Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Dangers of AI Chatbots
When it comes to AI safety, the laws being introduced often focus on certain types of regulations that address concerns […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Dangers of AI Chatbots
When it comes to AI safety, the laws being introduced often focus on certain types of regulations that address concerns […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Regrets of AI
Even one of the foundational creators of modern-day AI seems to be regretful of his life’s work. Earlier this week, […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: AI Police Reports
AI has aided the police in many ways, from its use in the forensic field and surveillance to crime forecasting. […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: AI in True Crime
Do you trust how true crime is presented when you listen to or watch it? While journalists may not host […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Vital Resources on the Moon
In 1865, Jules Verne’s book, From the Earth to the Moon: A Direct Route in 97 Hours, 20 Minutes, fascinated […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: No More Fakes
Despite AI’s recent popularity, most people would still agree that some things about it can be eerie or even dystopian, […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Déjà Vu All Over Again
Even AI Understands the Space Race. And it knows the U.S. may be losing to China. An article from July […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Caveman in the Moon
In an installment of fiction becoming fact, I was fascinated by a recent report that scientists have found underground caves […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Between a Rock and a Hard Place
On June 25, after a 53-day mission, China’s Chang’e 6 spacecraft returned to Earth with five pounds of rocks and […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: A New Era of Misinformation
The world of AI news is moving at an unprecedented pace. When I began writing about the dead internet theory […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Other Race to Watch
The contest for the White House isn’t the only race that should concern the United States and, perhaps, the world. […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Dead Internet Theory Pt. 2
How much is AI changing the landscape of the internet as we know it? According to the dead internet theory, […]
The Dark Side of the Far Side
I was fascinated by a May 4 article by CNN reporter Ashley Strickland. In it, she writes about the competition among […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Dead Internet Theory Pt. 1
Have you heard of the dead internet theory? While it’s a relatively recent conspiracy theory that came about somewhere between […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Dawn of AI Regulation
If you follow tech news, it’s impossible to escape how AI has taken over the conversation. No matter how frivolous […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: AI Voice Clones
When AI-generated deepfakes first became a concern on the internet, it was mostly centered around video. Some of the deepfakes […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: How Hackers Use AI
It’s not uncommon to hear that someone has implemented elements of AI in their day-to-day workflow. In fact, it’s becoming […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Using AI to Create Police Sketches
In 2017, California police released an image of a potential suspect in the murder of Maria Jane Weidhofer, a cold […]
The Shakespeare Killer – Independent Press Award: Distinguished Favorite
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:Douglas J. Wood receives national recognition through the INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD®! The INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD, one of the most prestigious […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Using Social Media to Predict Crime
Can AI predict crime? In past blogs, I’ve written about crime mapping, a technique where police data is used to […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: AI in Policing
Despite the controversy around AI, it has a wide range of practical applications across many fields. Among those is law […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Revisiting the Golden Age of Serial Killers
In 2023, there were an unsettling number of missing persons cases that went unanswered and strange murders left unsolved. Between […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Space News in 2024
Every year we continue to see great accomplishments in space exploration and research and the upcoming year is shaping up […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Data Brokers
For younger users and those who grew up with the internet, it’s common knowledge that any time you use a […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Are Your Push Notifications Being Tracked?
Cyber-security is a topic that I feel should be on everybody’s radar. While it’s easy to fall behind in this […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The State of Police Robots
The use of robotics in law enforcement isn’t new, but is a topic getting more and more attention as AI […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: How Law Enforcement Uses GPS
Global Positioning System—commonly known as GPS—is a tech that’s become ubiquitous in our daily lives but is actually only one […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The FBI’s Art Theft Team
The FBI is known for a great many things but most often people associate it with large-scale, high-profile criminal investigations […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The FBI Investigation into ESP
The FBI has been a prominent entity of government law enforcement in the U.S. since it was first founded in […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Can Video Doorbells Help Solve Crime?
In my last blog, I scratched the surface of how smart appliances can help in police investigations. One appliance I […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Dark Side of Smart Homes
If you’ve been in the market for a new home appliance, you already know that it is becoming increasingly difficult […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Gunshot Detectors
In the late 80s and early 90s, the US saw a spike in gun-related deaths—historically, until 2021, this had been […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: New Players in the Moon Race
On August 11, 2023, Russia launched its unmanned Luna 25 mission to the moon, hoping to make a soft landing […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Stingrays & Cell Tower Simulators
The world of technology seems to be ever-expanding and advancing, but it’s important to keep a finger on the pulse. […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Early Signs of a Killer
Often times when the FBI is looking for a serial killer, they will begin building a criminal profile to help […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Signal & End-to-End Encryption
Anyone who uses the internet leaves a digital footprint. Each footprint can be an unwanted intrusion into your private life. […]
The Shakespeare Killer
My newest novel, The Shakespeare Killer, is officially out! A sequel to Blood on the Bayou, my latest thriller continues […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Common Traits of a Killer
In the world of true crime and crime fiction, it’s a cause for celebration when a notorious killer is caught—such […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Does Criminal Profiling Work?
Last week I discussed what criminal profiling is and its history, particularly related to the FBI and how it is […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Criminal Profiling
Crime fascinates many people, especially when it’s violent. For some, this is because it’s difficult to understand what compels someone […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Future of Killer Robots
Can laws keep up with the rapid advances in technology and artificial intelligence (AI)? This is something that most nations […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Calling Cards of Killers
While “calling card” has a context in crime, the term has its origins in an 18th century social practice. Often, […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Copycat Killers
You’ve undoubtedly heard the term “copycat killer.” It’s often used as a popular trope in crime dramas and police procedurals […]
Blood on the Bayou – Independent Press Award Distinguished Favorite
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD® announces the 2023 Winners & Distinguished Favorites! Douglas J. Wood receives national recognition through […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Does Social Media Escalate Violence?
We’ve known for a long time now that an excess of social media can be detrimental to one’s mental health. […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Crime Mapping & Forecasting
The other week I gave an overview of how AI is currently being used by police in criminal investigations. In […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: China in the Sky
As a novelist, I sometimes enjoy reading the diatribes of conspiracy theorists. They’re often great grist to conjure up fictional […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Origins of a Serial Killer
What makes a serial killer? While that’s a provocative question, I mean it here in the most literal sense: What, […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: How Forensic Science Uses AI
If you’ve heard anything about artificial intelligence (AI) recently, it has most likely concerned its impact on the artistic community […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Golden Age of Serial Killers
John Wayne Gacy. Jeffrey Dahmer. Ted Bundy. The Zodiac Killer. Son of Sam. Even people who don’t actively seek out […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The FBI & Forensic Science
The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation was created in 1908 by Attorney General Charles Bonaparte. At the time, the U.S. […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: What Works in Forensic Science
In my last blog, I discussed the ways that a lot of forensic science in pop culture is taken on […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Pitfalls of Forensic Science
If you’re a fan of true crime, you’re likely familiar with many of the forensic methods police and detectives use […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Serial Killer Fandoms
True crime has been a popular genre for several decades. At this point, it’s common for people to watch a […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: AI and the Art of Horror
Several months ago, OpenAI’s image generator, DALL-E Mini, entered the popular lexicon, trending on social media to the point where […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Can AI Know Your Age?
Commonly, biometric data is used to provide security in our day-to-day lives. We unlock our phones and open private apps […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: America’s First Serial Killer
The period from 1970 until the late 1990s is popularly known as the “Golden Age” of serial killers in the […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: How DNA Solves Cold Cases
I’ve spent some time in the past discussing biometric data and all of the privacy concerns that come along with […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Sultan’s Palace
New Orleans is known for a great many things. High among them are lavish celebrations and a tradition of knowing […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The New Orleans Vampires
My newest novel, Blood on the Bayou, is centered in New Orleans, one of the most unique cultures in the […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Minnie Wallace
Did you know that monetary gain is one of the top reasons that serial killers, and murderers in general, kill […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: New Orleans Trunk Murders
Continuing our true crime tour of New Orleans, next up is the gruesome murders of Theresa and Leonide Moity—more widely […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Axeman of New Orleans
From May 1918 to October 1919, the people of New Orleans found themselves terrorized by a serial killer who became […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Do No Harm
In a recent article in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Susan D’Agostino presents provocative views faced by the artificial […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Clementine Barnabet
New Orleans is a glamorous city known for its unique culture, from Cajun cooking to the raucous parties associated with […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Mardi Gras in New Orleans
If you live in the United States it’s likely you’ve at least heard of Mardi Gras, best known for its […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: New Orleans Voodoo
In my latest novel, Blood on the Bayou, the culture of New Orleans takes center-stage. Voodoo is of particular interest […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Responsible Behavior in Space
Time and time again, the advancements made in technology have been applied in warfare to increase efficiency and get an […]
Blood on the Bayou
Today is the last day to pre-order Blood on the Bayou, my new crime thriller based in New Orleans. Head […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: One Pixel Away
A chilling statement in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists presents yet another example of the dangers of pursuing technology […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Small Steps in the New Space Race
In my recent novel, Dragon on the Far Side of the Moon, I weave a thriller where the U.S. and […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Cyber Criminals for Hire
Today, everyone knows about computer hacking in one way or another. Even those who weren’t born as digital natives are […]
Tigers, Bears and Prey: Updates to the Chinese-Russian Alliance
In past blogs, I’ve written about the ramifications of the International Space Station’s scheduled decommissioning in 2031 when it will […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: China’s Investment in Africa
A comment in The Economist on January 7, 2022 caught my eye. It read, “An airstrike on a UN refugee […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Digital Detectives Part 2
My last blog covered some of the basics of a phenomena often referred to as “crowdsourced investigations”, a reference to […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Digital Detectives Part 1
True crime as a genre has been captivating audiences for the better part of the last decade. While true crime […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Protecting Your Hidden Profile
If you have any iteration of a modern cell phone, it’s likely set up to use biometric data whether you […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: A Modern Oracle
You may have already heard of the Allen Institute for AI’s newest project, “Ask Delphi”, after it went viral on […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Serial Killer Algorithm
The idea of technology and machines making some jobs easier- or even obsolete- is not a new concept. It’s been […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Dark Web Assassins
The Dark Web has its fair share of urban legends and myths because of its mysterious nature and barrier to […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Truth About the Dark Web
Once mysterious, the term Dark Web has become understood to be a place on the Internet that harbors criminals and […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Cryptocurrency’s Carbon Footprint
A little while back, the term NFT entered the popular lexicon. The acronym stands for “non-fungible token”, which does little […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Race for Mars
If you’ve been keeping up with space news, you’ll know that this summer has been busy. Between the private sector […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Dark Clouds of the Internet
I’ve written a few times now about the looming implications of the internet being so heavily tied to our infrastructure. […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Down and Out
In our modern world, one of the most frustrating things is not being able to get online. Whether your modem […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Influence of Social Media (Part 2)
Previously, we discussed the nature of social media and its influences on behavior. If you haven’t read the first part […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Celebrating Our Mysterious Neighbor
Tomorrow is National Moon Day (July 20) and we are supposed to celebrate all things Moon related. Chances are, however, […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: The Influence of Social Media (Part 1)
It’s not news that social media is impacting our behavior. Researchers have long said that the changing landscape of the […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Ransomware 2.0
Ransomware has been around for a long time. The first case originates in the late 80s with something called the […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Webcam Security
Have you ever been sitting at your desk, using your laptop and noticed the light next to your webcam flash […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: When the Goal Outweighs the Risk
On April 29, China launched its first module for the new Tiangong space station aboard its Long March 5B rocket. […]
Gas Lines Are Only The Beginning
On May 12, in the wake of the hack into the Colonial Pipeline that shut off gas supplies to millions […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: WhatsApp Privacy Controversy
In February, Facebook was hit with backlash due to its privacy updates to the popular chat platform, WhatsApp. According to […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: An [Un]Holy Alliance – Chapter 2
Two weeks ago, I reported on the alliance between China and Russia to build a permanent base on the Moon they call the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). While a specific timetable has yet to be laid out, there is an aspect of this project worth adding to my earlier comments.
Things You Should Know But Don’t: A New [Un]Holy Alliance
You may have missed the news on March 9 that China and Russia formed a new alliance. They will work together to build a research station on the Moon. They even have a name for it – the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS).
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Your Hidden Profile
The use of biometric data has expanded exponentially, from using thumbprints for unlocking phones to voice activation technology. Facial recognition […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Pictures Are Worth $3 Billion
During the past weeks, space nerds everywhere have been marveling at the videos, photos, and sounds Perseverance has been broadcasting from Mars.
I’ll Be Back…
While the Terminator has not arrived (yet), robotics and artificial intelligence have made quantum leaps toward reality.
Second Place is No Place to Be
Recent press reports indicate that NASA has announced it is postponing until April 30, 2021 its decision to award a contract to one of three bidders for the development of a human lunar landing system.
Things You Should Know But Don’t: DarkMarket Takedown
The dark web is a seemingly endless, horrifying place where people can anonymously live out their worst impulses.
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Eye in the Sky Blinded
On December 1, 2020, after a number of failures by cables and the sockets holding them, the massive aperture spherical radio telescope at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico suddenly collapsed. Miraculously, no one was hurt.
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Chang’e 5
While China has been making unprecedented progress on space travel for the past few decades, this most recent mission drives home just how far behind the US is lagging in the space race.
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Global Internet
SpaceX, the private space exploration company owned by Elon Musk, is working on a solution called StarLink. In order to provide the entire world with access to dependable Wi-Fi 24/7, the company has created a series of satellites that can, in theory, allow a consumer to have high-speed Internet access in any location.
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Private vs. Public Sector Space Exploration
While both the private and public sectors are active, there are pros and cons to each side.
Things You Should Know But Don’t: China’s Space Plants
While a far cry from living years or perhaps a lifetime in space or on another planet, different nations – including China – continue to research the best ways to make other astrological bodies habitable.
China Is Winning the Space Race
China advances are undaunted and launched more rockets into space in 2019 than any other nation in the world with plans to repeat that feat in 2020. And don’t forget China’s lead in artificial intelligence and computer learning. Put it all together and the conclusion is inescapable.
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Cyberattacks on COVID-19 Vaccine
It is indisputable that the scientists and researchers behind the latest testing trials of the COVID-19 vaccine are heroes, but as with every story with a hero, there is also a villain.
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Facial Recognition & Law Enforcement
Facial recognition technology isn’t new. In fact, since 2017, most people who use an iPhone have the ability to set up their phones so that it unlocks automatically when it recognizes their faces. The technology itself has been around even longer. So why is the conversation around facial recognition getting so much attention in the media?
It’s Not About What He Might Say
Much has been written about leaks from John Bolton’s new book where he claims President Trump asked Ukrainian President Zelensky to investigate the Bidens as a condition of releasing aid to Ukraine – the now infamous quid pro quo.
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Deepfakes
If you are on the Internet, it’s likely that you have already encountered a deepfake – whether you were aware of it or not.
Facebook’s Hidden Likes
Both social scientists and media bigwigs are beginning to explore the influence of social media on human behavior. Starting with the whispers of Instagram’s hidden follower and like-count experimentation, Facebook has now thrown its digital hat into the ring – they, too, are prototyping hidden likes privately.
Things You Should Know But Don’t: Google’s “City-Within-A-City”
Last week, Google’s parent company Alphabet Inc. released a statement announcing that they were discontinuing plans to transform an area of Toronto’s waterfront called Quayside into a “high-tech utopia.”
The Terrorist Threat of Dark Data
Media have largely ignored an incredibly important issue – dark data. Dark data is not, by its nature, as ominous as the title implies. “Dark” or “dusty” data is simply a byproduct of the mass quantities companies collect from users over the web.
DARK DATA: Control, Alt, Delete – Independent Press Award Winner in Political Thriller
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Douglas J. Wood receives national recognition through the INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD®! (NEW YORK, NEW YORK) — The INDEPENDENT PRESS […]
What Does a Chinese Tariff Increase Mean to IP Theft in the U.S.?
One platform of President Trump’s campaign encouraged a shift to self-reliance with goods and services domestically manufactured in America. One […]
Things You Should Know But Don’t: OpenAI’s GPT-2 Model
OpenAI, a research organization focused on artificial intelligence, searches for ways to expand and aid online-based programs. Their work with […]
Coast to Coast AM: Doug discusses his novel Dark Data
Listen to Part I: Listen to Part II: How far is too far in the advancement of artificial intelligence? Tune […]
Reader’s Favorite Awards: DARK DATA: Control, Alt, Delete
Doug’s 5-star review in a pre-contest critique from the Reader’s Favorite Awards for DARK DATA: Control, Alt, Delete. “Wood…has a […]
Conspiracy Unlimited Podcast
Douglas Wood discusses his newest novel, DARK DATA: Control, Alt, Delete, that serves as a chilling warning about the dangers […]
Independent Press Award: 2019 WINNER
Asshole Attorney: Musings, Memories, and Missteps in a 40 Year Career by Douglas J. Wood is a 2019 Winner of […]
Reader’s Choice Award: Presidential Conclusions
Book Review Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers’ Favorite Presidential Conclusions by Douglas J. Wood is a powerful political thriller with compelling […]
Publishers Weekly Review: Asshole Attorney
Asshole Attorney: Musings, Memories, and Missteps in a 40 Year Career Wood (Please Be Ad-Vised: A Legal Reference Guide for […]
NJ Online: Interview for Asshole Attorney
Editor’s Note: This story contains some graphic language. Gil and Rhoda Wood were an army family who moved from base-to-base every […]
The BookLife Prize Critics Report: ASSHOLE ATTORNEY is “unique” and “accessible”
The BookLife Prize will announce winners on December 17th, 2018, but their Critics Report for ASSHOLE ATTORNEY has been released! […]
Kirkus for Asshole Attorney
A lawyer recounts his eventful professional exploits. Wood (Presidential Intentions, 2014) was a peripatetic army brat who grew up in […]
Midwest Book Review: ASSHOLE ATTORNEY is “Raw, candid, and utterly unforgettable”
The Midwest Book Review praised ASSHOLE ATTORNEY as a “highly recommended” read, calling it “Raw, candid, and utterly unforgettable.” Read […]
PRESS RELEASE: ASSHOLE ATTORNEY: Musings, Memories, and Missteps in a 40 Year Career
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: ASSHOLE ATTORNEY Musings, Memories, and Missteps in a 40 Year Career By Douglas J. Wood “Doug, I […]
Kirkus Reviews: ASSHOLE ATTORNEY is “refreshingly unafraid”
Kirkus Reviews released their review for Douglas J. Wood’s memoir ASSHOLE ATTORNEY: Musings, Memories, and Missteps in a 40 Year […]
2018 Independent Book Award Winner
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Author receives national recognition through the INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD®! New Jersey — The INDEPENDENT PRESS AWARD recognized PRESIDENTIAL […]
Readers’ Favorite: Presidential Conclusions is “a powerful political thriller”
Readers’ Favorite gave PRESIDENTIAL CONCLUSIONS a fantastic review, calling it a “powerful political thriller with compelling characters.” Read the entire review […]
Men Reading Books: “I’m eager to read more of the story.”
Men Reading Books reviewed PRESIDENTIAL INTENTIONS, the first book in Douglas J. Wood’s political trilogy. Read the review here.
Douglas J. Wood’s interview on WRNJ’s Morning Program
Douglas J. Wood’s interview on WRNJ’s Morning Program in Hackettstown, NJ to discuss his new book, Presidential Conclusions.
Kritter Ramblings: “I Loved Reading” the Samantha Harrison Trilogy
Kritter’s Ramblings book blog reviewed the Samantha Harrison political trilogy in its entirety. What she says on the…
The Grumpy Book Reviewer: Presidential Conclusions is…
In a fantastic new review, The Grumpy Book Reviewer says that “Wood knows how to weave a compelling tale. Conclusions is a true…
(201) MAGAZINE: Presidential Conclusions is “Buzzworthy”
In the June 2017 issue of (202) Magazine, Presidential Conclusions is featured in the “Buzzworthy” section. You can find…
REPUBLICAN COFFEE: Fantastic Review of Samantha Harrison Trilogy
From REPUBLICAN COFFEE: “The Presidential Series by Douglas J. Wood is a tale of political manipulation, intrigue and survival. It […]
The Daily Voice: A Republican Female President?
Douglas J. Wood and PRESIDENTIAL CONCLUSIONS are featured in the Wyckoff/Franklin Lakes Daily Voice, a Bergen County online newspaper. Read the article […]