. Mortality factors other than fox predation and hunting tend to apply at slightly higher rates in females than males, which agrees with the results of the model.
After being modified to make predictive inferences, the model yielded an average male:female sex ratio of about 118:100, a value somewhat lower than those obtained in the initial model, but more reflective of the situation throughout the 11-year period. The simulated effects on the sex ratio of a sustained high fox population were further distortions, to about 131 males per 100 females. A sustained low fox population resulted in nearly even sex ratios. Halving of the mallard population heightened the disparity to 128 males per 100 females, while doubling yielded more balanced sex ratios. The sex specificity and intensity of hunting had a profound effect on the sex ratio; the simulated removal of hunting resulted in a sex ratio of about 155 males per 100 females, while increasing only the male rate yielded a more nearly balanced ratio.
The Prairie Pothole Region is the nesting ground for about half of the continental mallard population. During the past 100 years the character of the region has changed from nearly pristine wilderness to intensive agriculture. This transition altered the relationship between mallards and their environment, including man and predators. Human settlement changed the prairie canid composition from a multi-species, wolf (Canis lupus)-dominated complex during pristine times toward a single-species red fox population. This change increased the vulnerability of breeding mallards to canid predation. The predictive model was used to explore presettlement sex ratios, and suggested that in pristine times the mallard population was less imbalanced than today, the sex ratio probably being 110 or fewer males per 100 females.
Although the existence of "excess" drakes has been recognized in many populations, their role is poorly understood. Three possible advantages, and one potential disadvantage, that a surplus of males may confer on a population are described. The fragmentary evidence suggests that the presence of slightly more males than females offers some advantage to the species. Some differences between dabbling and diving ducks are pointed out by referring to the canvasback (Aythya valisineria), a species with very disproportionate sex ratios. An analysis of the mortality factors of this species suggests a reason for the more distorted sex ratio than in the mallard, even though predation losses may be less. Unlike the mallard, predation and hunting have compounding rather than compensatory effects on the sex ratio.
One management implication of an imbalanced sex ratio is that the usual methods of estimating duck populations from sample surveys may be biased upwards if unmated drakes are not distinguished from mated drakes waiting for their hens. Also, hunting regulations are a potent agent for altering the sex ratio. Finally, predator management directly affects certain populations of prey species. Sorting out the exact relationship between predator and prey populations is complex and the task of controlling foxes to reduce predation on hen mallards is difficult. The overall conclusions of the report are: an imbalanced sex ratio in prairie mallards can result from reduced female survival attributed largely to predation by red foxes; hunting has only partially restored sexual balance; the sex ratio of prairie mallards has become increasingly a function of human-influenced mortality, and red foxes are now the major single source of nonhunting mortality of hen mallards in North Dakota.
Annual estimates of red fox densities, obtained from aerial censuses, sightings by rural mail carriers, and numbers of foxes killed at strychnine-baited draw stations, averaged 0.1 family per square kilometer. Spring mallard densities were adapted from annual Waterfowl Breeding Pair Surveys conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. An index to the rate of fox predation (including scavenging) on mallards was the average number of mallards discernible in food remains found above ground at fox rearing dens. The index was converted to a measure of fox predation by accounting for mallards at dens but not detectable in food remains found above ground, mallards taken by foxes but not brought to dens, and the number of dens used by foxes to rear their pups. Most (79.8%) of the mallards found at fox dens were female. The average annual predation rates were 0.959 male and 3.601 female mallards taken per fox family. Survival rates of adult mallards, as estimated from preseason banding data for 1963-67, averaged 67.8% for males and 61.7% for females. Hunting mortality rates, estimated by adjusting recovery rates to account for birds that were not retrieved or not reported by hunters, averaged 15.8% and 10.2% for adult males and adult females, respectively. The model was constructed so that the actual numbers of female mallards need not be known. That quantity was calculated within the model, by the use of generalized recruitment rates, which incorporated both the addition of young into the population and the net effect of immigration and emigration.
The output of primary interest was the simulated spring sex ratio in the final (11th) year of the reference period, which averaged 126 males per 100 females.
The validity of the model was assessed by mathematical means and by comparing its results to those from field studies. Recorded spring sex ratios of prenesting mallards in the Prairie Pothole Region varied from 108 to 129 males per 100 females, as compared to the simulated 11th-year value of 126:100. Available fall sex ratios of adult mallards were also in agreement with the results of the simulations. Mortality rates for spring through summer, as calculated from the model, averaged 16.4% for males and 28.5% for females, both figures comparable to those obtained in other studies. One conclusion drawn from the model was that mortality rates for factors other than fox predation and hunting were slightly higher for females than for males. An examination of the sex specificity of other mortality factors suggested that: accidents represent a small but significant source of mortality, somewhat higher in females than males; losses attributed to weather and disease appear to affect males and females in proportion to their occurrence in exposed populations; and among predators other than foxes in the reference area, only the mink (Mustela vison), which takes mostly drakes, has been identified as an important predator of adult mallards. Mortality factors other than fox predation and hunting tend to apply at slightly higher rates in females than males, which agrees with the results of the model.
After being modified to make predictive inferences, the model yielded an average male:female sex ratio of about 118:100, a value somewhat lower than those obtained in the initial model, but more reflective of the situation throughout the 11-year period. The simulated effects on the sex ratio of a sustained high fox population were further distortions, to about 131 males per 100 females. A sustained low fox population resulted in nearly even sex ratios. Halving of the mallard population heightened the disparity to 128 males per 100 females, while doubling yielded more balanced sex ratios. The sex specificity and intensity of hunting had a profound effect on the sex ratio; the simulated removal of hunting resulted in a sex ratio of about 155 males per 100 females, while increasing only the male rate yielded a more nearly balanced ratio.
The Prairie Pothole Region is the nesting ground for about half of the continental mallard population. During the past 100 years the character of the region has changed from nearly pristine wilderness to intensive agriculture. This transition altered the relationship between mallards and their environment, including man and predators. Human settlement changed the prairie canid composition from a multi-species, wolf (Canis lupus)-dominated complex during pristine times toward a single-species red fox population. This change increased the vulnerability of breeding mallards to canid predation. The predictive model was used to explore presettlement sex ratios, and suggested that in pristine times the mallard population was less imbalanced than today, the sex ratio probably being 110 or fewer males per 100 females.
Although the existence of "excess" drakes has been recognized in many populations, their role is poorly understood. Three possible advantages, and one potential disadvantage, that a surplus of males may confer on a population are described. The fragmentary evidence suggests that the presence of slightly more males than females offers some advantage to the species. Some differences between dabbling and diving ducks are pointed out by referring to the canvasback (Aythya valisineria), a species with very disproportionate sex ratios. An analysis of the mortality factors of this species suggests a reason for the more distorted sex ratio than in the mallard, even though predation losses may be less. Unlike the mallard, predation and hunting have compounding rather than compensatory effects on the sex ratio.
One management implication of an imbalanced sex ratio is that the usual methods of estimating duck populations from sample surveys may be biased upwards if unmated drakes are not distinguished from mated drakes waiting for their hens. Also, hunting regulations are a potent agent for altering the sex ratio. Finally, predator management directly affects certain populations of prey species. Sorting out the exact relationship between predator and prey populations is complex and the task of controlling foxes to reduce predation on hen mallards is difficult. The overall conclusions of the report are: an imbalanced sex ratio in prairie mallards can result from reduced female survival attributed largely to predation by red foxes; hunting has only partially restored sexual balance; the sex ratio of prairie mallards has become increasingly a function of human-influenced mortality, and red foxes are now the major single source of nonhunting mortality of hen mallards in North Dakota.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Ready For Anything: A guide to predator hunting
How do you pick out a good calling stand? Which camouflage should you wear? Which rifle should you use? Can you lip squeak? And most importantly - where are the animals?! Predator calling has grown immensely in popularity over the past few years, and there are many sportsmen who enjoy this exciting and challenging style of hunting. However there are many who just can't seem to get animals to come in on a regular basis - they lack the fundamental knowledge and experience. Well not anymore! Inside "Ready For Anything" you will find the answers to your questions, as well as instructions for selecting stands, gear, calls, and even participating in competitions! Mixed in are personal stories of accomplished hunters and lots of exciting photos. Stop hoping that predators show up to your call and start expecting them to!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Military and Police Books of the Year
Between the three websites, more than 2,200 American Heroes and their books are listed.
February 6, 2010, (San Dimas, CA) American Heroes Press, the publishers of www.military-writers.com, www.police-writers.com and www.firefighter-writers.com, announced the results of their annual recognition.
About the Websites
Military-Writers.com is a website that lists servicemembers from all branches of the United States Armed Forces who have authored books. Currently, the site lists 1146 servicemembers and their more than 3,700 books. Servicemembers are listed by name, branch, rank and type of book.
Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local law enforcement officials who have written books. Currently, the website lists 1,082 state or local police officers and their more than 2,300 books. Law enforcement officials are listed by name, department and type of book. Additionally, the website has separate sections which list federal law enforcement officials, international police officers and civilian police personnel.
FireFighter-Writers.com lists American firefighters and other emergency services personnel who have authored books. Currently, the site lists 22 firefighters and over 200 books.
About the Awards
The Military-Writers.com Book of Year 2010 focuses solely on the written contribution made by the servicemember. It is that book found by the panel of judges to be the most significant literary contribution made by a servicemember in the previous year.
The Police-Writers.com Book of the Year 2010 focuses solely on the written contribution made by the police officer. It is that book found by the panel of judges to be the most significant literary contribution made by a police officer in the previous year.
The Military-Writers.com 2010 Book of the Year
Ride the Thunder: A Vietnam War Story of Honor and Triumph authored by former Major Richard Botkin, USMC, is the Military-Writers.com Book of the Year.
Former United States Marine Corps Major Richard Botkin “graduated from the University of Michigan's School of Business. He served from 1980 to 1995 on active and reserve duty as a Marine Corps infantry officer with units to include 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, and 4th Force Reconnaissance Company. His understanding for Southeast Asia has been enhanced by the nine medical/dental mission trips he helped to organize and lead to Cambodia between 1998 and 2007, and four trips to Vietnam, including one with his main Vietnamese character Le Ba Binh, to specifically do research for Ride the Thunder. Richard Botkin currently lives with his family in northern California, where he is an investment advisor for a major brokerage firm.” Richard Botkin is the author of Ride the Thunder: A Vietnam War Story of Honor and Triumph.
According to the book description of Ride the Thunder: A Vietnam War Story of Honor and Triumph, “Richard Botkin breaks new ground in telling the heroic story of a few American and Vietnamese Marines who fought brilliantly and turned the tide of the Vietnam War, only to have policymakers surrender the battlefield. Botkin recounts the exploits of the American Marines and their Vietnamese allies who were largely responsible for thwarting the North Vietnamese invasion of the northern portions of South Vietnam - known as the 'Easter Offensive of 1972' in the West that was intended to bring the nation to its knees. These are the men who 'rode the thunder' and almost saved a nation. Botkin tells the story of Captain John Ripley's daring raid to destroy the Dong Ha Bridge; Major Le Ba Binh and his seven hundred Marines bravely holding off more than 20 thousand North Vietnamese troops; Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Turley's leadership and bravery that helped thwart the Easter Offensive - and much more.”
The Police-Writers.com Book of the Year 2010
The Sixth Session authored by Lieutenant Joe Hefferon, Essex County Sheriff’s Office, is the Police-Writers.com Book of the Year.
Lieutenant Joe Hefferon of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office is a 22 year veteran of law enforcement who is currently assigned to the office of the chief. He “has been a police officer for more than twenty-two years. His experiences have given him access to the scarier hallways of the human psyche, helping to layer his narrative with poignancy, grit, and dark humor. Joe Hefferon is the proud parent of two beautiful children, Jack and Kaitlin.” Lieutenant Joe Hefferon is the author of The Sixth Session.
According to the book description of The Sixth Session, “Newspaper man Carter Jackson forms an unlikely alliance with Detective Brooke Enright to stop the awful killing of children while reconciling their own inner torment. Carter is reeling over the death of his beloved wife and immerses himself in the brutal investigation, set against one bitter cold December. The Sixth Session will make you think about the best and worst of human capacities. It will make you want to fall in love again, even with all its tragic consequences.”
American Heroes Press Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
February 6, 2010, (San Dimas, CA) American Heroes Press, the publishers of www.military-writers.com, www.police-writers.com and www.firefighter-writers.com, announced the results of their annual recognition.
About the Websites
Military-Writers.com is a website that lists servicemembers from all branches of the United States Armed Forces who have authored books. Currently, the site lists 1146 servicemembers and their more than 3,700 books. Servicemembers are listed by name, branch, rank and type of book.
Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local law enforcement officials who have written books. Currently, the website lists 1,082 state or local police officers and their more than 2,300 books. Law enforcement officials are listed by name, department and type of book. Additionally, the website has separate sections which list federal law enforcement officials, international police officers and civilian police personnel.
FireFighter-Writers.com lists American firefighters and other emergency services personnel who have authored books. Currently, the site lists 22 firefighters and over 200 books.
About the Awards
The Military-Writers.com Book of Year 2010 focuses solely on the written contribution made by the servicemember. It is that book found by the panel of judges to be the most significant literary contribution made by a servicemember in the previous year.
The Police-Writers.com Book of the Year 2010 focuses solely on the written contribution made by the police officer. It is that book found by the panel of judges to be the most significant literary contribution made by a police officer in the previous year.
The Military-Writers.com 2010 Book of the Year
Ride the Thunder: A Vietnam War Story of Honor and Triumph authored by former Major Richard Botkin, USMC, is the Military-Writers.com Book of the Year.
Former United States Marine Corps Major Richard Botkin “graduated from the University of Michigan's School of Business. He served from 1980 to 1995 on active and reserve duty as a Marine Corps infantry officer with units to include 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, 1st Reconnaissance Battalion, and 4th Force Reconnaissance Company. His understanding for Southeast Asia has been enhanced by the nine medical/dental mission trips he helped to organize and lead to Cambodia between 1998 and 2007, and four trips to Vietnam, including one with his main Vietnamese character Le Ba Binh, to specifically do research for Ride the Thunder. Richard Botkin currently lives with his family in northern California, where he is an investment advisor for a major brokerage firm.” Richard Botkin is the author of Ride the Thunder: A Vietnam War Story of Honor and Triumph.
According to the book description of Ride the Thunder: A Vietnam War Story of Honor and Triumph, “Richard Botkin breaks new ground in telling the heroic story of a few American and Vietnamese Marines who fought brilliantly and turned the tide of the Vietnam War, only to have policymakers surrender the battlefield. Botkin recounts the exploits of the American Marines and their Vietnamese allies who were largely responsible for thwarting the North Vietnamese invasion of the northern portions of South Vietnam - known as the 'Easter Offensive of 1972' in the West that was intended to bring the nation to its knees. These are the men who 'rode the thunder' and almost saved a nation. Botkin tells the story of Captain John Ripley's daring raid to destroy the Dong Ha Bridge; Major Le Ba Binh and his seven hundred Marines bravely holding off more than 20 thousand North Vietnamese troops; Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Turley's leadership and bravery that helped thwart the Easter Offensive - and much more.”
The Police-Writers.com Book of the Year 2010
The Sixth Session authored by Lieutenant Joe Hefferon, Essex County Sheriff’s Office, is the Police-Writers.com Book of the Year.
Lieutenant Joe Hefferon of the Essex County Sheriff’s Office is a 22 year veteran of law enforcement who is currently assigned to the office of the chief. He “has been a police officer for more than twenty-two years. His experiences have given him access to the scarier hallways of the human psyche, helping to layer his narrative with poignancy, grit, and dark humor. Joe Hefferon is the proud parent of two beautiful children, Jack and Kaitlin.” Lieutenant Joe Hefferon is the author of The Sixth Session.
According to the book description of The Sixth Session, “Newspaper man Carter Jackson forms an unlikely alliance with Detective Brooke Enright to stop the awful killing of children while reconciling their own inner torment. Carter is reeling over the death of his beloved wife and immerses himself in the brutal investigation, set against one bitter cold December. The Sixth Session will make you think about the best and worst of human capacities. It will make you want to fall in love again, even with all its tragic consequences.”
American Heroes Press Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Fish Egg Disinfectant Shown to Prevent Transmission of Devastating Fish Disease:
Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus Eliminated in Treated Eggs
February 2, 2010 - A disinfection solution presently used for salmon eggs also prevents transmission of the virus that causes viral hemorrhagic septicemia or VHS -- one of the most dangerous viral diseases of fish -- in other hatchery-reared fish eggs, according to new U.S. Geological Survey-led research. VHS has caused large fish kills in wild fish in the U.S., especially in the Great Lakes region, where thousands of fish have died from the virus over the last few years. The disease causes internal bleeding in fish, and although in the family of viruses that includes rabies, is not harmful to humans. Thus far, the virus has been found in more than 25 species of fish in Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie, St. Clair, Superior and Ontario, as well as the Saint Lawrence River and inland lakes in New York, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Effective disinfection methods are critically important to natural resource agencies that collect eggs from wild fish stocks and private aquaculture because the spread of the virus to a fish hatchery could be devastating, said Mark Gaikowski, a USGS researcher who led the USGS and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service research team.
“If VHS virus is introduced into the aquaculture industry, it could lead to trade restrictions, as well as direct economic losses from the disease,” Gaikowski noted.
USGS and USFWS researchers tested the effectiveness of using iodophor disinfection in walleye and northern pike eggs and found that it eliminated active virus from fertilized eggs. Iodophor disinfectant solutions contain iodine formulated for use on fish eggs. The researchers also found that although some of the disinfection treatments reduced hatch, iodophor treatment at 90 minutes after fertilization occurred did not alter egg hatch or fry development.
Experts fear the disease could potentially spread from the Great Lakes into new populations of native fish in the 31 states of the Mississippi River basin. Regulatory agencies in the United States and Canada have already placed restrictions on the movement of fish or fish products that could pose a risk for the spread of VHS virus to regions outside of the known geographic range.
For more information about this subject, as well as recommendations on the disinfection process, see the new USGS Fact Sheet online. Funding for this research was provided by the USGS and the North Central Regional Aquaculture Center from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperative State, Research, Education and Extension Service. The iodine used during egg disinfection was donated by Western Chemical Inc, Ferndale, Washington.
February 2, 2010 - A disinfection solution presently used for salmon eggs also prevents transmission of the virus that causes viral hemorrhagic septicemia or VHS -- one of the most dangerous viral diseases of fish -- in other hatchery-reared fish eggs, according to new U.S. Geological Survey-led research. VHS has caused large fish kills in wild fish in the U.S., especially in the Great Lakes region, where thousands of fish have died from the virus over the last few years. The disease causes internal bleeding in fish, and although in the family of viruses that includes rabies, is not harmful to humans. Thus far, the virus has been found in more than 25 species of fish in Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie, St. Clair, Superior and Ontario, as well as the Saint Lawrence River and inland lakes in New York, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Effective disinfection methods are critically important to natural resource agencies that collect eggs from wild fish stocks and private aquaculture because the spread of the virus to a fish hatchery could be devastating, said Mark Gaikowski, a USGS researcher who led the USGS and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service research team.
“If VHS virus is introduced into the aquaculture industry, it could lead to trade restrictions, as well as direct economic losses from the disease,” Gaikowski noted.
USGS and USFWS researchers tested the effectiveness of using iodophor disinfection in walleye and northern pike eggs and found that it eliminated active virus from fertilized eggs. Iodophor disinfectant solutions contain iodine formulated for use on fish eggs. The researchers also found that although some of the disinfection treatments reduced hatch, iodophor treatment at 90 minutes after fertilization occurred did not alter egg hatch or fry development.
Experts fear the disease could potentially spread from the Great Lakes into new populations of native fish in the 31 states of the Mississippi River basin. Regulatory agencies in the United States and Canada have already placed restrictions on the movement of fish or fish products that could pose a risk for the spread of VHS virus to regions outside of the known geographic range.
For more information about this subject, as well as recommendations on the disinfection process, see the new USGS Fact Sheet online. Funding for this research was provided by the USGS and the North Central Regional Aquaculture Center from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperative State, Research, Education and Extension Service. The iodine used during egg disinfection was donated by Western Chemical Inc, Ferndale, Washington.
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