Listening to “Because the Night” while doing the dishes got me thinking of this book (Patti Smith and Sam Shepard in their youth must have been a hell of a smart, wild, intense ride). That makes this rumination of the end all the more haunting.

Another fun one from the Stimson diary. The birth of the Pentagon. Appropriately, “the whole thing seemed to be silly” initially but then after reflection “it would probably be a good thing.” The jury is still out…😉

A fun one from the Stimson diary.

A day after the 82d anniversary of D-Day, I’m begging the Army to stop being so obsessed with Operation Overlord and to start looking to its WWII operations in the Pacific theater for valuable but uncomfortable lessons. angrystaffofficer.com/2026/06/07/t...

The U.S. Army’s Dangerous Obsession with WWII Europe

You know the old adage, the Army is always preparing to fight the last war? I’d offer a twist on that: the Army is always preparing to fight the war it really wants. And the war it wants is W…

angrystaffofficer.com

This week, BSAP Class 26B has been able to discuss two new books in our curriculum. Great material prompts great discussions. Thanks @honer.bsky.social and Jim Lacey!

Iconic images of this war. Stunning shots.

100 years ago news@100yearsagonews.bsky.social · 4mo ago

May 29, 1926: Larry Burrows, a British photojournalist who captured some of the most striking and harrowing images of the Vietnam War as a Life magazine staffer, is born (as Henry) in London. He was killed in a helicopter crash in Laos in 1971.

Going out for some Danish pastries and the oldest child spotted Tammany Hall. Good thing we are past the age of corruption in government!

Hello Manhattan!

Manuscript reviews are much better on nice days when you can get out and listen to the birdsong with a light breeze. Good living. And I even get paid in books!

Peak migration season here in south-central Pennsylvania. Just had our annual visit from a Rose-breasted Grosbeak. He stayed for a time at the feeder. Glad to give him some sustenance on his journey (and take a few minutes from writing to watch).

I loved this conversation with @katecarp.bsky.social and you should all subscribe to @draftingthepast.bsky.social. I never read my own transcripts but remembered asking such generous and generative questions. As she does with every guest.

If Ricky Bobby drives better with a cougar in the car, then maybe I write better surrounded by a pack of ferocious office wolves.

A real treat to have Sir Hew Strachan visit the Army War College.

“Our research consistently revealed that one of the best predictors of a sleepless night was having a gong sound near one’s bed,” said lead author Dr. Sylvia Mott

Poor Sleep Linked To Gong

CHICAGO—Concluding that the costs of keeping such a device in the bedroom far exceeded the benefits, a study released Monday by the University of Chicago’s sleep lab found a strong link between poor s...

theonion.com

Some historical perspective on lethality as a force development construct from Rob Williams.

My favorite passage from Strunk & White:

Organizing my notes from John McManus’s excellent Fire and Fortitude. One note is entitled “MacArthur was a horrible person.”

Maybe Germany is like Faulkner’s South: the past isn’t even in the past. Fascinating discussion with @rjgranieri.bsky.social about his new book from @oxfordunipress.bsky.social.

Just saw my first bluebird of 2026. Although the Merlin app tells me that Carlisle is well within their year-round range and the current windchill is -3, I choose to take this as a sign of spring!

Pretty sunrise and a hawk hanging out in the neighbors’ tree to get the day off to a start.

It is great to see this book, expertly edited by @amosfox.bsky.social and @hoanssolo.bsky.social on the streets. I give a simple account of the origins of the army's concept. That is followed by great analysis from others including @heatheratacts.bsky.social @jwmeiser.bsky.social. lnkd.in/gPvpMjHR

@univpressofkansas.bsky.social holiday sale means it’s a perfect time to get some of the best, latest USMC history from Mike Morris and Mark Folse.

The Spotify algorithm evidently decided that I should have a dose of introspection as I got ready for work. An interesting pairing. Funny how “He Went to Paris” hits differently as you get older.

Every author needs a beagle under their desk to aid the creative process through a combination of snorts, sighs, and generally keeping you from putting your feet in the most comfortable position. She’s a weird little dog. Perhaps part rat as smelly, cave-like environments are her thing.

I’m gonna be honest, Panel Discussants at Conferences: We really don’t want to hear your comments for 20 MINUTES. Send the presenters an email and let them field questions about their work from the audience.

a man is sitting at a desk in an office looking at a computer screen .

ALT: a man is sitting at a desk in an office looking at a computer screen .

media.tenor.com