Coffee: A Brew of Independence
Boston Tea Party, engraving in W. D. Cooper’s The History of North America, London: E. Newberry, 1789. Plate opposite p. 58. Rare Book and Special Collections Division, Library of Congress.…
From OSS to CIA: The Remarkable Journey of Conrad LaGueux
LaGueux with famous Pittman Apartment evacuation point in background. Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon)), Vietnam. 2000. Photo from Central Intelligence Agency. Conrad “Connie” Edward LaGueux was a remarkable figure…
The OSS and Beyond: How Wild Bill Donovan Helped Shape the CIA
William J. “Wild Bill” Donovan William Joseph Donovan, often referred to as “Wild Bill,” was a pioneering figure in American intelligence and a key architect of the modern intelligence community.…
Secrets of the Forest: The OSS Training Camp at Prince William Forest Park
Two wooden cabins shaded by a green summer forest Cabins in A Unit in Cabin Camp 3 All of the historic cabin camps located within the park were constructed by…
The Art of Perception: Musashi’s Teachings on Situational Awareness
The Miyamoto Musashi Budokan in Ōhara-chō (Mimasaka), Okayama Prefecture, Japan, 利用者:663highland / CC BY 2.5. “Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye.” — Miyamoto Musashi, “The Book of…
Tony Mendez: A CIA Master of Disguise and Deception
Then-President Jimmy Carter (right) congratulates CIA officer Tony Mendez (left) on his successful Argo operation during Iran Hostage Crisis, 1980. Central Intelligence Agency. All warfare is based on deception.” —…
The Way is in Training: Embracing Musashi’s Path to Enlightenment
The famous duel between the sword master Miyamoto Musashi (left) and Sasaki Kojiro (Ganryu) at Ganryu-jima island. Yoshifusa Utagawa, 1843. The purpose of today’s training is to defeat yesterday’s understanding.…
Vodka: The Spirit of Versatility
Dirty vodka martini made with Queen Creek Olive Mill Spanish Fly Martini Mix and Pimento Stuffed Olives. Olive brine adds saltiness and acidity to martini. Photo: Queen Creek Olive Mill.…
Cuban Spies Among Us: The FBI’s Hunt for Castro’s Mole
South courtyard of the Harry S. Truman Building in Washington, D.C., headquarters of the United States Department of State, where Cuban spy Kendall Myers worked. Photo from Highsmith (Carol M.)…
Colonel “Mad Mike” Hoare: The Legendary Mercenary
Chris Hoare, left, with his father, Mike Hoare, and the biography he wrote on Mike Hoare. Durban, South Africa, June 2018. Photo by Roy Reed / CC BY-SA 4.0. Colonel…