Byte Sized Biographies…

In 2013, while working as a contractor at the National Security Agency, Edward Snowden leaked an extensive collection of top secret documents, an act of defiance that, today, still reverberates throughout US intelligence and international relations. National Security Agency Headquarters, Fort Meade, MD Edward Snowden Glenn Greenwald, publicity photo Laura Poitras General Keith Alexander

In 2013, while working as a contractor at the National Security Agency, Edward Snowden leaked an extensive collection of top secret documents, an act of defiance that, today, still reverberates throughout US intelligence and international relations. Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport Edward Snowden in his Hong Kong hotel room Glen Greenwald and Ewan Mckaskill, in Hong Kong Academy Award onstage presentation to Laura Poitras, Glenn Greenwald and Lindsay Mills, second from right Keith Alexander 2014 retirement party, with Chuck Hagel and James Clapper 

  J. D. Salinger, photo used on book jacket, The Catcher in the Rye Original book jacket cover, The Catcher in the Rye Cornish-Windsor Bridge, near Salinger’s home The Catcher in the Rye, paperback book edition cover, designed by Salinger Jean Miller, 2013 J.D. Salinger: The Reclusive Genius Behind “The Catcher in the Rye” Discover the untold story of J.D. Salinger, the enigmatic author who captivated a generation with “The Catcher in the Rye.” This bite-sized biography delves into Salinger’s early life, his traumatic experiences in World War II, and the creative process behind his iconic novel. Learn how Salinger’s masterpiece transformed American literature and why he retreated from the public eye at the height of his fame. From his privileged Manhattan upbringing to his struggles with PTSD, uncover the fascinating journey of a literary legend. This episode reveals Salinger’s complex relationships, his battles with publishers, and the lasting impact of his work.

J. D. Salinger, Time Magazine, 1961 Original dust jacket of The Catcher in the Rye, Salinger eventually demanded that his photo be removed. J. D. Salinger, on the streets of Windsor, Vermont, later in life. Joyce Maynard, later in life. J.D. Salinger: The Reclusive Genius Behind “The Catcher in the Rye” Discover the untold story of J.D. Salinger, the enigmatic author who captivated a generation with “The Catcher in the Rye.” This bite-sized biography delves into Salinger’s early life, his traumatic experiences in World War II, and the creative process behind his iconic novel. Learn how Salinger’s masterpiece transformed American literature and why he retreated from the public eye at the height of his fame. From his privileged Manhattan upbringing to his struggles with PTSD, uncover the fascinating journey of a literary legend. This episode reveals Salinger’s complex relationships, his battles with publishers, and the lasting impact of his work.

  Admiral Gunther Lutjens Hitler on naval inspection tour of the “Deutschland,” in 1934. Crew of Bismarck on deck, its 15 inch guns visible Spitfire reconnaissance photo near Bergen, Norway. Bismarck during the Battle of the Denmark Strait Gunther Lutjens: The Admiral Behind the Bismarck’s Fateful Voyage Discover the untold story of Admiral Gunther Lutjens and the nine-day voyage of Nazi Germany’s most powerful battleship, the Bismarck. This bite-sized biography delves into the naval strategies, political tensions, and dramatic sea battles that led to one of World War II’s most epic maritime confrontations. From Hitler’s rearmament plans to the sinking of the HMS Hood, uncover the forgotten details of this pivotal moment in naval history.

Captain Ernst Lindemann HMS Prince of Wales Admiral John Tovey on the deck of the George V Swordfish Torpedo dive bomber Swordfish returning to the Ark Royal after attacking the Bismarck Ark Royal and Renown from HMS Sheffield Bismarck survivors being rescued by the Dorsetshire Hitler and Raeder, 1943 Gunther Lutjens: The Admiral Behind the Bismarck’s Fateful Voyage Discover the untold story of Admiral Gunther Lutjens and the nine-day voyage of Nazi Germany’s most powerful battleship, the Bismarck. This bite-sized biography delves into the naval strategies, political tensions, and dramatic sea battles that led to one of World War II’s most epic maritime confrontations. From Hitler’s rearmament plans to the sinking of the HMS Hood, uncover the forgotten details of this pivotal moment in naval history.

Today, no more than thirty-seven paintings are attributed to Jan Vermeer. Still, he remains one of the greatest artists who ever lived.   Burial Marker for Vermeer, Oude Kirk, Delft The Astronomer in the Altaussee salt mine Two paintings at 2023 Rijksmuseum exhibit St. Praxedes Diana and her Companions Christ in the House of Mary and Martha The Procuress A Girl Asleep A Girl Reading a Letter by an Open Window, before restoration A Girl Reading a Letter, restored Cavalier and Young Woman The Milkmaid The Glass of Wine Girl Interrupted in her Music Young Woman With A Wine Glass The Little Street View of Delft This podcast explores the life and works of Dutch master Jan Vermeer. It delves into Vermeer’s enigmatic biography, his meticulous artistic process, and the rediscovery of his genius centuries after his death. The episode covers Vermeer’s early life in Delft, his marriage, and his struggle to support a large family through art and dealing. It traces the journey of several of Vermeer’s most famous paintings, including “The Milkmaid” and “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” through history and various collections. The podcast also touches on the impact of historical events like wars on the fate of Vermeer’s works and the artist’s enduring legacy in the art world. 0:00 Intro: Jan Vermeer’s enigmatic life and legacy 5:30 Vermeer’s early life and artistic beginnings 16:45 Vermeer’s artistic style and meticulous process 28:05 St. Praxedis: Vermeer’s earliest surviving work 33:45 The Procuress: Vermeer’s dramatic stylistic shift 39:20 A Girl Asleep: Symbolism in everyday scenes 44:55 The Milkmaid: Dutch appreciation for Vermeer 50:35 Landscapes: The Little Street and View of Delft

Today, no more than thirty-seven paintings are attributed to Jan Vermeer. Still, he remains one of the greatest artists who ever lived. Young Woman With A Water Pitcher Woman With a Lute The Music Lesson The Concert Woman in Blue Reading a letter Woman With a Pearl Necklace Woman with a Balance A Lady Writing Mistress and Maid Girl With a Pearl Earring Study of a Young Woman Girl With a Red Hat Girl With a Flute The Art of Painting The Geographer The Astronomer The Lacemaker The Love Letter A Lady Writing a Letter With Her Maid Allegory of the Catholic Faith Young Woman Standing a Virginal Young Woman Seated at a Virginal The Guitar Player Young Woman Seated at a Virginal (Leiden Collection) This podcast explores the life and works of Dutch master Jan Vermeer. It delves into Vermeer’s enigmatic biography, his meticulous artistic process, and the rediscovery of his genius centuries after his death. The episode covers Vermeer’s early life in Delft, his marriage, and his struggle to support a large family through art and dealing. It traces the journey of several of Vermeer’s most famous paintings, including “The Milkmaid” and “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” through history and various collections. The podcast also touches on the impact of historical events like wars on the fate of Vermeer’s works and the artist’s enduring legacy in the art world. 0:00 Intro: Jan Vermeer’s enigmatic life and legacy 5:30 Vermeer’s early life and artistic beginnings 16:45 Vermeer’s artistic style and meticulous process 28:05 St. Praxedis: Vermeer’s earliest surviving work 33:45 The Procuress: Vermeer’s dramatic stylistic shift 39:20 A Girl Asleep: Symbolism in everyday scenes 44:55 The Milkmaid: Dutch appreciation for Vermeer 50:35 Landscapes: The Little Street and View of Delft

Christopher Boyce on Australian 60 Minutes Christopher Boyce, after his rearrest in the state of Washington. Timothy Hutton, who played Boyce in “The Falcon and the Snowman.” Sean Penn, who played Daulton Lee in the “The Falcon and the Snowman.” Arrested for selling secrets to the Russians, their incarceration and Christopher Boyce’s subsequent escape from a Federal prison was headline news.  Ultimately, the Falcon and the Snowman spent decades behind bars. This podcast episode delves into the story of Christopher Boyce and Daulton Lee, known as the Falcon and the Snowman. It explores their backgrounds in affluent Southern California and how they became involved in selling classified information to the Soviet Union in the 1970s. The episode details Boyce’s work at TRW, a defense contractor, and Lee’s drug-dealing activities. It recounts their initial contact with Soviet officials in Mexico City and the development of their espionage operation. The podcast highlights the contrast between their privileged upbringings and their descent into criminal activities, offering insights into the motivations and circumstances that led to their infamous espionage case.

  Christopher Boyce, testifying before Congress, 1985 Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam Kathleen “Cait” Mills Boyce, 2003 Recent photo of Boyce in Oregon Cait and Chris Boyce on CNN, 2014 Arrested for selling secrets to the Russians, their incarceration and Christopher Boyce’s subsequent escape from a Federal prison was headline news.  Ultimately, the Falcon and the Snowman spent decades behind bars. This podcast episode delves into the story of Christopher Boyce and Daulton Lee, known as the Falcon and the Snowman. It explores their backgrounds in affluent Southern California and how they became involved in selling classified information to the Soviet Union in the 1970s. The episode details Boyce’s work at TRW, a defense contractor, and Lee’s drug-dealing activities. It recounts their initial contact with Soviet officials in Mexico City and the development of their espionage operation. The podcast highlights the contrast between their privileged upbringings and their descent into criminal activities, offering insights into the motivations and circumstances that led to their infamous espionage case.