# The Doomsday Box > A high-frequency trading heist at Goldman Sachs exposes the fragility of global markets as world leaders push for centralized currency and aggressive new environmental regulations. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 112 - **Published:** 2009-07-12 - **Length:** 1h 27m - **Topics:** Doomsday Box, [World Currency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/world-currency.md), [Goldman Sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), EPA Regulation, [Phone Tapping](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/phone-tapping.md), [WiMAX](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wimax.md), Ebola Reston - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box ## About this episode Sergei Alenikoff faces federal charges following his arrest at Newark Liberty International Airport for the alleged theft of secret high-frequency trading code from Goldman Sachs. This proprietary software, nicknamed the Doomsday Box, enables rapid-fire market transactions that critics argue create a dangerous illusion of liquidity. The incident highlights growing concerns regarding the intersection of Wall Street financial systems and international intelligence networks, including alleged links between trading platforms and the Israeli Security Agency. In London, the News of the World phone-tapping scandal intensifies as Andy Coulson, communications director for David Cameron, faces scrutiny over his tenure at the Rupert Murdoch-owned publication. Domestically, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson defends the administration's cap and trade policies before a Senate committee despite a leaked White House memo warning of severe economic damage to small businesses. Meanwhile, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev utilized the G8 summit in Italy to unveil a prototype coin for a united future world currency, bearing a motto strikingly similar to European Union branding. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak navigate technical hurdles from Amsterdam to the Pacific Northwest, critiquing the rollout of Dutch WiMAX services and the absurdity of Red Cross survival kits. The duo examines the high-cost redesign of Recovery.gov by Smartronics and the curious lack of economists on the federal Recovery Board. From Michael Jackson murder theories to the detection of Ebola Reston in Philippine livestock, the report captures a world caught between media distraction and systemic surveillance. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/transcript.md. ### 1. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak, No Agenda 112 (0:01–1:58) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the July 12, 2009, edition of No Agenda from Amsterdam and the Pacific Northwest. Curry describes technical difficulties with his UPC cable internet service in Holland, criticizing the company's customer support and business model. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md), [wimax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wimax.md), upc [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/1.md) ### 2. WiMAX Mobile Internet Service in Amsterdam (1:58–4:37) A new WiMAX service in Amsterdam allows users to purchase a USB stick modem for 90 euros and sign up for prepaid high-speed internet. The service offers five megabits down and one megabit up for approximately $10 per week, providing a reliable alternative to hotel Wi-Fi and failing cable connections. Keywords: [wimax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wimax.md), [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), usb modem, [bandwidth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bandwidth.md), prepaid internet, [mobile data](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mobile-data.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Michael Jackson Murder Allegations and Media Distraction (4:37–5:22) Janet Jackson and Joe Jackson have publicly stated they believe Michael Jackson was murdered, leading the Los Angeles Police Commissioner to treat the death as a possible murder investigation. Claims are made that the heavy media coverage of the Jackson family serves to distract the public from more significant global events. Keywords: [michael jackson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-jackson.md), [janet jackson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/janet-jackson.md), joe jackson, [murder investigation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/murder-investigation.md), la police commissioner [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/3.md) ### 4. News of the World Phone Tapping Scandal, David Cameron (5:24–7:56) The News of the World newspaper, part of Rupert Murdoch's media empire, is accused of tapping the cell phones and text messages of celebrities, sports figures, and politicians. David Cameron's director of communications, Andy Coulson, is linked to the scandal from his time as an editor at the publication, amid allegations that the data was used for political blackmail. Keywords: [news of the world](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/news-of-the-world.md), [rupert murdoch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rupert-murdoch.md), [david cameron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-cameron.md), andy coulson, [phone tapping](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/phone-tapping.md), [blackmail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blackmail.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Goldman Sachs Code Theft and Sergei Alenikoff Arrest (7:57–11:58) Former Goldman Sachs programmer Sergei Alenikoff was arrested by federal agents at Newark Liberty International Airport for allegedly stealing secret high-frequency trading software. The software, referred to as the Doomsday Box, allows for rapid-fire trades that generate small margins at massive volumes, potentially creating a false sense of market liquidity. Keywords: [goldman sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), sergei alenikoff, [high-frequency trading](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-frequency-trading.md), doomsday box, [department of justice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-justice.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Israeli Intelligence Links to Wall Street Trading Software (11:59–14:31) The trading code used by Wall Street firms is allegedly linked to the Israeli Security Agency (ISA) and figures such as Dr. Uzi Arad and Jacob Ezra Merkin. Speculation suggests that Bernard Madoff may have had access to this technology for personal gain and that Rupert Murdoch's surveillance capabilities provide him with leverage over these financial networks. Keywords: isa, uzi arad, [bernard madoff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bernard-madoff.md), bank leumi, ariel sharon, [mossad](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mossad.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Congressional Committee Process and Audit the Fed Bill (14:32–18:48) The Federal Reserve continues to refuse to disclose the recipients of two trillion dollars in emergency funding despite ongoing lawsuits. Efforts to pass an Audit the Fed bill face significant bureaucratic hurdles, as the legislation must pass through committees dominated by the majority party before reaching the House floor for a vote. Keywords: [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), [nancy pelosi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nancy-pelosi.md), [audit the fed](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/audit-the-fed.md), [house of representatives](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/house-of-representatives.md), congressional committees [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Cass Sunstein and White House Office of Information (18:49–22:35) Harvard Law professor Cass Sunstein has been appointed to lead the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, a role critics compare to a Ministry of Truth. Sunstein's book, On Rumors, advocates for a "notify and take down" system for internet content to combat the spread of falsehoods and social media echo chambers. Keywords: [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [ministry of truth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ministry-of-truth.md), [libel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/libel.md), [free speech](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/free-speech.md), [internet regulation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/internet-regulation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/8.md) ### 9. EPA Greenhouse Gas Findings and White House Memo (22:36–28:09) Senator John Barrasso confronted EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson with a leaked White House memo questioning the scientific basis for regulating greenhouse gases. The memo warns that classifying carbon dioxide as a danger to public health under the Clean Air Act will have serious economic consequences for small businesses and the broader U.S. economy. Keywords: [epa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/epa.md), [lisa jackson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisa-jackson.md), [john barrasso](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-barrasso.md), [greenhouse gases](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greenhouse-gases.md), [clean air act](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/clean-air-act.md), [carbon dioxide](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carbon-dioxide.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Lisa Jackson Testimony on Cap and Trade Policy (28:10–35:24) EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson defended the administration's move toward a market-based cap and trade program during a Senate hearing. While Jackson claims the agency will focus on large emitters in the transportation and utility sectors, critics argue the policy will exponentially increase energy costs for all consumers and businesses. Keywords: [lisa jackson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisa-jackson.md), [cap and trade](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cap-and-trade.md), [epa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/epa.md), [global warming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-warming.md), [dunkin donuts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dunkin-donuts.md), [carbon credits](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carbon-credits.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Global Warming Skepticism and the Copenhagen Treaty (35:24–38:04) Journalist Christopher Booker reports that the upcoming Copenhagen Treaty aims to force G8 and G20 nations to cut CO2 emissions by 50% by 2050, which skeptics argue would require shutting down most industrial activity. Over 30,000 scientists, including the founder of the Weather Channel, are reportedly challenging the consensus on man-made global warming. Keywords: [copenhagen treaty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/copenhagen-treaty.md), [g8](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/g8.md), christopher booker, [al gore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-gore.md), [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md), [weather channel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weather-channel.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Janine Garofalo and EPA Regulation of Small Businesses (38:05–40:52) A discussion regarding Janine Garofalo's public comments on climate change leads back to Lisa Jackson's testimony. Jackson specifically mentioned the potential to regulate diverse entities like Dunkin' Donuts under the Clean Air Act, leading to accusations of brand plugging and bureaucratic overreach. Keywords: janine garofalo, [lisa jackson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisa-jackson.md), [dunkin donuts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dunkin-donuts.md), [clean air act](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/clean-air-act.md), [regulation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/regulation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Say No to the Vaccine Music Interlude (40:55–41:37) A musical interlude features a YouTube clip titled "Say No to the Vaccine" by Trillion featuring Pataphysics and NRT. The song's lyrics claim that human infection of bird or swine flu only occurs through injection. Keywords: [vaccine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccine.md), pataphysics, nrt, [youtube](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/youtube.md), [bird flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bird-flu.md), [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/13.md) ### 14. National Vaccine Information Center Skepticism (41:39–44:24) Skepticism is raised regarding the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) website, which appears overly professional yet lacks a prominent donation system. Concerns are voiced that the organization, based in Virginia, may be a "honeypot" designed to collect personal information from anti-vaccination activists. Keywords: nvic, [vaccine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccine.md), [virginia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/virginia.md), [data privacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/data-privacy.md), [nonprofit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nonprofit.md), [honeypot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/honeypot.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Ebola Reston Virus Detection in Pigs (44:25–45:55) The BBC reports that the Ebola Reston virus has been detected in pigs in the Philippines for the first time. While the CDC currently states the virus poses no risk to humans, researchers are monitoring the situation for potential mutations that could lead to a new health threat. Keywords: ebola reston, [philippines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/philippines.md), [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), [cdc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cdc.md), [pigs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pigs.md), [mutation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mutation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Swine Flu H1N1 Impact in Buenos Aires, Argentina (45:56–48:45) A listener report from Buenos Aires describes how the H1N1 swine flu became a dominant media story immediately following local elections. The report details public panic, the suspension of schools and theaters, and a separate legal dispute involving Monsanto and genetically modified soybeans in Argentina. Keywords: [buenos aires](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/buenos-aires.md), [argentina](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/argentina.md), [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [h1n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1.md), [monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), [soybeans](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/soybeans.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Bill Gates Hurricane Prevention Patents and HAARP (48:46–50:41) Bill Gates has reportedly filed patents for a system to stop hurricanes by mixing warm surface water with colder deep-ocean water using a fleet of vessels. This leads to a discussion on existing weather modification capabilities, including the HAARP project and the presence of a hurricane off the New York coast on September 11, 2001. Keywords: [bill gates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-gates.md), [hurricanes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hurricanes.md), [patents](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/patents.md), [haarp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haarp.md), [weather modification](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weather-modification.md), [9/11](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/9-11.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Recovery.gov Website Contract and Smartronics (50:41–56:32) The federal government awarded an $18 million contract to a company called Smartronics to redesign and maintain the Recovery.gov website. Critics point out that the high cost for a SharePoint-based site is excessive, suggesting that the project could have been completed for a fraction of the price using platforms like Squarespace or WordPress. Keywords: [recovery.gov](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/recovery-gov.md), [smartronics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smartronics.md), [gsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gsa.md), [website design](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/website-design.md), [government spending](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/government-spending.md), [sharepoint](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sharepoint.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Recovery Board Members and Law Enforcement Backgrounds (56:32–1:00:43) The Recovery Board, led by Earl E. Devaney, is comprised primarily of Inspectors General and former law enforcement officials rather than economists. Members include former agents from the Secret Service and officials from the Department of Agriculture and Homeland Security, raising questions about the board's focus on surveillance over economic recovery. Keywords: earl e. devaney, recovery board, [inspector general](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/inspector-general.md), [secret service](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/secret-service.md), [epa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/epa.md), [homeland security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/homeland-security.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Grants.gov and USAID International Funding (1:00:43–1:07:46) An exploration of Grants.gov reveals numerous federal funding opportunities for international projects in countries like Liberia, Pakistan, and Nigeria. Many of these grants are managed by USAID, an agency described by some as a tool for "economic hitmen" to advance U.S. foreign policy goals under the guise of humanitarian aid. Keywords: grants.gov, [usaid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/usaid.md), [economic hitman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economic-hitman.md), [pandemic preparedness](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pandemic-preparedness.md), [foreign policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/foreign-policy.md), [nigeria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nigeria.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Bush Administration Surveillance and Indictment Speculation (1:07:47–1:10:02) Reports suggest that the Bush administration's domestic surveillance programs, overseen by Dick Cheney, went far beyond legal boundaries. Despite clear violations of the Fourth Amendment and U.S. Code, there is little expectation that high-ranking officials will face indictment, contrasting with the strict prosecution of minor civilian offenses. Keywords: [dick cheney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dick-cheney.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [fourth amendment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fourth-amendment.md), [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md), [bush administration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bush-administration.md), [justice system](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/justice-system.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Dmitry Medvedev and the United Future World Currency (1:10:02–1:11:34) At the G8 summit in Italy, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev revealed a sample coin for a "united future world currency" featuring the motto "Unity in Diversity." The phrase is noted for its similarity to the "Diversity is Unity" doublethink slogan from George Orwell's 1984. Keywords: [dmitry medvedev](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dmitry-medvedev.md), [g8](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/g8.md), [world currency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/world-currency.md), unity in diversity, [george orwell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-orwell.md), [1984](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/1984.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/22.md) ### 23. No Agenda Producer Donations and HR 13350 (1:11:36–1:14:15) The hosts acknowledge financial support from "producers," including a $250 donation from Jeff Wolfers and a $133.50 contribution from a listener named Ayla. The specific amount of $133.50 is jokingly linked to a 1954 House Resolution regarding the Atomic Energy Act. Keywords: [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), jeff wolfers, atomic energy act, [producers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/producers.md), [funding](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/funding.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Survival Kits and Red Cross Emergency Preparedness (1:14:15–1:16:31) A discussion on economic instability leads to advice on purchasing gold and storable food. One host reviews a Red Cross survival kit purchased for two people, noting the absurdity of it containing only one face mask, and jokes about the Mormon tradition of storing a year's worth of food. Keywords: survival kit, [red cross](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/red-cross.md), [mormons](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mormons.md), [gold](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gold.md), emergency food, [storable food](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/storable-food.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/24.md) ### 25. European Union Motto and Russian Currency (1:16:32–1:18:05) A live fact-check confirms that "United in Diversity" is the official motto of the European Union, established around the year 2000. This adds context to President Medvedev's presentation of a world currency coin using a nearly identical phrase. Keywords: [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), united in diversity, [dmitry medvedev](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dmitry-medvedev.md), motto, [google search](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google-search.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/25.md) ### 26. Dutch Internet Surveillance and Show Sign-off (1:18:06–1:19:58) Dutch Justice Minister Ernst Hirsch Ballin announced that the government will use internet and travel records to create automatic alerts for profiling citizens. The show concludes with a teaser for a future segment on raw food restaurants and a final sign-off from the hosts. Keywords: ernst hirsch ballin, [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [profiling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/profiling.md), [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md), [raw food](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/raw-food.md), [sign-off](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sign-off.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/112-the-doomsday-box/chapter/26.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/111-atlas-shrugged.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/113-surviving-the-swine-flu.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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