SHOW SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR 3-20-2-26
1939 OKLAHOMA
1. California's Wildlife Bridge and the Homeless Crisis Guest: Jeff Bliss Summary: Jeff Bliss discusses the $100 million "Butterfly Bridge" in Agoura Hills, which is significantly over budget. He also details the "homeless industrial complex" in Los Angeles, including allegations of signature fraud and billions in missing funds. (2)
2. The Billionaire Tax and California's Fiscal Deficit Guest: Jeff Bliss Summary: Bliss explores the proposed billionaire tax and the resulting exodus of capital to Florida and Texas. He examines Governor Newsom's national popularity despite a massive state budget deficit and local criticism of his leadership. (3)
3. The Global Energy Crisis and Ground War Strategy Guest: Professor Richard Epstein Summary: Richard Epstein warns of a global energy crisis triggered by the Iran war, criticizing Europe's reliance on green energy. He argues that ground troops are necessary to sustain victory and hold military territory effectively. (4)
4. UN Credibility and the Laws of Warfare Guest: Professor Richard Epstein Summary: Epstein critiques the UN Secretary-General for accusing Israel and the US of war crimes. He argues the UN lacks credibility and maintains that infrastructure remains a legitimate military target during times of war. (5)
5. Lancaster’s Pastry Economy and Infrastructure Progress Guest: Jim McTague Summary: Jim McTague observes Lancaster County's resilient economy, where residents seek "instant gratification" through French pastries during wartime. He also notes steady progress on local infrastructure projects, including a high-security data center. (6)
6. Italian Judicial Reform and Tourism in Mantua Guest: Lorenzo Fiori Summary: Lorenzo Fiori explains a constitutional referendum regarding the separation of careers for magistrates and prosecutors. He also provides a travel guide to historic Mantua, recommending its medieval architecture, artichoke pasta, and regional wine. (7)
7. Sector Optimism: Petroleum vs. the Housing Slump Guest: Gene Marks Summary: Gene Marks reports boom times for petroleum equipment manufacturers despite rising energy costs. Conversely, he notes that residential construction and home furnishings are struggling due to high interest rates and low buyer demand. (8)
8. C-Corporation Tax Strategies and Microsoft AI Agents Guest: Gene Marks Summary: Gene Marks advises retiring entrepreneurs on converting businesses to C-corporations to avoid capital gains taxes. He also introduces Microsoft’s new AI agents, which function like digital employees to automate routine administrative tasks. (9)
9. Thomas Paine’s Crisis and the Fabian Strategy Guest: Ed Larson Summary: Ed Larson details Thomas Paine’s "American Crisis," which revitalized the patriot cause. He explains George Washington’s "Fabian strategy" of tactical retreats to wear down the British army while their atrocities fueled local resistance. (10)
10. Abigail Adams and the Limits of Equality Guest: Ed Larson Summary: This segment highlights Abigail Adams’ plea to "remember the ladies" in the new code of laws. Ed Larson discusses how her husband, John Adams, dismissed these early calls for gender and racial equality. (11)
11. Washington’s Moral Victory at Trenton and Princeton Guest: Ed Larson Summary: Larson recounts Washington’s daring crossing of the Delaware during a nor’easter. These victories at Trenton and Princeton provided a critical moral boost for the Continental Army, forcing the British out of West Jersey. (12)
12. The Signing of Sovereignty and Revolutionary Dissent Guest: Ed Larson Summary: Details the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the adoption of radical state constitutions asserting that people alone are sovereign. Larson also explores honorable dissent through the perspective of wealthy planter John Dickinson. (13)
13. WHO Nuclear Threat Warnings and Reactor Vulnerability Guest: Henry Sokolski Summary: Henry Sokolski analyzes World Health Organization preparations for a "worst-case scenario" nuclear incident. He highlights the vulnerability of regional power reactors to drone strikes and the resulting risks of large-scale radiological releases. (14)
14. The Kharg Island Gambit and Vietnam Parallels Guest: Henry Sokolski Summary: Sokolski discusses reports that the US is considering an invasion of Iran’s Kharg Island to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He draws historical parallels to the initial 1965 escalation of the Vietnam War. (15)
15. SpaceX Starship Milestones and Artemis Safety Risks Guest: Bob Zimmerman Summary: Reports on the upcoming 12th Starship test flight and Rocket Lab's military contracts. Zimmerman criticizes NASA’s Artemis program for bypassing safety steps and risking lives with untested heat shields and life support. (16)
16. Lunar Water Scarcity and Asteroid Ryugu Findings Guest: Bob Zimmerman Summary: Reviews scientific data suggesting significantly less water ice on the lunar South Pole than expected. Zimmerman also discusses the discovery of DNA building blocks on asteroid Ryugu and the ongoing sun dynamo mystery. (17)
Ireland