Author: Dave

I've always been curious about the world beyond my own backyard. While many people spend their entire lives close to where they were born, I've been fortunate enough to travel across the United States and around the world. Every place I've visited has challenged my assumptions in one way or another and reminded me that, despite our differences, people often have far more in common than they realize. I don't write to tell personal stories for the sake of telling them, and I don't believe every article needs to revolve around me. Instead, I enjoy using my experiences as a starting point for exploring larger ideas. Whether it's something I noticed while walking through a market overseas, a conversation with someone from another culture, or simply observing how different communities solve similar problems, I'm interested in the lessons those moments can teach all of us. Travel has given me perspective, but it has also taught me humility. The more places I visit, the more I realize there is still to learn. Every culture has something worth appreciating, and every journey has a way of expanding how we see the world and our place within it. When I write, my goal is simple: to share thoughtful observations, compare perspectives, and encourage curiosity. I hope readers come away having learned something new—not just about another place, but about the world we all share. If one of my articles inspires someone to look at a familiar idea differently, ask a new question, or venture a little farther than they otherwise might have, then I've accomplished exactly what I set out to do.

Squirrel Superhero Pose

Dave

During this time of the COVID-19, otherwise known as the Coronavirus, I have been feeding a local squirrel.  I’ve been feeding it different things to see which it prefers as I am trying to make it fat like the gopher off the movie “Caddy Shack.”  A friend sent me a meme that showed how squirrels make superhero poses.  Ever since I received that meme I have been taking photos and trying to catch the squirrel in action to see if I can get a photo of it.  Low and behold I was able to catch a photo of a squirrel in a pose that make it look like a superhero.  Now that’s one awesome squirrel!

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Kadena Technical Control Facility Intermediate Distribution Frame

Dave

I belong to a group of people who share stories, photos, and stuff about different places they work.  Here is a photo of the Kadena Airbase Tech Control Facility’s intermediate distribution frame that another person shared.  He said this photo was from the 70’s or 80’s.  What’s funny is when I was there in the 90’s and 2000’s the frame didn’t look much different.  Maybe fewer wires, but that’s about it.  It definitely takes you down memory lane remembering the different types of equipment I’ve worked on  over the years.  He’s one to the Air Force and to fellow Tech Controllers.

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German Enigma Machine

Dave

This is a four rotor Enigma machine that was created by German around the time of 1943-1944.  Germany built this rare Enigma for its ally, Japan.  You can tell by both the character and the fourth rotor.  Germany was unaware that Britain had cracked the Enigma they added the fourth rotor in 1942 to strengthen it.

The British called the device’s messages “Shark.”  It took nearly a year to crack, and only after capturing key sheets from a German U-boat.  In the interim, Nazi subs sank more than 2 million tons of Allied supplies.

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Videos of People Eating Disgusting Things

Dave

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Lunar Module 2

Dave

Between 1969 and 1972, six lunar modules essentially identical to this one landed a total of 12 American astronauts on the Moon.  This lunar module, LM-2, never flew into space.  It was built for testing in low Earth orbit, but was actually used on Earth to measure the LM’s ability to withstand the forces of landing on the Moon.  It is configured as LM-5, Apollo 11’s lunar module Eagle.

The lunar module also symbolizes the United States’ triumph in the space race with the Soviet Union, part of the competition for technological supremacy and International prestige during the Cold War of 1945-91.

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Magellan Global Positioning System Test Components

Dave

The Magellan Systems Corporation produced some of the earliest handheld GPS units for civilian use.  In 1986 its engineers began experimenting with electronic mockups of a unit.  Displayed here is the earliest “breadboard” and keyboard used to test circuitry and components at Magellan.

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International Spy Museum Mechanical Dragonfly

Dave

At the International Spy Museum located in Washington D.C. there are many interesting things that can be found.  Here is a graphic depicting a mechanical dragonfly that could be used to listen to conversations or take photos without being detected.

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Siemens-Halske W38 Phone

Dave

This switchboard operator’s desk telephone was manufactured by Siemens-Halske in Germany.  It is believe the history of this specific device was removed from one of the U.S. Missions in Germany.  A close inspection of the typed labels for the switches are in German.

The telephone was called “REIPOS”.  The bulk of the unit is made from Bakelite, a popular material used in the manufacture of early telecommunications equipment.  It has 4 incoming lines and 10 outgoing lines.  It would have very likely been located at the embassy or consulates operators room.

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