# Zombieland USA > A deep dive into the deteriorating state of American infrastructure, the ethics of government-managed terrorism stings, and the global shift toward natural gas energy. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 139 - **Published:** 2009-10-15 - **Length:** 1h 25m - **Topics:** Taliban payments, AIG bonuses, [H1N1 vaccine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1-vaccine.md), Global police, Simpsonwood memo, Zombieland USA - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa ## About this episode The Obama administration faces a complex geopolitical landscape as reports surface that the Italian Secret Service paid Taliban commanders thousands of dollars to maintain peace in Afghanistan's Sarobi region. This revelation, coinciding with UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown pledging 500 additional troops, raises questions about coalition transparency and the credibility of General Stanley McChrystal. Meanwhile, UN official Kai Eide acknowledges widespread fraud in the Afghan presidential election, further complicating the regional strategy. Domestic tensions rise as the FBI conducts terrorism stings in Dallas and Springfield, targeting individuals with low cognitive abilities in operations reminiscent of the John DeLorean entrapment case. In the financial sector, AIG prepares to distribute $50,000 retention bonuses while court documents suggest Ben Bernanke and Henry Paulson were aware of Merrill Lynch's bonus payouts prior to the Bank of America acquisition. Concurrently, the World Health Organization oversees the production of 3 billion H1N1 vaccine doses by Baxter International, sparking debate over the use of controversial adjuvants and the Simpsonwood memo regarding mercury-based preservatives. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak observe the successful hatching of two pigeons, Fred and Ginger, on a San Francisco windowsill despite suspected city sterilization programs. Dvorak introduces the Pet Peeve of the Day regarding the word veggies in Ragu commercials, while the hosts analyze the digital manipulation of model Filippa Hamilton in a Ralph Lauren advertisement. The episode concludes with a look at the global police doctrine being established by Interpol and the United Nations in Singapore. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/transcript.md. ### 1. Gitmo Nation Media Assassination, Episode 139 Introduction (0:01–2:15) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open episode 139 of the No Agenda podcast from their respective locations in San Francisco and Northern Silicon Valley. They discuss recent severe weather patterns, including heavy rain in the Santa Cruz Mountains and unseasonable snow in Utah, Minnesota, and Hawaii. Timothy Tillman from Midlothian, Virginia, is introduced as the executive producer for this episode. Keywords: [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md), [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), timothy tillman, [weather](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weather.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Pigeon Hatching Science, San Francisco Sterilization Programs (2:16–6:35) Two pigeons, nicknamed Fred and Ginger, successfully hatched chicks on a windowsill ledge in San Francisco after several failed nesting attempts. Observations suggest that the city of San Francisco may be using chemical-laced feed to make the local pigeon population sterile. Feeding the birds organic raisin muesli appeared to assist in the successful hatching of the two chicks, debunking the local legend that baby pigeons are never seen in the wild. Keywords: [pigeons](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pigeons.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [sterilization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sterilization.md), muesli, [urban wildlife](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/urban-wildlife.md), [biology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/biology.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/2.md) ### 3. United Airlines Coach Experience, Baggage Fees and Overhead Bin Conflicts (6:35–11:48) A recent round-trip flight between San Francisco and Chicago on United Airlines highlights the deteriorating quality of domestic air travel. Issues cited include $600 coach fares, $49 priority check-in fees, and $20 charges for checked bags that force passengers to overstuff overhead bins. The experience was further marred by inconsistent cabin temperatures and poor service from flight attendants during the triple-seven flight. Keywords: [united airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-airlines.md), [baggage fees](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/baggage-fees.md), coach travel, [air conditioning](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-conditioning.md), [tsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsa.md), [aviation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aviation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/3.md) ### 4. TSA Inconsistency, Airport Security Dehumanization and Zombieland Metaphor (11:51–18:45) Airport security procedures at Chicago O'Hare and other domestic hubs show significant inconsistency regarding ID requirements for minors and the handling of personal items like scarves and shoes. The constant security theater and "Threat Level Orange" announcements are described as contributing to a "zombified" American public. This dehumanization of travelers is compared to the themes presented in the film Zombieland, suggesting a broader psychological shift in the United States. Keywords: [tsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsa.md), [airport security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/airport-security.md), [chicago](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chicago.md), [zombieland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zombieland.md), [civil liberties](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/civil-liberties.md), [psychological impact](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/psychological-impact.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Norwegian Influence, Chicago Infrastructure and Bridge Construction (18:45–21:07) Historical research into Chicago's infrastructure reveals a deep connection to the Norwegian community, which was responsible for building 55 of the city's major bridges. Beyond engineering, the Norwegian influence extends to numerous Lutheran churches and ongoing shipping contracts between Norway and Chicago. This connection is noted as potentially relevant given the role of Norwegian politicians in selecting Nobel Peace Prize winners. Keywords: [norway](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/norway.md), [chicago](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chicago.md), [infrastructure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/infrastructure.md), bridges, lutheran churches, [immigration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/immigration.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Fox News Media Criticism, Bill O'Reilly and General Stanley McChrystal (21:07–28:34) Media coverage on Fox News, specifically by Shepard Smith and Bill O'Reilly, is criticized for promoting government narratives regarding vaccines and the war in Afghanistan. O'Reilly's interview with Code Pink co-founder Medea Benjamin is highlighted for its dismissive tone toward civilian dissent. Additionally, the credibility of General Stanley McChrystal is questioned due to his past involvement in the cover-up surrounding the friendly-fire death of Pat Tillman in 2004. Keywords: [fox news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox-news.md), [bill o'reilly](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-o-reilly.md), [stanley mcchrystal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stanley-mcchrystal.md), [medea benjamin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/medea-benjamin.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), pat tillman [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Afghanistan War Strategy, Italian Secret Service Warlord Payments (28:43–32:30) The Obama administration's pending decision on a troop surge in Afghanistan coincides with reports of international friction in the region. A report from the UK Times alleges that the Italian Secret Service paid thousands of dollars to Taliban commanders to maintain peace in the Sarobi area, a fact they reportedly failed to share with French forces who later suffered casualties in the same sector. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has pledged 500 additional troops to support the coalition strategy. Keywords: [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [hamid karzai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hamid-karzai.md), [gordon brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-brown.md), italian secret service, [taliban](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taliban.md), [warlords](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/warlords.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Domestic Terrorism Stings, FBI Entrapment and John DeLorean (32:30–35:42) Recent domestic terrorism arrests in Dallas and Springfield are characterized as government-managed stings targeting individuals with low cognitive abilities. These operations, where government agents provide the materials and motivation for planned attacks, are viewed as a means to justify the reauthorization of the Patriot Act. This pattern of behavior is compared to the 1970s entrapment case involving automotive executive John DeLorean and a staged cocaine deal. Keywords: [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), [entrapment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/entrapment.md), [patriot act](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/patriot-act.md), [terrorism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/terrorism.md), [john delorean](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-delorean.md), [dallas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dallas.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Afghan Election Fraud, Norwegian Diplomat Kai Eide (35:42–38:24) United Nations official Kai Eide, a Norwegian diplomat, has acknowledged widespread fraud in the Afghan presidential election involving Hamid Karzai. Allegations suggest Eide may have initially attempted to cover up the cheating to facilitate a smoother political transition. This involvement further fuels theories regarding a "Norway-Chicago-Obama axis" influencing international policy and regional stability. Keywords: [hamid karzai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hamid-karzai.md), kai eide, [united nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-nations.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [election fraud](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/election-fraud.md), [norway](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/norway.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/9.md) ### 10. CNN Advertising Subliminals, Fellatio Health Hoax (38:24–43:10) An analysis of CNN promotional spots for Anderson Cooper 360 suggests the use of audio techniques designed to confuse the brain and deliver suggestions through separate stereo channels. In a separate media critique, a viral story claiming that fellatio reduces breast cancer risk is identified as a hoax. Despite being debunked, the story was erroneously attributed to the Associated Press and circulated through mainstream outlets like CNN.com. Keywords: [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [anderson cooper](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anderson-cooper.md), [subliminal advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/subliminal-advertising.md), [associated press](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/associated-press.md), health hoax, [neuro-linguistic programming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/neuro-linguistic-programming.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Pet Peeve of the Day, Ragu Veggies Commercial (43:13–44:53) John C. Dvorak presents the Pet Peeve of the Day, targeting the use of the word "veggies" in mainstream advertising and adult conversation. He specifically cites a Ragu commercial that markets "veggies" to children, arguing that the term is part of a broader "dumbing down" of the American public. Dvorak notes that the term has even permeated professional reviews on platforms like Yelp. Keywords: ragu, [veggies](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/veggies.md), [yelp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yelp.md), [language](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/language.md), [marketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketing.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Pharmaceutical Industry Growth, Hulu Drug Ad Formats (44:55–49:30) The pharmaceutical industry is seeing significant revenue growth, with drug sales in the U.S. expected to rise by nearly 5.5% despite the economic downturn. New advertising formats on streaming services like Hulu now include extended 75-second spots with scrolling text for side-effect disclaimers. Analysts from UBS and Credit Suisse note that major drug companies have implemented average price increases of 8.7% as they capitalize on public health concerns. Keywords: [hulu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hulu.md), [pharmaceuticals](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pharmaceuticals.md), drug advertising, ims health, [restless leg syndrome](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/restless-leg-syndrome.md), [ubs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ubs.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Simpsonwood Memo and Vaccine Mercury (49:31–54:15) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicized the "Simpsonwood memo," which details a secret 2000 meeting between the CDC and vaccine manufacturers regarding the link between mercury-based preservatives and neurological damage in children. Kennedy alleges that the participants discussed how to "massage" data to hide the signal of autism risk. The discussion notes that while figures like Jenny McCarthy are marginalized as "crackpots," Kennedy's involvement brings more mainstream scrutiny to the issue. Keywords: [robert f. kennedy jr.](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/robert-f-kennedy-jr.md), [cdc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cdc.md), simpsonwood memo, [thimerosal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/thimerosal.md), [autism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/autism.md), [vaccines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccines.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Swine Flu Vaccine Adjuvants, Baxter International and WHO Production (54:16–59:41) The World Health Organization is overseeing the production of 3 billion doses of the H1N1 swine flu vaccine, leading to concerns about the use of controversial adjuvants to stretch the supply. While the FDA has historically been cautious, the pandemic is seen as a catalyst for licensing these additives in the U.S. market. Baxter International is identified as a key manufacturer, despite past controversies involving the accidental distribution of live viral materials. Keywords: [baxter international](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/baxter-international.md), [h1n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1.md), [adjuvants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adjuvants.md), [world health organization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/world-health-organization.md), [fda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fda.md), mercury news [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/14.md) ### 15. AIG Bonuses, Merrill Lynch Takeover and Federal Reserve Transparency (59:42–1:03:23) AIG is preparing to distribute a new round of retention bonuses averaging $50,000 per employee, including non-executive staff. Concurrently, court documents reveal that Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and former Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson were aware of billions in bonuses at Merrill Lynch before its acquisition by Bank of America, contradicting their previous testimony to Congress. Public apathy toward these financial scandals is contrasted with the high level of compliance at airport security. Keywords: [aig](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aig.md), [merrill lynch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merrill-lynch.md), [ben bernanke](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ben-bernanke.md), [henry paulson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/henry-paulson.md), [bank of america](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bank-of-america.md), [bonuses](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bonuses.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Global Police Force, Interpol and UN Partnership (1:03:24–1:05:12) Interpol and the United Nations are meeting in Singapore with ministers from 60 countries to establish a "global police doctrine." This initiative aims to create a standardized international police force for deployment in conflict zones and rogue nations. This development is framed as the enforcement arm of a global governance structure that includes the financial oversight established by the G20. Keywords: [interpol](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/interpol.md), [united nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-nations.md), global police, [singapore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/singapore.md), [g20](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/g20.md), [international law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/international-law.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Israel War Crimes Report, General McChrystal Media Rebranding (1:05:13–1:08:33) A United Nations report accusing both Israel and Palestinian groups of war crimes in Gaza has led the Israeli Knesset to consider travel restrictions for military officers to avoid international arrest. In the U.S., media outlets are attempting to rebrand General Stanley McChrystal as a "scholar soldier." This shift in narrative ignores his controversial history regarding prisoner abuse and his decision to stop flying flags at half-mast for fallen soldiers. Keywords: [israel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/israel.md), [gaza](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gaza.md), [war crimes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/war-crimes.md), [stanley mcchrystal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stanley-mcchrystal.md), [bill o'reilly](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-o-reilly.md), [knesset](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knesset.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Ralph Lauren Photoshop Controversy, Model Filippa Hamilton (1:08:34–1:10:22) A Ralph Lauren advertisement featuring model Filippa Hamilton has drawn heavy criticism for extreme digital manipulation that made the model's head appear wider than her pelvis. Hamilton, who is 5'10" and 120 pounds, claims she was fired by the company for being "too fat" before the photoshopped image was released. The incident has sparked a broader debate about unrealistic body standards in the fashion industry. Keywords: [ralph lauren](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ralph-lauren.md), [photoshop](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/photoshop.md), filippa hamilton, [fashion industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fashion-industry.md), [body image](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/body-image.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Global Energy Shift, Natural Gas vs. Oil and Currency Baskets (1:10:23–1:17:29) Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's visit to Russia coincides with a massive $25 billion gas deal between Gazprom and China. There is a significant global shift toward natural gas, which is currently priced at historic lows compared to oil. This transition is occurring alongside a move away from the U.S. dollar as the primary reserve currency for energy trades, with nations increasingly looking toward the Euro, Yuan, and gold-backed baskets. Keywords: [natural gas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/natural-gas.md), [russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [iran](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iran.md), [petrodollar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/petrodollar.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [euro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/euro.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/19.md) ### 20. No Agenda Producer Credits, Swiss Anti-Censorship Event (1:17:30–1:22:12) The hosts acknowledge donations from the "No Agenda" community, including a contribution from Samuel Vander Plank in Belgium, who highlighted an anti-censorship event in Switzerland on October 31st. Other donors include Timothy Tillman and Bruce Saccio, the latter of whom noted the Masonic significance of the number 7733. The segment concludes with a critique of Goldman Sachs' plan to distribute $20 billion in bonuses following their government bailout. Keywords: [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [switzerland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/switzerland.md), [masonic numbers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/masonic-numbers.md), [goldman sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), [value-for-value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Obama in San Francisco, Episode Outro (1:22:13–1:25:22) President Barack Obama's visit to San Francisco's Union Square is noted for causing significant traffic disruption. The hosts reiterate the "value-for-value" funding model, thanking executive producer Timothy Tillman for his $100 contribution. The episode concludes with a final reminder of the upcoming baby pigeon photos and a sign-off from the "minimum security containment cell" in Gitmo Nation. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), timothy tillman, [aig](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aig.md), [value-for-value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/139-zombieland-usa/chapter/21.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/138-bombing-the-moon-don-t-look-over-here.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/140-pro-rape-republicans.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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