# Puppet Mouth > Paris burns over carbon taxes and London police ram moped thieves as global leaders grapple with a populist backlash against migration and environmental mandates. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 1089 - **Published:** 2018-11-26 - **Length:** 2h 49m - **Topics:** [Yellow Vests](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yellow-vests.md), Tactical Contact, Migration Compact, Instant Pot, Toy Story 4, [Ninth Circuit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ninth-circuit.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth ## About this episode The Gilets Jaunes or Yellow Vest protesters have paralyzed Paris and the Champs-Élysées, clashing with police over fuel tax hikes and the high cost of living under President Emmanuel Macron. This civil unrest coincides with the release of a dire federal climate report from NOAA, which critics argue was strategically timed for Black Friday to minimize public scrutiny. These events highlight a growing global friction between environmental mandates and the economic realities of the working class. In London, the Metropolitan Police have authorized tactical contact, a policy of ramming moped-riding thieves with patrol cars to curb a surge in mobile phone robberies. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton warned in a Guardian interview that European leaders must restrict mass migration to prevent the rise of right-wing populism, a stance that has drawn fire from her traditional activist base. In the United States, the Trump administration has secured a deal with Mexico to require asylum seekers to remain south of the border during adjudication, while the Ninth Circuit Court remains a central battleground for these immigration policies. Technological oddities and cultural shifts round out the program, from the rebranding of the Great Depression-era pressure cooker as the Instant Pot to the potential for AI systems to monitor crowd acoustics for signs of hostility. The hosts also examine the MPAA’s latest copyright enforcement goals and the bizarre CBC theory that the Toy Story 4 character Forky serves as a metaphor for transgender identity. The program concludes with a look at 1920s medical myths regarding vasectomies as a fountain of youth. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/transcript.md. ### 1. Northern Silicon Valley Weather, Global Cooling Cycles (0:00–1:22) The hosts open the program discussing heavy fog in northern Silicon Valley and the sounds of the Zephyr train. They reference a 1970s cycle of fog and global cooling, contrasting historical climate fears with a new climate report released on Black Friday. Keywords: [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [fog](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fog.md), [zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zephyr.md), [global cooling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-cooling.md), climate report, weather cycles [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/1.md) ### 2. US National Climate Assessment, Media Coverage Skepticism (1:22–9:19) A major federal climate report released by NOAA on the Friday after Thanksgiving draws criticism for its timing and dire economic predictions. Media outlets like CNN and CBS report on projected losses in agriculture and infrastructure, while the hosts analyze the political framing involving Donald Trump and Al Gore. Keywords: [noaa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/noaa.md), [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [cbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cbs.md), [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [al gore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-gore.md), fourth national climate assessment [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/2.md) ### 3. France Yellow Vest Protests, Carbon Tax Backlash (9:20–22:13) Protesters known as the Yellow Vests (Gilets Jaunes) clash with police in Paris over rising fuel prices and new environmental taxes implemented by President Emmanuel Macron. The civil unrest involves burning vehicles and water cannons on the Champs-Élysées as citizens protest the high cost of living and "green economy" policies. Keywords: [emmanuel macron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/emmanuel-macron.md), [yellow vests](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yellow-vests.md), [gilets jaunes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gilets-jaunes.md), [carbon tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carbon-tax.md), [paris](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paris.md), champs-elysees, [fuel prices](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fuel-prices.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/3.md) ### 4. General Strikes Legality, US Labor Law History (22:14–25:37) A discussion ensues regarding the legality of organizing a general strike in the United States. References are made to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) Section 8 and historical labor unrest during the Roosevelt administration that led to restrictions on union-led work stoppages. Keywords: [general strike](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/general-strike.md), [labor unions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/labor-unions.md), nlrb, roosevelt administration, national labor relations board [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/4.md) ### 5. UN Global Compact for Migration, European Sovereignty (25:38–30:56) The Global Compact for Migration, a non-binding UN agreement, causes political friction in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands where critics argue it supersedes national law. The document outlines frameworks for managing migrant rights and reception, which some fear will lead to uncontrolled immigration. Keywords: [united nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-nations.md), global compact for migration, [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [sovereignty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sovereignty.md), [refugees](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/refugees.md), [human rights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/human-rights.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Hillary Clinton Migration Comments, European Populism (30:56–32:34) Hillary Clinton suggests in a Guardian interview that European leaders must curb mass migration to prevent the further spread of right-wing populism. These comments draw backlash from immigration activists who cite her previous record of supporting open immigration policies. Keywords: [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [the guardian](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-guardian.md), [mass migration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mass-migration.md), [populism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/populism.md), [europe](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/europe.md), [immigration policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/immigration-policy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/6.md) ### 7. London Moped Crime, Tactical Contact Police Policy (32:37–35:28) London Metropolitan Police adopt a "tactical contact" strategy, intentionally ramming moped-riding thieves with police cars to curb a surge in mobile phone robberies. Scotland Yard released footage of the maneuvers, sparking debate over the safety of suspects who remove their helmets to avoid pursuit. Keywords: london metropolitan police, moped crime, [scotland yard](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/scotland-yard.md), tactical contact, phone theft [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Electric Scooter Safety, Lithium-Ion Battery Risks (35:29–37:13) The rapid proliferation of electric rental scooters like Bird bikes raises concerns about the safety of large lithium-ion batteries. Speculation is made regarding the potential for these devices to malfunction or be used as improvised hazards due to their high-impact vulnerability. Keywords: [e-scooters](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/e-scooters.md), [bird bikes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bird-bikes.md), [lithium-ion batteries](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lithium-ion-batteries.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), fire hazards [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Black Friday Retail Trends, Amazon Market Dominance (37:14–42:46) Black Friday sales hit an estimated $23 billion in the US, though the traditional "mall rush" is increasingly replaced by online shopping. The discussion shifts to how Amazon dominates the retail landscape, effectively killing "Mom and Pop" shops and influencing media through native advertising. Keywords: [black friday](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/black-friday.md), shoppertrack, [amazon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amazon.md), [walmart](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/walmart.md), [retail sales](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/retail-sales.md), [native advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/native-advertising.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/9.md) ### 10. European Black Friday Backlash, Consumerism Criticism (42:47–53:02) European media and organizations like Greenpeace criticize the "Americanization" of retail through Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Critics argue that global consumption levels are unsustainable, while retailers defend the events as necessary for inventory turnover and economic health. Keywords: [euronews](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/euronews.md), [greenpeace](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greenpeace.md), [cyber monday](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cyber-monday.md), [consumerism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/consumerism.md), [global economy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-economy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/10.md) ### 11. T-Mobile Customer Service, iPhone Model Confusion (53:03–57:57) A personal anecdote about switching mobile carriers to T-Mobile leads to a critique of Apple's confusing new iPhone naming conventions (XS, Max, XR). The hosts compare the current smartphone market to the confusing Macintosh product lines of the late 1980s. Keywords: [t-mobile](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/t-mobile.md), [john legere](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-legere.md), [apple](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple.md), iphone xs, smartphone marketing [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Conspiracy Theorist Stereotypes, Ham Radio Culture (57:58–59:34) A CBS segment characterizing conspiracy theorists as middle-aged men with ham radios in basements is deconstructed. The hosts defend ham radio enthusiasts and note that prominent figures like Alex Jones do not actually fit the "ham radio" stereotype. Keywords: [conspiracy theory](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conspiracy-theory.md), [ham radio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ham-radio.md), [alex jones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alex-jones.md), [tinfoil hat](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tinfoil-hat.md), media stereotypes [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Executive Producer Credits, 33 Squared Donation (59:34–1:06:18) The hosts thank an anonymous executive producer for a $1,089.33 donation, noting that 1089 is 33 squared. They discuss the "Value for Value" model and the lack of interest in specific mathematical donation gimmicks before checking in on Bitcoin's market status. Keywords: [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), 1089 club, [executive producer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/executive-producer.md), [bitcoin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bitcoin.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/13.md) ### 14. The Clinton Affair Documentary, Political Parallels (1:06:26–1:11:42) A review of "The Clinton Affair" documentary on Amazon highlights the parallels between the 1990s Whitewater/Lewinsky investigation and modern investigations into Donald Trump. The discussion focuses on how political scandals often devolve from high-level policy issues into personal sexual misconduct allegations. Keywords: [bill clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-clinton.md), [monica lewinsky](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monica-lewinsky.md), [ken starr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ken-starr.md), [sexual harassment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sexual-harassment.md), [trump investigation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trump-investigation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Equalizer 2 Review, Action Movie Tropes (1:11:44–1:13:56) A critique of the film "Equalizer 2" starring Denzel Washington explores the tropes of the revenge genre and Hong Kong-style action cinema. The hosts discuss the repetitive nature of movie explosions and the "limping into the sunset" hero archetype. Keywords: [denzel washington](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/denzel-washington.md), equalizer 2, john woo, revenge films, [cinema](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cinema.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/15.md) ### 16. MPAA Copyright Demands, Net Neutrality Motives (1:13:57–1:32:53) The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) releases a document outlining aggressive copyright enforcement goals, including automated content filtering and ISP-level blocking of "unlawful" traffic. The hosts argue this reveals the true corporate motive behind supporting Net Neutrality: the power to mandate that ISPs block pirate sites and VPN traffic. Keywords: [mpaa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mpaa.md), [net neutrality](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/net-neutrality.md), [dmca](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dmca.md), copyright clause, [isps](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/isps.md), [vpn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vpn.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Podcast Advertising, Cricket Powder Snacks (1:32:52–1:42:04) A critique of a "live read" advertisement for Crickstart, a snack made from cricket powder, highlights the trend of "future of food" marketing in podcasts. The hosts mock the forced enthusiasm of the ad and the general state of podcast monetization through endorsements. Keywords: talk nerdy, crickstart, cricket powder, [sustainable food](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sustainable-food.md), live reads [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Mark Zuckerberg CNN Interview, Facebook Content Tribunals (1:42:05–1:47:11) Mark Zuckerberg discusses a new "independent appeal" body for Facebook content takedowns in a CNN interview. The hosts argue that creating human tribunals to review "hate speech" appeals will be financially unsustainable for the social media giant. Keywords: [mark zuckerberg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mark-zuckerberg.md), [facebook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/facebook.md), [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [community standards](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/community-standards.md), independent governance [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/18.md) ### 19. War on Christmas, Trump Holiday Rhetoric (1:47:12–1:48:42) A montage of Donald Trump saying "Merry Christmas" is used to discuss the "War on Christmas" narrative originally popularized by Bill O'Reilly. The hosts conclude that retailers have largely embraced Christmas because it is beneficial for business. Keywords: [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), war on christmas, [bill o'reilly](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-o-reilly.md), [fox news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox-news.md), [merry christmas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merry-christmas.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Instant Pot Popularity, Pressure Cooker History (1:48:43–1:54:25) The "Instant Pot" craze is identified as a rebranding of the traditional pressure cooker, which was popular during the Great Depression and the 1950s. The hosts discuss the safety mechanisms of modern cookers compared to older models that were prone to exploding. Keywords: instant pot, [pressure cooker](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pressure-cooker.md), [whole foods](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/whole-foods.md), kitchen appliances, [boston bombing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boston-bombing.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/20.md) ### 21. The Guardian Donation Pitch, Media Independence Claims (1:54:25–1:57:25) The Guardian's year-end donation appeal is criticized for its partisan framing, citing its coverage of Donald Trump and Jamal Khashoggi as proof of "independent" journalism. The hosts find the pitch disingenuous given the publication's clear editorial biases. Keywords: [the guardian](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-guardian.md), [jamal khashoggi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jamal-khashoggi.md), [cambridge analytica](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cambridge-analytica.md), [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Knighting Ceremony, Producer Credits and Karma (1:57:25–2:07:40) The hosts conduct a formal knighting ceremony for Michael Howie and Carl Lindner for their financial support. They also read "Jobs Karma" requests for listeners and acknowledge various producers who contributed to the episode. Keywords: [knighting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighting.md), sir carl of cary, sir michael of calgary, [jobs karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jobs-karma.md), [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Crowd Sentiment AI, Security Monitoring Technology (2:07:44–2:11:09) BBC Click reports on new AI systems designed to monitor crowd acoustics at sporting events and political rallies to detect shifting moods. The technology aims to provide early warnings for potential violence by distinguishing between cheering, booing, and hostile chanting. Keywords: [artificial intelligence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/artificial-intelligence.md), bbc click, [crowd control](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crowd-control.md), acoustic data, [security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/security.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Ninth Circuit Court, Trump vs. Justice Roberts (2:11:09–2:13:28) CNN's Erin Burnett reports on the public dispute between President Trump and Chief Justice John Roberts regarding "Obama judges" in the Ninth Circuit. The hosts criticize the media's characterization of Trump's comments as a "threat" to the judiciary. Keywords: [ninth circuit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ninth-circuit.md), [john roberts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-roberts.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [erin burnett](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/erin-burnett.md), [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/24.md) ### 25. US-Mexico Asylum Deal, Remain in Mexico Policy (2:13:27–2:20:33) The Trump administration reaches a deal with the incoming Mexican government to have asylum seekers wait in Mexico while their claims are adjudicated in US courts. The discussion covers the legal challenges in the Ninth Circuit and the logistical realities of the migrant caravan. Keywords: [mexico](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mexico.md), [asylum seekers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/asylum-seekers.md), caravan, [ninth circuit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ninth-circuit.md), [immigration reform](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/immigration-reform.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/25.md) ### 26. Interpol Leadership Election, UN Corruption Scandals (2:20:34–2:22:15) Kim Jong-yang of South Korea is elected as the new president of Interpol, defeating a Russian candidate favored by the Kremlin. The hosts also mention recent corruption scandals involving UN climate officials and the previous Interpol chief. Keywords: [interpol](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/interpol.md), kim jong-yang, [south korea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/south-korea.md), [russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md), [united nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-nations.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Khashoggi Investigation, CIA Findings Dispute (2:22:16–2:29:23) A debate over the CIA's assessment of the Jamal Khashoggi murder reveals that no official public report has been released, despite media claims of "high confidence" findings. Senator Jack Reed and media pundits are criticized for citing newspaper reports as definitive intelligence conclusions. Keywords: [jamal khashoggi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jamal-khashoggi.md), [saudi arabia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/saudi-arabia.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [mohammed bin salman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mohammed-bin-salman.md), [washington post](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/washington-post.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/27.md) ### 28. Simulation Theory, Reddit Bot Manipulation (2:29:24–2:39:59) A deep dive into simulation theory explores the possibility that social media interactions, particularly on Reddit, are driven by sophisticated bots rather than real people. The host describes an experiment in manipulating "NPC" (non-player character) behavior by withholding transcripts to break bot programming. Keywords: [simulation theory](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/simulation-theory.md), [elon musk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elon-musk.md), [reddit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reddit.md), [bots](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bots.md), [npc meme](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/npc-meme.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/28.md) ### 29. Toy Story 4 Teaser, Gender Identity Symbolism (2:39:59–2:44:06) The teaser for Toy Story 4 featuring "Forky" sparks a discussion on the CBC about identity and labels. Pundits suggest the character's struggle with being a "toy" vs. a "spork" may be a metaphor for transgenderism or modern social identity politics. Keywords: toy story 4, [pixar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pixar.md), [cbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cbc.md), [transgenderism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/transgenderism.md), forky [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/29.md) ### 30. Outro, Vasectomy Youth Theory Aside (2:44:07–2:49:01) The show concludes with a bizarre historical aside about 1920s medical beliefs that vasectomies could act as a "youth fix" for men. The hosts joke about the physical changes associated with the procedure before signing off for the day. Keywords: [vasectomy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vasectomy.md), [lobotomy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lobotomy.md), [brian brushwood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brian-brushwood.md), 1920s medicine, youth fix [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1089-puppet-mouth/chapter/30.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1088-three-chambers.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1090-truth-tell.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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