# Death Bus > A high-stakes drone strike in Baghdad reshapes Middle East policy while Carlos Ghosn executes a cinematic escape and Australian authorities hunt for arsonists. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 1205 - **Published:** 2020-01-09 - **Length:** 2h 44m - **Topics:** [Soleimani](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/soleimani.md), Ghosn escape, Bushfire arson, Water limits, [Quds Force](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/quds-force.md), [Stink bugs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stink-bugs.md), [DMARC](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dmarc.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus ## About this episode The assassination of Quds Force leader Qasem Soleimani at Baghdad International Airport by a U.S. drone strike has ignited a geopolitical firestorm. President Donald Trump claims the action was a preemptive measure to stop a war, while critics like Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Senator Chris Murphy argue the strike lacked congressional authorization and served as a political distraction from impeachment proceedings. The military escalation has prompted the deployment of 3,500 additional troops to the Middle East as the executive branch continues to rely on the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force. In Iraq, the strike also claimed the life of Kata'ib Hezbollah leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, sparking widespread anti-American protests. Intelligence regarding the imminent nature of Soleimani's alleged attacks remains under scrutiny, with reports suggesting the White House was presented with a menu of military options that escalated following the U.S. Embassy attack in Baghdad. Meanwhile, former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn successfully fled house arrest in Japan for Lebanon, evading a high-profile trial. In Australia, police have established Strike Force Indara to investigate arson as a primary cause of the devastating bushfires in New South Wales. Cultural reactions to the escalating tensions saw actress Rose McGowan and athlete Colin Kaepernick condemning American militarism, while Vice President Mike Pence faced backlash for attempting to link Soleimani to the 9/11 hijackers. On the domestic front, California residents face new 55-gallon daily water limits, and Washington State deals with an invasion of the brown marmorated stink bug. The episode wraps with a look at Russian pranksters Vovan and Lexis, who successfully duped Maxine Waters into supporting a fictional island nation. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/transcript.md. ### 1. Australian Bushfires, Arson Investigations, Rain Stick Rituals (0:00–8:17) The 2020 Australian bushfires prompted a "rain stick" ritual by the hosts, followed by reports of actual rainfall in Eden, New South Wales. Australian police established Strike Force Indara to investigate potential arson, with detectives monitoring known "firebugs" during extreme weather conditions. Prime Minister Scott Morrison is accused of using the phrase "boots on the ground," a term frequently used on the podcast, without attribution. Keywords: [australia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/australia.md), [bushfires](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bushfires.md), [arson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/arson.md), [rain sticks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rain-sticks.md), eden, trudy mcintosh, [scott morrison](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/scott-morrison.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Qasem Soleimani Assassination, Baghdad Airport Drone Strike (8:18–13:37) General Qasem Soleimani, leader of the Iranian Quds Force, was killed in a U.S. drone strike at Baghdad International Airport on January 3, 2020. Media portrayals of Soleimani varied wildly, with some analysts comparing him to James Bond or Charles de Gaulle, while others labeled him a "bonehead." President Donald Trump stated the action was taken to stop a war rather than start one, despite the deployment of 3,500 additional troops to the region. Keywords: [qasem soleimani](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/qasem-soleimani.md), [iran](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iran.md), baghdad airport, [drone strike](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drone-strike.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [irgc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/irgc.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Drone Warfare Ethics, Domestic Surveillance Concerns (13:37–15:54) A discussion on the ethics of drone warfare highlights that President Trump has surpassed President Obama's drone strike frequency, particularly in Yemen. Concerns are raised regarding the psychological terror inflicted by drones and the potential for future strikes against American citizens. Unidentified drone sightings over Colorado are cited as a precursor to expanded domestic drone operations. Keywords: [drones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drones.md), [warfare](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/warfare.md), [colorado](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/colorado.md), [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [targeted killing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/targeted-killing.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Congressional Authorization, War Powers Act Debate (15:55–19:19) Members of Congress, including Senator Chris Murphy and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, criticized the White House for failing to provide a "heads up" before the Soleimani strike. The executive branch continues to operate under the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), allowing anti-terror operations without specific new declarations of war. Critics argue that economic sanctions against Iran already constitute a form of warfare. Keywords: [congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md), [war powers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/war-powers.md), [aumf](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aumf.md), [nancy pelosi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nancy-pelosi.md), [chris murphy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chris-murphy.md), [iran](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iran.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Ukraine Impeachment Diversion Claim (19:19–21:41) Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz alleged that the strike on Soleimani was a political distraction intended to divert attention from the Trump impeachment proceedings and leaked Ukraine emails. She characterized the military action as being in the President's self-interest rather than the national interest. Keywords: [debbie wasserman schultz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/debbie-wasserman-schultz.md), [ukraine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ukraine.md), [impeachment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/impeachment.md), [wag the dog](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wag-the-dog.md), [florida](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/florida.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Democracy Now Coverage, Anti-Iran Protests in Iraq (21:41–26:03) Amy Goodman of Democracy Now reported that the strike also killed Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, head of the Kata'ib Hezbollah militia. Soleimani had reportedly flown to Baghdad from Syria to coordinate the suppression of anti-Iran protests that had been sweeping Iraq. Protests against U.S. military presence were subsequently organized in 30 American cities. Keywords: [amy goodman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amy-goodman.md), [democracy now](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/democracy-now.md), kata'ib hezbollah, [iraq](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq.md), [tehran](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tehran.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Intelligence Chatter, Menu of Military Options (26:04–30:55) BBC reports suggested that the intelligence regarding an "imminent attack" by Soleimani was "razor thin" and based on travel patterns and intercepted "chatter." President Trump was reportedly presented with a "menu of options" by military planners, with the assassination of Soleimani being the most extreme measure. The President initially chose a more moderate path before escalating following the U.S. Embassy attack in Baghdad. Keywords: [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), [intelligence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/intelligence.md), chatter, [khomeini](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/khomeini.md), menu of options, [pentagon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pentagon.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Quds Force Economics, Potential Geopolitical Collusion (30:56–36:59) The Quds Force is described as an elite unit above the standard Iranian military with significant economic power derived from privatized industries and smuggling networks. A theory is proposed that the Iranian leadership, specifically Ayatollah Khomeini, may have wanted Soleimani removed due to his growing independent power. This suggests a "wag the dog" scenario where both U.S. and Iranian leadership benefit from the removal of a mutual rival. Keywords: [quds force](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/quds-force.md), [ahmadinejad](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ahmadinejad.md), [smuggling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smuggling.md), [mullahs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mullahs.md), [khomeini](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/khomeini.md), [proxy war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/proxy-war.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Retaliation Targets, Diplomatic Security Risks (36:59–39:40) Analysts and politicians, including Senator Tom Udall and Admiral James Stavridis, debated potential Iranian retaliation targets, such as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo or U.S. Ambassadors. While Iran cannot match the U.S. in conventional military strength, they are recognized as masters of asymmetric warfare. Keywords: [mike pompeo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mike-pompeo.md), [mark esper](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mark-esper.md), [asymmetric warfare](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/asymmetric-warfare.md), [ambassadors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ambassadors.md), [tom udall](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tom-udall.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Zbigniew Brzezinski, Historical U.S.-Iran Cooperation (39:41–42:37) A 2008 clip of Zbigniew Brzezinski highlights historical instances where Iran was helpful to U.S. interests, specifically in Afghanistan after 9/11. Brzezinski argued that a stable Middle East and European energy diversity could be achieved through an accommodation with Iran, rather than "blind antagonism." Keywords: [zbigniew brzezinski](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zbigniew-brzezinski.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [energy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/energy.md), [oil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oil.md), [turkey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/turkey.md), [2008](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2008.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Celebrity Reactions, Rose McGowan and Colin Kaepernick (42:37–48:27) Actress Rose McGowan tweeted an apology to Iran on behalf of 52% of Americans, later clarifying her stance by criticizing the Democratic Party's ties to Harvey Weinstein. Colin Kaepernick characterized the strike as an act of American imperialism and militarism against "black and brown people." Keywords: [rose mcgowan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rose-mcgowan.md), [colin kaepernick](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/colin-kaepernick.md), [harvey weinstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harvey-weinstein.md), [imperialism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/imperialism.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Mike Pence, 9/11 Iran Connection Claims (48:27–50:09) Vice President Mike Pence faced criticism for a tweet attempting to link Qasem Soleimani to the 9/11 hijackers' travel through Iran. NBA coach Steve Kerr and other public figures condemned the statement as factually inaccurate. Keywords: [mike pence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mike-pence.md), [9/11](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/9-11.md), [al-qaeda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-qaeda.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), steve kerr [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Wesley Clark, Seven Countries in Five Years (50:11–56:48) General Wesley Clark's famous account of a 2001 Pentagon memo is revisited, detailing a plan to "clean up" seven countries in five years, ending with Iran. Clark recounts a 1991 conversation with Paul Wolfowitz, who stated the U.S. had a window to eliminate Soviet client regimes in the Middle East while the Soviet Union was unable to intervene. Keywords: [wesley clark](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wesley-clark.md), [pentagon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pentagon.md), [paul wolfowitz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paul-wolfowitz.md), [regime change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/regime-change.md), [neocon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/neocon.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Trita Parsi, Quincy Institute Analysis (56:49–1:02:16) Trita Parsi of the Quincy Institute appeared on Democracy Now to argue that the Soleimani assassination was an act of war that makes America less safe. He noted that Secretary Pompeo consulted with Middle Eastern allies before European partners and argued that Trump is failing his promise to end "endless wars." Keywords: trita parsi, quincy institute, [think tanks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/think-tanks.md), endless wars, [john quincy adams](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-quincy-adams.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Lincoln Washington Strategy Group, Think Tank Satire (1:02:16–1:03:54) The hosts satirize the lucrative nature of political think tanks, proposing the creation of the "Lincoln Washington Strategy Group." They discuss the naming conventions of such organizations, which often utilize the names of founding fathers or words like "heritage" and "freedom" to secure grants. Keywords: [think tanks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/think-tanks.md), [grantsmanship](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/grantsmanship.md), [john quincy adams](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-quincy-adams.md), strategy group, [satire](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/satire.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/15.md) ### 16. No Agenda Art, Hunt The Wumpus Winner (1:03:55–1:06:54) The artwork for episode 1204, titled "Hunt The Wumpus," was awarded to Comic Strip Blogger for a concept piece featuring a prison cell and Chinese-themed fireworks. Technical issues with the No Agenda Art Generator's signup emails are noted, attributed to the show's reliance on various "microservices." Keywords: [album art](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/album-art.md), [comic strip blogger](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/comic-strip-blogger.md), hunt the wumpus, [paul couture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paul-couture.md), [microservices](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/microservices.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Weather Machines, Tumbleweed Storms (1:06:54–1:08:39) A discussion on unusual wind storms and "tumbleweed terror" in the Pacific Northwest leads to a recurring joke about the existence of a "weather machine." The hosts compare the Australian wind-driven fires to California's Paradise fire and PG&E's power shutdowns. Keywords: [weather machine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weather-machine.md), tumbleweeds, [eric the shill](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eric-the-shill.md), wind storms, [pg&e](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pg-e.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Sir Obi-Wan, 23andMe and the Letter T (1:08:39–1:11:19) A donor known as Sir Obi-Wan of Wicapog shared a satirical update about removing the letter "T" from his daughters' lives to keep them "woke." He also commented on the surprises found through 23andMe DNA testing, where users discover their families are not who they thought they were. Keywords: [23andme](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/23andme.md), [dna testing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dna-testing.md), encyclopedia britannica, [karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karma.md), baby goat [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Job Karma, Bo-Biden and Oreos (1:11:19–1:15:01) Donors requested "job karma" for various career transitions, including a move into cybersecurity. One producer shared a claim that Oreos are more addictive than cocaine, while another requested a jingle titled "Don't Eat Me, Bo-Biden." Keywords: [joe biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-biden.md), [oreos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oreos.md), [cocaine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cocaine.md), [cybersecurity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cybersecurity.md), [job karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/job-karma.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Studio Non-Disclosure Agreements, Sam Leung (1:15:02–1:17:24) Long-time supporter Sam Leung contributed to a fund for a potential studio tour, prompting a debate about the use of non-disclosure and non-disparagement agreements. One host jokingly demanded an NDA to prevent the other from "talking trash" about the studio's condition. Keywords: [nda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nda.md), non-disclosure, sam leung, [mtv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mtv.md), studio tour [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Dr. Bronner’s Soap, Saudi Arabian Camping Trips (1:17:26–1:22:14) Sir Dave Earl shared his experiences using Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap during Boy Scout camping trips and his recent travels in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The soap's extensive list of purported uses—from toothpaste to engine degreaser—is reviewed, along with the "manifesto" printed on the bottle. Keywords: dr. bronner, castile soap, [riyadh](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/riyadh.md), [saudi arabia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/saudi-arabia.md), [boy scouts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boy-scouts.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Millennial Subtitles, Venmo Outages (1:22:14–1:26:28) A discussion on millennial habits covers the widespread use of Venmo for bill payments and the reliance on subtitles when watching television. The hosts attribute the subtitle trend to poor 5.1 audio mixing on soundbars and a potential "cognition issue" where younger viewers struggle to parse spoken language without text. Keywords: [millennials](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/millennials.md), [subtitles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/subtitles.md), [venmo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/venmo.md), sound mixing, cognition [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/22.md) ### 23. LinkedIn Peerage, Professional Titles (1:26:29–1:29:38) The hosts discuss how producers like Nussbaum and Melanson have successfully integrated their No Agenda peerage titles into their professional LinkedIn profiles. They argue that these unique titles can serve as conversation starters and help in the technology job market. Keywords: [linkedin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/linkedin.md), [peerage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/peerage.md), [nussbaum](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nussbaum.md), melanson, [career advice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/career-advice.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Carlos Ghosn, Cello Case Escape from Japan (1:29:38–1:41:21) Former Nissan chairman Carlos Ghosn executed a dramatic escape from house arrest in Japan, traveling via private jet through Istanbul to Beirut, Lebanon. While media focused on rumors of him hiding in a cello case, the hosts suggest the Japanese government may have allowed him to leave to avoid an embarrassing trial regarding the failed Nissan-Renault merger and internal corporate corruption. Keywords: [carlos ghosn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carlos-ghosn.md), [nissan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nissan.md), [renault](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/renault.md), [lebanon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lebanon.md), [istanbul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/istanbul.md), [interpol](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/interpol.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Media Misses of 2019, Jussie Smollett and Covington Kids (1:41:23–1:45:35) A retrospective of 2019 "media misses" highlights the incorrect initial reporting on the Jussie Smollett hate crime hoax and the Covington Catholic High School confrontation. The segment also revisits the media's defense of Joe Biden's "affectionate" behavior before it became a liability. Keywords: [jussie smollett](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jussie-smollett.md), [covington catholic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/covington-catholic.md), [nathan phillips](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nathan-phillips.md), [joe biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-biden.md), [m5m](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/m5m.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/25.md) ### 26. Trump Church Video, Mueller Report Indictments (1:45:36–1:48:16) The media's reaction to a parody video from the movie *Kingsman*—showing Trump attacking news logos—is criticized as hyperbolic. Additionally, the segment mocks past media predictions of "imminent indictments" and treason charges related to the Mueller investigation that failed to materialize. Keywords: [kingsman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kingsman.md), [mueller report](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mueller-report.md), [robert mueller](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/robert-mueller.md), [indictments](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/indictments.md), [treason](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/treason.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Steele Dossier, Gorilla Channel Hoax (1:48:17–1:52:57) The hosts discuss the origins of the Steele Dossier, suggesting it was reverse-engineered specifically to justify FISA warrants rather than being the genesis of the investigation. They also recall the "Gorilla Channel" hoax, where a satirical story about Trump watching a fake gorilla television channel was widely believed by critics. Keywords: [steele dossier](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steele-dossier.md), [fisa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fisa.md), [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), [gorilla channel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gorilla-channel.md), [hoax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hoax.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/27.md) ### 28. Russian Pranksters, Maxine Waters and Greta Thunberg (1:52:58–1:59:55) Russian pranksters Vovan and Lexis successfully called Congresswoman Maxine Waters while pretending to be Greta Thunberg and her father. Waters expressed support for the fictional "Chunga Changa Island" and praised "Thudberg" for her environmental activism, unaware she was being recorded for a prank. Keywords: vovan and lexis, [maxine waters](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/maxine-waters.md), [greta thunberg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greta-thunberg.md), chunga changa, [prank call](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prank-call.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/28.md) ### 29. Austin Stabbing, Homelessness Policy Dispute (1:59:55–2:05:52) A fatal stabbing at a Freebirds burrito joint on South Congress in Austin sparked a feud between Governor Greg Abbott and Mayor Steve Adler. While the Mayor initially criticized the assumption that the suspect was homeless, police later confirmed the individual was indeed part of the transient population, fueling a debate over the city's public safety and camping policies. Keywords: [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [steve adler](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steve-adler.md), [greg abbott](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greg-abbott.md), [homelessness](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/homelessness.md), south congress [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/29.md) ### 30. California Water Laws, 55 Gallon Limit (2:05:52–2:09:39) New California legislation imposes a 55-gallon per day indoor water use limit per person, effectively preventing residents from showering and doing laundry on the same day. Violations can result in fines of $1,000 per day, increasing to $10,000 during declared drought emergencies. Keywords: [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [water conservation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/water-conservation.md), [laundry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/laundry.md), shower, [fines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fines.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/30.md) ### 31. MailChimp Delivery Issues, DMARC Authentication (2:09:40–2:12:53) The hosts investigate why some subscribers are not receiving the show's newsletter, identifying Google's strict DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) policies as a likely cause. They discuss technical workflows for verifying email delivery and sorting user feedback. Keywords: [mailchimp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mailchimp.md), [dmarc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dmarc.md), [gmail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gmail.md), email delivery, [newsletter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/newsletter.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/31.md) ### 32. Bill Gates, Washington State Income Tax Proposal (2:12:54–2:16:20) Bill Gates publicly advocated for the implementation of a state income tax in Washington, a state that currently relies on property taxes and has no personal income tax. Critics point out that Gates himself no longer earns a traditional salary, making the proposal appear hypocritical to those still in the workforce. Keywords: [bill gates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-gates.md), [washington state](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/washington-state.md), [income tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/income-tax.md), [property tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/property-tax.md), [microsoft](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/microsoft.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/32.md) ### 33. Producer Credits, Peerage Upgrades (2:16:20–2:18:44) The show acknowledges various producers and their contributions, including a title upgrade for "Circumference" to Baronet following a $1,000 donation. The hosts emphasize the "value for value" model and the importance of producer support for the show's longevity. Keywords: [peerage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/peerage.md), [baronet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/baronet.md), [circumference](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/circumference.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/33.md) ### 34. Global Meetups, Delray Beach Logistics (2:18:47–2:27:24) An overview of upcoming No Agenda meetups includes events in Knoxville, Beirut, and Long Island. A logistical conflict regarding multiple proposed Delray Beach meetups is resolved, with the hosts officially designating the Saltwater Brewery as the primary location for the February 21st event. Keywords: [meetups](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/meetups.md), [knoxville](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knoxville.md), [beirut](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/beirut.md), [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [delray beach](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/delray-beach.md), saltwater brewery [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/34.md) ### 35. Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Invasion (2:27:26–2:30:37) The brown marmorated stink bug has invaded 21 counties in Washington State, causing concern for homeowners and the agricultural sector. Experts advise against squishing the insects due to their pungent odor and suggest vacuuming them instead. The hosts compare the coverage to previous "bugageddon" stories like the bed bug scare. Keywords: [stink bugs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stink-bugs.md), [washington state](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/washington-state.md), [invasive species](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/invasive-species.md), [agriculture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/agriculture.md), [bed bugs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bed-bugs.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/35.md) ### 36. Jeffrey Epstein Investigation, Ghislaine Maxwell (2:30:39–2:35:13) The FBI is reportedly investigating Ghislaine Maxwell as a primary accomplice in the Jeffrey Epstein case. A *60 Minutes* report revealed that Epstein's jail cell contained extra bedding and electrical cords, and that guards were overheard shouting "Breathe, Epstein, breathe" during the discovery of his body. Keywords: [jeffrey epstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jeffrey-epstein.md), [ghislaine maxwell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ghislaine-maxwell.md), [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), [60 minutes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/60-minutes.md), [prince andrew](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prince-andrew.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/36.md) ### 37. Harry Reid, Fake CIA Briefings for Trump (2:35:16–2:40:14) A 2016 clip of Senator Harry Reid reveals he suggested the CIA should give "fake briefings" to then-nominee Donald Trump because he considered him a "loose cannon." This is linked to comments by Representative Al Green, who admitted the genesis of the impeachment movement began when Trump first ran for office. Keywords: [harry reid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harry-reid.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), briefings, [al green](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-green.md), [impeachment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/impeachment.md), [2016](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2016.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/37.md) ### 38. Episode 1205 Outro, Iraq War Remix (2:40:14–2:44:51) The episode concludes with a sound collage featuring historical news reports of U.S. bombings in Iraq from the Clinton and Bush eras, juxtaposed with recent events. The hosts sign off from Austin and Silicon Valley as the "Zephyr" wind begins to blow. Keywords: [baghdad](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/baghdad.md), [zephyr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zephyr.md), [bill clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-clinton.md), [george w bush](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-w-bush.md), [remix](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/remix.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1205-death-bus/chapter/38.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1204-hunt-the-wumpus.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1206-tolerized.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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