# The French Fry Connection > A startling theory links the global swine flu outbreak to fast-food french fries while media narratives around the Iranian election face intense scrutiny. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 105 - **Published:** 2009-06-18 - **Length:** 1h 6m - **Topics:** GMO Potatoes, Iran Protests, H1N1 Virus, Airbus Sabotage, Mission Burrito, [US Mint](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/us-mint.md), [Financial Regulation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/financial-regulation.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection ## About this episode Russian scientists have identified a potential link between the H1N1 influenza virus and genetically modified amylose pectin potatoes used in fast-food french fries. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak examine claims that enzymes in GMO potatoes create acidic conditions in the human body, facilitating the explosive replication of the virus. The theory gains traction as data from Chile reveals that young people, the primary consumers of fast food, represent the highest percentage of infected individuals. In the Middle East, skepticism surrounds the 2009 Iranian election protests as mainstream media outlets like CNN and the Wall Street Journal rely on unverified amateur footage. Adam Curry suggests the CIA is manipulating the narrative to justify political actions against Mahmoud Ahmadinejad while influencing global oil prices. Domestically, the hosts critique the PBS Frontline documentary Breaking the Bank, which exposes the forced merger of Merrill Lynch and Bank of America orchestrated by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. Additional reports cover nanotechnology safety concerns in HEMA brand underwear and the ongoing investigation into the Air France Flight 447 crash involving Airbus rudder failures. John C. Dvorak recounts a head injury sustained in a hotel room that led to a lethargic encounter with a massive San Francisco Mission Burrito. Technical difficulties plague the recording, prompting a brief Kid Rock interlude while the hosts debate the merits of the US Mint's Presidential dollar coins. The episode concludes with a dispute over a six-month bet regarding the general happiness of the American public under the Obama administration. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/transcript.md. ### 1. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak, No Agenda 105 Introduction (0:00–2:36) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open No Agenda episode 105, noting the poor internet connection at their current locations. Dvorak mentions he just returned from New York and discusses the cancellation of a scheduled board meeting because earlier sessions were highly productive. The hosts exchange banter regarding their technical difficulties and the timing of the recording. 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), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), board meeting, [podcast introduction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcast-introduction.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Hotel Room Injuries and Mexican Food Cravings (2:36–4:07) One of the hosts describes a minor head injury sustained after walking into the side of an open door at a hotel. Following the incident, he visited a local Mexican restaurant on a driver's recommendation and consumed a large burrito. The heavy meal resulted in significant lethargy and an early onset of sleep. Keywords: hotel, [injury](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/injury.md), burrito, mexican food, [palo alto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/palo-alto.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/chapter/2.md) ### 3. San Francisco Mission Burrito History and Characteristics (4:12–5:50) The discussion shifts to the specific history of the Mission Burrito, an culinary invention originating in San Francisco. Reference is made to Wikipedia's documentation of the style, which is characterized by its large size and heavy ingredients. The hosts comment on the addictive nature of these burritos and the physical "loggy" feeling that follows consumption. Keywords: mission burrito, [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [wikipedia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wikipedia.md), [corona beer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/corona-beer.md), mexican cuisine [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Iran Election Protests and Mainstream Media Skepticism (5:51–10:40) Adam Curry argues that the 2009 Iranian election protests are being exaggerated or staged by mainstream media outlets like the Wall Street Journal and CNN. He questions the authenticity of amateur video footage and suggests the CIA is manipulating the narrative to justify future political actions against Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The hosts note the lack of professional journalists on the ground and speculate on the motives behind the coverage, including potential impacts on oil prices. Keywords: [iran](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iran.md), [mahmoud ahmadinejad](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mahmoud-ahmadinejad.md), [wall street journal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wall-street-journal.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [anderson cooper](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anderson-cooper.md), [youtube](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/youtube.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Caltrain Commute and US Dollar Coin Discovery (10:42–14:05) After a board meeting in Palo Alto, a host opted to take the Caltrain "Baby Bullet" back to San Francisco to save on travel expenses. Upon using a ticket machine, he received change in the form of gold-colored one-dollar coins featuring George Washington. He expresses surprise at the existence of these coins, having never encountered them in daily transactions despite their long-standing circulation. Keywords: caltrain, [palo alto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/palo-alto.md), dollar coin, [george washington](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-washington.md), [public transport](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-transport.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Technical Difficulties and US Mint Coin Varieties (14:06–18:13) The podcast experiences a technical failure as the Skype connection drops, leading to a brief period of troubleshooting. Once reconnected, the hosts continue discussing the various designs of US dollar coins, including the Susan B. Anthony, Sacagawea, and Presidential series. They compare the coins to British pound coins and discuss where they are commonly distributed, such as post offices and transit kiosks. Keywords: [skype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skype.md), dollar coins, susan b. anthony, sacagawea, james monroe [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/chapter/6.md) ### 7. HEMA Underwear and Nanotechnology Safety Concerns (18:14–20:38) A listener report from the Netherlands highlights a segment on the Dutch consumer show "Radar" regarding nanotechnology in HEMA brand underwear. The report suggests that silver nanoparticles are being used in fabric without sufficient regulation or testing for long-term health effects. The hosts express skepticism and concern over the necessity of having nanoparticles in clothing. Keywords: [hema](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hema.md), [nanotechnology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nanotechnology.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [radar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/radar.md), [nanoparticles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nanoparticles.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Frontline Breaking the Bank and Financial Regulation (20:40–22:30) The hosts discuss the PBS Frontline documentary "Breaking the Bank," which details the forced merger of Merrill Lynch and Bank of America involving Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. They criticize the corruption within the financial system and react to President Obama's announcement of new sweeping regulations. The discussion focuses on the consolidation of regulatory power into a single agency. Keywords: [pbs frontline](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pbs-frontline.md), [merrill lynch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merrill-lynch.md), [bank of america](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bank-of-america.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [henry paulson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/henry-paulson.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Technical Outage and Kid Rock Interlude (22:30–26:09) A second major connection failure occurs, prompting Adam Curry to play Kid Rock's "Devil Without a Cause" to fill the airtime for stream listeners. Curry blames the outage on Dvorak's Comcast connection and technical setup. Upon Dvorak's return, they argue briefly about whose internet service is responsible for the repeated drops. Keywords: [kid rock](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kid-rock.md), [comcast](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/comcast.md), [skype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skype.md), [technical difficulties](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/technical-difficulties.md), dead air [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Air France Flight 447 Crash Theories (26:10–29:40) The hosts evaluate various theories regarding the crash of Air France Flight 447, including mid-air breakup and frozen pitot tubes. They focus on a theory involving the Airbus rudder, noting a historical precedent of rudder failure in high-stress wind conditions. Curry suggests that if the plane broke up at high altitude, debris would be more widely scattered than what has been recovered. Keywords: [air france 447](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-france-447.md), [airbus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/airbus.md), [boeing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boeing.md), [pitot tubes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pitot-tubes.md), [aviation safety](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aviation-safety.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Airbus vs Boeing Corporate Sabotage Claims (29:41–35:38) A theory is proposed that the recent Airbus incidents are part of an escalating corporate war between European-based Airbus and American-based Boeing. The hosts speculate on industrial sabotage and suggest that Boeing may face a similar "retaliatory" incident in the near future. They link the high-stakes aviation industry to broader geopolitical and financial tensions. Keywords: [airbus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/airbus.md), [boeing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boeing.md), aviation industry, [corporate warfare](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/corporate-warfare.md), [sabotage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sabotage.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Russian Scientists Link H1N1 to GMO Potatoes (35:39–38:37) Russian scientists reportedly claim a link between the H1N1 influenza virus and genetically modified amylose pectin potatoes used for fast-food french fries. The theory suggests that enzymes in GMO potatoes create acidic conditions that facilitate the "explosive replication" of the virus in the human body. The hosts discuss the possibility of food being used as a biological triggering mechanism. Keywords: [h1n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1.md), [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [gmo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gmo.md), [potatoes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/potatoes.md), [french fries](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/french-fries.md), [rna](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rna.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Chile Swine Flu Statistics and Fast Food Habits (38:38–42:56) The discussion continues regarding the correlation between H1N1 cases and countries that allow GMO potato cultivation, specifically highlighting Chile. Data is cited showing that a high percentage of infected individuals are young people, who are also the primary consumers of fast-food french fries. The hosts jokingly suggest a "French Fry Connection" study to test the theory. Keywords: [chile](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chile.md), [h1n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1.md), gmo potatoes, [fast food](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fast-food.md), [mcdonalds](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mcdonalds.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/chapter/13.md) ### 14. David Letterman, Sarah Palin, and CNBC Personalities (42:57–44:29) The hosts briefly touch on the controversy surrounding David Letterman's jokes about Sarah Palin's daughter and the subsequent protests. They transition into a critique of cable news personalities, including Bill O'Reilly and CNBC's Aaron Burnett. Dvorak shares a critical observation regarding Burnett's appearance during her remote broadcasts. Keywords: [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [sarah palin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarah-palin.md), [bill o'reilly](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-o-reilly.md), [aaron burnett](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aaron-burnett.md), [cnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnbc.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Lindsay Lohan Jewelry Theft Allegations (44:30–48:26) John Dvorak reports on allegations that Lindsay Lohan stole $400,000 worth of jewelry from an Elle magazine photo shoot. Adam Curry dismisses the story as a typical media stunt designed to generate publicity for the jewelry brands. They debate the journalistic integrity of the New York Post and Lohan's history of similar incidents. Keywords: [lindsay lohan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lindsay-lohan.md), [elle magazine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elle-magazine.md), jewelry theft, the news post, [media hoax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-hoax.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Airline Passenger Etiquette and Carry-on Baggage (48:26–51:47) The hosts vent frustrations regarding airline passengers who struggle with oversized "rollie" bags and large backpacks in narrow aircraft aisles. They argue for stricter FAA regulations on boarding with backpacks, citing instances where passengers inadvertently hit seated travelers. Curry shares his personal experiences being singled out for bag size checks while others bypass the rules. Keywords: [airline travel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/airline-travel.md), carry-on bags, [backpacks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/backpacks.md), [faa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/faa.md), [tumi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tumi.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/chapter/16.md) ### 17. JetBlue Terminal 5 and Virgin America Upgrades (51:48–56:01) Dvorak praises the new JetBlue Terminal 5 at JFK Airport, comparing it to a high-end Las Vegas hotel with gourmet sushi and steakhouses. The hosts compare the amenities of JetBlue and Virgin America, discussing the quality of in-flight entertainment and the availability of cheap first-class upgrades. They express a preference for the "one-class" airline model. Keywords: [jetblue](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jetblue.md), [jfk airport](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jfk-airport.md), [virgin america](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/virgin-america.md), [terminal 5](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/terminal-5.md), [first class](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/first-class.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Donation Requests and Podcast Business Model (56:02–59:48) Adam Curry and John Dvorak discuss the financial support of the show, noting that some listeners are switching from small subscriptions to larger one-time donations to avoid PayPal fees. They emphasize that No Agenda is a publicly supported program and encourage listeners to contribute via the show's website. The segment concludes with a joke about using the funds for airline upgrades. Keywords: [paypal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paypal.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [no agenda library](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda-library.md), [value-for-value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Obama Administration Happiness Bet Resolution (59:49–1:03:08) The hosts revisit a bet made in episode 61 regarding the state of the world six months into the Obama administration. Dvorak claims victory, arguing that people are generally happy, while Curry contends that economic instability and the war in Afghanistan prove the world is in disarray. They agree to let the listeners review the original clip and decide the winner. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [economics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economics.md), [betting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/betting.md), no agenda 61 [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Jonathan Fram Anecdote and Show Sign-off (1:03:07–1:06:03) Adam Curry shares an anecdote about meeting investor Jonathan Fram of Mavron LLC, who questioned why a prominent figure like John Dvorak would work on the No Agenda network. The hosts conclude the show with final remarks about New York City and sign off, promising a return on Sunday. Dvorak mentions his upcoming trip to New York and potential news regarding David Letterman. Keywords: jonathan fram, mavron llc, [ebay](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ebay.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/105-the-french-fry-connection/chapter/20.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/104-furries-forever.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/106-a-jew-in-the-safe.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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