The Internet Gets Pwned by NSA

Syria had everyone who is anyone in Washington – and their assistants – which includes me and Gretchen, of course, inside working today.  That’s a real shame because the weather was absolutely gorgeous outdoors and all I could do was look through the picture window at it as the sun shined down through a seventy-five… Continue reading The Internet Gets Pwned by NSA

Patriots and Phone Taps and PRISM, Oh My!

At a two fifty-five on Friday afternoon, as I concluded a lengthy consultation with a Slovenian economist on ways to avoid his country becoming the next Cyprus, Gretchen rang my extension. “Mr. Collins,” she primly stated, “your brother-in-law Hank and his sister-in-law, Shannon, have arrived and wish to meet with you at your earliest opportunity.”… Continue reading Patriots and Phone Taps and PRISM, Oh My!

Bulls Stampede to Facebook and Get Slaughtered

Around three o’clock yesterday afternoon, my brother-in-law Hank started camping out in my reception area, pleading with Gretchen to find time for a meeting.  That happened at five, when a consultation with the deputy secretary from the Embassy of Mali was abruptly canceled.  “Tom,” Hank stuttered as he rushed in and threw himself on the… Continue reading Bulls Stampede to Facebook and Get Slaughtered

Kony 2012 Makes Jason Russell Barely Famous

I was relaxing at my home in Great Falls, Virginia this afternoon, preparing to drive over to Fairfax for what my sister-in-law Shannon promises to be a genuine Chicago Irish St. Patrick’s day celebration, when my POTS land line rang.  The caller ID was partially blocked, showing only an 858 area code.  I must confess,… Continue reading Kony 2012 Makes Jason Russell Barely Famous

White House White Washes Little Green Men

I was down at the Round Robin Bar in the Willard Hotel again tonight, having a couple of drinks after work, when I spied Wolfram, who works at the White House, downing a branch water mint julep all by himself.  So I went over to his table and joined him. “No point in drinking alone,”… Continue reading White House White Washes Little Green Men