# Hot Horse Meat and Hidden Salami > Global elites gather in Davos as the IRS asserts its dominance over Hollywood and wealthy expatriates flee the United Kingdom to protect their offshore assets. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 15 - **Published:** 2008-02-03 - **Length:** 1h 8m - **Topics:** Davos scam, Non-dom tax, [Wesley Snipes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wesley-snipes.md), [Ron Paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [Carla Bruni](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carla-bruni.md), [Horse meat](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/horse-meat.md), TRS-80 - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami ## About this episode The World Economic Forum in Davos faces harsh criticism as a high-priced networking scam for the global elite, including Robert Scoble and Google executives, while substantive policy remains absent. In the United Kingdom, the Treasury anticipates an £800 million windfall from new taxes on non-domiciled residents, yet financial advisors warn that £44 billion in investment could flee the country to avoid double taxation. Meanwhile, the IRS maintains its dominant enforcement reputation following the tax trial of actor Wesley Snipes, whose constitutional protests failed to move the agency. Political momentum shifts toward a potential 2008 general election matchup between Hillary Clinton and John McCain as Super Tuesday approaches. Ron Paul has amassed a $5.1 million war chest for grassroots advertising, challenging the mainstream media blackout of his campaign. Beyond the beltway, French President Nicolas Sarkozy has married former supermodel Carla Bruni, whose high-profile dating history includes Mick Jagger and Donald Trump. In the tech sector, mobile video streaming via QIK on Nokia handsets is transforming how bloggers document everything from Steve Jobs' keynotes to TSA security checkpoints. Adam Curry details the frustrations of secondary screening at San Francisco International Airport and the absurdity of customs agents seizing French Beaujolais salami. The conversation turns to global culinary taboos, from eating horse steaks in Ljubljana to consuming puffin in Iceland and reindeer in the Nordic regions. A nostalgic look at computing history celebrates the TRS-80 Model 100 as the ultimate journalist's tool, while the hosts explain why the Commodore VIC-20 required a name change for the German market. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami/transcript.md. ### 1. Weather Patterns, BBC Reporting Software, and Cultural Obsessions (0:01–3:00) The hosts compare current weather conditions between Northern California and the United Kingdom, noting severe winds and snow in the British Isles. A discussion follows regarding the British cultural obsession with weather and the high quality of BBC News weather reporting. Aviation professionals reportedly use the BBC's updated software-driven forecasts as a baseline for flight planning. Keywords: [bbc news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc-news.md), weather reports, [united kingdom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-kingdom.md), [curry manor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/curry-manor.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Heritage Meat Sourcing, Butchery, and Animal Breeds (3:01–8:26) A detailed account of sourcing high-quality meat from rural Washington State involves purchasing shares of whole animals, including cows, pigs, and lambs. The process requires a dedicated meat locker and specific instructions for butchers regarding French or American cuts. The conversation highlights the superior flavor of heritage turkey breeds and grass-fed beef compared to standard supermarket offerings. Keywords: heritage birds, grass fed beef, [washington state](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/washington-state.md), [butchery](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/butchery.md), meat locker [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami/chapter/2.md) ### 3. World Economic Forum, Davos Conference Criticism, and Robert Scoble (8:28–12:21) The World Economic Forum in Davos is characterized as a "conference scam" and a "drinking club" for the global elite and journalists. Criticism is directed at the high costs for venture capital firms to participate and the lack of substantive news coming out of the event. Tech personality Robert Scoble and Google executives are mentioned in relation to the exclusive nature of travel to the Swiss summit. Keywords: [davos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/davos.md), [world economic forum](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/world-economic-forum.md), [robert scoble](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/robert-scoble.md), google jet, [switzerland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/switzerland.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami/chapter/3.md) ### 4. UK Tax Changes, Non-Dom Status, and Capital Gains (12:22–16:00) The Financial Times reports that wealthy "non-dom" residents are preparing to leave the United Kingdom due to proposed tax crackdowns. Changes to capital gains taxes, potentially rising from 10% to 18%, and new taxes on offshore assets threaten US citizens with double taxation. While the Treasury expects to gain £800 million, tax advisors warn that £44 billion in investment could exit the country. Keywords: [financial times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/financial-times.md), [capital gains tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/capital-gains-tax.md), non-dom, inland revenue, [treasury](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/treasury.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Wesley Snipes Tax Trial, IRS Power, and Constitutional Protests (16:00–20:49) Actor Wesley Snipes faced legal trouble over $7 million in back taxes, leading to a discussion on the legality and constitutionality of the IRS. The hosts examine the power of the IRS compared to other government departments and the history of the RICO Act. The segment notes that while some protesters claim there is no law requiring income tax, the agency's enforcement power makes such protests practically futile. Keywords: [wesley snipes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wesley-snipes.md), [irs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/irs.md), [tax evasion](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tax-evasion.md), [rico act](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rico-act.md), [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Tax Code Complexity, CPA Certification, and Consumption Tax (20:50–23:31) The complexity of the US tax code is contrasted with the brevity of the Constitution, noting that simplification efforts often result in more complicated laws. One host recounts taking courses to become certified for tax preparation years ago but admits the current system is too dense for non-experts. A consumption tax is proposed as a superior alternative that would encourage savings. Keywords: [tax code](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tax-code.md), [cpa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cpa.md), [consumption tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/consumption-tax.md), [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), simplification [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami/chapter/6.md) ### 7. 2008 Presidential Election, John McCain, and Hillary Clinton (23:31–26:48) Political speculation centers on the 2008 presidential race, with predictions of a final matchup between Hillary Clinton and John McCain. The hosts discuss McCain's stance on the Iraq War and the possibility of Barack Obama serving as a vice-presidential candidate. The historical precedent of candidates running multiple times, such as Adlai Stevenson, is also examined. Keywords: [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [super tuesday](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/super-tuesday.md), [iraq war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq-war.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Ron Paul Campaign Finance and Super Tuesday Advertising (26:49–28:40) Ron Paul's campaign reportedly raised $5.1 million in a single month to fund national advertising for Super Tuesday. Despite the significant cash on hand, the campaign has focused on local rather than national ads. The hosts discuss the grassroots movement behind Paul and the challenges of breaking into mainstream media coverage. Keywords: [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [campaign finance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/campaign-finance.md), [super tuesday](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/super-tuesday.md), [political ads](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-ads.md), [fundraising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fundraising.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Super Bowl Advertising, GoDaddy, and Sports Media (28:41–32:31) The economics of Super Bowl Sunday are analyzed, with ad rates reaching approximately $2.7 million per slot. The hosts discuss why certain sports like football and basketball are better suited for television advertising than soccer due to natural breaks in play. A promotional mention for GoDaddy domain names is included, referencing the company's frequent Super Bowl presence. Keywords: [super bowl](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/super-bowl.md), [godaddy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/godaddy.md), [sports marketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sports-marketing.md), [advertising rates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/advertising-rates.md), [soccer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/soccer.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Nicolas Sarkozy Marriage, Carla Bruni, and Celebrity Dating (32:32–34:07) French President Nicolas Sarkozy's marriage to former supermodel Carla Bruni is discussed following the release of official photos. Bruni's past relationships with Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, and Donald Trump are mentioned alongside her upcoming album release. The hosts joke about the social circles that lead to such high-profile meetings. Keywords: [nicolas sarkozy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nicolas-sarkozy.md), [carla bruni](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carla-bruni.md), [mick jagger](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mick-jagger.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [france](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/france.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Mobile Video Streaming, QIK, and TSA Blogs (34:07–36:37) The rise of mobile video streaming via services like QIK allows users to broadcast directly from Nokia phones to the web. This technology is being used by bloggers to capture events like Steve Jobs' keynotes or incidents at airports. Additionally, the TSA has launched an official blog where the public can comment on security procedures and share travel stories. Keywords: qik, [nokia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nokia.md), mobile streaming, tsa blog, [citizen journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/citizen-journalism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Customs and Border Protection, Secondary Screening, and Adam Curry (36:37–40:50) A host describes a recurring experience with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at San Francisco International Airport, distinguishing them from the TSA. Despite being a former MTV personality, the host is frequently flagged for secondary screening and questioned about carrying large sums of currency. The segment highlights the difficulty of correcting errors in federal databases through Freedom of Information Act requests. Keywords: [cbp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cbp.md), [tsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsa.md), [san francisco airport](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco-airport.md), [secondary screening](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/secondary-screening.md), [freedom of information act](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/freedom-of-information-act.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Airport Security Anecdotes, Meat Confiscation, and Salami (40:50–44:33) Personal anecdotes regarding airport security include a story about transporting a suitcase full of sausages and Zatarain's mustard from New Orleans. Another story involves the confiscation of a French Beaujolais salami at JFK Airport by a customs agent citing "bad meat" in Europe. The hosts discuss the absurdity of certain security measures, such as frisking children and elderly passengers. Keywords: [tsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsa.md), [airport security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/airport-security.md), zatarain's, beaujolais salami, [jfk airport](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jfk-airport.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami/chapter/13.md) ### 14. San Francisco Dining, Chez Spencer, and Reindeer Meat (44:33–48:12) A dinner at Chez Spencer in San Francisco serves as the backdrop for a discussion on game meats and fine wine. The hosts recount eating venison and compare it to reindeer meat commonly consumed in Finland and other Nordic countries. They pair their meal with a 70-dollar bottle of Bordeaux, noting the restaurant's unique atmosphere in a warehouse district. Keywords: chez spencer, [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), reindeer, [venison](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/venison.md), bordeaux wine [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Cultural Food Taboos, Puffin, and Horse Meat (48:13–53:01) The conversation explores cultural sensitivities regarding food, such as the consumption of puffin in Iceland and horse meat in Slovenia. One host describes eating a massive horse steak in Ljubljana, noting its liver-like texture and the reluctance of locals to admit to the practice to Americans. The segment critiques the Western tendency to avoid eating animals perceived as "cute." Keywords: [puffin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/puffin.md), [horse meat](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/horse-meat.md), [slovenia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/slovenia.md), [iceland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iceland.md), food culture [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Thailand Hill Tribe Rituals, Organ Meats, and Tripe (53:02–57:00) A documentary filming experience in Thailand's Golden Triangle involved participating in a hill tribe's morning pig slaughter and breakfast ritual. The discussion shifts to organ meats like sweetbreads, brains, and tripe, with a host describing a quest to find edible tripe in Paris. They warn about the high cholesterol levels found in these traditional dishes. Keywords: [thailand](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/thailand.md), golden triangle, sweetbreads, tripe, [cholesterol](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cholesterol.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Financial Telex Systems, Boeing Transactions, and SWIFT Codes (56:59–1:00:30) The Economist reports that a small number of financial institutions still use Telex systems for high-value settlements, such as Euroclear and Boeing aircraft sales. These closed-loop systems provide a level of security for "wiring" money that modern retail banking lacks. The hosts explain the origin of the term "wire transfer" and the role of SWIFT codes in government tracking of international funds. Keywords: telex, [euroclear](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/euroclear.md), swift code, [boeing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boeing.md), [wire transfer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wire-transfer.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami/chapter/17.md) ### 18. TRS-80 Model 100, Early Mobile Computing, and 300 Baud Modems (1:00:30–1:04:54) The TRS-80 Model 100 is remembered as a pioneering portable computer favored by journalists in the early 1980s. Featuring a built-in 300 baud modem and running Microsoft BASIC, the device allowed reporters to upload stories from the field. The hosts reminisce about the machine's excellent keyboard, its 16-hour battery life on AA batteries, and its 32K maximum RAM. Keywords: trs-80, [radio shack](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/radio-shack.md), microsoft basic, portable computer, [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Radio Shack History, Commodore 64, and Podcast Outro (1:04:55–1:08:46) The episode concludes with a look back at the rise and fall of Radio Shack in the desktop computing market and the popularity of the Commodore 64 and VIC-20. A humorous anecdote explains why the VIC-20 was renamed the VC-20 in Germany due to linguistic taboos. The hosts sign off from the UK and California, inviting listeners to the next installment of No Agenda. Keywords: [radio shack](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/radio-shack.md), [commodore 64](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/commodore-64.md), [vic-20](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vic-20.md), [clive sinclair](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/clive-sinclair.md), [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami/chapter/19.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/14-neelis-kroes-is-hot.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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