# Fools Gold > Global financial systems face a reckoning as China amasses gold reserves while Western nations implement invasive GPS tracking and mandatory medical mandates. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 149 - **Published:** 2009-11-19 - **Length:** 1h 34m - **Topics:** [New World Order](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-world-order.md), Tungsten Gold, GPS Surveillance, TSA Lawsuit, [Swine Flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [Sarah Palin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarah-palin.md), [Federal Reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold ## About this episode Henry Kissinger confirmed to Charlie Rose that the Obama administration's diplomatic efforts in China represent the construction of a new world order. This geopolitical shift coincides with reports that the Chinese government is purchasing 10,000 tons of gold to back a new financial system, while allegations surface that the Federal Reserve may have sold gold-plated tungsten bars to foreign creditors. These developments suggest a significant realignment of global economic power away from the United States. Domestic surveillance and medical mandates are accelerating as the Netherlands prepares to install GPS black boxes in all vehicles for usage-based taxation by 2010. In Ireland, the government is leveraging the 1947 Health Act to enforce mandatory swine flu vaccinations supplied by Baxter International, a firm previously linked to vaccine contamination. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security compared its domestic operational force to the U.S. Marine Corps during Senate testimony, and the TSA faces a lawsuit from the ACLU after agents interrogated a Campaign for Liberty volunteer for carrying cash. In West Africa, a Boeing 747 carrying ten tons of cocaine crashed on a desert airstrip, an event largely ignored by mainstream media outlets like CNN and ABC. Adam Curry addresses his new title as the worst dressed man in Holland, a distinction awarded by Esquire Magazine that he plans to commemorate with a physical plaque. The episode features a breakdown of the "MILF" acronym gaffe by Hillary Clinton in Manila and a look at the fictionalized science of CSI following a real-world burglary at the studio. Executive Producer Michael Menzies is recognized for his support as the show continues its value-for-value funding model. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/transcript.md. ### 1. Esquire Magazine Names Adam Curry Worst Dressed Man in Holland (0:01–1:42) Esquire Magazine named Adam Curry the worst dressed man in Holland, a title he dismisses as a publicity stunt to save a failing publication. The ranking placed Curry directly below the "best dressed" winner, a Dutch rock guitarist, in a layout Curry believes was intended as a joke by local newspapers. Curry expresses interest in receiving an actual plaque for the dubious honor to display in his office. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [esquire magazine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/esquire-magazine.md), worst dressed, [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [publicity stunt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/publicity-stunt.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Office Awards, Photoshop Fakes, and Trophy Shop Deception (1:43–7:58) A discussion regarding the authenticity of office awards suggests that many professionals purchase fake trophies or use Photoshop to create images of themselves with world leaders like Vladimir Putin. While some people display legitimate honors like Emmys, others populate their offices with "Man of the Year" or "Humanitarian" plaques bought from local trophy stores to appear more impressive. The practice is described as a common tactic for CEOs and "phony balonies" to build unearned prestige. Keywords: trophies, [photoshop](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/photoshop.md), diplomas, [emmy awards](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/emmy-awards.md), office decor [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Sarah Palin Book Tour and Media Interview Strategies (7:58–12:14) Sarah Palin began a high-profile promotional tour for her book, "Going Rogue," featuring interviews with Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Walters. The Oprah interview is characterized as a skillful extraction of emotion, while the Barbara Walters segment is criticized for perceived hostility and biased editing. Despite public mockery from some demographics, the book is reported as sold out in many locations, including Walmart. Keywords: [sarah palin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarah-palin.md), [oprah winfrey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oprah-winfrey.md), [barbara walters](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barbara-walters.md), [going rogue](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/going-rogue.md), [media bias](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-bias.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Television Production Techniques and the Zen TV Experiment (12:15–13:32) Television networks utilize specific production tricks, such as extreme close-up shots, to make interview subjects appear less trustworthy or articulate. This "60 Minutes" technique was allegedly used by ABC during a Sarah Palin interview to contrast her with a more traditionally framed Barbara Walters. The "Zen TV Experiment" is referenced as a resource for viewers to learn how television framing and editing manipulate audience perception. Keywords: [television production](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/television-production.md), [60 minutes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/60-minutes.md), [camera angles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/camera-angles.md), [zen tv experiment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zen-tv-experiment.md), [media manipulation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-manipulation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Nicole Wallace, Rachel Maddow, and Campaign Staffer Collusion (13:33–18:51) Nicole Wallace, a former advisor to John McCain, appeared in media reports following criticisms leveled against her in Sarah Palin's new book. The discussion highlights the "incestuous" nature of political media, noting Wallace's connections to liberal hosts like Rachel Maddow and journalists like Katie Couric. Palin's book alleges that campaign interviews were heavily orchestrated by staffers who were more concerned with their own media standing than the candidate's success. Keywords: [nicole wallace](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nicole-wallace.md), [rachel maddow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rachel-maddow.md), [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [katie couric](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/katie-couric.md), [campaign strategy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/campaign-strategy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Ron Paul Book Review, End the Fed (18:51–21:05) Ron Paul's book, "End the Fed," is recommended as a concise guide to understanding the flaws of the Federal Reserve system. The text identifies central bankers as the primary villains of the American economy and advocates for a return to sound money. A personal anecdote involves sharing the book's concepts with a skeptical relative who maintains a personal friendship with former Fed Chairman Paul Volcker. Keywords: [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), [paul volcker](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paul-volcker.md), [banking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/banking.md), [economics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economics.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/6.md) ### 7. TSA Security Harassment and Campaign for Liberty Volunteer (21:07–23:29) The ACLU sued the TSA following an incident where a Campaign for Liberty volunteer was interrogated and harassed for carrying $4,700 in cash through airport security. While the TSA claimed to change its internal guidelines as a result, they refused to release the new rules publicly, requiring a Freedom of Information Act request. The incident is cited as an example of TSA agents overstepping their legal authority, which is strictly limited to aviation security. Keywords: [tsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsa.md), [aclu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aclu.md), [campaign for liberty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/campaign-for-liberty.md), [civil liberties](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/civil-liberties.md), [airport security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/airport-security.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Lou Dobbs CNN Departure and Atlas Shrugged Comparison (23:30–24:23) Lou Dobbs' departure from CNN is likened to the "Going Galt" theme from Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged," where productive individuals leave society in protest. While Dobbs claims he left to seek new ways to advocate his opinions, rumors suggest pressure from the Southern Poverty Law Center played a role. Speculation remains that CNN may eventually beg him to return if ratings for his replacement continue to struggle. Keywords: [lou dobbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lou-dobbs.md), [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [atlas shrugged](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/atlas-shrugged.md), [john galt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-galt.md), [southern poverty law center](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southern-poverty-law-center.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Bill Maher Blog Post on Swine Flu Vaccines (24:24–26:46) Comedian Bill Maher published a blog post expressing deep skepticism regarding the government's push for swine flu vaccinations, nearly suggesting the state has malevolent intent. The discussion suggests Maher should apply this same skepticism to climate change science rather than accepting it as absolute fact. Maher's shift in tone is viewed as a sign of more citizens "awakening" to government and pharmaceutical industry propaganda. Keywords: [bill maher](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-maher.md), [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [h1n1 vaccine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1-vaccine.md), [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md), [obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/obama.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Netherlands GPS Black Box and Road Tax Surveillance (26:46–29:18) The Dutch government is moving forward with a plan to install GPS-based "black boxes" in all automobiles by 2010 to facilitate a usage-based road tax. While officials claim the data is private, exceptions exist for "state security" and "terrorism prevention," effectively allowing total movement surveillance. The Netherlands is described as a "beta test" country for invasive technologies that eventually migrate to the United Kingdom and the United States. Keywords: [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [gps](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gps.md), road tax, [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md), [privacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/privacy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Recovery.gov Fiasco and Non-Existent Congressional Districts (29:19–32:42) The Obama administration's stimulus tracking website, Recovery.gov, was found to contain data for non-existent congressional districts in Arizona and New Mexico. Despite costing $18 million to develop, the site is criticized for reporting "saved jobs" in areas that do not exist, which officials attributed to database errors. This is framed as part of a broader pattern of deceptive government reporting, including the official unemployment rate which ignores "disenfranchised" workers. Keywords: [recovery.gov](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/recovery-gov.md), [stimulus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stimulus.md), [vivek kundra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vivek-kundra.md), [unemployment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/unemployment.md), [government waste](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/government-waste.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Boeing 747 Cocaine Crash in West Africa (32:43–35:51) A Boeing 747 carrying at least 10 tons of cocaine crashed in West Africa after attempting to take off from a makeshift desert airstrip. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported on the incident, though some confusion exists regarding whether the cargo was cocaine or heroin sourced from Pakistan. The lack of mainstream media coverage for a massive aircraft crash involving tons of narcotics is highlighted as a significant oversight. Keywords: [boeing 747](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boeing-747.md), [cocaine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cocaine.md), [west africa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/west-africa.md), [unodc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/unodc.md), [drug trafficking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drug-trafficking.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Executive Producer Credit and Australian Donation (35:51–37:39) Michael Menzies of North Victoria, Australia, is named the Executive Producer for Episode 149 after donating $300 to the show. The hosts note a high volume of support coming from Australia, a country they describe as facing significant political and social turmoil. Curry mentions updates to the show notes format to provide more comprehensive links for listeners. Keywords: michael menzies, [australia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/australia.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [executive producer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/executive-producer.md), [show notes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/show-notes.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Hillary Clinton and the MILF Acronym Gaffe (37:39–39:12) During a town hall in Manila, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton repeatedly used the acronym "MILF" to refer to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The discussion centers on whether Clinton is so removed from popular culture that she is unaware of the term's common slang meaning. The hosts argue this lack of cultural awareness is typical of high-level government officials. Keywords: [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [milf](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/milf.md), [manila](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manila.md), moro islamic liberation front, [pop culture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pop-culture.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Homeland Security Testimony and Quasi-Military Language (39:13–44:28) Undersecretary Garza of the Department of Homeland Security gave Senate testimony comparing the size of the DHS operational force to the U.S. Marine Corps. The testimony is criticized for using "bureaucratese" and military terminology, such as "forces," "forward positioning," and "security posture," to describe domestic medical and security operations. The hosts interpret this as evidence of the DHS evolving into a domestic military organization. Keywords: [dhs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dhs.md), [homeland security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/homeland-security.md), [marine corps](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marine-corps.md), [pandemic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pandemic.md), security posture [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/15.md) ### 16. CIA Frustration with Obama Administration and Nagasaki Memorial (44:29–47:52) Reports from intelligence community insiders suggest the CIA is "freaking out" and angry over new layers of oversight and management added by the Obama administration. The discussion also touches on the fact that no sitting U.S. President has ever visited the war memorial in Nagasaki, Japan. While some argue a visit would be a powerful diplomatic gesture, others suggest the Japanese government might avoid it to prevent logistical and protest-related headaches. Keywords: [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [legacy of ashes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/legacy-of-ashes.md), [nagasaki](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nagasaki.md), [diplomacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/diplomacy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Public Broadcasting Corporate Underwriting and Influence (47:53–54:45) An analysis of the "NewsHour with Jim Lehrer" credits reveals a long list of corporate sponsors including Chevron, Monsanto, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The hosts argue that these "underwriters" are essentially advertisers who exert influence over content, particularly regarding climate change and agriculture. A clip of an NPR executive confirms that "underwriting" is simply another term for advertising, which has declined during the recession. Keywords: [pbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pbs.md), [npr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/npr.md), [monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), [chevron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chevron.md), [corporate sponsorship](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/corporate-sponsorship.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Listener Donations and Value-for-Value Model (54:45–59:45) The hosts review recent donations, including a 113 Euro contribution from Italy that converted to $168 USD due to the weak dollar. They discuss the "Value-for-Value" model, noting that while the show has 100,000 listeners, it brings in only a fraction of what a commercial operation would generate through traditional advertising. Several "Knights" and producers are thanked for their financial support, which keeps the show independent. Keywords: [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [paypal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paypal.md), [value-for-value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), [knights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knights.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Failure of Disruptive Advertising and DVR Skipping (59:45–1:02:43) Traditional television advertising is described as "dead" or "unwatchable" due to the high frequency of commercial breaks in modern programming like the series "V." Viewers increasingly use DVRs to skip ads, though some networks attempt to disable fast-forward features. The hosts argue that only high-quality, non-disruptive ads, like those for Apple, successfully capture viewer attention in the digital age. Keywords: [advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/advertising.md), [dvr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dvr.md), v (tv series), [cranky geeks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cranky-geeks.md), [commercials](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commercials.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Henry Kissinger and the New World Order (1:02:43–1:04:16) Henry Kissinger, speaking on the Charlie Rose show, explicitly stated that President Obama's trip to China was about the "construction of a new world order." The hosts interpret Obama's diplomatic behavior in Asia, including bowing to leaders, as a sign of American subservience to foreign creditors. Kissinger's use of the specific phrase "New World Order" is highlighted as a confirmation of long-standing geopolitical theories. Keywords: [henry kissinger](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/henry-kissinger.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [new world order](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-world-order.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [diplomacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/diplomacy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Economics of Podcasting vs. Prime Time Television (1:04:18–1:06:42) A comparison between podcasting and network television suggests that a show with 100,000 listeners should theoretically generate $100,000 to $200,000 per episode if it followed commercial advertising models. Currently, the show brings in roughly 1% of that amount through donations. The hosts defend their request for more funding by pointing out the actual labor involved in research and production compared to "free" hobbyist podcasts. Keywords: [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), [media economics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-economics.md), [advertising rates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/advertising-rates.md), [csi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/csi.md), [production budget](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/production-budget.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/21.md) ### 22. China Gold Reserves and Tungsten Bar Allegations (1:06:43–1:09:06) Reports suggest China is purchasing 10,000 tons of gold to back a new financial system and is carefully testing the bars for purity. Allegations have surfaced that gold sold by the Federal Reserve over the last decade may actually be gold-plated tungsten, which shares a similar weight to real gold. This story is used to bolster the argument for a full audit of the Federal Reserve's vaults, which have not been publicly verified in decades. Keywords: [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [gold](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gold.md), [tungsten](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tungsten.md), [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), [audit the fed](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/audit-the-fed.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Ukraine Chemtrail Reports and Pneumonic Plague Outbreak (1:09:06–1:12:24) Reports from Kiev, Ukraine, claim that aircraft were seen spraying a mysterious substance over the city days before a major pneumonic plague outbreak. While some dismiss these as "chemtrail" conspiracies, local residents reported being advised to stay indoors during the spraying. The discussion links the incident to Baxter International, a pharmaceutical company with facilities in the region previously involved in a vaccine contamination scandal. Keywords: [ukraine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ukraine.md), [chemtrails](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chemtrails.md), [baxter international](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/baxter-international.md), [pneumonic plague](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pneumonic-plague.md), [kiev](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kiev.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Qantas Flight QF72 and Solar Radiation Interference (1:12:25–1:14:44) An official air safety report regarding Qantas Flight QF72, which suffered sudden altitude drops in 2008, identifies high-energy solar and galactic radiation as the likely cause. The report suggests that neutrons from solar storms can interfere with aircraft avionics, particularly in highly automated Airbus systems. This confirmation of atmospheric interference with flight systems is noted as a rare instance of "crackpot" theories being validated by official investigators. Keywords: [qantas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/qantas.md), [airbus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/airbus.md), [solar radiation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/solar-radiation.md), [avionics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/avionics.md), [flight safety](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/flight-safety.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Goldman Sachs Damage Control and Small Business Fund (1:14:44–1:16:39) Following a public backlash against CEO Lloyd Blankfein's comment that Goldman Sachs is "doing God's work," the firm announced a $500 million fund for small businesses. The hosts characterize this as a transparent public relations move intended to mitigate anger over massive executive bonuses and the firm's role in the financial crisis. The move is described as "damage control" rather than a genuine shift in corporate philosophy. Keywords: [goldman sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), [lloyd blankfein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lloyd-blankfein.md), [small business](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/small-business.md), [public relations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-relations.md), [financial times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/financial-times.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/25.md) ### 26. Mandatory Swine Flu Vaccinations in Ireland (1:16:39–1:19:05) The Irish government is reportedly preparing to use the 1947 Health Act to enforce mandatory swine flu vaccinations, with potential jail time for those who refuse. This move is linked to provisions in the Lisbon Treaty that allow the European Union to mandate medical procedures during an "imminent threat." The vaccines for Ireland are being supplied by Baxter, a company previously investigated for contaminating vaccine materials. Keywords: [ireland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ireland.md), [mandatory vaccines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mandatory-vaccines.md), [h1n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1.md), [lisbon treaty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisbon-treaty.md), [baxter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/baxter.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Swine Flu Hysteria and Contradictory CDC Guidance (1:19:06–1:21:26) Public health measures regarding swine flu have reached extreme levels, including a Minneapolis library removing plush toys and hand puppets to prevent transmission. The hosts point out contradictions in CDC guidance, noting that while pregnant women and young children are labeled "high risk," vaccine inserts often warn against use in those same groups. Anecdotal evidence suggests that many young people are refusing the shot after seeing peers get sick from the vaccine itself. Keywords: [cdc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cdc.md), [h1n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1.md), [vaccines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccines.md), [public health](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-health.md), [minneapolis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/minneapolis.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/27.md) ### 28. FDA Nicotine Vaccine and Redefinition of Medicine (1:21:26–1:25:46) The FDA is considering the approval of a "nicotine vaccine" developed by GlaxoSmithKline, which works as a chemical inhibitor rather than a traditional vaccine. Critics argue that because nicotine addiction is not a disease caused by a biological vector, the term "vaccine" is being misused for marketing purposes. The discussion predicts a future where "vaccines" are marketed for social behaviors like obesity or sexual orientation as the pharmaceutical industry seeks new revenue streams. Keywords: [fda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fda.md), [nicotine vaccine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nicotine-vaccine.md), [glaxosmithkline](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/glaxosmithkline.md), [addiction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/addiction.md), [pharmaceutical industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pharmaceutical-industry.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/28.md) ### 29. Office Burglary and the Myth of CSI Technology (1:25:47–1:27:47) A recent burglary at the hosts' studio resulted in the theft of high-definition cameras, highlighting the gap between television portrayals of forensic science and reality. San Francisco police officers reportedly lacked the advanced "blue light" and DNA technology seen on shows like CSI, instead using basic dusting kits and expressing inability to lift prints from many surfaces. The experience is cited as proof that "CSI-style" technology is largely a fictional construct used to promote law enforcement's image. Keywords: [burglary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/burglary.md), [csi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/csi.md), [police](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/police.md), [forensics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/forensics.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/29.md) ### 30. Fort Hood Investigation and Lack of Witnesses (1:27:48–1:30:09) The first congressional hearing regarding the Fort Hood shooting will reportedly not include testimony from any federal law enforcement or military officials who were present during the attack. The Obama administration has declined to provide these witnesses, leading to accusations of a cover-up regarding the details of the event. The discussion notes significant discrepancies in the official narrative, including the number of shooters and the type of weapons used. Keywords: [fort hood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fort-hood.md), [nidal hasan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nidal-hasan.md), [obama administration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/obama-administration.md), [congressional hearing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congressional-hearing.md), [terrorism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/terrorism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/30.md) ### 31. Harry Reid Healthcare Bill and Economic Forecasts (1:30:11–1:32:28) Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid released a 2,500-page healthcare bill, which the hosts plan to read in detail since most elected officials will not. Meanwhile, economist Nouriel Roubini published an article warning that the worst of the recession is yet to come, with significant job losses expected to continue through 2012. Roubini, who accurately predicted the 2008 crash, argues that the "disenchanted" and long-term unemployed are not being accurately counted in official statistics. Keywords: [harry reid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harry-reid.md), [healthcare reform](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/healthcare-reform.md), nouriel roubini, [recession](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/recession.md), [unemployment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/unemployment.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/31.md) ### 32. Kim Jong-il Care Package and Afghanistan Harvest (1:32:28–1:34:12) The show concludes with listener suggestions for a "care package" of DVDs to send to North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, including titles like "Team America" and "Dr. Strangelove." A brief update on Afghanistan notes that Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with President Karzai, which the hosts jokingly link to checking the quality of the region's opium harvest. The episode signs off with a reminder of the next broadcast on Sunday. Keywords: [kim jong-il](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kim-jong-il.md), [north korea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/north-korea.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [opium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/149-fools-gold/chapter/32.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/148-adam-gets-kicked-out.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/150-global-warming-denialism.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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