# Start Using Canteens > Government surveillance reaches a breaking point in Britain while the American primary system faces a legitimacy crisis over superdelegates and media bias. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 16 - **Published:** 2008-02-10 - **Length:** 1h 5m - **Topics:** UK Surveillance, Amsterdam Gentrification, [Superdelegates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/superdelegates.md), MSNBC Scandal, [Sarbanes-Oxley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarbanes-oxley.md), [Bottled Water](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bottled-water.md), [Smart Cards](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smart-cards.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens ## About this episode The United Kingdom faces a civil liberties crisis as the documentary Taking Liberties reveals that 800 government organizations, including local councils and the Department of Agriculture, now possess the authority to intercept private phone records and internet history. This expansion of state surveillance coincides with strict prohibitions on public protest within one kilometer of Parliament, prompting activists to consider unconventional forms of civil disobedience. Meanwhile, the Netherlands government, led by a Christian Democratic majority, moves to dismantle Amsterdam's iconic Red Light District and the Casa Rosso theater to align with perceived European Union standards. In the United States, the 2008 Democratic primary faces scrutiny over the role of superdelegates, with Marin County representatives pledging support for Hillary Clinton despite local voters favoring Barack Obama. This political tension follows the suspension of MSNBC correspondent David Shuster after his controversial remarks regarding Chelsea Clinton's role in the campaign. In the corporate world, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act continues to stifle the technology sector by making public offerings prohibitively expensive, while the American Express Centurion Card maintains its status as a celebrity symbol for figures like Lindsay Lohan despite a five-thousand-dollar annual fee. John C. Dvorak recounts a humiliating stage appearance at an Amsterdam live sex theater during a 1996 corporate roadshow with Wall Street underwriters. The culinary world also takes a hit as a visit to L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas reveals the decline of celebrity-chef restaurants when the namesake is absent. Finally, a technical breakdown of Mac aggregate devices explains the complex mix-minus routing required to prevent Skype feedback loops during high-end podcast production. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/transcript.md. ### 1. Virtual Audio Routing, Mac Aggregate Devices Setup (0:01–5:07) A host describes a three-week technical process to configure a "mix-minus" signal on a Mac for podcast production. The setup utilizes Mac's aggregate devices feature to stack multiple input and output devices into a single interface for Ableton Live. A specific routing error involving Skype's mono signal caused a feedback loop until it was identified that the software was being treated as a stereo source. Keywords: [macintosh](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/macintosh.md), [skype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skype.md), [ableton live](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ableton-live.md), virtual audio routing, aggregate devices [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/1.md) ### 2. American Schools, Public Flatulence Gag Trend (5:07–5:56) A news report highlights a growing trend in American schools where boys engage in noisy public flatulence as a classroom gag. Because schools lack corporal punishment, administrators struggle to discipline students who claim the behavior is a natural bodily function. The trend is currently localized but shows potential for nationwide expansion. Keywords: [flatulence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/flatulence.md), american schools, [corporal punishment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/corporal-punishment.md), student behavior, news story [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/2.md) ### 3. United Kingdom, Surveillance Intercepts and Echelon (5:57–8:34) A scandal in the United Kingdom reveals that 800 different organizations, including the Department of Agriculture and local councils, have the authority to order wiretaps or internet intercepts. The issue surfaced after a Member of Parliament had a conversation with a constituent eavesdropped upon by other ministers. Senior managers within these obscure departments can reportedly request intercepts of phone records and website history. Keywords: [united kingdom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-kingdom.md), [wiretapping](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wiretapping.md), [echelon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/echelon.md), [department of agriculture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-agriculture.md), [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/3.md) ### 4. United Kingdom, Protest Restrictions and Civil Disobedience (8:34–10:24) The documentary "Taking Liberties" illustrates the difficulty of protesting in the United Kingdom, where activists face frequent arrest and harassment. Current laws strictly prohibit any form of protest within one kilometer of Parliament. In response to these restrictions, suggestions for alternative civil disobedience include flash mobs or coordinated public flatulence. Keywords: [united kingdom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-kingdom.md), [parliament](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/parliament.md), [civil disobedience](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/civil-disobedience.md), taking liberties, protest laws [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Natalie Del Conte, TechTV Hostess Audition Rumors (10:25–12:17) A listener comment addresses a joke regarding the hiring of unconventional hostesses for a tech show, expressing concern that the humor might be misinterpreted by Natalie Del Conte. The hosts clarify that there was never a serious intention to hire adult industry workers. They further critique Del Conte's new show, noting its similarity to her previous work despite technical issues with lighting and set design. Keywords: [natalie del conte](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/natalie-del-conte.md), [techtv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/techtv.md), [audition](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/audition.md), [tech news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-news.md), [media rumors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-rumors.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Amsterdam Red Light District, EU Standards and Gentrification (12:18–16:20) The Netherlands government, led by a Christian Democratic majority, is moving to close the iconic Red Light District in Amsterdam to meet perceived EU standards. While brothels remain legal, the traditional practice of sex workers standing in windows is being phased out. Local sentiment suggests the area has lost its original charm due to an influx of workers from Eastern Bloc countries and increased hard drug trafficking. Keywords: [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [red light district](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/red-light-district.md), [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [gentrification](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gentrification.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Casa Rosso, Amsterdam Live Sex Theater Anecdote (16:20–22:16) During a 1996 corporate roadshow in Amsterdam, a host was invited into the Casa Rosso theater, a venue famous for being among the first to stream live adult content on the internet. While attending with Wall Street underwriters, the host was pulled onto the stage for an audience participation segment. The anecdote describes a humorous and humiliating stage act involving a performer in a monkey suit. Keywords: casa rosso, [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), live theater, internet streaming [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/7.md) ### 8. John C. Dvorak, Orthodontist Convention Marketing Speech (22:18–24:39) John C. Dvorak delivered a keynote speech at an orthodontist convention in Las Vegas focusing on marketing in the internet age. The presentation covered the business impact of platforms like Yelp, Twitter, and Craigslist, which Dvorak notes still have low penetration among traditional professionals. He emphasizes the necessity of using PowerPoint slides to maintain audience engagement in modern public speaking. Keywords: [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [las vegas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/las-vegas.md), orthodontists, [marketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketing.md), [yelp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yelp.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Joel Robuchon, Las Vegas Fine Dining Critique (24:40–30:13) A visit to L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas resulted in a disappointing dining experience attributed to the absence of the celebrity chef. The critique suggests that high-end Vegas restaurants often suffer in quality because the namesake chefs only visit for short periods every few months. Staff members reportedly characterized Robuchon as a difficult taskmaster, a trait argued to be necessary for maintaining culinary standards. Keywords: [joel robuchon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joel-robuchon.md), [las vegas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/las-vegas.md), [mgm grand](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mgm-grand.md), [fine dining](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fine-dining.md), [michelin star](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michelin-star.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Bottled Water Industry, Consumerism and Tap Water (30:14–34:19) A listener from Illinois questions the logic of the multi-billion dollar bottled water industry, comparing it to the absurdity of buying water if soda came free from a tap. The hosts trace the trend back to the 1970s popularity of Perrier and the 1980s health movement that mandated high daily water intake. They advocate for drinking regulated tap water in restaurants to avoid excessive markups, which can reach eight to sixteen dollars per bottle. Keywords: [bottled water](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bottled-water.md), perrier, lake michigan, [consumerism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/consumerism.md), [tap water](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tap-water.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/10.md) ### 11. MSNBC, David Shuster Suspension and Hillary Clinton (34:20–37:08) MSNBC suspended correspondent David Shuster after he used the phrase "pimped out" in reference to Chelsea Clinton's role in her mother's presidential campaign. Hillary Clinton reportedly threatened to boycott MSNBC debates following the comment, leading the network to discipline Shuster. The hosts criticize the media's lack of pushback against political pressure and the network's perceived spinelessness. Keywords: [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md), david shuster, [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [chelsea clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chelsea-clinton.md), [political debates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-debates.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Camden Market Fire, BBC Celebrity News Coverage (37:08–40:23) A major fire at London's Camden Market was reported by the BBC with a heavy emphasis on a local pub frequented by singer Amy Winehouse. Critics argue that the media's focus on celebrity angles, even during significant urban disasters, reflects a disturbing trend of prioritizing entertainment over hard news. This shift is attributed to high public demand for "fucked up celebrity" stories as a form of distraction. Keywords: camden market, [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), [amy winehouse](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amy-winehouse.md), london fire, [entertainment news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/entertainment-news.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Green Beat, Local News Environmental Branding (40:23–42:13) Local news stations have introduced "Green Beat" segments, which the hosts dismiss as filler content used when actual news is scarce. These segments often feature mundane stories about composting or recycling and involve the station changing its logo color to green. Despite skepticism about the content's value, the "green" industry is recognized as a ten-billion-dollar market that is unlikely to fade. Keywords: green beat, [recycling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/recycling.md), [local news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/local-news.md), [environmentalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/environmentalism.md), [branding](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/branding.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/13.md) ### 14. American Express Black Card, Celebrity Status Symbols (42:13–43:49) The American Express Centurion Card, commonly known as the Black Card, remains a prominent status symbol despite its $5,000 annual fee. A dedicated website features hip-hop artists and celebrities, such as Lindsay Lohan, showcasing their cards alongside luxury vehicles like Bentleys. The hosts discuss the card's exclusivity and its role in modern celebrity culture. Keywords: [american express](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/american-express.md), black card, [lindsay lohan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lindsay-lohan.md), status symbols, bentley [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Smart Card Technology, US vs European Payment Systems (43:50–46:55) The adoption of smart card technology with embedded chips has been significantly slower in the United States compared to Europe. While European restaurants use handheld wireless devices for instant chip-and-pin transactions, American systems still rely heavily on magnetic stripe swipes. Speculation suggests that French-held patents on the technology may be a factor in the delayed implementation by American financial institutions. Keywords: [smart cards](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smart-cards.md), amex blue, [rfid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rfid.md), payment technology, [patents](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/patents.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/15.md) ### 16. John C. Dvorak, Tech Content and Material Sharing (46:56–48:56) The hosts engage in a lighthearted dispute regarding John C. Dvorak sharing his best stories and research on other technology programs like TWiT. One host expresses jealousy that compelling anecdotes about food, travel, and nature are being "wasted" on tech-centric audiences. Dvorak defends his contributions, noting that he occasionally brings up non-tech topics like cashew trees in Brazil. Keywords: [twit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twit.md), [tech news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-news.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), [content strategy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/content-strategy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Podcast Philosophy, Radio Industry Clock Mechanics (48:57–51:42) A listener praises the "no agenda" format of podcasting as the realization of the medium's original potential for unedited, authentic voices. The hosts contrast this freedom with the rigid "clock" of commercial radio, where stations like Z100 in New York used studio lights to track competitors' commercial breaks. This high-pressure environment required DJs to time their segments perfectly to return to music just as listeners tuned away from other stations. Keywords: [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), [radio industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/radio-industry.md), [clear channel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/clear-channel.md), [z100](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/z100.md), broadcast clock [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Sarbanes-Oxley Act, Impact on IPO Market (51:44–55:08) The Sarbanes-Oxley Act is criticized for stifling the technology sector by making public offerings prohibitively expensive and legally risky for directors. This regulatory environment has led to a trend where investment firms privatize companies to "clean up" their numbers away from public scrutiny. There is concern that these firms will eventually swamp the market with IPOs once regulations are loosened, potentially disadvantaging smaller tech startups. Keywords: [sarbanes-oxley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarbanes-oxley.md), [ipo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ipo.md), [wall street](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wall-street.md), [privatization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/privatization.md), subprime crisis [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Democratic Primary, Superdelegates and Obama vs Clinton (55:11–59:03) The 2008 Democratic primary features "superdelegates" who hold 40% of the voting power and are not bound by public primary results. In Marin County, a congresswoman holding superdelegate status pledged support for Hillary Clinton despite her district voting heavily for Barack Obama. This system has led to accusations that the nomination process is rigged, potentially disenfranchising the black community and leading to an "unelectable" ticket. Keywords: [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [superdelegates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/superdelegates.md), [democratic national committee](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/democratic-national-committee.md), [2008 election](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2008-election.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/19.md) ### 20. California Primary, Independent Voting and Mike Huckabee (59:03–1:01:34) In the California primary, registered independent voters were permitted to use Democratic ballots but were barred from Republican ballots. This move by the Republican Party effectively blocked "freelance" independents from supporting candidates like Ron Paul. John C. Dvorak admits he would have considered voting for Mike Huckabee for his comedic value or Ron Paul for his message had he been allowed. Keywords: [california primary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-primary.md), [independent voters](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/independent-voters.md), [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [mike huckabee](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mike-huckabee.md), [republican party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/republican-party.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Ron Paul Campaign, Right-Wing Talk Radio Dynamics (1:01:34–1:05:23) Ron Paul has scaled back his presidential campaign to focus on his congressional race, though he intends to remain in the race until the convention to promote his message. Meanwhile, right-wing talk radio hosts like Rush Limbaugh have turned against John McCain, labeling him a "liberal in sheep's clothing." The hosts speculate that this animosity may stem from personal slights or a lack of access rather than purely ideological differences. Keywords: [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [rush limbaugh](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rush-limbaugh.md), [talk radio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/talk-radio.md), [conservatism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conservatism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/16-start-using-canteens/chapter/21.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/15-hot-horse-meat-and-hidden-salami.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/17-gold-toe-socks.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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