The Sirkeci Terminal in Istanbul was used as a filming location for the James Bond film “From Russia with Love”. James Bond, the suave British secret agent created by Ian Fleming, is one of the most iconic characters in cinematic history. While Bond’s thrilling adventures and charismatic persona have captivated audiences for decades, his role…
I recently received the Kubaton Pen by 5.11 Tactical to review. As a writer, I’m picky about my pens, but as someone who travels OCONUS a lot, I like the idea of carrying something that can be used as an unobtrusive, airplane—and customs-friendly tool. The Kubaton pen I received was in sandstone. It is also…
The Manger Does Not Just Hold The Christ Child by Donavon L Riley The manger is no just a resting place for a tired and newborn child; it is a rough-hewn altar, a table laid with the first offering of God’s inexhaustible grace. Here, in the scratch of straw and the smell of animals, is…
Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in a romantic scene. Casablanca, released in 1942, is often hailed as one of the greatest films in American cinema. Beyond its romantic plot and memorable characters, the film also served as a powerful piece of wartime propaganda . Theatrical release poster by Bill Gold. The Making of Casablanca Casablanca…
Aerial view of the historical peninsula and modern skyline of Istanbul During World War II, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) played a crucial role in gathering intelligence and conducting covert operations. One of the key locations for OSS activities was Istanbul, a city that served as a strategic hub for espionage in the Middle…
Finding the right support is essential, and your style preference may vary based on the type of workout you’re doing. When it comes to finding the perfect sports bra, the PT-R® Catalyst Sports Bra by 5.11® ticks all the boxes for comfort, performance, and style. It is designed with both functionality and aesthetics in mind.…
Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty at the Reichenbach Falls. Illustration by Sidney Paget for the Sherlock Holmes story “The Final Problem” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, which appeared in “The Strand Magazine” in December 1893. The original caption was “THE DEATH OF SHERLOCK HOLMES.” Illustration cropped. Bartitsu, a Victorian martial art developed by Edward William…
What Falls Away Is Not Wasted by Donavon L Riley It is not hard to be Christian—it is impossible. No one, in their right mind, willingly steps onto a path that, the more truthfully it is followed, leads directly to their own unraveling. And yet, this is the unyielding invitation of Christ: to let go…
It Is Not The World That Is Remade Here, But You by Donavon L Riley If you wish to know Christ—not as a concept to be studied, but as a living presence that presses close to your ribs—then you must step into the liturgical year as if it were a forest, dense and alive. The…
In this episode I talk with Coach Tony Blauer, inventor of the Spear System, and a huge influence on my training in martial arts and combatives. We discuss the reality of fighting and training realistically for it, and the importance of truly knowing fear.