Sunday, June 3, 2018

Spy Stuff


From an early age I have been fascinated by spies. The idea that you can privately be someone very different than your public persona resonates in me. Perhaps you can guess why...  :-)

Plus I grew up during the Cold War when espionage was everywhere in entertainment (e.g., James Bond movies). The subject captured my young mind to the point where I asked my parents for toy spy gear. My wishes were granted one Christmas when I got "The Man From U.N.C.L.E." toy kit. It contained a (plastic) briefcase that shot (plastic) bullets out of a hole in its side, using a trigger in the handle. It included secret listening devices, invisible ink and special spy paper that dissolved in water. My imagination went wild as I embarked on top-secret missions that saved the world from destruction. You're welcome.  :-)

The appeal of this stuff never disappeared. Recently one of the best shows in the history of television -- "The Americans" -- just ended a long run. I saw every episode from the beginning and was thrilled that the main character, a life-long spy, is a woman! Played by the amazing Keri Russell (remember her from "Felicity" or "Waitress"?), Elizabeth Jennings wear dozens of convincing disguises and is capable of brutal violence. She is the flip-side of me. I'm forced to act tough in society when in private, I'm a marshmallow. That's the nature of spying: creating a false public front.

You probably aren't aware of many spy tricks used by my colleagues so this week I'm going to post some explanations that I promise will be interesting. The techniques are real and drawn from our history going back to the Revolutionary War. Also I just discovered there's  spy museum in Washington, DC that I must visit soon.

Stay tuned!


21 comments:

  1. This sounds like an interesting show. I will look out for it.
    Waiting with baited breath for your future revelations.
    xo Jazzy Jack

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love the spy museum in Washington, DC!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is really amazing. I love everything that is mysterious and such. Like spies. :D

    I actually would love to know more about the mysterious, crime related shows that you watch :D

    ReplyDelete
  4. I also love this series. It is hard to say goodbye to a long running series that you become attached to. I can understand how you feel, all of us have to present false fronts to some extent, but you certainly more than most .
    Now do tell!
    ❤️❤️❤️
    Elle
    https://theellediaries.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. That spy kit must have been so much fun! And obviously you'll have to take a trip to the spy museum! xxx

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love spies! I've been to the Spy Museum in DC a couple of times and it's always a lot of fun. It's dark and mysterious in there, so you feel like a spy when you're touring it!

    ReplyDelete
  7. there's a spy museum in NYC as well! i think it's relatively new but i've been seeing ads for it in the subway. it's called Spyscape!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, wow! Thanks for the lead. I'll check it out.

      Delete
  8. Yeeeeeeeeeeeeesssss, I can't wait for this!
    I was OBSESSED with the Man From UNCLE when I was about 9-11. I watched the reruns religiously on a Friday night and was totally in love with David Macallum! I loved the fact that his dad was a famous musician!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am an avid tv series watcher and will check out this one! I am obsessed with Peaky Blinders at the moment, but I am going to finish it soon ;) Kisses

    Fashion and Cookies - fashion and beauty blog

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I heard about Peaky Blinders and will check it out.

      Delete
  10. Hi ya! Miss you. Cant get into my day2day email account. When are you coming to Victoria???? :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jodi. I miss you, too. I'm sorry we didn't get to see each other when I visited Victoria in March. I e-mailed you ahead of that trip but never heard back. I'll return soon and definitely include you in my plans. Happy Summer!

      Delete
  11. I had never heard of this show until now, and that's awesome! I sometimes like spy stuff!Excited to see what's up your sleeve :)

    -Sara

    ReplyDelete
  12. We grew up in the spy era. I loved the Man from U.N.C.L.E.
    If you deny having a crush on Diana Rigg as Emma Peel in the Avengers I may have to call you a liar.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Skin-tight leather outfit?! Who wouldn't have a crush on her?!

      Delete
  13. Did you ever have a copy of this book? (Not sure I can make it a clickable link.) That it was one of my childhood favorites might have influenced my interest in studying Russian many years ago!

    https://www.amazon.com/Codes-Secret-Writing-Authorized-Abridgment/dp/B00454SUD6

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cool! I never read that book but read many similar titles on the subject. Learning about cryptography opens our minds; glad to see it led to you exploring a new language.

      Delete
  14. I loved Keri Russell in Felicity. The Americans was shown here in South Africa but I didn't watch it. If they re-run it I will definitely watch it on your suggestion.

    ReplyDelete