Leafy Things... with a Dash of Dirt
Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 6:37PM I’m sure you know there’s more than one explanation for the word leaf. The Dictionary.com website describes it as “one of the expanded, usually green organs borne by the stem of a plant” and “any similar or corresponding lateral outgrowth of a stem.” It’s safe to say that leaves grow on trees. It’s also true that a leaf could be a two-sided page in a book.
Speaking of trees, I really wanted to write about a tree today, but the book on that is closed at the moment. This was no ordinary tree, mind you, because it was older than Moses and quite majestic. Until several issues are resolved, the tree story will have to wait. In the meantime, I will tell you about a leaf or two in a couple of books.
The winner of the autographed copy of Jeff Ashton’s book, Imperfect Justice, has been notified. While keeping this person’s identity as close to the vest as possible, I will tell you it was Charlee, who lives in Texas. Like I promised, I put all entries in a hat, although I really used a big kitchen bowl instead, and my mother picked the e-mail address while it dangled above her head, sight unseen. Interestingly, today is Charlee’s birthday, so it couldn’t have happened on a better day. Congratulations Charlee, and Happy Birthday!
I think most of you are aware by now that I was mentioned in Ashton’s book. Not only did he reference me as Dave Knechel and Marinade Dave, he even managed to spell my last name correctly. Trust me, Knechel is not an easy one. Of course, I personally thanked him for the acknowledgement and for getting it right.
The second one was brought to my attention by someone you know from my blog and elsewhere around the Internet, Karen C. She told me about a book, From Crime Scene to Courtroom, written by famed forensic pathologist/lawyer Cyril H. Wecht, MD, JD, and noted true-crime journalist Dawna Kauffmann. Subtitled Examining The Mysteries Behind Famous Cases, this book examines the mysteries behind Michael Jackson, Casey Anthony, Drew Peterson, Brian Jones, and more, as the cover asserts.
When Karen told me about this book, of course, I had to order one. While it showed me in a positive light, it managed to get my name wrong. Oh, Knechel was right, but I’m not David L. Knechel, as the book states on page 68 and in the index. I’m David B. Knechel and I have no idea where the “L” came from. Okay, it’s a small mistake, but I did call the publisher this morning to request a correction in subsequent printings. I made it a point to say I was not complaining. As I am well aware, all editors hate mistakes.
In the book, I am described as “an Orlando-based writer, graphic artist, and barbecue aficionado, whose website is called MarinadeDave.com.” Granted, a marinade does not a barbecue sauce make, but back when I was manufacturing and selling it, several of my friends purposely asked me, “Hey Dave, how’s your barbecue sauce doing?” knowing full-well it was not a barbecue sauce.
It only took me a few times of quickly correcting them: “It’s a marinade, not a barbecue sauce!!!” that I finally grasped their only intent — to upset me.
I remembered from years ago how one of my closest friends got exceptionally angry when we asked him how his condo was doing.
“It’s not a condo, *&^*#%^&*()*!! It’s a townhouse!!!” Trust me, I got over the barbecue/marinade joke very early on, and when they still tried, I answered them calmly and ignored what they called it.
On page 75 of the book, I am mentioned again. “The press corps was out in full force for the Anthony trial. Attending some, if not all, of the proceedings were national figures like Nancy Grace, Jane Velez-Mitchell, Jean Casarez, Beth Karas, Geraldo Rivera, Greta Van Susteren, Ashleigh Banfield, and Diane Dimond of thedailybeast.com, as well as local print, television, and radio journalists — among them blogger ‘Marinade Dave’ Knechel, who covered the case for Orlando magazine.”
Trust me, I am highly flattered. Yes, of course, I became part of this case, and there’s no denying it. Fortunately, none of the real and true investigators and authors have implicated me in any way, shape or form of scheming to take down Judge Strickland. That was only the fodder of simple-minded people, including a blogger who shall remain nameless for now.
In any event, I did lay out my plans with a book editor today. I was told it was a good concept as long as it also contains facts about the actual case, along with the sordid details. I know if I do, names will be exposed, including two people who claimed to be in the courtroom daily during the trial when they were not there. One “reported” on a blog and the other is mentioned in the above list. Sorry, I guess you’ll just have to wait.
Dave Knechel | tagged Ashleigh Banfield, Beth Karas, Charlee, Dawna Kauffmann, Geraldo Rivera, Greta Van Susteren, Jane Velez-Mitchell, Jean Casarez | in Casey Anthony, Caylee Anthony, Cyril H. Wecht, Dave Knechel, David B. Knechel, David Knechel, Forensics, Jeff Ashton, Judge Stan Strickland, Marinade Dave, Marinade Dave Knechel, Marinade Dave’s Caylee Anthony Posts, Nancy Grace, Ninth Circuit Court, Ninth Judicial Circuit, Orange County Circuit Court, Orlando Magazine, marinadedave | Share Article 
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Reader Comments (14)
Dave~ ~I am going out on a limb here and tell you that I associate the B, your middle initial, with your trademark. Let's say I did until your sister gave you that beret for Christmas. Now the 'L' may have been for 'Lefty.'
You are really 'branching' out, Mr David B Knechel. From weiners, to saucy marinades and being recognized by a judge. Now you will have to live up to all this new found notoriety. That means you will have to fill the ink well and shake the dust off your quill. It would be my pleasure to 'leaf' through the 'leaves' of your book. It all 'stems' on how long it will take you to try and divulge, unbiased, three years of mayhem and madness.
I watched a video today of that majestic old tree on fire. I wonder who counted the rings on the Senator's tree to determine it's age. If it was arson, they really must have soaked it good with gasoline so once on fire, it created combustion to burn through the trunk. Of course, it may have been a lightning strike days before and smoldered before finally igniting.
I am so glad that I 'logged' into your blog three years ago and refused to 'leave'... we are all proud of you, Sir.
After all that, I should change my name to Twiggy. LOL
Your comment is an excellent play on words and you used your language resources well, Snoopy. As for my notoriety, I don't think so. It will be whatever it is, and how I present myself from now on.
I'm glad you watched the video of the Senator. It's so sad. I do want to say something about it and I will, but forensic investigators are in the park now and it's off limits.
Thanks. You know, your words are so funny, I think you're an acorn.
Hi Dave - This is great - Now you are famous! I am looking forward to getting the new book and reading about the events but no way will it really cover all the circus. For that we will just have to wait on your book.
As soon as the weather warms up a bit more I look forward to you visiting up this way. i will try and score some basketball tickets. I didn't get season passes this year but usually during the week there are some available.
Hello, Nika1 - What a nice pleasure! No, I'm not famous, I'm just a small part of a huge, huge trial. I'm the guy who, when people look at me, ask, "Don't I know you from somewhere?"
That's all. And, of course, my friends who sometimes wish they didn't know me. But if I do write that book, they'll want to know me again.
As soon as it warms up, I'd love to drive up your way. That's quite a basketball arena and I've never been to a live Gator game, though I've wanted to for a long time. Thank you, I would love to take you up on that offer! I have a nicer camera now, too.
Dave,
I am glad to hear that you are considering authoring a book! And when it is out I will be on my way personally to meet you in person so that I can get my copy autographed!! You have so many supporters and I think it would be a great idea if we could all arrange to meet for a book signing! I have been reading your blog for nearly 3 years and if there is anyone that I trust to tell the truth it is you, Dave. So, start hitting those keys and get to work!!!
Wow, Carole! That's quite an endorsement! What I need to do now is sit down, sort through it, write an outline, and submit a prospectus or letter of query. It will certainly be looking at it from a completely different angle, and as far as I'm concerned, it's not something that needs to be written in a week. This case will remain fresh for a long time, but I still feel some urgency.
You know, nothing would make me happier than to meet you and many others who have graced my blog, and I'm not just talking about people who have commented. I mean everyone! Thank you for trusting me and having faith in me. That is so encouraging, it's almost impossible to explain. Believe me, I hopw we can meet one day.
Hi Dave! So glad this is going to happen. I trust you more than anyone to give us the straight scoop and although I know you weren't privy to many of the details in Ashton's book, your insight into what you did see and hear is enough for me! I find your writing amazing and I will await my signed copy of your first book LOL! I agree with the posting above - finding your blog during all of that "nonsense" was the best thing that happened - the silver lining so to speak in an otherwise dark and horrible tragedy! I am happy that I "met" you David B. Knechel!
Golly Gee Willikers! That's great to know!!! No, I sure don't know half of what Ashton knows, but I sure can put a human angle on it from my own unique perspective. I just have to make sure I organize it and I can sometimes be a bit lazy in that department. I really, really appreciate the silver lining in an otherwise dark and horrible tragedy. Hey! I may like to use that! Anyway, thank you. It's nice to know I am trusted out there. That means an awful lot.
Congratulations my friend! This keep getting better & better. I am very proud of you.
Thank you, southernlace. I would say to BOLO -- Be On the Look Out for any other books that mention me. Not for my ego, mind you, but just to have copies of each one for posterity. Thank you for being proud of me. To be honest, I must admit I worked my fanny off from November of 2008 through August of 2011. When I started, I had no idea it would come to this. I have an awful lot of people to thank.
All the best on your book deal, Dave!~
If you haven't decided on who to dedicate the book to, may I suggest it be to your "Knechelheads"? LOL-J/K! I just like to say, "Knechelheads"...t-shirts should be made...and ball caps...lol
You worked diligently and honestly to get to where you are now. All the trouble and grief you endured from your detractors seems like nearly nothing today. I'd say they helped you more than harmed you! LOL!
Congrats and Happy Birthday, Charlee! :-D
Thank you, Sherry. Trust me, if a book is written, everyone who contributed on my blog will be the other half of me, because without you, there would never have been a successful blog. Yes, I certainly did work hard and I've got tons of articles to draw from should I write a book.
All of the trouble from those detractors definitely did more good than harm. Whether they know it or not, they have provided me with tons of funny anecdotes. Who could ever forget "VENGENEANCE IS MINE SAYETH THE LORD" by one of them. Oh, and I can mention their names! Eh, I think I'll stick with the names they cowardly hide behind.
Mr Knechel~~you can rest assured that this 'acorn' will keep filling your ink well. I took that as a compliment considering all the other names you call me behind the scenes.
From Jay Blanchard onward... I hope you don't mind me putting a link here to the video of the Senator. I understand it was a cyprus tree??
Senator burning-Video
No, I don't mind, my petite écrou borgne!
Dave, I will also pre-order your book. You were my light in shining armor during those years. And yes, you really did make my husband jealous. I hope you can do something like Bill O Reilly does and pay an extra amount of money to have it signed. I would love a signed copy, I have said it before and will say it again, YOU ROCK!!!
That's very nice of you to say, Annie. Very nice indeed! Just reassure your husband that I'm harmless and I have the utmost respect for the sanctity of marriage. Tell him I never stood a chance anyway. I could never charge people for an autograph, and the only way I would ever consider it would be if every dollar goes to charity. Even so, if I do choose to write a book, a percentage of my cut will go to help missing children. I'm not into striking it rich off of Caylee, but I do think I have good insight into the case and it would be a different take from other books. Well, it would be similar to what I wrote in all my articles. I'm sure you will be able to get a signed copy. I guarantee it! Thank you for your extremely encouraging words. I'm not used to being told I rock.
Hi Dave,
Looking forward to reading your book! I think its interesting that Baez has finally removed himself from CaCa's case! I dont think Mason will be able to handle her. She will start messing up bigtime, before we know it. Prolly start with checkbooks or something like that.
Stay heathy, and keep us posted about book!
I don't know if Baez is gone from the defense or not, Mary B. There's been nothing filed with the court to that effect, it was just a report from the New York Post, TMZ and The Daily Beast. All are gossip mongers when given the opportunity.
I think she'll keep her nose clean for awhile, but if given the opportunity to steal, I wouldn't trust her for a New York second. Nor would I ever let her babysit children. As a matter of fact, I can't think of any type of job I'd ever consider hiring her for.
Thanks! I shall do my best to remain as healthy as possible, and I will keep you posted.
So happy to hear you are considering a book deal. I should know better at my age than to say this BUT, write slowly Dave. This story is far from being over and i believe the ending may be the biggest surprise yet..
I'm sure you saw much inside and outside the courtroom to fill a few delicious chapters. I always had the feeling you was holding back a few "goodies" for something special..But as our eyes and ears you kept us informed on a regular basis..Good Job! And Good Luck!
It's going to take some heavy thinking, GLENDA. A book is quite a challenge, especially since I'm only used to writing 1,000-2,500 word articles, each with a succinct beginning and end. Well, I've been known to ramble a bit, too, but a book isn't a simple thing.
I'll write slowly because I agree, the ending is yet to come, but I think it's more about lawsuits than anything else. And for anyone else to take the law into their own hands, that would be a very bad thing.
Thanks for your vote of confidence. Of course, there are things I noticed that will remain behind closed doors, like taking note of some very powerful and well-known people who never washed their hands before leaving the men's room. Oh, I was a great observer, alright!
OMG. How did you know that was one of the things I was thinking about? My hubby is OCD about that and uses a paper towel to open the door going out...He tells me men are notorious for not washing their hands..Some women would also suprise you also..
I don't have OCD, but I've been known to use a paper towel to open a door in a men's room, especially if I'm at a restaurant. Personally, I would prefer if they had swinging doors with no handle that just push out. And from all my years in the restaurant industry, I can tell you that ladies' rooms, by far, are dirtier than men's rooms, but I'll bet you're right -- less men wash their hands. Yuck!
Hey, Mr David B Knechel, got the book all drafted yet? Just remember how to spell SLEUTH. S-L-E-U-T-H and don't forget the Snoop. TIA
[OK. let me see it I got this right... that's S-N-E-U-P-Y S-L-O-O-T-H, right?]
Dave, you and your writing getting greater public exposure was one of the few positive things that came out of the CaCa debacle. I'm very happy you are getting some of the recognition you deserve in print. I see more books to read in my future. This is going to get expensive.
You're definitely right about that, InTheGarden. I went through a lot of harassment prior to and during the trial. In the end, no one in the legal community, including established authors writing about the case, has shown me in a negative light. As a CNN producer told me during the trial, I came into this as a journalist without portfolio and I became a journalist with portfolio. When I spoke to the book editor, he was in complete agreement. All is well.
Thank you. I'm afraid you're right about something else. Yes, it's going to get expensive. There are several books out there right now that I haven't bought. Everyone's got their own take, including me.
Congratulations Charlee and belated happy birthday! You are going to enjoy reading Jeff's book.
Dave, I like the idea of you writing a book. I think from your point of view it would be a very good read. It would be interesting to know where Cyril Wecht got the L for your middle initial from. With all the grief you went through while writing about this case it is nice to see you mentioned in a good light in some pretty impressive books.
I kinda like the idea, too, Mary Jo. Certainly, my POV would be different from the others because it would be written from a blogger's perspective -- in and out of the courtroom. As for Wecht, I have no idea where the L came from. I Googled David L. Knechel and found nothing.
Absolutely! I was treated horribly by anonymous people who knew nothing about me. Clearly, the two books I'm mentioned in have nothing bad to say. Wecht's book was downright friendly. What it says is that, for all the work my detractors did to destroy me, they got nowhere. They did their best to take down my blog. Did they win? NO! They tried to keep me out of the courtroom. Did they succeed? NO! They lied about me whenever and wherever they could. They tried to stop me from writing for a glossy, high-end magazine. Did it work? No! Everything they set out to do failed miserably. Instead, people saw that I am not a quitter, and in the end, they ended up handing me much more notoriety -- AND -- it was delivered on a silver platter. What rear-end heads.
Thanks!