# Monica Crowley's Stilettos > A massive military deployment in Haiti masks a deeper economic restructuring as the FBI fakes terror photos and the FDA reverses its stance on BPA safety. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 166 - **Published:** 2010-01-17 - **Length:** 2h 5m - **Topics:** Haiti invasion, Bin Laden fraud, Tungsten gold, Monsanto wheat, BPA safety, Chantix side effects - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos ## About this episode The 2010 Haiti earthquake has triggered a massive U.S. military deployment that critics characterize as a friendly invasion. Hillary Clinton and the International Monetary Fund are moving to restructure the Haitian economy through high-interest loans and luxury resort development in the north. This geopolitical shift occurs as Bill Clinton faces renewed scrutiny for past trade policies that decimated the local rice industry in favor of American exports. Beyond the Caribbean, the FBI is under fire for releasing a fraudulent composite photo of Osama Bin Laden that was actually created by morphing an image of Spanish politician Gaspar Llamazares. In the financial sector, reports of tungsten-filled gold bars at the Bank of England have sparked calls for a full audit of U.S. reserves at Fort Knox. Meanwhile, Monsanto has expanded its genetically modified reach by acquiring Westbread for $45 million, while the Gates Foundation hired former Monsanto executive Sam Dryden to lead its global agricultural initiatives. In a lighter but equally critical segment, the hosts mock Monica Crowley for her choice of stiletto heels on the McLaughlin Group and call out Margaret Hoover for confusing Plato with Aristotle. The episode also features a breakdown of the career-ending meltdown of 1950s comic Shelly Berman and a look at why an 11-year-old in San Diego was met by an arson strike team for bringing a Gatorade bottle science project to school. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/transcript.md. ### 1. Weather Science Discrepancies, Purdue Unisys Satellite Maps (0:01–1:56) The hosts critique local weather forecasting accuracy in San Francisco and Northern Silicon Valley, noting that predicted storms often fail to materialize as described. They recommend using Purdue University and Unisys satellite maps for more reliable 12-hour loops and weather tracking. Current data indicates heavy rainfall is concentrated in the Pacific Northwest and Oregon rather than California. Keywords: [weather report](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weather-report.md), [purdue university](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/purdue-university.md), [unisys](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/unisys.md), [satellite imagery](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/satellite-imagery.md), [pacific northwest](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pacific-northwest.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Roman Vizintine Knighthood, No Agenda Executive Producers (1:56–6:05) Roman Vizintine is named the executive producer for episode 166 after donating $1,000, earning him an official knighthood in the No Agenda Roundtable. Associate executive producers Ralph Nelson, Britai, and Oliver Judge are also recognized for their financial support. The hosts emphasize that these listener-funded credits are as professionally valuable as film credits for major productions like Avatar. Keywords: roman vizintine, [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [executive producer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/executive-producer.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/2.md) ### 3. James Cameron, Avatar Box Office Success (6:06–7:35) Director James Cameron is criticized for his public comments regarding the $1.3 billion box office success of Avatar. The hosts reference his "king of the world" persona from the Titanic era and his dismissal of critics as "nattering nabobs of negativity." They suggest high-profile figures in Hollywood and politics are increasingly monitoring the podcast. Keywords: [james cameron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/james-cameron.md), [avatar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/avatar.md), [oscars](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oscars.md), [titanic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/titanic.md), nattering nabobs [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Haiti Earthquake, Friendly Invasion Allegations (7:36–12:51) The 2010 Haiti earthquake is characterized as a "friendly invasion" by the United States military, which deployed thousands of troops and warships to the region. Observations of media coverage highlight a lack of visible official coordination, with news crews like CNN's Anderson Cooper and Sanjay Gupta appearing to perform rescue roles. The presence of 10,000 aid organizations is noted alongside skepticism regarding the true intent of the humanitarian mission. Keywords: [haiti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haiti.md), [port-au-prince](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/port-au-prince.md), [earthquake](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/earthquake.md), friendly invasion, [anderson cooper](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anderson-cooper.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Hillary Clinton, Haiti Resort Development Plans (12:51–15:18) Hillary Clinton's visit to Haiti is linked to a broader "rescue, relief, and reform" meme aimed at restructuring the nation's economy. Speculation suggests that Northern Haiti will be transformed into a luxury resort destination for wealthy Americans to rival Canadian-influenced Cuba. The hosts argue that the proximity of Guantanamo Bay provides the necessary infrastructure for this long-term territorial and economic shift. Keywords: [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [haiti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haiti.md), [tourism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tourism.md), [cuba](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cuba.md), reform [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Haiti History, French Debt, Slave Revolts (15:20–17:37) The historical context of Haiti is examined, focusing on its status as a slave culture that successfully revolted against French rule 200 years ago. To participate in the global economy, Haiti was forced to pay massive reparations to its former French masters, a debt that crippled the nation for generations. The hosts compare this historical burden to modern IMF loans that come with strict conditions on minimum wage and utility prices. Keywords: [haiti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haiti.md), napoleon iii, slave revolt, [france](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/france.md), [debt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/debt.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Pat Robertson, Joy Behar, Haiti Devil Pact Claims (17:37–20:56) Televangelist Pat Robertson sparked controversy by claiming Haiti's suffering stems from a historical "pact with the devil" made to escape French rule under Napoleon III. Joy Behar and Arianna Huffington criticized these remarks on CNN, though the hosts point out Behar's factual errors regarding the timeline of the 1700s versus the 1800s. The segment deconstructs the media's reaction to Robertson's metaphorical and religious interpretation of Haitian history. Keywords: [pat robertson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pat-robertson.md), [joy behar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joy-behar.md), [arianna huffington](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/arianna-huffington.md), napoleon iii, devil pact [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/7.md) ### 8. IMF Loans, Bill Clinton, Haitian Rice Industry (20:56–26:11) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is described as the "new devil" for offering Haiti a $65 million loan contingent on freezing minimum wages and raising electricity prices. Historical criticism is leveled at Bill Clinton for policies that eliminated rice import tariffs, which destroyed Haiti's domestic rice industry in favor of U.S. exports. The hosts argue that both political parties have contributed to Haiti's economic instability through such interventions. Keywords: [imf](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/imf.md), [bill clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-clinton.md), [haiti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haiti.md), rice imports, [tariffs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tariffs.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Democracy Now, Twitter Journalism, Olufsen Hotel (26:13–27:52) The news program Democracy Now is criticized for its coverage of the Haiti earthquake, which featured a journalist in Brooklyn reading tweets from Richard Morse at the Olufsen Hotel. The hosts mock this reliance on social media as a substitute for on-the-ground reporting. They argue that reading publicly available tweets does not constitute professional journalism during a major disaster. Keywords: [democracy now](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/democracy-now.md), kim ives, [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [port-au-prince](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/port-au-prince.md), olufsen hotel [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Wyclef Jean, Yele Haiti Foundation, Charity Scrutiny (27:52–30:41) The Yele Haiti Foundation, led by musician Wyclef Jean, faced immediate scrutiny from the Better Business Bureau and The Smoking Gun regarding its accounting practices. Critics questioned the organization's ability to function and its past IRS tax returns from 2005 to 2007. The rapid release of these negative reports suggests to the hosts that the information may have been prepared in advance by intelligence or vetting agencies. Keywords: [wyclef jean](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wyclef-jean.md), yele haiti, [better business bureau](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/better-business-bureau.md), [irs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/irs.md), [smoking gun](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smoking-gun.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Haiti Sweatshops, Imperialism, Casino Tax Havens (30:42–33:06) A debate ensues over whether a total U.S. takeover of Haiti would benefit the indigenous population by replacing corrupt local governance with managed "official" sweatshops and resorts. The hosts suggest Haiti could serve as a closer tax haven and casino hub than Paraguay. This imperialistic approach is framed as a potential "miracle" for the country's infrastructure over the next 20 years. Keywords: [haiti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haiti.md), sweatshops, [imperialism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/imperialism.md), [casinos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/casinos.md), [tax haven](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tax-haven.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Schweitzer Hospital, Humanitarian Aid, Embedded Journalists (33:07–34:36) Listeners are encouraged to donate to the Schweitzer Hospital located 80 miles north of Port-au-Prince, which is managed by a husband-and-wife team and currently overwhelmed by casualties. The hosts contrast this direct aid with the "lottery" system used by the DHS and DOD to fly embedded journalists into the country. They warn that large aid organizations often consume funds through overhead rather than direct relief. Keywords: schweitzer hospital, porter prince, [humanitarian aid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/humanitarian-aid.md), embedded journalists, [dhs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dhs.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Media Discrepancies, Earthquake Footage, Heritage Foundation (34:37–38:42) The hosts question the authenticity of media footage from Haiti, noting that many survivors appear clean and well-dressed despite the lack of water. They allege that news outlets are recycling aerial footage from other earthquakes and focusing on "rescuing babies" to improve the U.S. public image. The Heritage Foundation is cited as a key proponent of using the disaster to reshape Haiti's government and economy. Keywords: earthquake footage, [anderson cooper](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anderson-cooper.md), [heritage foundation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/heritage-foundation.md), [propaganda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/propaganda.md), waikiki [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Scalar Weapons, Tesla Howitzers, Iran Earthquake Prediction (38:43–41:40) A theory is presented suggesting the Haiti earthquake was caused by a "scalar weapon" or "Tesla howitzer" rather than natural tectonic activity. The hosts point to the lack of damage in the neighboring Dominican Republic as evidence of a targeted event. They claim to have predicted a subsequent 5.0 magnitude earthquake in Western Iran, which they attribute to the same man-made technology. Keywords: [scalar weapons](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/scalar-weapons.md), tesla howitzer, [nikola tesla](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nikola-tesla.md), [iran](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iran.md), [earthquake machine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/earthquake-machine.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Chantal Gillard, Climate Change, Dutch Politics (41:41–44:05) Dutch politician Chantal Gillard is mocked for a tweet linking the Haiti earthquake to climate change and calling for immediate environmental action. The hosts report that the "Twitter sphere" reacted with intense criticism to her claims. Similar comments from actor Danny Glover are also dismissed as part of a broader effort to use the disaster to push a climate change agenda. Keywords: chantal gillard, [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), danny glover [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Local Elections, Healthcare Bill, Media Distraction (44:06–45:48) The intense media focus on Haiti is described as a distraction that allows the government to pass controversial legislation, such as the healthcare bill, with minimal public scrutiny. The hosts warn that local elections and significant policy changes often occur quietly while the public is preoccupied with international disasters. They urge listeners to remain diligent about domestic news during these periods. Keywords: [healthcare bill](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/healthcare-bill.md), [local elections](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/local-elections.md), [media distraction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-distraction.md), [news cycle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/news-cycle.md), [legislation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/legislation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Shelly Berman, Career-Ending Documentary, Ego in Media (45:51–48:24) The career of 1950s stand-up comic Shelly Berman is discussed, specifically how it was ruined by a DuPont documentary that captured him having an angry backstage meltdown. The incident occurred after a telephone rang during his signature "phone call" bit, leading to a televised outburst that alienated his audience. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ego and public displays of temper. Keywords: shelly berman, [bob newhart](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bob-newhart.md), [documentary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/documentary.md), [stand-up comedy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stand-up-comedy.md), [ego](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ego.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Chantix Side Effects, Depression, Hallucinations (48:25–54:13) The smoking cessation drug Chantix is criticized for severe side effects, including mania, suicidal depression, and vivid hallucinations. Listener emails describe "demon creatures," extreme anger, and a "light buzz" that turns into a psychological nightmare upon stopping the medication. One host shares that his partner experienced a total mental breakdown after using the drug, eventually returning to smoking to alleviate the withdrawal symptoms. Keywords: [chantix](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chantix.md), [pfizer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pfizer.md), [smoking cessation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smoking-cessation.md), [depression](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/depression.md), [hallucinations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hallucinations.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/18.md) ### 19. FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg, Pfizer Ad Blitz (54:14–1:00:07) Dr. Margaret "Peggy" Hamburg, the FDA Commissioner, is scrutinized for her background and the agency's approval of controversial drugs like Chantix. The hosts compare the current FDA environment to the era when aspartame was approved under political pressure. Reports indicate Pfizer is planning an "ad blitz" to counter negative scrutiny regarding Chantix's safety profile, which the hosts characterize as a legal drug trade. Keywords: margaret hamburg, [fda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fda.md), [pfizer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pfizer.md), [aspartame](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aspartame.md), [pharmaceutical industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pharmaceutical-industry.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Global Donations, Dutch Listeners, Alien Deception (1:00:08–1:04:02) Donations are acknowledged from listeners in the Netherlands, Zurich, and the United States, with a special focus on the large Dutch audience. A message from a donor in Zurich warns about the deceptive nature of advanced alien races, specifically the "Greys." The hosts discuss the "No Agenda aliens" and the challenges of living under the Dutch monarchy's increasing surveillance, such as GPS boxes in cars. Keywords: [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [zurich](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zurich.md), [aliens](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aliens.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Marriage Totalitarianism, FBI Jumbotron, Retroactive Credits (1:04:03–1:08:44) A donor's message criticizes government-approved marriage as a sign of totalitarianism, while the hosts note the "creepy" presence of FBI Most Wanted lists on Times Square jumbotrons. A request to retroactively name executive producers for early episodes is denied to maintain the integrity of the credit system. The hosts also announce upcoming changes to the donation links on their website to accommodate different subscription levels. Keywords: [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), [times square](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/times-square.md), [marriage licenses](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marriage-licenses.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [executive producer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/executive-producer.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Osama Bin Laden, FBI Composite Photo, Spanish Politician (1:08:44–1:11:18) The FBI is ridiculed for releasing a "new" aged composite photo of Osama Bin Laden that was actually created by morphing a photo of Spanish politician Gaspar Llamazares. The hosts argue this proves the agency's aging technology is fraudulent and merely uses basic Photoshop techniques. They also point out that Bin Laden is not officially wanted for the September 11th attacks on the FBI's own website. Keywords: [osama bin laden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/osama-bin-laden.md), [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), composite photo, gaspar llamazares, [photoshop](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/photoshop.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Sam Kekovic, Australian Lamb Commercial, International Australia Day (1:11:18–1:15:21) Australian rules footballer Sam Kekovic stars in a humorous commercial for the Lamb Council, calling for the United Nations to declare January 26th as "International Australia Day." The ad uses puns and satire to promote lamb consumption as a solution to global conflict, referencing "Islamabad" and "Jerusalem." The hosts praise the humor, noting that such content might be deemed too politically incorrect for American television. Keywords: sam kekovic, [australia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/australia.md), [lamb](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lamb.md), [united nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-nations.md), international australia day [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Tungsten Gold Bars, NYMEX Investigation, Rothschild Withdrawal (1:15:21–1:20:51) Reports of fake gold bars filled with tungsten in the Bank of England and Fort Knox are discussed, following a 2009 incident where China discovered fraudulent bars. The hosts link this to a 2004 investigation of a NYMEX executive and the subsequent withdrawal of NM Rothschild and Sons from the London gold market. They call for a public audit and physical testing of U.S. gold reserves to verify their authenticity. Keywords: [gold bars](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gold-bars.md), [tungsten](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tungsten.md), nymex, [rothschild](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rothschild.md), [fort knox](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fort-knox.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Monica Crowley, Margaret Hoover, Aristotle Republic Error (1:20:53–1:24:28) Commentator Margaret Hoover is criticized for a factual error on television where she attributed Plato's "The Republic" to Aristotle. The hosts also mock Monica Crowley's choice of "dominatrix-style" stiletto heels on the McLaughlin Group. The segment highlights the perceived lack of intellectual depth and the focus on visual aesthetics among cable news pundits. Keywords: [monica crowley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monica-crowley.md), [margaret hoover](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/margaret-hoover.md), [aristotle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aristotle.md), [plato](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/plato.md), the republic [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/25.md) ### 26. Swine Flu Vaccine, H1N1 Surplus, County Health Departments (1:24:28–1:26:42) Local health departments are reportedly struggling to distribute a massive surplus of H1N1 vaccines that the public is refusing to take. The hosts play a clip of a county official pleading with citizens to get vaccinated "to help us out" and limit the impact on the community. They suggest the vaccine was over-hyped by pharmaceutical companies and the media to secure government contracts. Keywords: [h1n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1.md), [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [vaccine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccine.md), [pharmaceutical companies](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pharmaceutical-companies.md), [public health](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-health.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Tea Party Movement, Grassroots vs AstroTurf, Media Strategy (1:26:43–1:31:17) The media's portrayal of the Tea Party movement has shifted from labeling it "AstroTurf" to acknowledging it as a "true grassroots movement." The hosts analyze a discussion from the McLaughlin Group, suggesting that pundits are now "hedging their bets" because the movement has grown too large to ignore. They argue that the media is attempting to identify or install a leader to co-opt the movement's power. Keywords: [tea party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tea-party.md), [mclaughlin group](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mclaughlin-group.md), [grassroots](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/grassroots.md), [astroturf](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/astroturf.md), [media memes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-memes.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/27.md) ### 28. Sarah Palin, Tea Party Leadership, Ross Perot (1:31:17–1:36:32) Political analysts are discussing Sarah Palin as a potential leader for the Tea Party movement, a move the hosts view as a "sinister" attempt to co-opt grassroots energy. They compare the current movement to the "Perotistas" of the 1990s and the Buchanan Brigades. The hosts warn that Palin's high-profile role at Fox News makes her a tool for established interests rather than a genuine representative of the Tea Party. Keywords: [sarah palin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarah-palin.md), [tea party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tea-party.md), [ross perot](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ross-perot.md), [pat buchanan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pat-buchanan.md), [fox news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox-news.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/28.md) ### 29. Salt Reduction Initiative, FDA, UK Food Criticism (1:36:32–1:43:30) The FDA and New York City health officials are launching a "National Salt Reduction Initiative" to cut sodium levels in food by 25%. A Fox News report by Brian Wilson is played, which includes a controversial jab at British cuisine, claiming UK food is so bad that salt is required to "choke it down." The Salt Institute defends sodium as a natural preservative and essential element, while the hosts view the initiative as government overreach. Keywords: [salt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/salt.md), [fda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fda.md), margaret hamburg, [sodium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sodium.md), [fox news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox-news.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/29.md) ### 30. Parenting Classes, Victoria Australia, Pat Buchanan (1:43:31–1:46:53) The state of Victoria in Australia has introduced a program where government social workers teach parents how to raise their children, including disciplining and meal planning. The hosts characterize this as a radical expansion of state control over private life. Additionally, they briefly mention a rumor that Pat Buchanan might consider a presidential run with Sarah Palin as his vice president. Keywords: [victoria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/victoria.md), [australia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/australia.md), [parenting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/parenting.md), [social workers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-workers.md), [pat buchanan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pat-buchanan.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/30.md) ### 31. Monsanto Wheat Acquisition, Sam Dryden, Gates Foundation (1:46:54–1:50:20) Monsanto has acquired Westbread for $45 million to expand its genetically modified portfolio into wheat. Simultaneously, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation hired Sam Dryden, a former Monsanto executive and biotech specialist, to lead its agricultural efforts. The hosts express concern over Dryden's extensive ties to the World Bank, Rockefeller Foundation, and Council on Foreign Relations, suggesting a global agenda for GMO dominance. Keywords: [monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), westbread, [gates foundation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gates-foundation.md), sam dryden, [gmos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gmos.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/31.md) ### 32. BPA Safety Shift, FDA Warning, Plastic Bottles (1:50:21–1:53:08) In a significant policy reversal, FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg announced concerns regarding the safety of Bisphenol A (BPA) in plastic bottles and food packaging. The agency now warns that BPA may affect the brain and prostate glands of infants and children, despite declaring it safe in 2008. Mothers are advised to limit exposure by avoiding scratched plastics and not heating liquids in BPA-containing vessels. Keywords: [bpa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bpa.md), [fda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fda.md), margaret hamburg, [plastic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/plastic.md), baby bottles [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/32.md) ### 33. Afghanistan Drug Trade, US Military, Poppy Fields (1:53:09–1:56:48) Iranian officials have formally accused the U.S., Britain, and Canada of facilitating the drug trade in Afghanistan, which produces 90% of the world's opium. The report claims that 13,000 tons of "drug catalysts" are smuggled through borders controlled by Western troops. The hosts discuss widely available images of U.S. troops appearing to protect poppy fields, suggesting the military is complicit in the heroin trade. Keywords: [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [opium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium.md), [poppy fields](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poppy-fields.md), [iran](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iran.md), drug catalysts [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/33.md) ### 34. Weight Watchers Floor Collapse, The Mighty B, Atlas Shrugged (1:56:49–1:58:19) A Weight Watchers clinic in Sweden made headlines after the floor collapsed during a meeting, an event the hosts find ironically humorous. In another media observation, the Nickelodeon show "The Mighty B" is noted for including a reference to Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" in a character's survival kit. These items are presented as "real news" highlights from the week. Keywords: [weight watchers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weight-watchers.md), [sweden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sweden.md), [nickelodeon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nickelodeon.md), [atlas shrugged](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/atlas-shrugged.md), real news [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/34.md) ### 35. San Diego School Lockdown, Science Project, Motion Detector (1:58:21–2:01:34) Millennial Tech Magnet Middle School in San Diego was placed on a two-hour lockdown after an 11-year-old student brought a homemade motion detector to class. Despite the device being a harmless science project made from a Gatorade bottle and wires, police and the arson strike team were called. The student was not prosecuted but was ordered to undergo counseling, which the hosts criticize as an irrational overreaction by school authorities. Keywords: [san diego](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-diego.md), [lockdown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lockdown.md), science project, motion detector, millennial tech [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/35.md) ### 36. NOAA Temperature Data, Climate Change, Show Sign-off (2:01:36–2:05:08) The hosts conclude by discussing reports that NOAA and GISS have significantly reduced the number of active weather stations from 6,000 to 1,500 since the 1970s. They allege this reduction creates a warming bias by removing data from higher latitudes and elevations. The episode ends with a call for listener support and a reminder that the show operates on an "oath of poverty" to provide independent analysis. Keywords: [noaa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/noaa.md), giss, [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md), [weather stations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weather-stations.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/166-monica-crowley-s-stilettos/chapter/36.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/165-earthquake-machine-strikes-haiti.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/167-flying-upside-down.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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