# Taylor Swift Sucks > A deep dive into the suspicious passenger manifest of Air France Flight 447 and the manufactured rise of Taylor Swift as the next pop industry titan. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 103 - **Published:** 2009-06-11 - **Length:** 1h 3m - **Topics:** [Flight 447](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/flight-447.md), [Taylor Swift](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taylor-swift.md), [Ron Paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [Bear Stearns](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bear-stearns.md), [Federal Reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), Lisa Raitt, [9/11 Truth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/9-11-truth.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks ## About this episode Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak broadcast from Gitmo Nation West as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of Air France Flight 447. Two passengers, Pablo Dreyfus and Ronald Dreyer, were high-level consultants tracking illegal arms trades in Brazil, raising questions about the official narrative of pitot tube failure. The hosts contrast the media's sensationalized weather reporting in South Beach with the reality on the ground while analyzing the 9/11 Pilots for Truth claims regarding Boeing flight speeds and altitude physics. Dateline NBC recently profiled 19-year-old Taylor Swift as a musical prodigy, though critics suggest the heavy promotion is a calculated industry move to replace Britney Spears. In Washington, Congressman Ron Paul has secured 209 co-sponsors for HR 1207 to audit the Federal Reserve, while Canadian Minister Lisa Raitt faces backlash for calling a medical isotope shortage a sexy political opportunity. The broadcast also tracks the Bear Stearns collapse, with allegations that Goldman Sachs and the Treasury Department orchestrated a vendetta against the bank for failing to cooperate with the financial inner circle. Adam Curry recounts his teenage years building pirate radio transmitters in Amsterdam and the technical training required to develop his broadcasting voice. John C. Dvorak shares details on a new spice book by Mimi Dvorak and critiques the pretentious atmosphere at Ozuma in San Francisco. The duo also weighs in on David Letterman’s public feud with Sarah Palin and Howard Stern’s critique of Jay Leno’s robotic departure from the Tonight Show. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/transcript.md. ### 1. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak, Gitmo Nation West (0:00–3:24) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the No Agenda broadcast from Gitmo Nation West in an undisclosed hotel location. Curry notes the poor bandwidth at his current site while Dvorak joins from a dark office. They discuss the timing of the recording on a Wednesday evening for a Thursday release and mention listeners in Amsterdam. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md), [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/1.md) ### 2. United States Mint, Zinc Penny Composition Since 1983 (3:25–5:09) The United States Mint has produced pennies primarily from zinc with a copper plating since 1983. A pre-1983 copper penny is estimated to be worth two cents as scrap metal, leading to a discussion on the rising costs of metal and the potential for wooden nickels. Keywords: united states mint, [pennies](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pennies.md), [zinc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zinc.md), [copper](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/copper.md), scrap metal [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Air France Flight 447, Arms Trade Consultants Disappearance (5:09–7:52) Two passengers on the missing Air France Flight 447, Pablo Dreyfus and Ronald Dreyer, were prominent consultants involved in tracking the international illegal arms trade. Dreyfus worked with Brazilian authorities to stop weapons flow to drug gangs in Rio de Janeiro. The aircraft's tail has been located, and search teams are looking for the flight data recorders before the pingers expire. Keywords: air france flight 447, pablo dreyfus, ronald dreyer, [arms trade](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/arms-trade.md), [brazil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brazil.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Pitot Tube Failure Theory, Air France Flight 447 (7:52–9:31) Aviation experts and pilot unions suggest that malfunctioning pitot tubes, which measure airspeed, may have contributed to the disintegration of Air France Flight 447. Skeptics argue that a simple sensor freeze at high altitude should not cause a total airframe failure without other underlying maintenance issues. Keywords: pitot tube, [air france](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-france.md), airspeed sensors, [maintenance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/maintenance.md), [aviation safety](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aviation-safety.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/4.md) ### 5. 9/11 Pilots for Truth, Pentagon Flight Data Discrepancies (9:32–12:07) The organization 9/11 Pilots for Truth challenges the official 9/11 Commission Report regarding the speed and altitude of the aircraft that struck the Twin Towers and the Pentagon. They claim it is physically impossible for a Boeing aircraft to maintain 400 miles per hour at 700 feet due to air resistance. Further claims suggest that cell phone calls from the flights were impossible above 1,000 feet. Keywords: 9/11 pilots for truth, [pentagon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pentagon.md), nist report, [boeing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boeing.md), flight data [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Media Sensationalism, South Beach Miami Weather Coverage (12:07–14:08) Television news coverage of a storm in South Beach, Miami, depicted a catastrophic event with flooding and electrical fires. However, travelers on the ground reported that the sun was shining and the reality was far less severe than the televised reports. This discrepancy highlights the contrast between national media narratives and actual events. Keywords: [miami](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/miami.md), south beach, [media bias](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-bias.md), [weather reporting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weather-reporting.md), ron and marta [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Taylor Swift, Dateline NBC Profile and Musical Genius Claims (14:09–20:43) Dateline NBC aired a one-hour special dedicated to 19-year-old singer Taylor Swift, portraying her as a musical prodigy. The segment features Swift directing her band members to play "less notes" during soundchecks to avoid "noodley" solos. Critics suggest the heavy promotion is an industry attempt to find a replacement for Britney Spears following Swift's move from RCA to a new label. Keywords: [taylor swift](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taylor-swift.md), dateline nbc, rca records, universal records, [country music](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/country-music.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Ron Paul, Federal Reserve Audit Bill HR 1207 (20:48–23:00) Congressman Ron Paul's bill to audit the Federal Reserve has reached 209 co-sponsors, nearing the threshold required for further legislative action. While the bill gains momentum in the House, there is skepticism regarding its chances of passing in the Senate. Keywords: [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), [audit the fed](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/audit-the-fed.md), [hr 1207](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hr-1207.md), [senate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/senate.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Britney Spears Documentary, Mouseketeer Origins (23:00–23:50) A documentary about Britney Spears explores her early career as a Mouseketeer alongside Justin Timberlake and Jessica Simpson. The film attempts to humanize the pop star by focusing on her passion for dance and her personal struggles within the entertainment industry. Keywords: [britney spears](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/britney-spears.md), mouseketeers, [justin timberlake](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/justin-timberlake.md), jessica simpson, [documentary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/documentary.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Howard Stern, David Letterman and Jay Leno Rivalry (23:51–26:50) Howard Stern appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman to criticize Jay Leno's departure from The Tonight Show. Stern accused Leno of being robotic and lacking emotion during his final broadcast. The discussion also touches on the failure of the 10 p.m. time slot for comedy and Stern's transition to Sirius Satellite Radio. Keywords: [howard stern](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/howard-stern.md), [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [jay leno](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jay-leno.md), [late night television](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/late-night-television.md), [nbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nbc.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Adam Curry, Radio Voice Training and Pirate Radio History (26:50–32:19) Adam Curry describes his early obsession with radio, including building a pirate transmitter in Amsterdam and practicing his broadcasting voice for hours as a teenager. He recounts working at a hospital radio station and later adopting the persona "John Holden" on Radio Decibel. Curry notes that his natural speaking voice is an octave higher when speaking Dutch compared to English. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), radio decibel, [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [pirate radio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pirate-radio.md), [broadcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/broadcasting.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/11.md) ### 12. David Letterman, Sarah Palin Joke Controversy (32:19–33:49) David Letterman faced criticism from conservative commentators after making a joke about Sarah Palin's daughter. Palin responded by criticizing Letterman's character, while pundits like Monica Crowley accused the host of being a tool for the Democratic Party. Keywords: [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [sarah palin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarah-palin.md), [monica crowley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monica-crowley.md), [political satire](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-satire.md), [republican party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/republican-party.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Lisa Raitt, Canadian Medical Isotope Crisis Recording (33:50–35:19) Canadian Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt was caught on tape describing the medical isotope shortage as a "sexy" problem for her political career. The recording, published by the Chronicle Herald after a court injunction was lifted, reveals Raitt discussing how the crisis involving radioactive leaks and cancer could provide her with positive credit if fixed. Keywords: lisa raitt, [canada](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/canada.md), medical isotopes, [cancer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cancer.md), chronicle herald [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Gordon Brown, Obama Beach D-Day Gaffe (35:20–39:00) During the 65th anniversary of D-Day, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown mistakenly referred to Omaha Beach as "Obama Beach" during a speech. The event featured several world leaders, including President Obama and Nicolas Sarkozy, who were criticized for using the solemn military commemoration for political grandstanding. Keywords: [gordon brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-brown.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [d-day](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/d-day.md), omaha beach, [sarkozy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarkozy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Charlie Rose, Elizabeth Edwards Interview on Infidelity (39:00–41:35) Charlie Rose interviewed Elizabeth Edwards regarding her book and her husband John Edwards' extramarital affair during her cancer treatment. During the segment, Rose appeared to rationalize sexual affairs as being distinct from love, prompting observations about his interviewing style and personal perspective on the matter. Keywords: [charlie rose](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/charlie-rose.md), [elizabeth edwards](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elizabeth-edwards.md), [john edwards](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-edwards.md), [infidelity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/infidelity.md), [book tour](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/book-tour.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Adam Curry, IRS Tax Lien and Credit Score Issues (41:36–46:00) Adam Curry discovered a $143,000 tax lien on his credit report while attempting to rent an apartment in San Francisco. Despite having resolved the issue with the IRS years prior, the lien remained on certain credit reports, forcing him to pay six months of rent in advance to secure a loft. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [irs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/irs.md), [tax lien](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tax-lien.md), [credit report](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/credit-report.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/16.md) ### 17. No Agenda Producer Donations, Scuba Vision Productions (46:01–49:31) The hosts acknowledge financial support from producers, including Robert Montgomery, John Stewart, and Scuba Vision Productions. They compare their donation-based funding model to PBS, noting that some donors use their contributions as a form of low-cost commercial promotion for their businesses. Keywords: robert montgomery, [john stewart](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-stewart.md), scuba vision productions, [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), pbs model [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Bear Stearns Collapse, Goldman Sachs Vendetta Claim (49:31–52:45) A former executive from a Bear Stearns subdivision claims the bank's collapse was a targeted vendetta by Goldman Sachs and the Treasury Department. Unlike other major banks that received bailouts, Bear Stearns was allegedly allowed to fail because its leadership did not "play nicely" with the established financial inner circle in Washington. Keywords: [bear stearns](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bear-stearns.md), [goldman sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), [timothy geithner](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/timothy-geithner.md), [treasury department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/treasury-department.md), [bankruptcy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bankruptcy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Cranky Geeks, Pre-Taping and Production Logistics (52:45–55:28) John Dvorak and Adam Curry discuss recent episodes of Cranky Geeks, including a production error where Dvorak wore the same sweater vest for two back-to-back tapings. They explain the logistics of pre-taping shows when hosts are traveling to New York or Washington. Keywords: [cranky geeks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cranky-geeks.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [television production](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/television-production.md), sweater vest [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Ozuma Restaurant Review, San Francisco Sushi Pricing (55:29–1:00:19) The hosts review Ozuma, a Japanese restaurant in San Francisco, criticizing it for being overpriced and pretentious. They noted the sushi bar was empty and the Kobe beef did not meet expectations. The dinner was marked by expensive sake and a surly atmosphere. Keywords: ozuma, [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [sushi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sushi.md), kobe beef, [sake](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sake.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Mimi Dvorak, Spice Book and Show Outro (1:00:21–1:02:55) John Dvorak discusses a new book about spices written by his wife, Mimi, which provides background on global spicing theories. The show concludes with Adam Curry preparing for a trip to New York and Dvorak attending his son's graduation from Evergreen State College. Keywords: [mimi dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mimi-dvorak.md), [spices](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spices.md), [evergreen state college](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/evergreen-state-college.md), [comcast](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/comcast.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/103-taylor-swift-sucks/chapter/21.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/102-bizarre-sex-crime.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/104-furries-forever.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. Every public page on this site has one: add `.md` to its URL, or request it with `Accept: text/markdown`. - [Site index for agents (llms.txt)](https://search.noagendashow.net/llms.txt) - [Home](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - [Search transcripts](https://search.noagendashow.net/search.md) - [All episodes](https://search.noagendashow.net/episodes.md) - [Topics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topics.md) - [People](https://search.noagendashow.net/people.md)