26 June 2014

World Cup 2014: USA vs. Germany (June 26, 2014)

Hello und Wie Gehts?  How are you? June 26, 2014. What a great day!


The title of this blog post is something that we have been familiar with for so very long: USA vs. Germany.

This time USA vs. Germany is all about the soccer pitch.  We knew this day was coming.  We knew this day was going to happen.  We have been excited and looked forward to this day since the 2014 World Cup group selections were announced.  When the United States was put in the same group as Germany, many of us on both sides of the Atlantic began looking forward to this day.

Well, that day is today! Who do we cheer for?

Many of us will cheer for the United States.  Many others will cheer for Germany.  Today, however, I find myself in a unique situation, I am cheering for both.

Born and raised in the United States, I cheer for the United States because that is my home team.  Having such a deep bond and a deep connection with Berlin and Germany, I cheer for Germany.  Then what makes it even more interesting is that there are five players on the U.S. team that have roots in Germany (dual citizenship) and the head coach is from Germany.  It can be difficult and deciding whom to root for becomes even more difficult.

Thus, I have decided that I will cheer for both teams and expect a very good match.  No matter who wins, loses, or ties, all of us are expecting a very good match in Brazil today.

Good Luck Team USA and Viel Glück Deutschland!

Who are you cheering for?

05 June 2014

June 2014

(Für deutsche unten gehen, bitte)

Greetings,
Well here we are again. Another month and another chance to say Hello. I do hope this post finds you and your family and friends in good health. Personally, May 2014 was a good month until a member of my family was suddenly taken from us on the weekend of Memorial Day. Off we went on an even sudden trip to St. Louis, Missouri.



Next time, we go to St. Louis will be on a much more slower pace and rest assured I will be planning a deliberate get together for those of you in the area. Be on the lookout for something to happen around Thanksgiving 2014.

Now let's press on. Hopefully, June will be much better for all of us.

The month of June is full of plenty of pomp and circumstance. 

June: High School and College Graduations. Time to get those young citizens out from the behind the books and into the workplace. If you know someone that's graduating, recommend them US ARMY INFANTRY. (Sorry, but that's my personal bias).


June 6: 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings in Normandy. Take a moment to remember those soldiers that stormed the beaches and parachuted behind enemy lines. They started something that was left to last soldier in the Berlin Brigade to finish.


June 14: Flag Day. Fly that flag and be sure to send in your photos to BerlinBrigade.com either at dave at berlinbrigade.com or post them on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BerlinBrigade

June 15: Father's Day. Tell Dad we said "Happy Father's Day!"

June 21: Summer Solstice. The first day of Summer and it is also the longest day of the year. Remember, when we were in Berlin and we would go out to the clubs around 10pm, the sky would still be lit. Then when we would, finally, make it out, the sunlight was in full force. Talk about making a quick turnaround back into the club thinking we had not partied long enough.


There is plenty to do and see. Get out there, do and see something. Take some pictures and drop me a note about it dave [at] berlinbrigade.com


All The Way,
Dave Guerra
BerlinBrigade.com

10 May 2014

Greetings and Happy May 2014

(Für deutsche unten gehen, bitte)

Hello, here we are again. Another month and another visit to the BerlinBrigade.com website and the BerlinBrigade.com Blog. I do thank you for visiting. Please enjoy your stay.

This month, I plan on slowing it down just a bit. There are plenty of things going on outside the website that I just want to do that I will be disconnecting from the Internet a little more than normal.

Don't worry plenty of good things are still heading our way.

MAY 8, 2014 is the 69th Anniversary of the End of World War II in Europe or V-E Day

MAY 11, 2014 is Mother's Day! Tell Your Mom I said "Happy Mother's Day"

MAY 12, 2014 marks the 65th Anniversary of the end of the SOVIET BLOCKADE OF BERLIN. In 1949, the Soviets capitulated after realizing that the Berlin Airlift (Operation Vittles) was working. The amount of supplies coming in to the city was more than enough to sustain the citizens of Berlin. The Soviets couldn't compete so they had to try something different.

Several museums and organizations in the city of BERLIN, GERMANY are holding numerous memorial ceremonies. If you happen to be in Berlin tell them BERLINBRIGADE.com says HELLO and we are thinking about them.

MAY 12, 2014 is also the day that our very own David G. Guerra publishes AIR BRIDGE BERLIN. It is a story set in Berlin, chiefly Tempelhof airport during the heady days of the Berlin Airlift (Operation Vittles).  The story is centered on the hypothesis that cargo was not only flying in to Berlin but also flying out. Be on the look out for that at your local and online Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, and most major online book sellers. (Click here to purchase a signed copy from the author)

MAY 17, 2014 is ARMED FORCES DAY here in the United States. "On August 31, 1949, Secretary of Defense Louis Johnson announced the creation of an Armed Forces Day to replace separate Army, Navy and Air Force Days. The single-day celebration stemmed from the unification of the Armed Forces under one department -- the Department of Defense. Each of the military leagues and orders was asked to drop sponsorship of its specific service day in order to celebrate the newly announced Armed Forces Day. The Army, Navy and Air Force leagues adopted the newly formed day. The Marine Corps League declined to drop support for Marine Corps Day but supports Armed Forces Day, too." (Click here to read more at the DOD website)

• ARMED FORCES DAY also marked the OFFICIAL START of the US ARMY BERLIN BRIGADE's "Parade Season". The "unofficial start" was the Monday before the Armed Forces Day parade when units would practice standing and marching on the Four Ring or Platz des 4. Juli (4th of July Platz).

MAY 26, 2014 is MEMORIAL DAY here in the United States. "Memorial Day is officially celebrated on the last Monday during the month of May. Memorial Day is dedicated to service men and women who gave their lives for freedom and country. It is also a time to remember loved ones who have passed away. The roots of Memorial Day observance, goes back to 1865 and the end of the Civil War."

There is plenty to do and see. Get out there, do and see something. Take some pictures and drop me a note about it dave [at] berlinbrigade.com

Thank you and talk to you soon.
Dave


----
AUF DEUTSCH 
Hier sind wir wieder. Ein weiterer Monat und ein weiterer Besuch der Website und die BerlinBrigade.com BerlinBrigade.com Blog . Ich danke Ihnen für Ihren Besuch. Bitte genießen Sie Ihren Aufenthalt .In diesem Monat , ich plane auf verlangsamen nur ein bisschen. Es gibt viele Dinge, die sich außerhalb der Website , die ich gerade zu tun , dass ich aus dem Internet zu trennen , ein wenig mehr als normal werden.Sorgen Sie sich nicht viele gute Dinge sind immer noch auf uns zukommen .8. Mai 2014 ist der 69. Jahrestag des Endes des Zweiten Weltkriegs in Europa oder VE Day11. Mai 2014 ist Muttertag ! Sagen Sie Ihre Mutter sagte ich "Happy Day"12. Mai 2014 markiert den 65. Jahrestag des Endes der sowjetischen Blockade von Berlin. Im Jahre 1949 kapitulierte die Sowjets nach erkennen, dass die Berliner Luftbrücke (Operation Vittles ) arbeitete. Die Höhe der Lieferungen kommen in der Stadt war mehr als genug, um die Bürger von Berlin zu erhalten. Die Sowjets konnten nicht so konkurrieren sie hatten etwas anderes ausprobieren .12. Mai 2014 ist auch der Tag , die unsere eigenen David G. Guerra veröffentlicht AIR BERLIN BRIDGE . Es ist eine Geschichte in Berlin, vor allem Flughafen Tempelhof in den stürmischen Tagen der Berliner Luftbrücke (Operation Vittles ) eingestellt . Die Geschichte basiert auf der Hypothese, dass Ladung wurde nicht nur in Berlin zu fliegen , sondern auch fliegen zentriert. Seien Sie auf der Ausschau nach , dass bei Ihrem lokalen und Online- Barnes & Noble, Amazon.com, und die meisten großen Online- Buchhändler . (Klicken Sie hier , um ein signiertes Exemplar von der Autorin zu erwerben )17. Mai 2014 ist Tag der Streitkräfte hier in den Vereinigten Staaten. " Am 31. August 1949 kündigte Verteidigungsminister Louis Johnson die Schaffung eines Streitkräfte-Tag zu trennen Army, Navy und Air Force Tagen ersetzen Die Ein-Tages- Feier stammte aus der Vereinigung der Streitkräfte unter einer Abteilung - . Die Department of Defense. Jede der militärischen Aufträge Ligen und wurde gebeten , die Trägerschaft seiner spezifischen Service- Tag, um die neu angekündigten Tag der Streitkräfte feiern sinken. die Armee nahm die neu gegründete Tag Navy und Air Force Ligen. Marine Corps Liga sank um Unterstützung für Marine Corps Tag fallen , sondern unterstützt Tag der Streitkräfte , auch. " (Klicken Sie hier , um mehr an der DOD Website zu lesen )• Tag der Streitkräfte war auch der offizielle Start der US-Army Berlin Brigade der "Parade Jahreszeit". Der " inoffizielle Start ", war der Montag vor dem Tag der Streitkräfte Parade , wenn Einheiten würden stehenden üben und marschieren auf dem Vier -Ring- oder Platz des 4 . Juli (4th of July Platz) .26. Mai 2014 ist MEMORIAL DAY hier in den Vereinigten Staaten. "Memorial Day ist offiziell am letzten Montag im Monat Mai gefeiert . Memorial Day ist Service-Männer und Frauen, die ihr Leben für Freiheit und Land gab gewidmet . Es ist auch eine Zeit, an die Lieben , die verstorben sind . Die Wurzeln erinnern von Memorial Day Einhaltung , geht zurück auf 1865 und dem Ende des Bürgerkriegs. "Es gibt viel zu tun und zu sehen . Holen Sie raus , und etwas tun . Nehmen Sie ein paar Bilder und schick mir eine Notiz es dave [at] berlinbrigade.com


13 April 2014

AIR BRIDGE BERLIN now accepting pre-sale orders (reduced rate)

Effective immediately, the second book in the Occupied Berlin series, "AIR BRIDGE BERLIN" is available for PRE-SALE ORDERS at the price $7.00 + $5.00 shipping.

"AIR BRIDGE BERLIN" will be published May 12, 2014 and will sell for $8.99 plus shipping on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and most major online retailers.  Purchasing the book through those outlet will not have a personalization option.

I am offering the PRE-SALE of a signed copy of "AIR BRIDGE BERLIN" the second book in the OCCUPIED BERLIN series exclusively through the SQUARE.com marketplace (see link below) for $7.00 + $5.00 shipping.

If you want this book personalized please include what to write or who to make it out to in the Comments Section when ordering.

ABOUT AIR BRIDGE BERLIN
“Air Bridge Berlin” is set in 1948 Berlin during Operation Vittles (Berlin Airlift). The story is about a US Army Soldier, an Infantryman, assigned to guard Tempelhof airport that is befriended by a young Berliner that was only there for the candy parachutes that were falling from the sky.

As their friendship grows, they are unaware that while the cargo planes are bringing food, medicine, fuel and other much needed supplies into the city something else was being flown out.

When the young Berliner sees something he was not supposed to, things start to heat up. He turns to his new friend to help and soon they are on a race against time. In “Air Bridge Berlin”, the reader will run into some old friends and meet a new friend to the Occupied Berlin series.


Thank you for your time and consideration,
David.

on Square Market

17 March 2014

For Immediate Release: "Air Bridge Berlin" by David G. Guerra (Cover Art Contest #1)

Alright, here's a something for everyone. When I wrote "Doughboy City" I was looking for a fantastic cover image then came across the photo by my friend, Charles R Sledge, and a few emails later his image became the cover image of the book. THANK YOU, CHARLES.

Now, it is your turn. Your shot at literary immortality. For the next book "AIR BRIDGE BERLIN", I am calling out to all the artists out there to submit your cover image design. So from now until April 5, 2014 I invite you to submit your art to dave@berlinbrigade.com.

Then from April 6 to 12 everyone will get a chance to vote for the image you think is the one that should go on the cover of "Air Bridge Berlin".

Here are a few things to consider: Infantryman, young Berliner male, C-47, C-54, Tempelhof Airport, Soviets, Spies/shadowy figures, city rubble, the Pilots, Ground crew and Berlin.

Images submitted should be your original artwork with the following dimensions: 200DPI and 6 inches by 6 inches. Please NO TEXT on the image.

Thank you and Good Luck.


03 March 2014

March 2014 Update

Greetings All,
Can you believe 2 months down and March is underway?

So much has happened in the past two months that one can only imagine what the rest of the year will bring.

Well, I welcome you here and I am glad that you stopped by. This month we have some good stuff on tap.

One of the first of the good stuff is the introduction of OPERATION LONG THRUST registry page. It has been long overdue but it is here now. I do invite you to stop by and check out the members listed there. I have been assured that we'll get more of participants of OPERATION LONG THRUST to join our rolls.

If you are not too sure what OPERATION LONG THRUST is or was, then I invite you to visit our eBooks and Downloadable content page and download the very informative article by our good friend JOHN PARMENTER.

Stick around we have more on the way,
Dave

23 February 2014

2014 Olympic Winter Games

Greetings,

Did you know there were 11 Active Duty Personnel participating, as athletes, in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia?

I want to extend a heartfelt Congratulations and Thank You to:

• Army Staff Sgt. Jen Lee - Sled Hockey (Paralympian)
• Army Sgt. 1st Class Tuffield “Tuffy” Latour - Skeleton Coach
• Army Staff Sgt. William Tavares - Luge Coach
• Army Sgt. Justin Olsen - Bobsled
• Army Sgt. Matt Mortensen - Luge
• Army 1st Lt. Michael Kohn - Bobsled Coach
• Army Sgt. Preston Griffall - Luge
• Army Capt. Chris Fogt - Bobsled
• Army Sgt. Nick Cunningham - Bobsled
• Army Sgt. Dallas Robinson - Bobsled
• Army 1st Lt. Kristi Koplin - Bobsled


Great Job Everyone and We Look Forward to Seeing you in 4 Years!

-BerlinBrigade.com

03 February 2014

Happy New Year

Yes, you read that right. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Let me the last one to officially wish you a Very Happy & Prosperous 2014.

How is your year going so far?

Here, well, it has been busy.

The first podcast of 2014 has been uploaded and ready for your listening enjoyment.

Our interview guest is William McWhorter with the Texas Historical Commission. We talk about the Cold War Oral History Project that the THC is currently undertaking. Don't worry if you are not from Texas, Bill talks about what you can do to get your COLD WAR story recorded for all time.

This is the just the first interview of 2014 and many more great interviews are coming. So stick around we are just getting started.

Lastly and in the "In case you haven't heard" department, I recently published my first work of fiction in paperback. The name of the paperback book is "DOUGHBOY CITY" and I am currently working on the next book "AIR BRIDGE BERLIN".

If you are interested in getting your own copy you can do so by visiting any of the following links:

AMAZON.COM  |  BARNES & NOBLE  |  ALIBRIS  | 


Thank you for your time,
David Guerra
BERLINBRIGADE.COM


27 November 2013

HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2013

There is certainly a lot to be Thankful for this day and every day of the year. 

I wish You, Your Family, & Friends a Very Happy Thanksgiving Day.

Thank you for your support,
Dave Guerra
A/6/502nd Berlin Brigade

13 October 2013

Sunday Morning SITREP 1013080013Z

----- START TRANS

1. Berlin: Where history can be found on every corner

Article about the past, present and future of Berlin just by walking down the street.

link to article: http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/news/10726724.Berlin__Where_history_can_be_found_on_every_corner/

2. 5 of Berlin's Hottest, Hidden Spots

A list of the five "ultra-cool things" about Berlin.

link to article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/internationallivingcom/five-of-berlins-hottest-h_b_4064084.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel


3. Corn Diplomacy and the Cold War

"The Year: 1959. The place: Iowa. It’s the height of the Cold War, and Soviet premier Nikita Khrushchev, on an official visit to the United States, makes a foray into corn country – and the farm of Roswell Garst."

link to article: http://backstoryradio.org/2013/10/06/corn-diplomacy-and-the-cold-war/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=corn-diplomacy-and-the-cold-war



END TRANS -----

12 October 2013

Saturday Morning SITREP 1012080013Z

----- START TRANS

1. Fort Detrick's Eight-Ball -- a relic of Cold War bio-warfare

Talking about a four-story spherical structure used to test aerobiological agents at Ft. Detrick. Maryland.

link to article: http://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/health/diseases/article_09a3c63c-fe2b-5950-8f76-79d2c14455b2.html

2. 5 places to revisit the Atomic Age

A list of former top-secret locations and spacey spots to revisit the Atomic Age.

link to article: http://www.sfgate.com/travel/fiveplaces/article/5-places-to-revisit-the-Atomic-Age-4886572.php

3. Krimsky talks Cold War era

Former Associated Press journalist talks about his time in the Soviet Union and the Cold War as viewed from that side of the Iron Curtain

link to article: http://thedartmouth.com/2013/10/10/news/lecture

4. Nuclear Weapons are the United States' Instruments of Peace
An OP-ED piece about why nuclear weapons remain in the US arsenal.

link to article: http://www.cfr.org/arms-control-disarmament-and-nonproliferation/nuclear-weapons-united-states-instruments-peace/p31567

END TRANS -----

06 October 2013

Sunday Morning SITREP 1006080013Z

START TRANS -----

Good Morning Everyone,

1. What Happened to East Germany's Workers?

link to article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-feffer/what-happened-to-east-ger_b_4016428.html

2. Film Review: ‘West’

link to article: http://variety.com/2013/film/reviews/west-review-montreal-1200680119/

3. NSA Knew Berlin Wall Plans Days before Construction

link to article: http://www.thefiscaltimes.com/Articles/2013/09/29/NSA-Knew-Berlin-Wall-Plans-Days-Construction

4. A walk along the East Side Gallery – Berlin
link to article: http://www.baldhiker.com/2013/10/02/a-walk-along-the-east-side-gallery-berlin/

----- END TRANS

05 October 2013

Saturday Morning SITREP 1005080013Z

START TRANS -----

Good Morning Everyone,


1. Three Eyewitness Scenes from Berlin: 1950, 1973, 2013
"Reflections on a city where my grandfather served and my mother visited."

link to article:  http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/10/three-eyewitness-scenes-from-berlin-1950-1973-2013/280184/

2. Espionage, Cold War thriller author Tom Clancy dies

Article recapping the brilliant but brief life of Tom Clancy



link to article: http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20131002/ENT07/131009900

3. Porsche to BMW Help Bridge East-West German Divide

Talking about the finance of bringing and keeping the automobile giant successful in the east.

link to article: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2013-10-02/porsche-bridges-former-communist-divide-as-macan-plugs-gap-cars


4. 5 Fascinating Former DDR Locales

Potsdam, Leipzig, Dresden among the cities in the former East Germany that are quickly becoming tourist meccas.

link to article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rachel-stern/5-fascinating-eastern-ger_b_4024413.html


----- END TRANS

29 September 2013

Sunday Morning SITREP 0929101013Z

START TRANS -----

DISTRO: ALL PERSONNEL

SUBJECT: SUNDAY SITREP 0929101013Z

1. Does the Berlin Wall still exist?

A BBC New article reflecting on the historical political division in a united Berlin. The article's graphic will look eerily familiar to anyone who ever served in Berlin.

link to the article: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-24238553

2. NSA spied on Martin Luther King, Muhhammad Ali, senators and journalists during Cold War

Article regarding how the NSA is reported to have "spied on civil rights leader Martin Luther King and boxer Muhammad Ali during the height of the Vietnam War protests, according to declassified documents revealed Wednesday."

link to the article: http://voiceofrussia.com/news/2013_09_26/NSA-spied-on-Martin-Luther-King-Muhhammad-Ali-senators-and-journalists-during-Cold-War-3577/?from=menu

3. JFK Visited Hanford 50 Years Ago, Trying to De-Escalate Cold War

Article recalling President John F. Kennedy's visit to the Hanford Nuclear Reservation in southeast Washington.

link to the article: http://kplu.org/post/jfk-visited-hanford-50-years-ago-trying-de-escalate-cold-war

4. The 'Little Traffic Light Man' That Could
"How Berlin's iconic Ampelmännchen were born, saved from destruction, and still matter today"

link to the article: http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2013/09/the-little-traffic-light-man-that-could/279968/

5. Benghazi -  Swift and Decisive

Article reference the LaBelle Disco Bombing, the actions taken after (Operation El Dorado Canyon) versus the incident in Benghazi in 2012.

link to the article: http://www.citywatchla.com/8box-left/5749-benghazi-swift-and-decisive

----- END TRANS

28 September 2013

Saturday Morning SITREP 0928080013Z

START TRANS-----

Good Morning Everyone,

Here is a little something I have gathered and think you will find interesting.

1. Cold war bunker out of cold storage

Video article about a "genuine" Cold War Bunker in Gravesend (East of London), England.

link to article: http://www.itv.com/news/meridian/update/2013-09-20/cold-war-bunker-out-of-cold-storage/

2. War hero turned Cold War spycatcher locked up some of Britain's most ruthless traitors

Article about one of Britain's most famous spycatchers.

link to article: http://www.vancouversun.com/life/hero+turned+Cold+spycatcher+locked+some+Britain+most+ruthless+traitors/8942471/story.html

3. US Army Military Police Corps observes 72nd Birthday

Read about how the US Army's Military Police celebrated and remembered its past during this week's "Regimental Week."

link to article: http://www.myguidon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16438&Itemid=39


4. Land of the Giant Mushrooms: Albania's 750,000 Cold War Bunkers

A Slate article about the thousands of bunkers built by the Albanian government for an invasion that never came.

link to article: http://www.slate.com/blogs/atlas_obscura/2013/09/27/land_of_the_giant_mushrooms_albania_s_750_000_cold_war_bunkers.html

5. BOOK REVIEW: Stalin's Curse: Battling for Communism in War and Cold War

Review of a new book focusing on former Soviet premier, Josef Stalin and what many are believing was that Stalin and the USSR had only intentions of peace and secured borders and not that of expansionism and the global domination of Communism.

Author: Robert Gellately
Hardcover: 496 pages
Publisher: Knopf

link to article: http://www.weeklystandard.com/articles/stalin-s-cold-war_757205.html

-----END TRANS

26 September 2013

About the SITREPS

Greetings All,
Thank you for indulging me this time. I want to say Thank you for reading and following along.


Over the past two weeks I have been adding the SITREPS and I do hope you have found them interesting. However, I have found that doing a daily report is just not in the cards.

However, starting this weekend (September 28-29)  I will publish Weekend SITREPS.



 Please, I would love to hear from you and what you think. You can email me at dave@berlinbrigade.com

Thank you.
Dave  Guerra
A/6/502/ Berlin Brigade

22 September 2013

A Brief Note to the Citizens of Germany (22 September 2013)


-----
Im Namen der Veteranen des ehemaligen US Army Berlin Brigade, würde Ich mag ein herzlichen Glückwunsch an die Bürger DEUTSCHLAND verlängern über den Abschluss einer der größten Prozesse jede Nation eingehen kann: Freiheit der Bürger, ihr Wahlrecht Übung !

Ihre Ausübung Ihrer Rechte als Bürger des deutschen Volkes sicherlich verstärkt die Tatsache, dass unser Engagement in Deutschland, das deutsche Volk, der Stadt West-Berlin, und die Bürger von West-Berlin von 1945 bis 1990 gerecht und richtig war.


---
On behalf of the Veterans of the former US Army Berlin Brigade, I would like to extend a heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to the Citizens of GERMANY on the conclusion of one of the Greatest Processes any nation can undergo: Freedom of its citizens to Exercise Their Right To Vote!

Your exercising your rights as citizens of the German nation certainly reinforces the fact that our commitment and dedication to Germany, the German People, the city of West Berlin, and the citizens of West Berlin from 1945 to 1990 was just and right.  



We Thank You Again & We Congratulate You!

David G. Guerra
BerlinBrigade.com

21 September 2013

Saturday Morning SITREP 0921081013Z

START TRANS-----

Good Morning Everyone,
Here is a little something I have gathered and think you will find interesting.

1. Power city: Berlin’s political nerve centre

"What happens in the German capital affects us more than the goings-on inside the Washington Beltway or even Whitehall’s square mile. Ahead of Germany’s federal election tomorrow, it’s a good time to stroll through the heart of the Berliner Republik"

link to article: http://www.irishtimes.com/news/world/europe/power-city-berlin-s-political-nerve-centre-1.1534795 

2. One cheap switch saved US from nuclear catastrophe in 1961, declassified document reveals

Article talking about how a nuclear crisis was averted when a B-52 bomber carrying a nuclear weapon broke up over North Carolina in 1961.

link to article: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/09/21/20608882-one-cheap-switch-saved-us-from-nuclear-catastrophe-in-1961-declassified-document-reveals?lite

3. Berlin, Prague, Vienna: Far from the beaten European path

Planning on traveling to Berlin here's a little bit of info for you to consider.

link to article: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/126581/berlin-prague-vienna-far-from-the-beaten-european-path#ixzz2fWzLIHJ0

-----END TRANS

18 September 2013

Wednesday Morning SITREP 0918060013Z

START TRANS-----

Good Morning Everyone,
Here is a little something I have gathered and think you will find interesting.

1. Cold War Relics in the Caribbean: The Abandoned Planes of Pearls Airport

A small article and a couple of photos of an old SOVIET aircraft that were in place in the island nation of Grenada at the time of Operation Urgent Fury in 1983.

link to the article: http://www.slate.com/blogs/atlas_obscura/2013/09/17/cold_war_relics_in_the_caribbean_the_abandoned_planes_of_pearls_airport.html

2. For first time since Cold War, Russian navy sets up permanent Arctic presence

Story about the Russians returning to their old Cold War stomping grounds: the Arctic.

link to the article: http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/20130916/first-time-cold-war-russian-navy-sets-permanent-arctic-presence

3. Cameras disguised inside coat zips and bugs hidden in tree trunks: Fascinating insight into the crafty tricks and devious gadgets German spies used during the Cold War

Article about some the gear the Stasi spies used during the Cold War. Some of it obvious and some not so obvious. There was one that had me thinking "Oh, that's how they did that."
Guess which one it was?


link to the article: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2423361/From-cameras-disguised-inside-coat-zips-bugs-hidden-tree-trunks-Fascinating-insight-crafty-tricks-devious-gadgets-German-spies-used-Cold-War.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

-----END TRANS

17 September 2013

Tuesday Morning SITREP 0917060013Z

START TRANS-----

Good Morning Everyone,
Here is a little something I have gathered and think you will find interesting.

1. Germany's Refugee Policy Tested By New Arrivals

"As many as 5,000 Syrian refugees are moving to Germany this month after Chancellor Angela Merkel's government agreed to a U.N. request to host them. But they aren't receiving the warmest welcome in a country where a growing number of Germans are unhappy about the steady stream of asylum seekers."  Many are locating to HELLERSDORF district of the former East Berlin.

There is an audio version of this story on the page.


link to the article: http://publicradioeast.org/post/germans-tire-taking-refugees-warn-torn-nations

2. Cold War plane unveiled at Alberta Aviation Museum

"The Alberta Aviation Museum unveiled the newest addition to its collection this weekend: a CF-104 Starfighter plane that flew in the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1961 until 1984."

IMHO, The F-104 is one of the coolest jets ever made.

link to the article: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/cold-war-plane-unveiled-at-alberta-aviation-museum-1.1309400

3. Eric Schlosser's 'Command and Control' tracks nuclear mishaps

A new book tackling the what ifs and uh-oh's during the nuclear age.

COMMAND AND CONTROL: Nuclear Weapons, the Damascus Accident, and the Illusion of Safety, by Eric Schlosser. The Penguin Press, 632 pp., $36.


link to the article: http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/books/eric-schlosser-s-command-and-control-tracks-nuclear-mishaps-1.6048702

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