The John Batchelor Show

3. The final segment shifts to the history of political assassination, specifically the rivalry between Stalin and Trotsky. Stalin utilized state power and paranoia to exile and eventually murder Trotsky in Mexico with an ice pick, yet Trotsky remained a romantic icon for the Western left. Gaius and Germanicus apply this lesson to the 21st century, arguing that the attempted "decapitation" of Iranian leadershiphas backfired. Instead of ending the regime, the strike has renewed the Islamic Republic's "lease on life,"much like the Nazi invasion inadvertently strengthened the Soviet Union. The debate concludes as the hosts prepare to watch Aeschylus's play, *The Persians*, which depicts the defeat of Xerxes. They reflect on the "tragic irony" of the current war: the US sought to eliminate a threat but instead unified its enemies and wrecked the global economy through $120 oil. (3)1945 YALTA

2. The debate continues with a comparison of Emperor Trump to Nero and Claudius, questioning if his current crisis is a result of bad luck or hubris. While Claudius favored low-risk, calculated campaigns, Trump's offensive is characterized as a "rash and incalculably risky gambit" that mirrors strategic failures in Ukraine. This conflict has solidified the Russia-Chinabond and left Israel "naked and exposed" due to US failures. Germanicus argues that the US ignored the "weak points" of its own coalition, turning Gulf State bases into liabilities rather than security assets. Likening Trump's overconfidence to Hitler's before the invasion of Russia, the speakers suggest that the US has "got suckered" into a war it cannot win through air power alone. They conclude that the only rational path is to accept defeat and reorganize, as the Romans did when facing superior Persian cavalry. (2)1680 CONSTANTINOPLE

1. In Londinium, 92 AD, Gaius and Germanicus analyze the 21st-century conflict between a US-Israeli coalition and Iran, comparing its focus on supply chains to the 1941 oil sanctions against Japan. While the Americans expected a swift "four-day shock and awe"campaign and a leadership "decap strike" to force negotiations, Iran responded with asymmetrical warfare. By targeting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has driven oil prices toward $120-$150 per barrel, threatening a global economic collapse. Germanicus critiques the American"siren song" of strategic bombing, noting it historically fails to win wars without ground occupation. Unlike the adaptive Romans who rose from defeat during the Punic Wars, modern US leaders—including Rubio, Vance, and Hegseth—are criticized for lacking dissenting voices and the historical perspective needed to reorganize after strategic failures. (1)1899 CARTHAGE

8. Joseph Ellis, *The Cause: The American Revolution and Its Discontents, 1773 to 1783*. The victory at Yorktown was secured through Clinton's poor orders and the providential arrival of the French fleet. Diplomat John Jaythen achieved a stunning victory by breaking his orders to negotiate a treaty that secured the Mississippi River as the western border. Robert Morrispersonally funded the army's final movements, writing 10,000 checks to prevent total financial ruin. Ultimately, the war ended with a confederation of sovereign states rather than a unified nation, leaving the tragic legacies of slavery and indigenous displacement unresolved by the new political structure. (8)1670 

7. Joseph Ellis, *The Cause: The American Revolution and Its Discontents, 1773 to 1783*. The entry of France and Spain transformed the rebellion into a global war, forcing Britain to prioritize its Caribbean sugar islands. Despite political pressure, George III and George Germaineremained stubbornly committed to the war. Washington simultaneously faced internal threats, including the betrayal of Charles Lee, who shared secrets with the British while in captivity. On the frontier, Washington authorized a "dirty war" led by John Sullivan, which destroyed the Iroquois Confederation after they aligned with the British, who had incentivized them with "scalping knives" and payments for American scalps. (7)1780

6. Joseph Ellis, *The Cause: The American Revolution and Its Discontents, 1773 to 1783*. Washington's decision to defend New York, an "indefensible" archipelago, nearly lost the war in its first month. He felt bound by civilian control to hold the position despite military advice, while his primary goal remained building a disciplined, drafted army to replace unreliable militias. The Howe brotherscomplicated the British effort by acting as peace commissioners who sought reconciliation rather than the total destruction of Washington's forces. This hesitation, combined with a "standing miracle" of timely fog, allowed Washington to execute a daring escape across the East River and keep the cause alive. (6)1761 PALAIS-ROYAL PARIS

5. Joseph Ellis, *The Cause: The American Revolution and Its Discontents, 1773 to 1783*. Nathaniel Greene saved the Continental Army from collapse at Valley Forge by stabilizing the food supply as quartermaster. The veterans of this ordeal began to see themselves as an "aristocracy of virtue" committed to the necessity of a strong federal government. Figures like John Laurens envisioned the revolution as a crusade to end slavery, viewing it as the purest expression of the cause. Furthermore, the Continental Army was a genuinely integrated force, with African Americans making up 8-10% of the troops and serving in combat units at a level not seen again until the KoreanWar. (5)1492 COLUMBUS

4. Joseph Ellis, *The Cause: The American Revolution and Its Discontents, 1773 to 1783*. Thomas Paine's *Common Sense* revolutionized the rebellion by using plain language to argue that an island could not rule a continent and that monarchies were inherently flawed. Paine shifted the movement's focus from the rights of Englishmen to the natural rights of all human beings, making American victory seem inevitable. However, the harsh reality of war was felt at Valley Forge, where George Washington's army faced starvation and exposure due to a lack of congressional support. During that brutal winter, approximately 1,200 soldiers died of malnutrition and exposure, testing the endurance of those who "stayed the course". (4)1865 PARIS

3. Joseph Ellis, *The Cause: The American Revolution and Its Discontents, 1773 to 1783*. This narrative explores the tension between conservative and radical leadership, featuring John Dickinson, whose "Letters from a Farmer" framed the colonial constitutional position even as he hesitated to cross the "abyss" into war. Conversely, John Adams viewed continued trust in George III as "delusional" and advocated for an immediate end to the British connection. The text also critiques the "myth of the militia," noting that while amateurs were formidable behind defenses at Bunker Hill, their costly "victory" misled many into believing virtuous amateurs could easily defeat professional soldiers, a delusion that persisted for years. (3)1820 JEFFERSON FRANKLIN 

2. Joseph Ellis, *The Cause: The American Revolution and Its Discontents, 1773 to 1783*. King George III exerted unprecedented power by using £800,000 from the royal treasury to essentially purchase the interests of roughly 30% of Parliament. This financial influence allowed him to control Britishpolicy as a monarchical act, even while claiming to defend parliamentary authority. Benjamin Franklin initially sought to bridge the gap between the empire and the colonies by proposing a British Commonwealth model. However, after being publicly humiliated by the Privy Council, Franklin was radicalized, becoming an incalculable asset for the American cause as a wise and patient diplomatic negotiator. (2)

1. Joseph Ellis, *The Cause: The American Revolution and Its Discontents, 1773 to 1783*. The term "the cause" was a verbal canopy used by colonists to unite diverse interest groups, ranging from New England radicals to Virginia slaveholders, against Britishpolicy. Originally called the "common cause," it represented the shared willingness of the colonies to support Massachusetts following the Coercive Acts. The movement evolved from a defense of rights into a revolutionary agenda for independence. Colonists argued the British constitution protected them from taxation without consent, viewing the end of "benign neglect" as a tyrannical plotto enslave them. Ultimately, "the cause" articulated the belief that government cannot strip citizens of rights without their permission. (1)15TH CENTURY MAP

8. Author: Victor Davis Hanson. Title: *The Dying Citizen: How Progressive Elites, Tribalism, and Globalization Are Destroying the Idea of America*. This final excerpt examines how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the erosion of citizenship. Hanson argues that the pandemic empowered the unelected—symbolized by Dr. Anthony Fauci—to shutter small businesses while favoring big corporations like Walmart. He claims the "Zoom culture" allowed elites to remain safe and compensated while the working class faced the virus. Additionally, Hanson discusses the globalization of the crisis, noting how international figures initially protected China's narrative regarding the Wuhan lab. He concludes that the pandemic response demonstrated a profound failure of "the science" and a massive expansion of bureaucratic control. (8)1980 LA

7. Author: Victor Davis Hanson. Title: *The Dying Citizen: How Progressive Elites, Tribalism, and Globalization Are Destroying the Idea of America*. The discussion shifts to globalization and the "Davos Man,"an elite class that seeks to transcend national sovereignty. These "anointed" individuals gather in places like Davos to push for global government, often using climate change as a crisis to justify singular government powers that override democratic consent. Hanson critiques the "citizen of the world" ideology as antithetical to national pride and traditional customs. He argues that these globalists favor erasing borders to mandate aggregate sameness, which historical precedents suggest can only be achieved through coercion and the use of force. (7)1947 LA

6. Author: Victor Davis Hanson. Title: *The Dying Citizen: How Progressive Elites, Tribalism, and Globalization Are Destroying the Idea of America*. Hanson analyzes the modern resurgence of nullification and the weaponization of impeachment. He argues that sanctuary cities represent a left-wing nullification of federal immigration law, creating an "asymmetrical" system where states ignore laws they dislike. Furthermore, he contends that impeachment has evolved into a "campaign strategy"rather than a rare constitutional remedy, as seen in the two impeachments of Donald Trump. Hanson warns that these precedents—including the failure to enforce borders—distort the Constitution's intent and lead to a lack of substance in high-level political accountability. (6)1905 POTLAND

5. Author: Victor Davis Hanson. Title: *The Dying Citizen: How Progressive Elites, Tribalism, and Globalization Are Destroying the Idea of America*. This file addresses "evolutionaries" seeking to alter or bypass the Constitution to achieve political goals. Hanson defends the Electoral College, noting it prevents nationwide fraud and forces candidates to engage with the "hinterland," while progressives seek to nullify it via the National Voting Compact. He critiques the avoidance of the Senate's treaty powerin deals like the Iran nuclear agreement and the shift toward proportional representation in the Senate, which would ruin its role in slowing radical change. Finally, he warns against court-packing, viewing it as a direct attack on the judiciary's legitimacy. (5)1940 LA

4. Author: Victor Davis Hanson. Title: *The Dying Citizen: How Progressive Elites, Tribalism, and Globalization Are Destroying the Idea of America*. The focus here is on the "unelected" administrative state, which Hanson claims operates beyond democratic correction. He uses the "raisin administration committee" to illustrate how bureaucratic agencies can seize the fruit of a citizen's labor. The discussion explores the "Deep State," defined as a permanent bureaucratic class that holds contempt for elected officials and citizens alike. Hanson describes "La Resistance" within the government, where officials like James Comey and Andrew McCabe allegedly used their power to undermine a presidency, viewing themselves as "heroic" resistors rather than public servants subject to the law. (4)1941 LA

3. Author: Victor Davis Hanson. Title: *The Dying Citizen: How Progressive Elites, Tribalism, and Globalization Are Destroying the Idea of America*. Hanson discusses the decline of the American "Melting Pot" in favor of modern tribalism. He asserts that while the 20th century focused on absorbing diverse groups into a unified Americanidentity, the current political climate encourages a "voluntary separation"based on race and identity. Critiquing the shift toward "equality of results," Hanson argues that government-mandated winners and losers based on tribal characteristics ignore individual merit. He observes a retrograde return to a "one-drop rule" mentality, where obsession with racial heritage destroys national cohesion and mirrors the tribal strife James Madison sought to mitigate. (3)1945 LA

2. Author: Victor Davis Hanson. Title: *The Dying Citizen: How Progressive Elites, Tribalism, and Globalization Are Destroying the Idea of America*. This segment examines how eroded borders and lax immigration laws threaten the concept of citizenship. Hanson critiques the 1965 Heart-Celler Act for replacing meritocracy with proximity to the border and family ties, leading to a massive influx of illegal residents. He describes the 1986 Simpson-Mazzoli Act as a "disastrous" failure where promised border security was never delivered in exchange for amnesty. The discussion highlights how remittances to Mexico and the political "flipping" of states through demographic shifts have prioritized global interests and partisan loyalty over the traditional duties of a sovereign nation. (2)1940 SAN DIEGO

1. Author: Victor Davis Hanson. Title: *The Dying Citizen: How Progressive Elites, Tribalism, and Globalization Are Destroying the Idea of America*. Hanson explores the classical importance of the middle class as the bedrock of a stable republic, drawing from Aristotle's view of self-reliant citizens. He argues that the historical strength of the American middle class—rooted in property ownership and autonomy—is being undermined by a "hollowing out" into two classes: the fabulously wealthy and a dependent "peasant" class. Hanson cites the Obama administration's figures "Pajama Boy" and "Julia" as symbols of a new state dependency that replaces Jeffersonian independence. This shift is particularly visible in California, where high taxes and regulations drive out the middle class. (1)1940 LA

4  Author: John Bachelor and Sean McMeakin. Title: Stalin's War: A New History of World War II - Yugoslavia, China, and the Cold War Legacy. This episode examines how Stalin outmaneuvered the West in Yugoslavia and China to expand communist influence. In Yugoslavia, Churchill was "hoodwinked" into supporting Tito over the Chetniks based on fabricated communist reports. In China, the Marshall Mission effectively cut off aid to Chiang Kai-shek, allowing Stalin-backed Mao Zedong to seize control. The Red Army's mass looting of Manchuria and Germany is detailed as a strategy to secure "booty" for the Soviet state. Ultimately, the sources argue that Lend-Lease provided the foundational resources for the Soviet Union to emerge as a global superpower and nuclear threat.1942 HARRIMAN AND STALIN

Author: John Bachelor and Sean McMeakin. Title: Stalin's War: A New History of World War II - Plunder and Infiltration. The discussion highlights the Soviet plunder of American intellectual property through Lend-Lease protocols, including the transfer of entire factories and sensitive technical blueprints. Harry Hopkins is depicted as a central figure who facilitated these transfers, possibly acting as a "volunteer" agent of influence for Soviet interests. The sources also reveal how Stalin delayed Operation Bagration until after D-Day to ensure the Allies suffered heavier losses while the Red Army advanced on American-funded equipment. Furthermore, the segment touches on Soviet infiltration of the U.S. government, naming individuals like Harry Dexter White1942

Author: John Bachelor and Sean McMeakin. Title: Stalin's War: A New History of World War II - Unconditional Surrender and the Katyn Lie. This segment analyzes FDR's announcement of unconditional surrender at the Casablanca Conference, interpreted as a gesture to satisfy Stalin's demands for a second front. The conversation delves into the Katyn Forest massacre, where the discovery of executed Polish officers by Soviet forces was buried by Allied leaders to maintain the alliance. Stalin used this event to isolate the Polish government-in-exile and install communist puppets. Additionally, the sources highlight how Roosevelt ignored back-channel peace offers from German resistance groups to uphold the strict unconditional surrender policy, potentially prolonging the conflict.1942

Author: John Bachelor and Sean McMeakin. Title: Stalin's War: A New History of World War II - The Hopkins Mission. In this discussion, Professor Sean McMeakin explores how Stalin leveraged the Lend-Lease program to rebuild the Russian Empire. The focus is on Harry Hopkins' 1941 mission to Moscow, where he established a direct channel with Stalin and offered unconditional military aid without requiring any quid pro quo. Despite significant domestic opposition from figures like Harry Truman and Hiram Johnson, FDR pursued this alliance, often keeping the extent of the aid secret from the American public. Churchill similarly supported Stalin, viewing the Soviet Union as a bulwark against Hitler and potentially using Russian troops as "cannon fodder".1943 TOMMIES.

4. David K. Randall, *The Monster's Bones: The Discovery of T-Rex and How It Shook Our World*. Between 1904 and 1910, Barnum Brown focused on recovering the missing pieces of the T-Rex skeleton in Hell Creek. He was initially supported by his wife, Marian Raymond, but her sudden death from scarlet fever in 1910 left him emotionally shattered. To cope with his grief, Brown worked in the harsh conditions of the Red River Valley in Canada. The museum finally mounted the full T-Rex exhibit in 1915, accompanied by Charles Knight's immersive paintings that brought prehistoric landscapes to life. Brown lived until 1963, leaving behind a legendary status as the man who discovered the world's most famous predator. (4)HELICOPRON

3. David K. Randall, *The Monster's Bones: The Discovery of T-Rex and How It Shook Our World*. This source describes the intense "bones race" between major museums and their wealthy financiers, such as J.P. Morgan and Andrew Carnegie. These titans of industry sought massive dinosaur fossils to bolster their own prestige and increase public interest in their institutions. Henry Osborne, the director of the AmericanMuseum of Natural History, felt immense pressure to find "monster" specimens to make the museum relevant to the city's population. At the time, the museum was an isolated building that struggled to connect with visitors. Brown's relentless searching eventually provided the sensational exhibits necessary to transform the museum into a major cultural attraction. (3)GREEN RIVER FORMATION

2. David K. Randall, *The Monster's Bones: The Discovery of T-Rex and How It Shook Our World*. In 1902, Barnum Brown tracked a lead from a photograph of a triceratops skull to Jordan, Montana. Though the specific skull was disappointing, Brown recognized the potential of the remote Hell Creek region. Utilizing his unique skill for reading rock colors, he identified Sheba Mountain as a likely site for fossilization. He used dynamite to reveal a carnivorous dinosaur that had never been described before: the Tyrannosaurus Rex. Brown's discovery was a "jackpot" for the American Museum, even though the process of transporting and mounting the heavy specimen would take years to complete. (2)Butte, MT

1. David K. Randall, *The Monster's Bones: The Discovery of T. Rex and How It Shook Our World*. Barnum Brown, born in 1873, was named after showman P.T. Barnum after his brother visited a traveling fair. A formative 2,000-mile trip with his father introduced him to the changing nature of the Earth and the vastness of the American West. Later, at the University of Kansas, he studied under Professor Williston, a veteran of the legendary "bone wars" between Marsh and Cope. Brown excelled in the field due to his physical strength, survival skills, and remarkable patience while extracting fossils. His talent earned him the nickname "Mr. Bones" and led to a prestigious invitation to join Henry Fairfield Osborne's team in New York. (1)1911

WEISBERG4.mp3 Weisberg discusses the evolution of divorce in New York, noting a significant increase during the Gilded Age. The scandal influenced novelist Edith Wharton, Mary's cousin, who later wrote about these social circles. Additionally, the diary of George Templeton Strong serves as a vital historical window. (4)

EISBRG3.mp3 Mary confesses her affair and a pregnancy of uncertain paternity to a stunned Peter. Peter pursues a taboo divorce to gain custody of their children, citing his patriarchal rights. The sources describe a sensational five-week trial in 1865 that captivated the nation despite concurrent Civil War-era news. (3)E1863

WEISBERG2.mp3 Weisberg details Mary's growing unhappiness and physical fragility following multiple pregnancies and life at Waverly. The narrative shifts as Mary begins a secret affair with Peter's brother, Edward, after a chance encounter. This betrayal coincides with the tragic death of their infant daughter, Edith. (2)1863 DRAFT RIOT

WEISBERG1.mp3 Guest Barbara Weisberg introduces her book about Peter Strong and Mary Stevens, two elite New Yorkers who married in 1853. Despite their prominent backgrounds, Mary felt stifled living at Waverly, the Strong family estate in Queens, under her mother-in-law's roof, setting the stage for future conflict. (1)  1863 DRAFT RIOT

8. In this final segment, Cline summarizes the rankings of ancient societies based on resilience definitions from the IPCC. He distinguishes between those that "transformed" (the antifragile Phoenicians and Cypriots), those that "adapted" or "coped" (Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon), and those that failed (the Hittites). He emphasizes the importance of geography, noting that major river systems like the Nile and Euphrateshelped Egypt and Mesopotamia survive the collapse. Cline's work illustrates that resilience involves more than just survival; it requires the agility to innovate in response to extreme impact events, offering lessons for contemporary global stability. (8)

7. Cline addresses the vulnerability of the Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations, which served as models for "what not to do" during a crisis. Despite their outward appearance of strength, these societies were fragile systems that collapsed completely after the 12th century BC. Their writing system, Linear B, was limited to accounting, leaving no literary records of their downfall. The transition to the Iron Age saw the disappearance of their specific social structures, though names of gods like Zeus and Poseidon endured. This period illustrates how societies can appear vibrant while being internally decayed, leading to a total replacement of their political identities. (7)

6. Cline explores the decline of the Minoans on Crete and the Mycenaeanson mainland Greece. Both civilizations are categorized as failures that were internally fragile despite impressive architectural achievements like the Lion Gate. Overextension through massive construction projects and internal uprisings during periods of drought likely contributed to their demise. By the 11th century BC, these societies had vanished, though some cultural elements persisted through a permeable membrane into the Iron Age. Cline also discusses how Homer's epics, written centuries later, cautiously reflect this transition from the Bronze Age "Wanax" kings to the Iron Age "Basileus" leaders. (6)

5. The conversation details the collapse of the Hittite Empire in central Anatolia. Despite once being equal to Egypt, the Hittites suffered from poor leadership and internal rot, exacerbated by plagues and famine. Their capital, Hattusa, was eventually burned, possibly by local enemies rather than the Sea Peoples. While the main empire disappeared, "rump states" survived in northern Syria, becoming the Neo-Hittites mentioned in the Bible. Additionally, Cline mentions recent computer modeling that suggests the simultaneous collapse of the Hittites and the port city of Ugarit was sufficient to bring down the entire global trade network. (5)

4. This file focuses on the "antifragile" societies that thrived amid chaos: the Phoenicians and Cypriots. The Phoenicians transformed into a maritime powerhouse, establishing colonies like Carthage and spreading the standardized alphabet. Meanwhile, the Cypriots pivoted from copper to iron metallurgy, innovating with new technologies that defined the early Iron Age. Cline clarifies that iron weapons did not cause the collapse but were an adaptation to it once tin supplies were cut. Both groups demonstrated genius by seizing opportunities created by broken supply chains, ultimately flourishing while their more rigid, larger neighbors failed to adapt. (4)

3. Cline examines the varying fates of Egypt and emerging Levantine groups after the collapse. Egypt is described as "merely coping," struggling with internal anarchy and a delayed reaction to regional droughts while retreating from its previous international prominence. Conversely, the power vacuum allowed smaller entities like the Israelites and Philistines to flourish. Cline discusses the archaeological debate regarding whether the Israelites were local highland dwellers who transformed or external migrants. He also identifies the Philistines as part of the Sea Peoples, noting recent DNA evidence from Ashkelon that confirms their mixed ancestry and Mediterranean origins. (3)

2. This interview shifts to the aftermath of the Bronze Age collapse, focusing on the resilience of the Assyrians. Cline attributes their survival to strong leadership and redundant systems, such as their enduring military and government structures. While their previous trading partners struggled, the Assyrians adapted by using military force to acquire necessary resources and conducting near-constant warfare. The discussion also covers the complex, shifting relationship between the Assyrians and the Babylonians, who cycled between being allies and enemies. Ultimately, the Neo-Assyrians emerged as the dominant Near Eastern power for several centuries before being superseded by the Neo-Babylonians. (2)

1. Eric Cline discusses the Late Bronze Age through the lens of the Uluburun shipwreck, which represents the era's globalized trade network. The ship's cargo, including copper from Cyprus and tin from Afghanistan, highlights the interconnectedness of civilizations like the Egyptians, Hittites, and Mycenaeans. Cline explains that the collapse around 1177 BC was not caused by a single event but a "perfect storm" of factors, including drought, famine, earthquakes, and the Sea Peoples' migrations. This catastrophic sequence occurred so rapidly that societies lacked the time to recover, leading to a systemic failure of the ancient world's trade routes. (1)

8. Perpetua and the Shift to Christian Martyrdom (15)In the final segment, Southon discusses Perpetua, a well-born young woman in Carthage who was executed for being a Christian. Roman policy viewed the refusal to worship state gods as treason. Perpetua kept a diary of her imprisonment, framing her suffering as a spiritual victory. This marked a major cultural shift; while Romans valued suicide to avoid dishonor, Christians believed suffering and humiliationwere pathways to salvation. Her story concludes as Christianity begins to replace traditional Roman beliefs as the empire's dominant spirituality. (16)

7. Daily Life and Business on the Frontier (13)Moving away from royalty, Southon highlights Julia Felix, a Pompeian property owner who ran a vast entertainment complex featuring "bougie" baths and restaurants. Archaeology shows she offered the middle class a taste of luxury normally reserved for the rich. Meanwhile, at the northern frontier, the Vindolanda tablets reveal the lives of educated women like Sulpicia Lepidina. Her letters, including a birthday invitation, prove that Roman military forts were not just for soldiers but were active domestic spaces filled with families and social networks. (14)

6. Queens of Britain: Cooperation and Resistance (11)Southon compares two female leaders in Roman Britain: Cartimandua and Boudica. Cartimandua, Queen of the Brigantes, chose to collaborate with Rome, maintaining power for decades by bringing Roman luxuries like wine and spices to her people. Conversely, Boudicaled a violent but short-lived rebellionagainst Roman tyranny. While the historian Tacitus portrayed Boudica as a stoic figure of honor who died by her own hand, modern British schools often view her as a symbol of national resistanceto continental rule and Britishexceptionalism. (12)

5. Julia: The Tool and Rebel of Augustus (9)Augustus used his only daughter, Julia, as a political tool to secure his heirs. He forced her into multiple marriages with potential successors like Agrippa and Tiberius. While she was initially obedient and produced five children, Julia eventually rebelled by engaging in very public affairs, including one with the son of her father's rival, Mark Antony. Furious that she undermined his public image of family virtue, Augustus exiled her to a remote island for nearly twenty years. After Augustus died, Tiberius took control and starved her to death. (10)

. Cicero's Rhetorical Attack on Clodia (7)In the late Republic, the orator Ciceroengaged in a bitter feud with the wealthy and influential Clodia. During the trial of Caelius, Cicero launched a devastating character assassination, branding Clodia the "Palatine Medea" and accusing her of prostitution and murder. Southon emphasizes that because women were barred from speaking in court, Clodia was defenseless against these public insinuations. Cicero even edited his own speeches before passing them to history to ensure his version of events remained the dominant narrative, regardless of the truth of his claims. (8)

3. Wicked Queens and the Sacrifice of Vestals (5)Southon discusses Tullia, the "wicked" opposite of Lucretia, who murdered her family to seize power and defiled her father's body. Her ambition served as a warning that monarchy breeds tyranny. The focus then shifts to the Vestal Virgins, such as Oppia, who were tasked with maintaining Rome's eternal flame. If bad omens occurred, a Vestal might be accused of unchastity and buried alive as a human sacrifice to appease the gods. Often, there was no evidence of wrongdoing beyond "unchaste" behavior like telling jokes or wearing nice dresses. (6)

2. Lucretia and the Birth of the Republic (3)Southon explains that while most women can be removed from Roman history without much change, Lucretia is essential to the story of the Republic. During a "best wife" competition, Lucretia was found weaving wool, a sign of extreme domestic virtue, while other elite women were drinking wine. After being assaulted by the king's son, Sextus, she committed suicide to ensure her name would never be used to excuse unvirtuous behavior. Her family, led by Brutus, used her body to incite a revolution that overthrew the monarchy and established the Roman Republic. (4)

1. The Founding Mothers and Augustan Propaganda(1)Guest author Emma Southon notes that historians like Livy wrote during the reign of Augustus to reshape early Roman history to justify the return to monarchy. These writers aimed to portray Rome as the most virtuous and god-beloved nation. A primary narrative involves the Sabine women, who were kidnapped to populate the new city. Led by Hersilia, these women eventually intervened in a battle, acting as the "glue" that turned a war between enemies into a family conflict. Southon contrasts the virtuous Hersilia with Tarpeia, a "bad" woman who betrayed Rome for luxury. (2)

STREAMING "THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW" WITH JEFF BLISS 3-13-261959 THE SANDS.This transcript of the John Batchelor Show features a conversation with Jeff Bliss regarding current events primarily focused on California and the West Coast. The dialogue contrasts lighthearted topics, such as the Las Vegas A's stadium progress and the iconic Vegas sign, with more serious concerns like the billionaire migration fleeing high taxes in Washington and California. They discuss the rising national political profile of Gavin Newsom despite his local popularity struggles and the persistent challenges of homelessness and copper wire theft in major cities. The hosts also touch upon the global supply chain vulnerabilities caused by Middle Eastern conflicts, specifically mentioning the sourcing of bromine and helium for technology. Finally, the segment critiques the "woke" rebranding of Disney films and the declining cultural influence of the Oscars due to overt political messaging.

SHOW SCHEDULE 3-13-20261574 ARABIA13. Guest: Henry Sokolski Summary: The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is criticized for reducing security at nuclear plants despite growing threats. Sokolski points out the disconnect between the NRC's downplaying of risks and the FBI's serious warnings. (9)14. Guest: Henry Sokolski Summary: The FBI warned California about Iranian drone threats against infrastructure. Sokolski notes that U.S. nuclear plants are vulnerable and currently lack the clear legal authority to effectively handle unauthorized drone overflights. (10)15. Guest: Peter van Dokkum Summary: Professor van Dokkum defines runaway black holes as supermassive objects kicked out of galaxies after collisions. These objects move at 1,000 kilometers per second, escaping their host galaxies to roam through intergalactic space. (11)16. Guest: Peter van Dokkum Summary: Astronomers detected a runaway black hole via a shock front and a wake of 100 million newborn stars. This stellar trail traces the black hole's path as it travels through intergalactic gas.NUMBER 13-16 (12)

16. **Guest:** Peter van Dokkum**Summary:** Astronomers detected a runaway black hole via a shock front and a wake of 100 million newborn stars. This stellar trail traces the black hole's path as it travels through intergalactic gas..1783 METEOR OF AUGUST 18, 1783

15. **Guest:** Peter van Dokkum**Summary:** Professor van Dokkum defines runaway black holes as supermassive objects kicked out of galaxies after collisions. These objects move at 1,000 kilometers per second, escaping their host galaxies to roam through intergalactic space.1945 ROYAL OBSERVATORY AT GREENWICH