Monthly Archives: June 2013

Truman’s Hump Day Song of the Week: Hotel California

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Chairman Mao

I’m taking a break for a few weeks, comrades. Truman signs off with The Eagles’ “Hotel California” remake … with Spanish subtitles.

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The Grind

Posted on June 11, 2013 by Chairman Mao

I was at a wedding reception recently that featured some serious grinding on the dance floor. I was outraged … that I wasn’t involved. The Grind (the move, not the MTV dance show … where is Eric Nies these days?) used to … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Black Hearts

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Chairman Mao

I’ve become a serial highlighter when I read, as if I’m studying for an exam. It helps me organize my thoughts, of which I had plenty as I read Black Hearts: One Platoon’s Descent Into Madness in Iraq’s Triangle of … Continue reading →

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Tooting My Own Horn

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Chairman Mao

Honk-honk! Time to toot my horn. The May 2013 edition of the Marine Corps Gazette published an article I co-wrote with an old boss. The elevator pitch? Future maritime forces need a robust forward-deployed presence in partner nations that gives naval … Continue reading →

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Doubleplusgood Datamining to Hunt Terrorists in Oceania

Posted on June 7, 2013 by Chairman Mao

The Guardian, which often gives American newspapers a run for their money on big scoops, revealed yesterday that our emails, texts and phone records have been monitored by the U.S. government since 2007. My reaction: I was surprised that people … Continue reading →

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Did Darth Vader Deserve His Promotions?

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Chairman Mao

I had dinner with a mentor a while ago, a good leader, man and friend who belongs in front of troops. I lamented the fact he was not chosen for a coveted assignment while some of his peers whom I … Continue reading →

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Truman’s Hump Day Song of the Week: Lust for Life

Posted on June 6, 2013 by Chairman Mao

Tiny Truman nearly yanked my arm out of its socket when he lunged for a rabbit today (as I held his leash), right before nearly zig-zagging into the path of a jogger and then a speeding SUV. The mayhem he … Continue reading →

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Washington’s Pop Culture Hermit

Posted on June 2, 2013 by Chairman Mao

When SEALs killed Osama bin Laden in a prison-like compound with little connection to the outside world a couple years ago, I half-expected them to find in the room next door a stringbean Washington, D.C.-area resident named Nick Vukadinovich – sitting cross-legged on … Continue reading →

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