Lawrence Lease
Bio
Alaska born and bred, Washington DC is my home. I'm also a freelance writer. Love politics and history.
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Stories (281)
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Aldrich Ames: The Spy Who Shook the CIA
Ever met someone who just blows up an entire system from the inside? That’s basically the story of Aldrich Hazen Ames, the guy who turned his CIA career into one of the biggest betrayals in American intelligence history. He didn’t just poke around with secrets—he sold them off to the Soviet Union (and later Russia) for some serious cash, and the fallout was colossal. This dude’s arrest in 1994 flipped a switch in the intel world, forcing the CIA and all the other three-letter agencies to rethink their game plans. Below, we’re going to break down how Ames got caught and why his capture still matters for the spy world today.
By Lawrence Leaseabout a year ago in Criminal
The Door to Korruption
There was only one rule: don’t open the door. Laura Kelly sat alone in the Schmoedown studio, the eerie silence a stark contrast to the usual roar of the crowd. Tonight, it was just her, her notes, and a single door at the far end of the room—a door that wasn’t usually there.
By Lawrence Leaseabout a year ago in Chapters
The Montreal Screwjob: A Necessary Evil
The Montreal Screwjob remains one of the most infamous moments in professional wrestling history. On November 9, 1997, at WWE’s Survivor Series, the match between Bret "The Hitman" Hart and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels ended in controversy when Vince McMahon, owner of WWE, orchestrated an unscripted finish to forcibly remove the WWF Championship from Hart. To fans and many wrestlers, the event felt like a betrayal. However, despite the negative response from certain circles, there’s a compelling case that the Montreal Screwjob was not only justified but necessary from a business standpoint.
By Lawrence Leaseabout a year ago in Geeks
Are Star Ratings Ruining YOUR WWE & AEW Experience?
It's inevitable—star ratings in professional wrestling will always stir up conversations, debates, and sometimes, heated arguments. Today, we're diving into the world of star ratings, specifically those handed out by Dave Meltzer and other prominent figures in the wrestling community. But this isn’t just about Meltzer’s opinions or whether you agree with them—this is about the broader picture, about how we, as fans, perceive and discuss wrestling.
By Lawrence Leaseabout a year ago in Geeks
Seeing Through Elena's Eyes: A Journey of Empathy and Understanding Through Queer Representation
In the vast sea of media I’ve consumed throughout my life, one particular moment stands out as a turning point in my understanding of queer representation and the broader LGBTQ+ experience. This moment didn’t occur during a grand cinematic spectacle or in a pivotal novel. Instead, it came from a simple, yet profoundly moving episode of a TV show that I initially tuned into for its humor and lightheartedness, not expecting it to challenge and reshape my views so fundamentally.
By Lawrence Leaseabout a year ago in Chapters
Buried Secrets: The Night My Sanity Slipped Away
I always knew something was wrong with my neighbor, Mr. Langley. People thought he was just quiet, maybe a little eccentric, but I saw right through him. Every night, when the rest of the street fell into its peaceful slumber, he would be out in his garden. Not tending to plants or flowers, no. He’d be out there digging, always digging. No one else seemed to notice or care. But I did.
By Lawrence Leaseabout a year ago in Fiction
Is Roman Reigns Stealing Cody Rhodes' Spotlight?
Pro wrestling fans are in for a treat these days. The clash between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes has sparked endless debates, and this weekend’s events only amplified the excitement. Roman Reigns made his long-awaited return to SmackDown, reigniting the flames of the WWE Universe, and fans can hardly contain their excitement. The upcoming tag team match at Bad Blood, where Roman and Cody will team up, feels like a dream come true. Yet, amidst the excitement, there's a divide within the wrestling community. Some fans argue that Roman is overshadowing Cody, while others claim the reverse.
By Lawrence Leaseabout a year ago in Geeks
Leftists Are Against Football Now
In what might be the most bizarre article of the 2024 election season, a writer from The Nation has expressed deep concerns over the Democratic Party's embrace of football. Yes, you read that right—football, America's most beloved sport, has become the subject of a heated political debate. The article claims that football, with its hyper-masculinity and violence, is steering the Democratic Party toward a right-wing trajectory. This absurdity perfectly encapsulates the chronically online perspective that often detaches itself from reality.
By Lawrence Leaseabout a year ago in The Swamp
Chick-fil-A's Streaming Service: A Recipe for Success or a Recipe for Disaster?
Chick-fil-A, the beloved fast-food chain known for its chicken sandwiches and dedication to customer service, recently announced a surprising move: they’re planning to launch a streaming service focused on family entertainment. This announcement has left many scratching their heads. How does a company famous for its chicken sandwiches and waffle fries make the leap into producing films and TV series? And perhaps more intriguingly, what menu item will be the first to get its own series?
By Lawrence Leaseabout a year ago in FYI
NFL Will Restrict Tom Brady’s Access To Teams As Fox’s Broadcaster?!
Tom Brady’s transition from the football field to the broadcast booth and beyond into NFL team ownership is proving to be more complicated than anticipated. As the football legend attempts to balance his ambitions of becoming a part-owner of the Las Vegas Raiders with his lucrative broadcasting contract, it raises significant questions about potential conflicts of interest and the logistics of such a dual role.
By Lawrence Leaseabout a year ago in Cleats
Controversy Surrounds Arlington National Cemetery’s Section 60: What Makes This Area So Significant?. Content Warning.
Arlington National Cemetery, located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., stands as one of the most hallowed grounds in the United States. The cemetery, established in 1864 during the Civil War, is the final resting place for over 400,000 military service members, veterans, and their families. Among the various sections of this vast cemetery, one area has garnered particular attention in recent years: Section 60. Known as the “saddest acre in America,” Section 60 is the burial ground for many of the fallen soldiers who served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This 14-acre plot of land has become a focal point for the nation’s collective grief, pride, and ongoing debates about the costs of war.
By Lawrence Leaseabout a year ago in FYI
