Charles Howard “Dick” Ellis Colonel Charles Howard “Dick” Ellis CMG CBE TD was an extraordinary figure in 20th-century intelligence, with a life story that traverses continents, governments, and crucial moments in history. Born on February 13, 1895, in Sydney, Australia, Ellis became one of the most influential intelligence officers of his era. His contributions were…
Soviet SWL A. Kozlow (URS3-108-B) with his short-wave receiver KUB-4. Broadcast receiver SI-235 on foreground. Borisoglebsk city, 1941. Numbers stations are one of the most intriguing phenomena of shortwave radio. They have captivated curious minds for decades with their eerie broadcasts of seemingly random numbers, strange tones, and cryptic messages. But what are they? Who…
By Michael Kurcina Mike credits his early military training as the one thing that kept him disciplined through the many years. He currently provides his expertise as an adviser for an agency within the DoD. Michael Kurcina subscribes to the Spotter Up way of life. “I will either find a way or I will make…
The 2025 Annual Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Community, often referred to as the “ATA”, is a comprehensive report that provides an unclassified summary of the U.S. Intelligence Community’s evaluation of current threats to U.S. national security. The report reflects the collective insights of the Intelligence Community and is committed to providing nuanced, independent,…
Under Orders Prayer: “Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.” — Psalm 144:1 Lord, I stand today not by my own strength, but by Your hand. Train my will to be steady, my heart to be right, and my steps to follow Your way. Teach…
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18 The fight isn’t won by muscle or noise, but by the slow, steady shaping of prayer—a work wrought deep in the soul by the hand of God. —D. + + + The war you’re in is old.…
By Michael Kurcina Mike credits his early military training as the one thing that kept him disciplined through the many years. He currently provides his expertise as an adviser for an agency within the DoD. Michael Kurcina subscribes to the Spotter Up way of life. “I will either find a way or I will make…
By Paul Conway Founder Paul J. Conway’s firefighting heritage runs deep through 3 generations. His father, the late Charles B. Conway, served 34 years with the New Berlin, WI Fire Department (21 of them as Fire Chief). Following his father’s footsteps, Paul extended the family legacy from New Berlin to the Milwaukee, WI Fire Department,…
“Champagne is the wine of civilization and the oil of government.” — Winston Churchill Champagne, often synonymous with celebration and luxury, is a sparkling wine that hails from the Champagne region in northeastern France. Known for its fine bubbles, crisp acidity, and complex flavors, Champagne has a storied history and a unique production process that…
Greville Wynne during Soviet trial for espionage. From rom 1963 Soviet propaganda film, The 2021 film The Courier, starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Greville Wynne, brings to life the gripping true story of an ordinary British businessman thrust into the extraordinary world of Cold War espionage. Released on March 19, the movie delves into Wynne’s collaboration…