Author Archives: joepageii

Joe’s Life Goals #034: Take in Flamenco

For some reason I get stuck on a song or two while adding them to the soundtrack of my life (TM) for 2024. This year, for some reason or another, I had Counting Crows’ “Mr. Jones” as an earworm. I’ve listened to this song since it came out in the 1990s but never really consideredContinue reading “Joe’s Life Goals #034: Take in Flamenco”

A Pointed Message toward the East

Earlier this year, I had a member of the Lithuanian Armed Forces explain the situation to me – a relatively ignorant American – about his country’s “hate/hate” relationship with the Soviets/Russians throughout history. While I was only in Vilnius for a short time (2 days), I made an attempt to visit the site of theContinue reading “A Pointed Message toward the East”

Ring of Fire, Albuquerque Style

I was blessed to be home in Albuquerque (NM) on October 14, 2023 to see the Annular Solar Eclipse. Like any space geek, a ordered a “sun shield” cap for my telescope so I could view the sun’s surface. I also purchased a few of the solar eclipse glasses for my children, so they wouldn’t tryContinue reading “Ring of Fire, Albuquerque Style”

History of the IRON HORSE system

In 1967 the United States SIGINT system (USSS) improved the speed of its support to air operations over Vietnam by a quantum leap. The older manual system, HAMMOCK, was replaced by IRON HORSE, a flashy new automated system which could deliver information in seconds rather than minutes. Designed by the National Security Agency, IRON HORSEContinue reading “History of the IRON HORSE system”

FOIA Follies – Appeal for Hex-TUNITY records

Watch what I have to contend with, and how to respond. I’m sure there’s a dartboard in Washington, D.C. somewhere with my name, address, and photo on it. Maybe two dartboards, if I’m lucky… Dear Sir or Ma’am, 14675 Lee Road Chantilly, VA 20151-1715 Dear Sir or Ma’am, This is an appeal for NRO FOIAContinue reading “FOIA Follies – Appeal for Hex-TUNITY records”