Comments for Ask a Forensic Artist

Comment on The “Pencil Trick” for Skulls, Debunked by Susan B.

Susan B. — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:22:55 +0000

Thank you for pointing this out. I had tried the pencil thing in an anthropology class, and it seemed very arbitrary. As I went on in my career I tested it out on a number of skulls, and came to the same conclusion you did. Thanks again for the validation.

Comment on The “Pencil Trick” for Skulls, Debunked by Lisa Bailey

Lisa Bailey — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 17:50:42 +0000

I'm afraid I didn't emphasize something enough on my original post: I tested this on skulls that had teeth so if a pencil were a proper predictor of correct spacing in edentulous skulls, it would fit, period. You wouldn't have to jam it in there, and you wouldn't have any wiggle room. It would FIT. To "test" any size spacer on a skull that doesn't have teeth is silly. How do you know it's right? Sure, the pencil fits, but that doesn't make the articulation correct. The only way you can know that any method for articulation is correct is to test it on multiple skulls that have teeth. I've had access to hundreds of skulls that HAD teeth, and tested the pencil with a spacer on the condyle and there was no pattern that it was a proper predictor of spacing.

Comment on The “Pencil Trick” for Skulls, Debunked by Liz Weening

Liz Weening — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:40:50 +0000

I’m not a Physical Anthropologist. I’m curious if it’s just not a case of needing the right tool for the job? For example: If the “wings” of the pteryoid plate are large and there is a shallow Mandibular notch; maybe a 2.5mm rod needs to be used. I’m also curious if the depth of the molars can be estimated by the size of the fossa they would fit into? Kind of like a trees roots are as deep as the tree is tall.

Comment on The “Pencil Trick” for Skulls, Debunked by Lisa Bailey

Lisa Bailey — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:23:20 +0000

Thanks Mike, I hope it helps too. ….and, armtwist people into using an anthropologist like they should! ;^)

Comment on The “Pencil Trick” for Skulls, Debunked by Michael Streed

Michael Streed — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:26:40 +0000

Thanks for the information. I have not yet run across this issue, but will be sure to keep your info in mind. Hopefully, your ‘tip’ will save others frustration and confusion!

Comment on A Voice for the Unidentifed: Interview with “Can You Identify Me” Owner Rebel Morris by Lisa Bailey

Lisa Bailey — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:15:44 +0000

Thankseveryone, for commenting, and thank you Rebel, for all your hard work, and efforts for the unidentified. With enough people speaking out, and working together, I do think we can make a difference.

Comment on A Voice for the Unidentifed: Interview with “Can You Identify Me” Owner Rebel Morris by Lori Davis

Lori Davis — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 03:35:31 +0000

You are doing a great job Rebel. I appreciate the voice you give to so many that are unable to speak for themselves.

Comment on A Voice for the Unidentifed: Interview with “Can You Identify Me” Owner Rebel Morris by Rebel J. Morris

Rebel J. Morris — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:23:05 +0000

Thank you everyone. United together we can make a difference.

Comment on A Voice for the Unidentifed: Interview with “Can You Identify Me” Owner Rebel Morris by Cynthia Caron

Cynthia Caron — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 12:14:18 +0000

Rebel does a great job and we are always happy to promote her work! Thank you, Rebel. Great article!

Comment on A Voice for the Unidentifed: Interview with “Can You Identify Me” Owner Rebel Morris by johnlene kennedy

johnlene kennedy — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 04:37:10 +0000

i think you are doing a awsume job keep up the good work