A Real Mystery to Solve

One of Supersonic Safety Research's Facebook friends sent us a link to this story and I've got to say this is a real mystery.  I think they will find Jimmy Hoffa before they solve this one.
 Basically this woman stole an identity and took her secret of who she really was and why she stole the identity to her grave.  Read the story and tell us what you think and how would you go about solving this one.
http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2021243552_janedoexml.html#.UcpoOBP0Ono.facebook

Basic Prelim Investigation

Yesterday I posted about who Apollo Robbins was.  How did I get the info?  By doing a very simple, basic investigation at my computer.  It is how I start just about any research I do on the computer.  I Google the name/subject and proceed from there.
 In this case the #1 result was Mr. Robbins website, #2 was his Wikipedia entry.  Wikipedia is usually my second place to look for information.  I like Google because I can narrow my search to the web, images, videos, news, etc.  With Google I can also search time frames such as past month or past year.  I like Wikipedia because I can at least get  the very basic information and then I like to scroll to the bottom for external links, references and sources.  I also like that Wikipedia links to articles related within the article you are reading.  Finally, I mostly use Firefox for my browser because I think it makes searching easier with a task bar that allows you to pick different search engines.
So, that is how this blogger for Supersonic Safety Research starts their search.  How do you start your searches?

Apollo Robbins - The Gentleman Thief

Well, lets start off by saying Apollo Robbins is NOT a thief, this is really more a reflection of his demeanor in his act where he is non-intrusive and doesn't embarrass participants .  He lists himself as an entertainer, speaker and consultant on his website.  Mr. Robbins first gained notoriety when he pick pocketed the Secret Service agents accompanying former President Jimmy Carter.  One of the interesting things Apollo talks about on his website is the difference between thieves and magicians.  He says the difference is that thieves monitor your attention while a magician manipulates your attention.  A thief he says would not look to manipulate your attention as they do NOT want to be memorable to you.  The other interesting thing he talked about was ASSUMPTIONS, specifically FALSE ASSUMPTIONS.  Mr. Robbins states 'he creates ASSUMPTIONS that look like reality and takes advantage of those.'   REMEMBER when Supersonic Safety Research warned you?  Never ASSUME. http://supersonicpi.blogspot.com/2013/02/never-assume.html

Here is Apollo Robbins website:

http://www.istealstuff.com/

Here is Apollo Robbins video promoting him and what he does:

Apollo Robbins: The Gentleman Thief from Whizmob on Vimeo.

Lying?

Whether you are a police officer, private investigator or a parent, it helps to know when people are lying.  Here on National Geographic's "Brain Games" we see Apollo Robbins give us a little clue about detecting lies.

Tomorrow Supersonic Safety Research will talk a little bit about who Apollo Robbins is.

FBI Hostage Rescue Team

Here is another interesting video from the FBI's channel on YouTube.  I did not know the FBI had a Hostage Rescue Team.  It was formed in response to the 1976 Olympics hostage taking in preparation for the 1980 Olympics in Los Angeles. 
Supersonic Safety Research is big on training and enjoys seeing and reading about various training.

FBI Reference Firearm Collection

This is very interesting: The FBI Reference Firearm Collection - more than 7,000 firearms, curated over 80 years.  Would love to go there and see all the different firearms, but I am sure that this is not open to the public.  What a great job that would be, working in there and getting to fire some of those different firearms.

Help Replace Police Patch Collection

A Colorado Springs Police LT is looking for patches to replace a collection burned up in the recent wildfires.  The collection belongs to his son and was started to honor his uncle who was killed in-the-line-of-duty.  Here is the link to the story and includes where to send the patches:  http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/nephew-of-police-officer-killed-in-the-line-of-duty-trying-to-replace-patch-collection-lost-in-fire

  Thanks.

Supersonic Safety Research doesn't have a patch, but I still have some from my former department.

Friutless Hoffa Dig

Another dig for Jimmy Hoffa and another dead end  Maybe someone should say he is buried in some of these abandoned buildings in Detroit, so at least when they were done digging we'd have one of these eyesores torn down.  Just saying.

I don't think they'll ever find him, but it would sure be cool if Supersonic Safety Research could solve this one. Again - just saying.

Photo from Down With Detroit Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/DownwithDetroit?hc_location=stream

The Jobs Club Anniversary Party

The  Jobs Club is a support group for people who are either unemployed, underemployed, or  networking and looking to increase business if they are self-employed.  They have some of the best speakers and Luther Taylor who runs The Jobs Club does an awesome job and is a truly special person.  We will do a brief presentation on both Supersonic Safety Research and The Gadfly Investigations Newspaper at the party. We hope that some of our readers who live in the area will attend this party so we can meet you in person and I think you will find that The Jobs Club is worth attending.  Hope to see you on July 6.
 Oh, I heard there may be cake.

Can't Get Enough of nternational Spy Museum

I can't stop thinking about how cool this place is and don't why I never heard of it.  Hey Sam, I was only half kidding when I said  I wanted Supersonic Safety Research to take us on a field trip.  Gotta go watch "Brain Games".    .

International Spy Museum

I think Supersonic Safety Research needs to take a field trip.
 I didn't know this place even existed.  The International Spy Museum is a museum dedicated to espionage/spying.  Sounds interesting and they have some very interesting events.  It is located at: 800 F Street, NW Washington, DC.  Their website is AWESOME- podcasts, multimedia gallery, take a virtual tour, shop their store...  You can follow them on Twitter and download cool stuff on iTunes.


If you go to the website be prepared to spend some time because once you see all the cool stuff you'll be hooked:  www.spymuseum.org

Oh, and they have a YouTube Channel:

Some More Gadfly

OK, a little more company self-promotion.  As I told you in previous posts, Supersonic Safety Research has launched a new division called The Gadfly Investigations Newspaper.  I also told you we had a Facebook page and asked you to head on over and Like us.  Well I am pleased top announce we now have a blog up and running and hope that you will PLEASE check it out.  THANKS!

http://gadflyinvestigates.blogspot.com/

1984

I have blogged quite a bit about surveillance, and privacy.  Now I see that according to CNBC that sales of  George Orwell's "1984" are up 166 percent.  It has been a long time since I read this book, I think I will have to reread it and see what my perception is given that Supersonic Safety Research conducts surveillances.  I 'm also thinking of rereading "Brave New World". 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z4rBDUJTnNU

Gadfly Blog

Hey everyone, we have a new blog.  The blog coincides with our new venture -  The Gadfly Investigation Newspapers.  Here is the link to the new blog, we hope you will become a regular follower of both of our blogs:

www.gadflyinvestigates.blogspot.com

Thanks and Enjoy!

More Mnemonics

Was watching "Brain Games" Monday night and it was great to see them talking about MNEMONICS.  Do you remember what MNEMONICS is?  What MNEMONICS do you use? Well here is a link to my original post on the subject:

http://supersonicpi.blogspot.com/2013/01/mnemonic.html 

 Here is the link to National Geographic's page for "Brain Games": 

http://braingames.nationalgeographic.com/ 

Supersonic Safety Research is finding that the info on this show is helpful with our perceptions, and also in training our brains.

Trends in Mobile Forensics

Does your Private Investigation firm do mobile forensics?  Supersonic Safety Research does.  Here is something that you should be aware of if you do. Malware is expected to increase on smartphones and tablets, particularly Android devices.  As with other malware the idea is to steal information.

Supersonic Safety Research says:  Be Aware, Be Alert and Be Prepared.

More Gadfly Investigations Newspaper

I hope everyone heads on over toThe Gadfly Investigations Newspaper page on Facebook and Likes us.  This is a new division of  Supersonic Safety Research and we are hoping that you will find our new venture useful and enjoyable.

https://www.facebook.com/urbangadfly

Here is 'the boss' to introduce you to our new product:

Gadfly Investigations Newspaper

The Gadfly Investigations Newspaper (c) is the Community-Helping Department of Michigan-based Licensed Private Investigation Firm, Supersonic Safety Research dba. Investigating Public corruption, missing persons and other criminal & civil wrongs.

Mission

Solve Social Malfeasance, Find Missing Persons and assist local Communities to investigate criminal & civil wrongs. Promote local culture and events to better the community.

Description

The Gadfly uses it highly-trained staff of Retired Police, Female Investigators and a former Law Firm Investigator to discover and bring to light wrongs being done to Detroit & other Communities. We also promote local events and culture to improve the quality of life. We believe a safer, happier and more stable Community will arise when issues are put under scrutiny.
WE ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY OTHER COMPANY CALLED 'GADFLY' 

 

Please head on over to Facebook and like us - THANK YOU.

 https://www.facebook.com/urbangadfly 

I'll Be Watching You

Why is it that every time I talk about wiretapping, video surveillance or just plain surveillance this song pops into my head??????

The Police - "Every Breath You Take"

Supersonic Safety Research says:  "I'll Be Watching You"

Electronic Surveillance Laws

Supersonic Safety Research reminds everyone that - State & Federal wiretapping & Video recording Laws must be followed by your private investigator. 

Make sure they are competent & insured.

Good resource for  State and Federal laws: 

http://www.ncsl.org/issues-research/telecom/electronic-surveillance-laws.aspx#MI 

 

Powerball - What Are the Odds

Was just reading about the 84 year old woman ( Gloria C. MacKenzie)  who won the $590 million Powerball.  Seems a nice lady let Mrs.MacKenzie ahead of her in line.  Got to wonder if  the nice lady thinks she missed out on the opportunity to be the Powerball winner with her kind gesture.  Personally, I think at first I would be upset, but ultimately it is all about doing the right thing  - after all, what are the odds?

http://tampa.cbslocal.com/2013/06/06/woman-who-let-elderly-powerball-winner-cut-in-line-doesnt-regret-nice-gesture/    

Building a Drone

PI Sam posted a story on Facebook from Mashable about drones; "Can Drones Save African Wildlife From Poachers?".  He got a couple of really cool responses including a How-To video.  I have posted the video here for you.  I think Supersonic Safety Research should build one for surveillance.

Bonus:  Here is the link to the original article.
Supersonic Safety Research says:
 "Awesome addition to the boots on the ground. Hope it helps deter, detect and 'destroy' the poaching."
 

http://mashable.com/2013/06/05/poachers-drone/

Loving Brain Games

Has everyone been watching "Brain Games"?  http://braingames.nationalgeographic.com/  It is one of my new favorite shows.  So interesting and enlightening.  Really gets your mind working.  So, all you super sleuths do you have all this figured out?

Supersonic Safety Research says, "PAY ATTENTION!"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ybuUzgJ0aKA

Favorite TV Detectives , What they Teach Us

This is a fun bit from Pursuit Magazine: "Our Favorite TV Detectives and What They Teach Us".
'Columbo' was the runaway favorite and I love the 2 points they make about 'Columbo':

Read the the article here:

http://pursuitmag.com/our-favorite-tv-detectives-and-what-they-teach/ 

St Regis Cans for Kan

Our PI Sam was out and about today and here is what  he had to report:

HELP SUPERSONIC SAFETY RESEARCH & VERIFIED EXPERTS WITNESSES LLC WITH EDUCATIONAL HELP IN CAMEROON

"I met Pastor Chuck today at a local Chain Grocery store redeeming his huge amount of cans for his Fundraiser. His congregation's goals are great- trying to pay for the education
for kids Schooling in Cameroon. Supersonic Safety Research cares about our local community, so We contributed to his & his Parish's cause. If you are able, give him a call to help out. $23.00 pays for a whole year of education for a child."
 Here's their Website:

http://stregis.org/cans-for-kan/

   

Makin' It In The 'D'

 Look out world - Detroit is on the way back.
Supersonic Safety Research is proud to be a Michigan company and to serve the Detroit area.