# The Vivek Kundra "Hollow" Deck

> A deep dive into the questionable professional history of Federal CIO Vivek Kundra reveals a pattern of inflated claims and opaque government spending on digital infrastructure.

- **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- **Episode:** 121
- **Published:** 2009-08-13
- **Length:** 1h 23m
- **Topics:** [Vivek Kundra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vivek-kundra.md), [Recovery.gov](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/recovery-gov.md), IT Dashboard, Yusuf Akar, Palm Pre, [Atlas Shrugged](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/atlas-shrugged.md), Zombie Ants
- **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck

## About this episode

Federal Chief Information Officer Vivek Kundra faces intense scrutiny over his professional credentials and the transparency of the $18 million recovery.gov website. While Kundra promotes a digital government through an IT dashboard and teleworking initiatives at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, critics point to a 2009 bribery scandal involving his subordinate Yusuf Akar and a 1997 shoplifting incident as evidence of a hollow leadership structure. The White House continues to defend Kundra as a visionary despite questions regarding his biology degree and his claims of being a major tech CEO.

Beyond the executive branch, the White House has launched a Reality Check website featuring Nancy-Ann DeParle to counter viral claims about the healthcare bill and government access to private bank accounts. This push for centralized data coincides with reports that the Palm Pre smartphone tracks user GPS locations and a new Scandinavian Airlines landing protocol that forces planes to glide to runways to save fuel. Meanwhile, the General Accounting Office evacuation following the 2001 anthrax attacks is linked to Donald Rumsfeld announcing $2.3 trillion in missing Pentagon funds just one day prior to the September 11 attacks.

John C. Dvorak and Adam Curry explore the cultural shift where former radicals now discourage questioning authority, specifically citing Tim O'Reilly and his defense of government IT spending. The duo also examines the zombie ant fungus described in the American Naturalist and shares a tinfoil-based defensive tactic for citizens attending increasingly heated town hall meetings. Adam Curry concludes with a look at the Galt’s Gulch philosophy from Atlas Shrugged as he prepares for a broadcast tour through London and Amsterdam.

## Chapters

Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/transcript.md.

### 1. No Agenda Episode 121 Introduction, San Francisco Weather and Meteors (0:01–2:24)

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open episode 121 of No Agenda from the Crackpot Command Center on August 13, 2009. The hosts discuss the weather in San Francisco and the inability to view a recent meteor shower due to fog and light pollution. They note similar poor visibility reports from the United Kingdom and Europe.

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), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), meteors, [light pollution](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/light-pollution.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/1.md)

### 2. Vivek Kundra, FCC Broadband Panel and Real-Time Data Claims (2:25–8:43)

Federal Chief Information Officer Vivek Kundra discusses government transparency and the release of public data during an FCC broadband panel. Kundra highlights services like flyontime.us and mobile applications for tracking metro stations and crime in the District of Columbia. Critics argue that the $18 million recovery.gov website remains opaque due to redacted contracts with Smartronics.

Keywords: [vivek kundra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vivek-kundra.md), [fcc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fcc.md), broadband panel, real-time data, [recovery.gov](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/recovery-gov.md), [smartronics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smartronics.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/2.md)

### 3. Vivek Kundra Academic Background, Career History and CEO Claims (8:43–12:25)

John C. Dvorak investigates the professional background of Vivek Kundra, questioning his claims of a biology degree and the prestige of his master's degree. The discussion focuses on Kundra's tenure as CEO of Creostar, which is characterized as a small sole proprietorship rather than a major firm. Tech figures like Tim O'Reilly and Om Malik are criticized for defending Kundra's credentials.

Keywords: [vivek kundra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vivek-kundra.md), [university of maryland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/university-of-maryland.md), psychology degree, creostar, [tim o'reilly](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tim-o-reilly.md), gigaom

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/3.md)

### 4. Federal CIO Role, Healthcare IT and Greater Washington Initiative (12:26–18:41)

The role of the Federal Chief Information Officer is defined as overseeing strategic planning and technology spending for the executive branch. Concerns are raised regarding the push for nationalized medical records and the potential for massive IT budget failures similar to those seen in the United Kingdom. The Greater Washington Initiative is identified as a networking club involving major banks like Wachovia and Bank of America.

Keywords: cio, [cto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cto.md), [anish chopra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anish-chopra.md), healthcare it, greater washington initiative, [wachovia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wachovia.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/4.md)

### 5. IT Dashboard, Data Visualization and Government Spending Transparency (18:44–21:36)

Vivek Kundra promotes a public-facing IT dashboard designed to lift the veil on federal technology expenditures. Critics argue the dashboard merely converts existing, non-transparent data into decorative pie charts without providing substantive new information. Many projects on the dashboard reportedly show zero dollars in spending due to incomplete data reporting.

Keywords: it dashboard, [data visualization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/data-visualization.md), pie charts, [transparency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/transparency.md), [federal spending](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-spending.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/5.md)

### 6. US Patent and Trademark Office Teleworking, Carbon Emissions Claims (21:37–23:53)

Vivek Kundra cites the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as a success story because 50% of its employees telework. He claims the program has saved $2 million and reduced carbon emissions by 14,000 tons. Skeptics question whether high rates of teleworking contribute to perceived inefficiencies and backlogs at the patent office.

Keywords: uspto, teleworking, [productivity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/productivity.md), [carbon emissions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carbon-emissions.md), [patent office](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/patent-office.md), [gao](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gao.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/6.md)

### 7. GAO Building Evacuation, Anthrax Attacks and Missing Pentagon Funds (23:53–25:16)

A discussion emerges regarding the evacuation of the General Accounting Office following the 2001 anthrax attacks at the Senate Hart Building. This event is linked to Donald Rumsfeld's September 10, 2001, announcement regarding $2.3 trillion in missing Pentagon funds. Speculation is raised about the potential for financial records to be manipulated or lost during the subsequent chaos of September 11.

Keywords: [gao](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gao.md), anthrax attacks, senate hart building, [donald rumsfeld](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-rumsfeld.md), [pentagon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pentagon.md), [building 7](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/building-7.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/7.md)

### 8. Vivek Kundra September 11 Interview, Public Service Origin Story (25:17–28:22)

Vivek Kundra recounts starting his career in public service during a job interview in Arlington, Virginia, on the morning of September 11, 2001. He claims that as the attacks unfolded, he was asked to join the effort to ensure infrastructure interoperability and lay fiber optics. The timeline of this story is questioned relative to his graduation date and perceived sincerity.

Keywords: [vivek kundra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vivek-kundra.md), [september 11](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/september-11.md), [arlington](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/arlington.md), infrastructure technology, [fiber optics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiber-optics.md), [public service](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-service.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/8.md)

### 9. GigaOm Blog Financing, White House Media Relations (28:23–30:20)

John C. Dvorak discusses the backlash to his column about Vivek Kundra, noting that GigaOm and other tech blogs defended the CIO. He suggests that the financing of certain tech blogs may influence their coverage of government officials. Dvorak also notes the difficulty of getting direct responses from the White House press office compared to more prominent bloggers.

Keywords: om malik, gigaom, [white house](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/white-house.md), nick shapiro, [media bias](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-bias.md), [tech journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-journalism.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/9.md)

### 10. DC Technology Scandal, Yusuf Akar Bribery and Shoplifting Incident (30:23–35:09)

A 2009 scandal involving the DC Office of the Chief Technology Officer led to the arrest of Yusuf Akar on bribery charges. Akar, who reported to Vivek Kundra, was allegedly caught in an FBI sting involving fake birth certificates. The discussion also references a 1997 shoplifting incident involving Kundra, which the White House dismissed as a youthful indiscretion.

Keywords: yusuf akar, sushil bansal, [bribery](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bribery.md), [shoplifting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shoplifting.md), [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), [birth certificates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/birth-certificates.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/10.md)

### 11. Human Computer Interface, Skip Logic and COBOL Buzzwords (35:10–43:24)

Vivek Kundra predicts a shift in the human-computer interface, moving away from "binary or COBOL ways" of interaction toward more intuitive systems like a Star Trek holodeck. He uses technical terms such as "skip logic" and "bandwidth constraints" to describe software architecture. Critics mock the use of these terms, noting that skip logic is a basic telemarketing survey tool rather than a revolutionary computing concept.

Keywords: human computer interface, [skip logic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skip-logic.md), [cobol](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cobol.md), [binary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/binary.md), star trek holodeck, [bandwidth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bandwidth.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/11.md)

### 12. Anish Chopra, Smartronics Ownership and Expat Networks (43:24–45:59)

The discussion explores the professional relationship between Vivek Kundra and Chief Technology Officer Anish Chopra. While investigating potential ethnic networking in government contracting, it is noted that Smartronics is owned by Mohammed Arshad Javed, who is Pakistani, and the Parris brothers. This finding complicates a theory regarding exclusively Indian-led business ventures in the sector.

Keywords: [anish chopra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anish-chopra.md), [smartronics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smartronics.md), mohammed arshad javed, [pakistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pakistan.md), [india](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/india.md), [government contracts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/government-contracts.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/12.md)

### 13. Recovery.gov Drupal Implementation, $18 Million Website Cost (46:00–51:35)

The recovery.gov website is confirmed to be running on the open-source Drupal platform. Critics question the $18 million price tag for a site built with free software, comparing it to the much lower costs of government websites in Germany. The development team defends the choice, stating Drupal allowed for rapid deployment and future scalability for dynamic data.

Keywords: [recovery.gov](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/recovery-gov.md), [drupal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drupal.md), [open source](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/open-source.md), [smartronics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smartronics.md), blue state digital, [website development](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/website-development.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/13.md)

### 14. David Axelrod Viral Email, White House Reality Check Website (51:36–54:28)

Senior Advisor David Axelrod issued a mass email to combat "lies and distortions" regarding health insurance reform. The White House launched a "Reality Check" website featuring videos by Nancy-Ann DeParle to debunk viral claims. The hosts characterize this effort as a "Ministry of Truth" style campaign designed to control the narrative surrounding the healthcare bill.

Keywords: [david axelrod](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-axelrod.md), [white house](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/white-house.md), [reality check](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reality-check.md), [health care reform](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/health-care-reform.md), viral email, [nancy-ann deparle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nancy-ann-deparle.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/14.md)

### 15. Healthcare Bill Bank Access, Physician Fee Schedule Debunking (54:29–59:34)

Nancy-Ann DeParle addresses claims that the healthcare bill allows the government real-time access to individual bank accounts for electronic funds transfers. While she states individuals remain in charge of their accounts, critics argue she avoids denying the existence of a real-time data connection. The discussion also covers the distinction between "physician services" and the "physician fee schedule" in the proposed legislation.

Keywords: [healthcare reform](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/healthcare-reform.md), [bank accounts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bank-accounts.md), electronic funds transfer, [medicare](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/medicare.md), physician fees, double-speak

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/15.md)

### 16. Questioning Authority, Tim O'Reilly and Twitter Verification (59:35–1:03:11)

John C. Dvorak presents a "Pet Peeve" regarding the shift in cultural attitudes toward questioning authority. He notes that former radicals now discourage skepticism of government figures like Vivek Kundra. The segment also touches on Tim O'Reilly's influence on Twitter and his trademarking of the term "Web 2.0," contrasting it with Dvorak's own lack of verification on the platform.

Keywords: [question authority](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/question-authority.md), [tim o'reilly](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tim-o-reilly.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [verification](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/verification.md), [web 2.0](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/web-2-0.md), [pet peeve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pet-peeve.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/16.md)

### 17. Wiltshire Owl Crop Circle, Palm Pre Data Privacy (1:03:11–1:04:54)

A new crop circle depicting an owl appeared on Woodborough Hill in Wiltshire, sparking a brief debate on its origins. The conversation shifts to reports that the Palm Pre smartphone uploads user GPS location data to the manufacturer. While the data is reportedly anonymized, the hosts express concern over the trend of constant device tracking.

Keywords: [crop circles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crop-circles.md), wiltshire, [owl](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/owl.md), palm pre, [gps tracking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gps-tracking.md), [data privacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/data-privacy.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/17.md)

### 18. Galt's Gulch, Atlas Shrugged and Rebooting the World (1:04:55–1:09:34)

Adam Curry discusses his interest in finding a "Galt's Gulch" retreat, referencing Ayn Rand's novel *Atlas Shrugged*. He argues that the book, written in 1957, accurately reflects the current state of the military-industrial and pharmaceutical complexes. The hosts discuss the concept of "rebooting" the world through a strike of the "great thinkers and producers."

Keywords: [atlas shrugged](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/atlas-shrugged.md), [ayn rand](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ayn-rand.md), [galt's gulch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/galt-s-gulch.md), [john galt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-galt.md), [military industrial complex](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-industrial-complex.md), [reboot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reboot.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/18.md)

### 19. No Agenda Value-for-Value Model, Listener Contributions (1:09:35–1:14:13)

The hosts discuss the "value-for-value" funding model, urging listeners to contribute financially to keep the show independent of corporate sponsors. They argue that traditional advertising would corrupt the show's ability to critique powerful organizations and individuals. Adam Curry compares the cost of the podcast to a movie ticket, noting the average contribution per listener is extremely low.

Keywords: [value-for-value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [crowdfunding](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crowdfunding.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), [advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/advertising.md), [independence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/independence.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/19.md)

### 20. Tinfoil Taser Protection, Town Hall Safety Tips (1:14:13–1:15:52)

A technical tip suggests that wearing layers of tinfoil over cardboard can potentially short out taser darts by creating an immediate electrical arc. This "free information" is presented as a defensive measure for individuals attending contentious town hall meetings. The hosts advise testing the method on a dummy before attempting it in a real-world scenario.

Keywords: [taser](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taser.md), tinfoil, [cardboard](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cardboard.md), [gaffer tape](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gaffer-tape.md), town hall meetings, [safety](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/safety.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/20.md)

### 21. Gitmo Nation Roundtable, George Sodini Website Resume (1:15:54–1:17:45)

The Gitmo Nation Roundtable podcast is highlighted as a listener-produced show that conducts deep research into No Agenda topics. One such research project involved locating a 2006 version of George Sodini's professional resume via the Wayback Machine. The hosts note the high quality of the formatting, contrasting it with the media's portrayal of Sodini as a simple "crazy programmer."

Keywords: gitmo nation roundtable, george sodini, [resume](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/resume.md), [archive.org](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/archive-org.md), [research](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/research.md), [podcast](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcast.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/21.md)

### 22. Zombie Ants Fungus, SmallSteps.gov Health Tips (1:17:47–1:19:48)

A study in the *American Naturalist* describes a fungus that takes control of carpenter ants' brains, turning them into "zombie ants" to optimize spore reproduction. In a separate item, a listener points out a creepy tip on smallsteps.gov suggesting adults "pace the sidelines at kids' athletic games" for exercise. The hosts joke that following such government advice could lead to an arrest.

Keywords: zombie ants, [fungus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fungus.md), [parasite](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/parasite.md), smallsteps.gov, [health tips](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/health-tips.md), [child predators](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/child-predators.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/22.md)

### 23. SAS Gliding Landing Method, Fuel Consumption and Safety (1:19:49–1:22:08)

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) has proposed a new landing technique where planes glide toward the runway using satellite mapping to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Adam Curry, a pilot, criticizes the method as potentially dangerous, comparing it to coasting a car in neutral. He argues that pilots should maintain active engine control during the approach rather than performing what amounts to a simulated emergency landing.

Keywords: scandinavian airlines, [sas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sas.md), gliding, fuel consumption, [carbon emissions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carbon-emissions.md), [aviation safety](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aviation-safety.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/23.md)

### 24. Travel Plans and Episode Outro (1:22:09–1:23:22)

Adam Curry announces he will be traveling to London and Amsterdam for two weeks, though the show will continue with him broadcasting from various locations. The hosts sign off from the Crackpot Command Center and Northern Silicon Valley, confirming the next episode will air on Sunday.

Keywords: [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [london](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/london.md), [vacation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vacation.md), [podcast schedule](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcast-schedule.md), [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/121-the-vivek-kundra-hollow-deck/chapter/24.md)

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