# Show Me the Money! > Global markets reel as Akamai wins a massive patent victory, Google’s click-through rates plummet, and sovereign wealth funds step in to rescue failing European banks. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 19 - **Published:** 2008-03-01 - **Length:** 1h 23m - **Topics:** Akamai patent, [Google AdSense](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google-adsense.md), Sovereign Wealth, EADS contract, Beijing Airport, [Neelie Kroes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/neelie-kroes.md), Armagnac 1900 - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money ## About this episode Akamai Technologies secured a $45.5 million patent infringement victory against Limelight Networks in a Massachusetts court, triggering a 40% stock collapse and a wave of panic across the blogosphere. The verdict led to widespread rumors of an imminent network shutdown, highlighting the volatility of the content delivery market and the speed of misinformation on social media. Meanwhile, Google faces intense scrutiny as Comscore data reveals a significant drop in click-through rates, resulting in a $15 billion loss in market capitalization for the search giant. Global infrastructure shifts take center stage as Beijing Capital International Airport completes Terminal 3 in under four years, vastly outpacing Western development timelines like Heathrow’s Terminal 5. In the financial sector, Societe Generale and UBS face massive write-offs, signaling a transition where sovereign wealth funds from China and the Middle East act as lenders of last resort. The US military also sparked controversy by awarding a $35 billion aerial refueling tanker contract to EADS and Airbus over Boeing, despite the historic low of the US dollar. Additionally, Pakistan’s temporary block of YouTube, intended to censor a film by Geert Wilders, inadvertently disrupted global internet traffic, exposing the fragility of the single-gateway ISP model used in Dubai and beyond. Adam Curry recounts a London shopping excursion to Ted Baker with his wife Patricia, where a significant weight loss necessitated a new wardrobe and a resized wedding band. A dinner at Rubicon in San Francisco with a 1900 vintage Armagnac leads to a heated dispute over sommelier etiquette and the authenticity of the pour. The episode concludes with a critique of progressive political buzzwords like skin privilege and a look at the legality of garbage disposals in Berkeley. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/transcript.md. ### 1. Adam Curry, Ted Baker Suit Shopping Experience (0:01–3:48) Adam Curry describes a shopping trip in London orchestrated by his wife, Patricia, following his return from a San Francisco flight. Curry details his recent weight loss, noting a drop from suit size 42 to 40, which resulted in his wedding band slipping off. The pair visited Ted Baker to purchase two suits and shirts for approximately 700 pounds. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), ted baker, suit shopping, [weight loss](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weight-loss.md), [guildford](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/guildford.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Beijing Capital International Airport, Terminal 3 Construction Speed (3:48–6:04) A discussion highlights the rapid completion of the world's largest airport terminal in Beijing, China, which was built in less than four years. The facility is compared to Heathrow's Terminal 5, which took significantly longer to develop. The scale of the two-mile-long building is noted as a sign of China's growing infrastructure dominance. Keywords: [beijing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/beijing.md), [terminal 5](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/terminal-5.md), [heathrow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/heathrow.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), airport construction [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Personal Shopping Habits, Business Travel Car Rentals (6:05–8:20) The conversation shifts to personal preferences regarding shopping and travel logistics. One speaker expresses a dislike for shopping unless it is made into a performance, while the other enjoys scrounging for items in new cities. A strategy for business travel is shared, involving renting cars in most cities except New York or London to explore local trendy restaurants. Keywords: [shopping](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shopping.md), [car rentals](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/car-rentals.md), business travel, [restaurants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/restaurants.md), travel habits [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Rubicon Restaurant, Sommelier Expertise and Grappa (8:20–13:00) A dinner at Rubicon in San Francisco serves as the basis for a critique of modern wine service and sommelier expertise. The experience involved testing a pretentious sommelier's knowledge compared to legendary figures like Larry Stone. An anecdote about a French sommelier at City Hall in New York illustrates how a high-quality Grappa changed a previous negative perception of the spirit as "paint thinner." Keywords: [rubicon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rubicon.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [sommelier](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sommelier.md), larry stone, [grappa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/grappa.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Restaurant Ownership, Wine Service Etiquette (13:01–17:20) Rubicon's ownership by Francis Ford Coppola and Robert De Niro is discussed alongside a critique of "pretentious" wine service tools like the wine cradle. The speakers argue that high-end service often feels out of place in California restaurants that use paper tablecloths. A recommendation is made for Le Procope in Paris as a definitive example of the bistro style. Keywords: [francis ford coppola](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/francis-ford-coppola.md), [robert de niro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/robert-de-niro.md), [rubicon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rubicon.md), wine cradle, bistro [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Armagnac 1900, Distillation Dates and Service Errors (17:20–21:14) During the Rubicon dinner, the pair ordered a 1900 vintage Armagnac, which led to a dispute with the staff regarding its authenticity. Despite the waiter's claims that the date referred to a solera system, the bottle label confirmed it was distilled in 1900. The segment concludes with a complaint about the waiter pouring the final remnants of the bottle into only one of their glasses. Keywords: [armagnac](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/armagnac.md), [cognac](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cognac.md), 1900 vintage, distillation, restaurant service [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Akamai vs Limelight, Patent Litigation and Twitter Panic (21:14–28:09) Akamai Technologies won a $45.5 million patent infringement suit against Limelight Networks in a Massachusetts court. The verdict caused a 40% drop in Limelight's stock and triggered a panic on Twitter among content producers at Podshow, who feared a network shutdown. The situation is cited as an example of "shoddy journalism" and mob mentality in the blogosphere. Keywords: [akamai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/akamai.md), limelight networks, patent suit, [podshow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podshow.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Google Click-Through Rates, Comscore Data Controversy (28:10–30:37) Comscore released data showing a decline in Google's click-through rates, leading to a $15 billion loss in Google's market capitalization. The CEO of Comscore eventually issued a clarification to explain the data's nuances. The discussion suggests that while click-through rates may be down, the overall effectiveness and revenue generation of the AdWords system remain robust. Keywords: [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md), [comscore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/comscore.md), [click-through rate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/click-through-rate.md), [adwords](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adwords.md), [market cap](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/market-cap.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Google AdSense, Black Box Algorithms and Market Dominance (30:37–34:15) A critique of media coverage regarding Google argues that journalists fail to investigate the company's "black box" advertising algorithms. Google's control over both the buy and sell sides of the online ad market is highlighted as a unique monopoly. An anecdote mentions a meeting with an original engineer of the system Google acquired to build AdSense. Keywords: [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md), [adsense](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adsense.md), [marketwatch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketwatch.md), [black box](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/black-box.md), auction system [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Tech Talent Acquisition, Microsoft vs Google Engineering (34:16–37:55) The discussion explores why major tech firms like Microsoft and Yahoo fail to recruit the "superstar" engineers who built foundational systems for competitors. While non-compete clauses exist, they are often difficult to enforce in the Silicon Valley "right to work" environment. Microsoft is criticized for a "not invented here" culture that prioritizes internal development over external talent. Keywords: [microsoft](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/microsoft.md), [yahoo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yahoo.md), tech talent, non-compete, [windows nt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/windows-nt.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/10.md) ### 11. British Tea Etiquette, Garbage Disposal Legality (37:55–41:37) A listener's complaint about American tea-making habits sparks a debate on the proper way to brew tea, specifically regarding the order of milk and water. The speakers defend PG Tips while the listener suggests Yorkshire Tea. The segment transitions into a discussion on the illegality of garbage disposals in Berkeley, California, due to local environmental regulations. Keywords: [pg tips](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pg-tips.md), [yorkshire tea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yorkshire-tea.md), tea brewing, garbage disposals, [berkeley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/berkeley.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Wine Recommendations, Rosso di Montalcino (41:37–43:07) In response to a listener seeking a wine pairing for pasta under $100, Rosso di Montalcino is recommended. Described as the "second wine" of Brunello, it is noted for being high quality, well-priced on restaurant lists, and more immediately drinkable than its more expensive counterparts. Keywords: rosso di montalcino, brunello, italian wine, pasta pairing, [wine list](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wine-list.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Pakistan YouTube Block, Geert Wilders Controversy (43:07–46:40) Pakistan's temporary block of YouTube, which inadvertently affected global traffic, is linked to an anti-Koran movie by Dutch politician Geert Wilders. The discussion covers broader internet censorship trends in the Middle East, specifically in Dubai, where single-gateway ISPs control access to social media and political content. Keywords: [pakistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pakistan.md), [youtube](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/youtube.md), [geert wilders](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/geert-wilders.md), [dubai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dubai.md), [internet censorship](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/internet-censorship.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Facebook Messaging, Generational Shifts in Email Use (46:41–48:46) The shift away from traditional email toward Facebook's internal messaging system is discussed, noting that younger users prefer the "protected environment" of social networks. The permanence of Facebook messages is compared to the ephemeral nature of Instant Messaging (IM) and the threading capabilities of Skype. Keywords: [facebook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/facebook.md), [email](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/email.md), [skype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skype.md), [social networking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-networking.md), [communication](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/communication.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/14.md) ### 15. AT&T Network Reliability, International Roaming Issues (48:46–52:34) Frustrations with AT&T's SMS delivery delays and international roaming failures are detailed, including instances where text messages arrived days late. The technical difficulties of accessing voicemail while in the UK are highlighted, alongside a brief technical discussion on reconfiguring buttons on the Nokia E61 handset. Keywords: [at&t](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/at-t.md), [sms](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sms.md), [roaming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/roaming.md), nokia e61, [voicemail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/voicemail.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/15.md) ### 16. European Banking Crisis, Sovereign Wealth Funds (52:34–56:49) Major European banks, including Societe Generale and UBS, are facing massive write-offs and leadership resignations. The discussion posits that Sovereign Wealth Funds from China and the Middle East are becoming the primary lenders of last resort. This shift is attributed partly to the regulatory burdens of Sarbanes-Oxley in the US and similar tax changes in the UK. Keywords: societe generale, [ubs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ubs.md), sovereign wealth funds, [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [sarbanes-oxley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarbanes-oxley.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Journalistic Predictions, Self-Correction and Ego (56:49–58:30) The hosts engage in a meta-discussion about the tendency of journalists to claim credit for early predictions. One host accuses the other of constantly referencing past columns to validate current arguments, while the other claims it is merely for "clarification" of a premise. Keywords: [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md), [marketwatch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketwatch.md), [predictions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/predictions.md), [media criticism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-criticism.md), [ego](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ego.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/17.md) ### 18. American Manufacturing, Harley Davidson History (58:31–59:54) A listener suggests the program "John Ratzenberger's Made in America" as proof that manufacturing still exists in the US. Harley Davidson is cited as an iconic American brand that survived a period of poor quality under AMF ownership. The hosts discuss various motorcycle models, including the Sportster and the Fat Boy. Keywords: john ratzenberger, [harley davidson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harley-davidson.md), amf, [manufacturing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manufacturing.md), [motorcycles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/motorcycles.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/18.md) ### 19. EADS Supertanker Contract, Boeing vs Airbus Dispute (59:54–1:03:05) The US military awarded a $35 billion contract for aerial refueling tankers to EADS (Airbus) over Boeing, sparking controversy. The hosts question the logic of buying European products when the US dollar is at a historic low. They speculate the deal might be a political "makeup" for past disputes over government subsidies in the aerospace industry. Keywords: [eads](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eads.md), [airbus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/airbus.md), [boeing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boeing.md), supertankers, military contract [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Neelie Kroes, EU Microsoft Fine and Revenue Distribution (1:03:06–1:06:57) EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes is praised for her "hard-ass" approach to antitrust enforcement following a billion-dollar fine against Microsoft. The discussion raises questions about where the collected fine money actually goes, comparing it to RIAA lawsuits where artists claim they never see the settlement funds. Keywords: [neelie kroes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/neelie-kroes.md), [microsoft](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/microsoft.md), [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [riaa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/riaa.md), [antitrust](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/antitrust.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Skin Privilege, Political Buzzwords and Progressive Code (1:06:58–1:10:50) A shooting in Berkeley involving a police officer leads to the discovery of the term "skin-privileged white woman" used in public discourse. The hosts analyze this as a new "code word" for the progressive movement, similar to terms like "truth to power" or "gravitas." They argue these linguistic shifts are used to identify members of specific political subcultures. Keywords: skin privilege, [bill moyers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-moyers.md), [progressive](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/progressive.md), [political correctness](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-correctness.md), [berkeley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/berkeley.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Sexist Language, Corporate Spokesperson Terminology (1:10:50–1:14:48) An anecdote from a former PC World writer describes an editor's insistence on using the term "spokesperson" instead of "representative" to avoid sexist language. The hosts discuss the absurdity of these linguistic requirements and how they relate to the broader culture of avoiding sexual harassment lawsuits in public companies. Keywords: [pc world](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pc-world.md), spokesperson, sexist language, [sexual harassment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sexual-harassment.md), [corporate culture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/corporate-culture.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Podcast Monetization, Public Radio Pledge Drives (1:14:49–1:18:18) The hosts discuss potential business models for the show, including the "begging for money" system used by Leo Laporte and public radio. They critique the intrusive nature of NPR pledge drives but acknowledge their effectiveness. The conversation touches on Howard Stern's success being rooted in his genuine interest in talking to people. Keywords: [monetization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monetization.md), [leo laporte](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/leo-laporte.md), [npr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/npr.md), [pledge drive](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pledge-drive.md), [howard stern](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/howard-stern.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Grant Funding, Fab Channel and Podcasting Grants (1:18:18–1:20:36) The possibility of securing foundation grants for podcasting is explored, citing "Fab Channel" in Amsterdam as a success story that received municipal seed money. The concept of "grantsmanship"—the specialized skill of navigating the application process for large foundations like Ford—is identified as a potential path for content creators. Keywords: [grants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/grants.md), [ford foundation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ford-foundation.md), fab channel, [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [grantsmanship](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/grantsmanship.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Audience Growth, Social Bookmarking and Sign-off (1:20:36–1:22:47) The show concludes with a call to action for listeners to share the program on social bookmarking sites like Reddit, StumbleUpon, and Digg. The hosts note that Reddit and StumbleUpon currently provide stronger traffic spikes than Digg. The episode officially signs off from the Curry Manor in Guildford and Northern California. Keywords: [reddit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reddit.md), digg, stumbleupon, jaiku, pounce [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/19-show-me-the-money/chapter/25.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/18-volvo-s-are-sexy.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/20-never-say-no-to-a-soldier.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. Every public page on this site has one: add `.md` to its URL, or request it with `Accept: text/markdown`. - [Site index for agents (llms.txt)](https://search.noagendashow.net/llms.txt) - [Home](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - [Search transcripts](https://search.noagendashow.net/search.md) - [All episodes](https://search.noagendashow.net/episodes.md) - [Topics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topics.md) - [People](https://search.noagendashow.net/people.md)