BAMN! We are starting a little ragged this morning. There is, of course, good news and bad news. Miles was accustomed to that from his days running a Navy Patrol squadron, but the swirl of recent reporting about politicians who have “Flirty” issues had everyone on edge. We had not heard that term for what is reported to have been an incident of repugnant date-rape.

That was on the news when the Conference Room began to fill up and then resolution of marital discord blared out. It was sad and a little disconcerting with the cascade of misconduct being played out. Here is is, without fanfare: Former Virginia Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax shot and killed his wife before turning the gun on himself early Thursday in what the Fairfax County Police Department is calling a murder-suicide.

So, this has no direct connection to recently elected Governor Spanberger. Fairfax had served with Governor Northam, a Democrat who left office in 2022. He had hopes to follow him, but the messy divorce torpedoed his hopes.

The good news? That Gulf thing appears to have moved to a tentative resolution with the Blockade holding. The voices on the radio are those of young men directing big ships to turn around. Tn response, we understand Iran is slowing down their production of oil, and we know that will result in permanent damage to the wells after storage is filled to capacity on or about the 27th.

The sound of a young, strong voice on the international navigation channel in the Strait of Hormuz:
“Return to port or prepare for a boarding party to be landed.” So far they are turning around.

So there that matter rests this morning. Creative Section Leader Miles also wanted to cover the environmental news about the brushfire near the Pentagon and the elimination of assisted housing in the complex near Big Pink. Apparently the job market is so severe they cannot maintain the service.

We are going to stay with the good news and let Dierdre handle it from here. Her reaction had the same common sense as the radio communications reported from straits. “Attention, Attention. Due to favorable news from overseas, the Chairman has authorized a Socotra House luncheon special for Watchstanders who have labored through the Persian War without much compensation except for the Galley and those yoga mats for on-duty naps.”

The occasion for this one is a grand opening for a legendary deli- the Soko Butcher & Deli in Crystal City across from the Pentagon South Parking. There has been quite the buzz about things since the Washington post named their “Philly Cheesesteak” as the best sandwich in the region last year. No one working on this side of the river from Takoma Park had been over to sample in person, so the new location in the midst of our fifteen minutes is an event worth celebrating.

The Boko Butcher sandwich is piled high with prime rib and smothered in caramelized onions, mayo and a homemade “Cheese Wiz.”

We have to go now- sandwiches are on the table and a retired Governor of a Keystone state is in the Conference Room to make preparations for National Pretzel Day, a celebration established after the millennium. We will celebrate right it around resolution of the crisis in the Gulf!

Stay tuned!

Copyright 2026 Vic Socotra
www.vicsocotra.com