# Lightning Strikes > Aviation safety debates follow the disappearance of Flight 447 as tech giants face antitrust scrutiny and European leaders grapple with the controversial ratification of the Lisbon Treaty. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 101 - **Published:** 2009-06-03 - **Length:** 1h 3m - **Topics:** [Flight 447](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/flight-447.md), [Lisbon Treaty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisbon-treaty.md), Antitrust Probe, H1N1 Pandemic, [Microsoft](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/microsoft.md), [Gordon Ramsay](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-ramsay.md), [Riga](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/riga.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes ## About this episode Adam Curry reports from a hotel in Mayfair, London, while John C. Dvorak observes rare Wisconsin-sized lightning storms in Silicon Valley. The disappearance of Air France Flight 447 over the Atlantic triggers a debate on Airbus fly-by-wire systems versus Boeing mechanical controls. Curry recounts a personal search-and-rescue mission near Dover where he assisted air traffic control in a failed attempt to locate a missing experimental ultralight aircraft. Investigators weigh a recent bomb threat against an Air France flight from Buenos Aires as the World Health Organization pushes H1N1 pandemic warnings. In the tech sector, the Obama administration launches an antitrust probe into Google, Apple, and Yahoo over non-poaching agreements. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer threatens to move labor offshore in response to proposed tax hikes, while California faces a fourteen-day window before the state treasury runs out of cash. European Parliament elections approach amidst legal challenges to the Lisbon Treaty in the German Constitutional Court and controversy surrounding Green Party politician Daniel Cohn-Bendit. John C. Dvorak details his experience crashing a Boeing 747 simulator at the NASA Ames Research Center during a heavy crosswind exercise. The hosts analyze the Riga Blonde Weekend in Latvia, where five hundred women paraded with lapdogs to boost national morale. Adam Curry vows legal action against a magazine for violating Creative Commons licenses on his photography, demanding a settlement for the charity War Child. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/transcript.md. ### 1. Gitmo Nation Publication 101, London and Silicon Valley Weather (0:00–1:16) Adam Curry broadcasts from a hotel in Mayfair, London, while John C. Dvorak reports from northern Silicon Valley. Dvorak describes unusual, heavy "Wisconsin-sized" rain and lightning that occurred at 4:00 AM in California. The hosts open the 101st edition of the No Agenda podcast. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [london](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/london.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [wisconsin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wisconsin.md), [weather](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weather.md), [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Search and Rescue Mission, Experimental Ultralight Aircraft in Kent (1:21–5:32) Adam Curry recounts participating in a search-and-rescue operation while flying from the Netherlands to London near Manston and Dover. Air traffic control requested his assistance in locating a lost experimental ultralight aircraft after radio contact was severed. Curry describes descending to 600 feet to scan fields near Canterbury but failing to locate the missing pilot. Keywords: manston, dover, canterbury, [search and rescue](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/search-and-rescue.md), ultralight aircraft, captain dan, [aviation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aviation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Air France Flight 447, Airbus vs Boeing Safety Theories (5:33–7:45) The disappearance of Air France Flight 447 over the Atlantic Ocean prompts a discussion on aviation safety and weather hazards. Adam Curry dismisses lightning strikes as a likely cause of a total crash, noting that while the flight path contained severe storm systems up to 45,000 feet, aircraft are designed with significant redundancies. The conversation touches on the rivalry between Airbus fly-by-wire systems and Boeing's traditional mechanical controls. Keywords: air france flight 447, [airbus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/airbus.md), [boeing 747](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boeing-747.md), [lightning strike](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lightning-strike.md), cumulus nimbus, flight level, [aviation safety](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aviation-safety.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Argentina Bomb Threat, Flight 447 Terrorism Investigation (7:46–10:24) Investigators are examining a bomb threat made against an Air France flight from Buenos Aires to Paris just days before Flight 447 disappeared. While no group has claimed credit, the hosts discuss the possibility of terrorism versus mechanical failure. The segment also references a recent speech by Osama bin Laden and the history of media attribution in terror events. Keywords: [buenos aires](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/buenos-aires.md), [paris](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paris.md), [flight 447](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/flight-447.md), [bomb threat](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bomb-threat.md), [terrorism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/terrorism.md), [osama bin laden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/osama-bin-laden.md), mail online [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Flight Simulators, NASA Ames Research Center Training (10:24–14:22) John C. Dvorak describes his experience flying a Boeing 747 simulator at the NASA Ames Research Center. He compares the tactile feel of traditional cockpits to modern fly-by-wire joystick systems, noting he found the joystick easier to land. The anecdote includes a failed simulation of a 747 takeoff on an icy runway with a heavy crosswind. Keywords: [nasa ames](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nasa-ames.md), [flight simulator](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/flight-simulator.md), [boeing 747](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boeing-747.md), [fly-by-wire](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fly-by-wire.md), joystick, crosswind, aviation training [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Conan O'Brien, Jay Leno NBC Late Night Transition (14:23–17:56) Conan O'Brien has taken over The Tonight Show as Jay Leno prepares for a new 10:00 PM prime-time slot on NBC. John C. Dvorak predicts the new Leno show will be a failure within 12 weeks, characterizing the move as a desperate "Hail Mary" by the network to save production costs. The hosts discuss the historical tension involving Johnny Carson's retirement and Leno's reputation as a master salesman. Keywords: [conan o'brien](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conan-o-brien.md), [jay leno](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jay-leno.md), [nbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nbc.md), [prime time](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prime-time.md), [johnny carson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/johnny-carson.md), [television ratings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/television-ratings.md), [late night](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/late-night.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Riga Blonde Weekend, Latvian Economic Crisis Spirits (17:57–19:45) Over 500 blonde women paraded through Riga, Latvia, for a "Blonde Weekend" event intended to boost national morale during the economic downturn. The participants wore pink and white and were accompanied by lapdogs in matching outfits. The hosts review photos of the event and compare the cultural reception of such parades to those in San Francisco. Keywords: [riga](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/riga.md), [latvia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/latvia.md), blonde weekend, [der spiegel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/der-spiegel.md), [economic crisis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economic-crisis.md), parade [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/7.md) ### 8. HEMA Underwear, No Agenda Branded Merchandise (19:46–22:12) Adam Curry discusses ordering 100 pairs of HEMA brand underwear from the Netherlands to be customized with "No Agenda" embroidery. The hosts debate the merits of European sizing versus American "one size fits all" retail models. The segment concludes with a joke about the high cost of hand-embroidery. Keywords: [hema](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hema.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [underwear](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/underwear.md), marks and sparks, [embroidery](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/embroidery.md), [merchandise](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merchandise.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Dog Track Betting, Steeplechase Racing Hazards (22:13–23:53) John C. Dvorak shares an anecdote about a specific betting strategy at a Florida dog track involving the physical behavior of the dogs before a race. The conversation shifts to the dangers of steeplechase horse racing in the UK, where horses frequently fall over high hedges and sustain injuries. Keywords: dog track, [florida](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/florida.md), [horse racing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/horse-racing.md), steeplechase, [betting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/betting.md), [gambling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gambling.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Gordon Ramsay, Financial Troubles and Sous-Vide Controversy (23:55–27:28) Chef Gordon Ramsay faces significant financial difficulties, including seven million pounds in back taxes and the potential closure of several international operations. The hosts discuss Ramsay's use of "cooking bags" and central kitchens, which critics claim contradicts his televised advocacy for fresh, on-the-spot cooking. Keywords: [gordon ramsay](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-ramsay.md), [sunday times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sunday-times.md), sous-vide, back taxes, [celebrity chef](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/celebrity-chef.md), [restaurant industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/restaurant-industry.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/10.md) ### 11. European Parliament Elections, Lisbon Treaty Ratification (27:29–30:42) Elections for the European Parliament are set to take place with 754 seats contested, an increase of 18 seats mandated by the Lisbon Treaty. Adam Curry argues that these seats are being filled despite the treaty not being fully ratified by all member states, specifically Ireland. The hosts predict a very low voter turnout of approximately 28% to 39%. Keywords: [european parliament](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-parliament.md), [lisbon treaty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisbon-treaty.md), [france](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/france.md), [germany](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/germany.md), [ireland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ireland.md), [voting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/voting.md), [star wars](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/star-wars.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Daniel Cohn-Bendit, German Green Party Controversy (30:42–32:08) The hosts discuss controversial past admissions by German Green Party politician Daniel Cohn-Bendit regarding his time as a kindergarten teacher in the 1970s. The segment references a book published in 1975 and compares the politician to a "creepy" recurring character from the animated show Family Guy. Keywords: daniel cohn-bendit, german green party, [pedophilia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pedophilia.md), irish daily mail, [family guy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/family-guy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/12.md) ### 13. German Constitutional Court, Lisbon Treaty Legal Challenges (32:09–34:54) Germany's Constitutional Court is scheduled to rule on whether the Lisbon Treaty is compatible with the German constitution following complaints by politician Peter Gauweiler. The hosts discuss concerns regarding human rights amendments within the treaty, including provisions related to the detention of vagrants and the use of lethal force by authorities. Keywords: [germany](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/germany.md), constitutional court, [lisbon treaty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisbon-treaty.md), peter gauweiler, [human rights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/human-rights.md), [death penalty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/death-penalty.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/13.md) ### 14. MMR Vaccination Mandates, Childhood Disease Immunity (34:54–37:43) The BBC reports on potential UK policies that would bar unvaccinated children from schools, mirroring existing laws in states like New Jersey. The hosts argue that such mandates are unconstitutional and reminisce about "measles parties" where children were intentionally exposed to build natural immunity. Keywords: [mmr vaccine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mmr-vaccine.md), [measles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/measles.md), [mumps](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mumps.md), [rubella](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rubella.md), [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), [chicken pox](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chicken-pox.md), [public health](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-health.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Tech Antitrust Probe, Google and Yahoo Non-Poaching Agreements (37:43–41:04) A federal antitrust probe is targeting major tech companies including Google, Yahoo, Apple, and Genentech over alleged secret agreements not to poach each other's employees. The hosts discuss how the Obama administration is using these investigations to crack down on collusive corporate behavior and generate fine revenue. Keywords: [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md), [yahoo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yahoo.md), [apple](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple.md), [genentech](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/genentech.md), [antitrust](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/antitrust.md), [department of justice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-justice.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Microsoft Offshore Labor, Steve Ballmer Tax Warning (41:05–43:23) Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer warned that the company may move more work offshore if President Obama implements higher taxes on US corporations. The hosts criticize the statement, noting that Microsoft already utilizes significant H1B visa labor and offshore R&D centers in China and India. The segment ends with a brief musical interlude featuring a Monty Python song. Keywords: [steve ballmer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steve-ballmer.md), [microsoft](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/microsoft.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [h1b visa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1b-visa.md), [corporate tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/corporate-tax.md), [monty python](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monty-python.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/16.md) ### 17. California Budget Crisis, Government Service Cutbacks (43:23–46:54) California is reportedly 14 days away from running out of cash, a recurring issue in the state's history. The hosts compare this to government service cuts in the Netherlands and the media industry, where essential staff like cleaners and makeup artists are the first to be laid off while executives maintain their lifestyles. Keywords: [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [budget deficit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/budget-deficit.md), [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [healthcare](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/healthcare.md), [tech tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-tv.md), [mtv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mtv.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Propylene Glycol, Merck Index Chemical Reference (46:55–52:35) A discussion on the safety of propylene glycol in electronic cigarettes leads John C. Dvorak to request a copy of the Merck Index. He describes the book as an essential chemical reference used by chemists to identify reagents and lethal poisons. The hosts search for an online version of the index but find the hotel's internet proxy makes the process difficult. Keywords: [propylene glycol](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/propylene-glycol.md), [e-cigarettes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/e-cigarettes.md), [merck index](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merck-index.md), [chemistry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chemistry.md), poisons, [baxter international](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/baxter-international.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/18.md) ### 19. WHO Pandemic Warnings, H1N1 Swine Flu Skepticism (52:37–54:35) The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the spread of H1N1 flu in the southern hemisphere is pushing the world toward a pandemic. The hosts express skepticism, labeling the alarmism as a marketing push for mandatory vaccines. They note that the Netherlands has already ordered millions of doses for its population. Keywords: [world health organization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/world-health-organization.md), [h1n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1.md), [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [australia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/australia.md), [chile](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chile.md), [vaccines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccines.md), kaiji fukuda [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Australian Natural Gas Project, Global Energy Reserves (54:38–57:59) A new $20 billion natural gas project has been approved on a protected island reserve in Australia. The hosts discuss global energy reserves, citing reports from Dan Rather about massive gas deposits in Russia and similar large discoveries in Louisiana that receive little media attention. Keywords: [australia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/australia.md), [natural gas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/natural-gas.md), [russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md), [louisiana](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/louisiana.md), hazel blair, [dan rather](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dan-rather.md), [energy policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/energy-policy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Creative Commons Copyright Dispute, War Child Donation (57:59–59:18) Adam Curry describes an ongoing legal dispute with a magazine that used his Creative Commons-licensed photograph without authorization. Curry requested a 5,000 euro donation to the charity War Child as a settlement, which the magazine's editor publicly mocked. Curry expresses confidence that his lawyers will prevail in court. Keywords: [creative commons](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/creative-commons.md), [copyright](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/copyright.md), war child, [litigation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/litigation.md), [intellectual property](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/intellectual-property.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Twitter Privacy Concerns, No Agenda Outro (59:24–1:02:44) The hosts discuss the security risks of users posting their real-time locations and travel plans on Twitter, suggesting it invites home robberies. Adam Curry prepares to leave London for San Francisco, and the show concludes with a discussion on internet bandwidth issues in California. Keywords: [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [privacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/privacy.md), [social media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-media.md), [comcast](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/comcast.md), mayfair, [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/101-lightning-strikes/chapter/22.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/100-a-squirrel-walks-into-a-bar.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/102-bizarre-sex-crime.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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