RE: CSI Miami I-131 Episode

["Strickert, Rick" <rstrickert@signaturescience.com>]

Sandy Perle wrote: 



> My point ... TV and movies are fiction unless specifically stated to

> be accurate in all areas. 



Oh, there's a little more to it than that.



The stars from these crime investigation shows appear on late night talk shows claiming they have much more respect for the actual crime investigators and scientists they play on TV.   The stars base this on all the techniques they claim they've learned from visits to crime labs, coroners, etc. while preparing for the part and the "experts" who help with the show.  And, of course, the sycophantic hosts never ask any hardball questions like "What's the difference between a beaker and a flask?"



And then during sweeps week (or any other time) the network "news" shows will feature some sensationalized story (oh...say like 'careless corporate handling of radioactive materials') in which a clip from a crime investigation show (especially if it's on the same network) will be slipped in as an infotainment example of what such a disaster could *really* be like.



And if the local news stations are hurting for stories other than (same ol', same ol') city hall corruption to report on their late night news show, they will do a "follow-up news report" complete with the same clip, a quick local citizen "survey poll" (mostly from the nearest tavern) and pulled-out-of-context excerpts from a local expert.  Of course, the station will hype the upcoming news special hours if not days ahead with panting one-liners (invariably phrased as a question), such as "Radiation - if it got on your hand, is there any hope of survival?!  Details at 11."



And at your local public schools, teachers assign students to write reports on something that's happening in the news.  Guess what?  ;-)



Rick Strickert

Austin, TX





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