Rainman's Take

A friend of mine sent me and a few other guys an email a few days ago with an attached photo.  It was of a street corner and a nice building covered in graffiti.  Part of the graffiti design was the phrase, "Nothing makes sense anymore".  He thought it thought provoking so he sent it to us.  Thought provoking indeed; if young city kids who spray paint other people's property are feeling this way then something has permeated our society all the way.  Our world is changing and it feels like nothing will ever be the same...An interesting phrase especially in today's environment; what does it all mean, my take...

Julie Thunder and I talk Encinitas politics. Julie's been since last November's Mayoral race. Since then she has started a citizens group called Encinitas Neighbors Coalition (ENC). We talk affordable housing and other pressing issues in our community. Check out ENC's website at www.encneighbors.org . In order for things to change at the local level the policies the State has put out need to change. An in-depth look at an issue that I'm sure effects a lot of cities. Enjoy!

Who was the historical St. Patrick and other historical tidbits about ancient (and more recent) Ireland. Enjoy and Slainte!! (To your health!!)

A fascinating discussion with Amnon Sitchin, the brother of Zacharia Sitchin, famous author "The 12th Planet", and the Earth Chronicles series.  These books were based on Zacharia's research into ancient Sumerian culture and his readings and study of their ancient cuneiform scrolls and tablets.  Amnon holds a PHD in aerodynamics and engineering with a focus on the orbital dynamics of satellites.  Amnon was pivotal in making the calculations for the 3,600 year orbit orbit of the planet Nibiru.  Much of their theses have been corroborated over the last 40 years with the increased technology in the field of astronomical research, including the Voyager missions of the 1980s.  The Earth Chronicle books are part of the foundation of the Ancient Alien theory and it was a fascinating conversation with someone who knows what he's talking about.  Enjoy!

China is all over the news recently, not only with the covid-19 pandemic but also with its military presence and activities in the South China Sea.  China's made no secret that their main objective is the be the hegemon in Asia and they actively building their military to achieve that aim.  Over the last 25 years China has modernized their military, laid claim and built up the Spratly and Paracel Island chains in the South China Sea and initiated their belt and road program to exert control over most all of Asia.  This is in direct competition to the US's own desire of continued influence in the region and puts several western leaning areas in the cross hairs of China namely, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japanese territorial islands.  This is the grand chessboard as described by a career military officer who is an expert in China and their geo-political desire to be the main player in Asia.  A topic ripped out of today's headlines, one that will thoroughly enjoy.  I learned a ton from Captain Adams and I know you will as well.  Enjoy!  

Dave joins Rainman's Take from Durbin, South Africa to discuss his time as a safari guide at the famous Londolozi game reserve.  You'll be interested to know what it takes to become a guide as well as some of Dave's most memorable experiences with the Big 5 in the bush (rhino, elephant, cape buffalo, lion, leopard).  Safari is truly one of the great adventures out there and the Rainman highly recommends going if you can.  Dave towards the end of the interview also talks about how South Africa's is dealing with the pandemic.  A great interview about a fascinating part of the world.  Enjoy!

What makes someone at the age of 35 completely put their civilian life on hold to join the Army's 82nd Airborne?  Tim Taule is just one of those patriots.  Tim joined the Army after 9/11, put his civilian life on hold for 3 years and did tours of duty to Afghanistan and Iraq.  It's an interesting perspective from someone who having never thought about the military felt the need to join and contribute to the war effort between 2003 and 2005.  Some personal accounts of combat and the bizarre dichotomy that is life in a war zone.  Enjoy!

A great conversation about the historic finalization of Brexit.  Joe discusses the history of the European Union and how that has led the world to where we are now.  Some great insights into this event that you won't want to miss.  Enjoy!

This is an amazing interview with a Vietnamese woman who grow up in French controlled South Vietnam, went to college in the United States, started working with groups helping Vietnam post US war, culminating in her efforts to bring Amer-Asian children to the United States.  Unbelievable personal accounts of the struggles of the Vietnamese people over the last 150 years.  Enjoy!

If you want to know anything in the world of geopolitics and economics then Jim Rickards is your guy! He knows what he's talking about. Why? Because gets been there done that; he helped negotiate the Fed bailout of LTCM in the late '90s, he regularly consults with the CIA and other government agencies...people in positions of power want his inputs and he shares some of that experience with me as we discuss his soon-to-be published 6th book, "The New Great Depression".  A book about the pandemic and how it has ravaged the US (and global) economy and what are some things you can do moving forward to take advantage of the opportunities that every crisis brings about.  A great discussion about the lasting effects of the policies put in place during these unprecedented times.  Enjoy!