# Obama vs CIA

> A systemic intelligence failure and a deadly ambush in Afghanistan ignite a high-stakes confrontation between the White House and the CIA over global energy security.

- **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- **Episode:** 161
- **Published:** 2009-12-31
- **Length:** 1h 52m
- **Topics:** CIA War, Yemen LNG, [Crotch Bomber](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crotch-bomber.md), [Codex Alimentarius](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/codex-alimentarius.md), Base Chapman, Wanta Protocols
- **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia

## About this episode

President Barack Obama faces a deepening rift with the CIA following the Christmas Day bombing attempt by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab and a devastating attack on Forward Operating Base Chapman. The failure to place the suspect on a no-fly list despite warnings from his father in Nigeria has triggered a systemic intelligence review led by John Brennan. This internal friction suggests a shadow war between the executive branch and intelligence agencies over energy interests in Yemen, specifically involving Yemen LNG and contractors like KBR and Halliburton.

Secondary developments include the TSA targeting travel bloggers like Stephen Friesling with subpoenas after security directive leaks and the deployment of military UAVs over the Netherlands for New Year’s Eve surveillance. Congresswoman Sue Myrick has raised alarms regarding radicalization within the U.S. government, while Commander Kirk Lippold opposes the release of Guantanamo Bay detainees. In the private sector, Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein receives Person of the Year honors from the Financial Times as a Georgia State University study confirms U.S. Senators’ stock portfolios consistently outperform the market by 12 percent. Meanwhile, the implementation of Codex Alimentarius in Europe signals a shift toward centralized global food regulation.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak ring in 2010 from San Francisco with a critique of James Cameron’s Avatar and a look at the Inuit elders claiming the sun and stars have shifted positions in the Arctic sky. The duo explores the Wanta-Reagan-Mitterrand protocols as a potential $6.2 trillion windfall for high-speed rail while questioning if Bernie Madoff used a hospital ruse to escape to Paraguay. Executive Producers Jaap Buitendijk and Samuel Vander Plank are credited for supporting this final broadcast of the decade.

## Chapters

Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/transcript.md.

### 1. No Agenda Episode 161, New Year's Eve 2009 Introduction (0:00–1:26)

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open Episode 161 of the No Agenda show on December 31, 2009. The hosts broadcast from San Francisco, California, welcoming the "Gitmo Nation" to the final program of the year. They prepare to review 2009 news events and transition into 2010.

Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [new year's eve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-year-s-eve.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/1.md)

### 2. Good Morning America 2009 In Memoriam Quiz (1:26–6:31)

A quiz based on a Good Morning America segment hosted by Diane Sawyer reviews notable deaths from 2009. The list includes Walter Cronkite, Ted Kennedy, Farrah Fawcett, Patrick Swayze, and Ed McMahon. Michael Jackson is noted as having received a separate special tribute rather than being on the primary list of seven names.

Keywords: [diane sawyer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/diane-sawyer.md), [michael jackson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-jackson.md), [walter cronkite](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/walter-cronkite.md), [ted kennedy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ted-kennedy.md), farrah fawcett

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/2.md)

### 3. Media Distractions and Top 10 Events of 2009 (6:32–14:54)

The discussion critiques the mainstream media's selection of top news events for 2009, labeling them as "main distractions." Featured items include the Tiger Woods scandal, the Balloon Boy hoax, Octomom, and the Kanye West interruption of Taylor Swift at the MTV Video Music Awards. The hosts contrast these entertainment-heavy stories with more substantive news like the Madoff scandal or the Hadron Collider.

Keywords: [tiger woods](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tiger-woods.md), [balloon boy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/balloon-boy.md), octomom, [kanye west](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kanye-west.md), [taylor swift](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taylor-swift.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/3.md)

### 4. Executive Producer Credits and Listener Outreach (14:54–18:17)

Executive Producers for the episode are credited, including Jaap Buitendijk from Edinburgh, Ian Munroe from Louisiana, and Samuel Vander Plank from Brussels. A listener named Mark McLennan is highlighted for calling into WTIC AM in Hartford, Connecticut, to mention the No Agenda show on air.

Keywords: jaap buitendijk, ian munroe, samuel vander plank, [edinburgh](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/edinburgh.md), wtic am

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/4.md)

### 5. Battery Quality and Walmart Retail Rant (18:17–19:10)

A brief complaint arises regarding the poor performance of 9-volt batteries purchased from Walmart or Walgreens. The speaker notes that the batteries, which appeared to be Duracell clones, failed almost immediately after being installed for the show.

Keywords: 9-volt batteries, [walmart](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/walmart.md), [walgreens](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/walgreens.md), [duracell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/duracell.md), copper top

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/5.md)

### 6. Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, Schiphol Airport Security Failures (19:10–26:45)

New details emerge regarding Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, referred to as the "crotch bomber," and his attempt to blow up a flight to Detroit. The discussion covers his routing through Ghana and Nigeria, the role of Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, and the subsequent push for millimeter-wave scanners. Janet Napolitano's response to the security breach is criticized as political theater.

Keywords: [crotch bomber](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crotch-bomber.md), [yemen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yemen.md), [nigeria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nigeria.md), [schiphol airport](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/schiphol-airport.md), [janet napolitano](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/janet-napolitano.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/6.md)

### 7. CNN Witness Account of In-Flight Filming (26:46–28:17)

A CNN clip features a passenger witness who observed a man filming the attempted bombing of Northwest Airlines Flight 253 with a camcorder. The FBI reportedly analyzed several passenger videos, but the hosts question why this specific footage has not been released to the public.

Keywords: [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), gene meserve, [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), camcorder, flight 253

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/7.md)

### 8. Jasper Schuringa Hero Account Discrepancies (28:17–30:59)

The account of Dutch passenger Jasper Schuringa, who tackled the attempted bomber, is analyzed for inconsistencies. Schuringa claimed the suspect was holding the device in his hands, which contradicts other reports stating the explosives were sewn into the suspect's underwear.

Keywords: jasper schuringa, [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [detroit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/detroit.md), [petn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/petn.md), bomb device

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/8.md)

### 9. Anwar al-Awlaki and Fort Hood Investigation (30:59–33:19)

The status of Imam Anwar al-Awlaki is discussed following reports of his death in a Yemen airstrike, which were later contradicted by a MEMRI interview. The segment also touches on the lack of public information regarding the Fort Hood shooter, Nidal Hasan, and his alleged communications with al-Awlaki.

Keywords: [anwar al-awlaki](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anwar-al-awlaki.md), [fort hood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fort-hood.md), [nidal hasan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nidal-hasan.md), [yemen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yemen.md), memri

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/9.md)

### 10. Intelligence Community Failures and No-Fly Lists (33:19–34:51)

President Barack Obama's characterization of the Christmas Day bombing attempt as a "systemic failure" is examined. The discussion focuses on how the suspect's father warned U.S. officials in Africa, yet the information was not effectively shared across the intelligence community to place the suspect on a no-fly list.

Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [nctc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nctc.md), [no-fly list](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-fly-list.md), [intelligence failure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/intelligence-failure.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/10.md)

### 11. CIA War, Yemen LNG, and Obama Administration Conflict (34:51–38:57)

A theory is presented regarding an internal conflict between the CIA and the Obama administration, linked to energy interests in Yemen. The discussion highlights Yemen LNG, involving companies like KBR and Halliburton, and suggests that security breaches are being used as leverage in a "CIA war" against the current executive branch.

Keywords: [kbr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kbr.md), [halliburton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/halliburton.md), yemen lng, [hunt oil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hunt-oil.md), robert lapenta

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/11.md)

### 12. Base Chapman Attack and CIA Casualties in Afghanistan (38:58–41:34)

The deaths of seven CIA agents at Forward Operating Base Chapman in Khost, Afghanistan, are described as a massive setback for the agency. A source familiar with the base notes the extreme difficulty of penetrating the compound, suggesting the attack represents a significant escalation in regional conflict.

Keywords: base chapman, [khost](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/khost.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), cia agents, [suicide bomber](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/suicide-bomber.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/12.md)

### 13. Security Theater and PETN Explosives (41:35–46:22)

The concept of "security theater" is explored in relation to new airport screening measures like crotch-grabbing and full-body scans. The hosts question the properties of PETN explosives and why this specific substance has suddenly become a primary focus of aviation security years after the shoe bomber incident.

Keywords: [security theater](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/security-theater.md), [petn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/petn.md), [shoe bomber](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shoe-bomber.md), [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), [tsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsa.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/13.md)

### 14. Gene Meserve CNN Report on Intelligence Dots (46:22–49:53)

A CNN report by Gene Meserve details the CIA's defense against claims that they failed to share information about the Christmas Day bomber. The segment highlights the role of the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) in "connecting the dots" and Obama's order for a government-wide intelligence review.

Keywords: gene meserve, [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [nctc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nctc.md), [intelligence community](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/intelligence-community.md), review

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/14.md)

### 15. Congresswoman Sue Myrick on Radicals in Government (49:53–53:12)

Congresswoman Sue Myrick, founder of the House Anti-Terrorism Caucus, claims that radicalization is occurring within the U.S. government. She suggests that individuals indoctrinated with extremist ideologies have attained positions of power, posing a threat to Western democracy.

Keywords: sue myrick, [house intelligence committee](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/house-intelligence-committee.md), [jihad](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jihad.md), [radicalization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/radicalization.md), [mosques](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mosques.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/15.md)

### 16. USS Cole Commander and Guantanamo Bay (53:13–54:37)

Commander Kirk Lippold, former captain of the USS Cole, appears on CNN to oppose the release of Guantanamo Bay detainees. The hosts question the media's narrative linking current terror suspects in Yemen to older detainees held at Gitmo.

Keywords: kirk lippold, uss cole, [guantanamo bay](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/guantanamo-bay.md), [yemen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yemen.md), [peter bergen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/peter-bergen.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/16.md)

### 17. CIA Drug Flights and Rendition Ruse (54:38–57:04)

The theory is posited that "rendition flights" are often a cover for CIA-managed drug trafficking from Afghanistan. Listeners are encouraged to track tail numbers of private aircraft, specifically those associated with Hunt Oil, to observe suspicious flight patterns that bypass standard tracking.

Keywords: rendition flights, [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [hunt oil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hunt-oil.md), skytracker, tail numbers

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/17.md)

### 18. Airline Industry Reverse Bailout and Air Marshals (57:04–1:00:18)

The degradation of airline service is framed as a "reverse bailout" intended to replace expensive flight attendants with federally funded air marshals. Congressman Ron Paul's point that airlines are the only industry not responsible for their own security costs is cited to explain the industry's reliance on government intervention.

Keywords: [air marshals](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-marshals.md), [flight attendants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/flight-attendants.md), [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [aviation security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aviation-security.md), [chapter 11](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chapter-11.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/18.md)

### 19. TSA Harassment of Travel Bloggers (1:00:21–1:04:17)

TSA agents reportedly visited the homes of two travel bloggers, including Stephen Friesling, after they published a leaked security directive. The agents allegedly used subpoenas to demand the identity of the bloggers' sources and threatened their ability to travel in the future.

Keywords: [tsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsa.md), stephen friesling, [wired](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wired.md), [subpoenas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/subpoenas.md), travel bloggers

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/19.md)

### 20. Wanta-Reagan-Mitterrand Protocols and High-Speed Rail (1:04:19–1:07:48)

The Wanta-Reagan-Mitterrand protocols are discussed as a potential source of $6.2 trillion for the U.S. Treasury to fund national high-speed rail projects. The segment explores the history of these 1990 agreements and the potential for Maglev technology to replace traditional domestic air travel.

Keywords: [leo wanta](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/leo-wanta.md), [ronald reagan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ronald-reagan.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [treasury](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/treasury.md), [maglev](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/maglev.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/20.md)

### 21. Mark Thatcher, Al-Hajji Umaru Mutallab, and World Court (1:07:48–1:10:16)

A connection is drawn between Mark Thatcher and Al-Hajji Umaru Mutallab, the father of the Christmas Day bomber, involving past weapons projects in Africa. Additionally, the World Court is noted to be considering indictments for war crimes related to the conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Keywords: mark thatcher, al-hajji umaru mutallab, [world court](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/world-court.md), [gaza](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gaza.md), [war crimes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/war-crimes.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/21.md)

### 22. Global Donor Recognition and New Donation Portal (1:10:16–1:16:14)

The hosts read a list of international donors from New Zealand, the Netherlands, and the U.S., attempting to pronounce difficult names and locations like Llangyfelach, Wales. A new donation portal is announced at ChannelDvorak.com/na, managed by Eric Mackey, to provide a redundant server for listeners in restricted regions.

Keywords: peter bevan, alexander dilger, [stephen pelsmacher](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stephen-pelsmacher.md), channeldvorak, welsh

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/22.md)

### 23. Bernie Madoff Exit Strategy Theory (1:16:15–1:17:59)

A speculative theory suggests Bernie Madoff may have used a hospital stay as a ruse to swap places with a double and escape to Paraguay. The hosts compare the situation to the death of Ken Lay of Enron, questioning the official narrative of Madoff's imprisonment.

Keywords: [bernie madoff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bernie-madoff.md), [fraud](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fraud.md), [paraguay](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paraguay.md), [ken lay](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ken-lay.md), [enron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/enron.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/23.md)

### 24. Examiner Report on Extraterrestrial Meetings (1:18:00–1:20:28)

An article from Examiner.com claims the U.S. military is holding face-to-face meetings with extraterrestrial life forms, including "Reptilians" and "Greys." The report cites retired military officials and suggests that the Christmas Day bombing was used as a media distraction to bury news of alien contact.

Keywords: examiner, [extraterrestrials](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/extraterrestrials.md), zeta reticuli, [dennis blair](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dennis-blair.md), charles bolden

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/24.md)

### 25. Project Censored Top 25 Stories of 2009 (1:20:29–1:25:56)

The hosts review the "Top 25 Censored Stories" list, highlighting items such as Japan's questioning of 9/11, the FBI's InfraGard program deputizing businesses, and the seizure of war protesters' assets. The list emphasizes stories that received little to no coverage in mainstream corporate media.

Keywords: project censored, [elliot spitzer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elliot-spitzer.md), [nato](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nato.md), infragard, [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/25.md)

### 26. Howard Bloom and The Genius of the Beast (1:25:58–1:29:19)

The book "The Genius of the Beast" by Howard Bloom is recommended for its analysis of biological and economic cycles. Bloom, a former music industry PR legend, argues that boom-and-bust cycles are inherent to human DNA and necessary for reinvention and innovation.

Keywords: howard bloom, genius of the beast, [music business](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/music-business.md), [cycles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cycles.md), [biology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/biology.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/26.md)

### 27. Avatar 3D Movie Critique and Mind Control (1:29:20–1:30:48)

James Cameron's film "Avatar" is criticized for its "bland science fiction" and stock characters. The hosts dismiss the 3D technology as a gimmick and suggest the film's immersive nature is a form of mental conditioning to keep viewers trapped in a lower state of consciousness.

Keywords: [james cameron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/james-cameron.md), [avatar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/avatar.md), 3d, [imax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/imax.md), [thom hartman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/thom-hartman.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/27.md)

### 28. Financial Times Hero and CIO of the Year (1:30:49–1:32:29)

The Financial Times is criticized for naming Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein as its "Person of the Year." Similarly, Information Week's naming of Vivek Kundra as "CIO of the Year" is mocked given his controversial history and role in the Obama administration.

Keywords: [lloyd blankfein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lloyd-blankfein.md), [goldman sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), [vivek kundra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vivek-kundra.md), [financial times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/financial-times.md), information week

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/28.md)

### 29. Codex Alimentarius and Global Food Regulation (1:32:30–1:35:40)

The implementation of Codex Alimentarius in Europe is discussed as a move toward total regulation of food and supplements. The hosts argue this "food law" undermines national sovereignty and gives a centralized "Ministry of Food" control over organic standards and genetically modified organisms.

Keywords: [codex alimentarius](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/codex-alimentarius.md), [gmo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gmo.md), food law, [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [sovereignty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sovereignty.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/29.md)

### 30. French Wine Industry and Anti-Drinking Laws (1:35:41–1:37:29)

The French government's implementation of strict anti-drinking and advertising laws is described as a blow to the country's traditional wine industry. The hosts compare these measures to the American Prohibition era, suggesting they are intended to make the population more docile.

Keywords: [france](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/france.md), [bordeaux](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bordeaux.md), [wine industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wine-industry.md), [prohibition](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prohibition.md), [alcohol](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alcohol.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/30.md)

### 31. UAV Surveillance Over the Netherlands (1:37:29–1:39:42)

The Dutch military is reportedly deploying hundreds of small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to monitor the New Year's Eve transition. While officially intended to prevent illegal fireworks and public disorder, the move is viewed as an expansion of domestic aerial surveillance.

Keywords: [uav](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/uav.md), [drones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drones.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md), [fireworks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fireworks.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/31.md)

### 32. Congressional Stock Performance and Ethics Waivers (1:39:43–1:41:28)

A Georgia State University study reveals that U.S. Senators' stock portfolios consistently outperform the market by over 12% annually. Meanwhile, the White House granted an ethics waiver to John Brennan, a former CIA officer and CEO of a private intelligence firm, to lead the review of the Christmas Day bombing.

Keywords: georgia state, [insider trading](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/insider-trading.md), [john brennan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-brennan.md), ethics waiver, [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/32.md)

### 33. Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis and Q Fever (1:41:29–1:43:29)

The emergence of "XXDR" tuberculosis, an extremely drug-resistant strain, is noted as a rising health threat. Additionally, the Dutch government's culling of 40,000 pregnant goats to combat "Q Fever" is discussed as a significant but underreported event in the Netherlands.

Keywords: xdr tb, [tuberculosis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tuberculosis.md), q fever, [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [goats](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goats.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/33.md)

### 34. Sports Soup Out of Context Humor (1:43:32–1:45:57)

A segment from the cable show "Sports Soup" is played, featuring a montage of sports commentators' phrases edited to sound like sexual double entendres. The hosts find the "Out of Context" concept amusing and suggest a similar edit could be made for their own program.

Keywords: sports soup, [cable tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cable-tv.md), out of context, [humor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/humor.md), [double entendre](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/double-entendre.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/34.md)

### 35. New Year's Resolutions and Media Projects (1:45:59–1:48:34)

The hosts share their 2010 resolutions, which include tripling the show's income and reviving the "Daily Source Code" podcast. Plans for New Year's Eve celebrations at Stinson Beach and the significance of the "Blue Moon" occurring on the holiday are also mentioned.

Keywords: [daily source code](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/daily-source-code.md), video show, stinson beach, [blue moon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blue-moon.md), [champagne](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/champagne.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/35.md)

### 36. Inuit Elders and Arctic Sky Changes (1:48:34–1:50:53)

A CBC report features Inuit elders claiming that the sun, moon, and stars are no longer appearing in their traditional positions in the sky. While the media attributes this to climate change, the hosts suggest it may be related to shifts in the Earth's magnetic poles.

Keywords: [inuit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/inuit.md), [arctic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/arctic.md), [cbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cbc.md), [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md), [magnetic poles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/magnetic-poles.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/36.md)

### 37. Episode 161 Outro and Sunday Preview (1:50:54–1:52:46)

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak conclude the final episode of 2009, wishing listeners a Happy New Year. They announce their return on Sunday, January 3, 2010, to continue their analysis of media and global events.

Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [2010](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2010.md), happy new year

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/161-obama-vs-cia/chapter/37.md)

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