# Smoke Gets In Your Eyes > A volcanic eruption in Iceland grounds European flights while financial whistleblowers and secretive military launches suggest a global agenda hidden behind the smoke of a natural disaster. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 192 - **Published:** 2010-04-18 - **Length:** 2h 7m - **Topics:** Ashmageddon, [X-37B](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/x-37b.md), [Glass-Steagall](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/glass-steagall.md), [Harry Markopolos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harry-markopolos.md), Cleggmania, NLE10, Haiti recovery - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes ## About this episode The 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland, dubbed Ashmageddon, triggered a total shutdown of European airspace that critics claim was a calculated overreaction. While Eurocontrol and government officials cited safety concerns, airlines like KLM and Lufthansa reported no engine damage during test flights, leading to speculation that the grounding was a maneuver to favor high-speed rail infrastructure during a French engineer strike. Secondary stories include the U.S. Air Force launch of the secretive X-37B robotic space vehicle from Cape Canaveral and reports from British soldier Carl Klaus regarding widespread heroin use among the Afghan National Police. In the United States, Senator Mike Johans faced criticism for refusing to support the return of the Glass-Steagall Act during C-SPAN hearings, while whistleblower Harry Markopolos detailed the SEC's failure to prevent the Madoff Ponzi scheme. Meanwhile, President Barack Obama issued an executive order regarding the conflict in Somalia as FEMA prepares for the NLE10 nuclear detonation exercise. Sir iShare Media received a knighting ceremony following a significant contribution to the value-for-value model. The segment also highlights the release of a haiku book by European Council President Herman Van Rompuy and a visibly rattled Bill Maher using a racial slur during an HBO monologue about nuclear summits. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/transcript.md. ### 1. Ashmageddon, Volcanic Ash Flight Disruptions and Train Strikes (0:01–2:28) The 2010 eruption of the Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland, referred to as Ashmageddon, resulted in massive disruptions to European aviation. Speculation arises regarding the timing of the event coinciding with a railroad engineer strike in France, suggesting a potential push to favor rail travel over aviation. The response to the crisis is framed as a manifestation of the Rahm Emanuel doctrine of never letting a crisis go to waste to instill fear regarding the reliability of air travel. Keywords: ashmageddon, [iceland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iceland.md), [volcano](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/volcano.md), [air travel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-travel.md), train strike, [rahm emanuel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rahm-emanuel.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Executive Producer Credits, Knighting Ceremony and PR Associates (2:28–10:00) The episode 192 executive producers include Werner Flipson, AJ Tissier, and Matthew Hawking, who each contributed $333.33, a recurring numerical theme in the donations. Associate executive producers recognized include iShare Media, Nina Kristen Hetland from Norway, and Charles Hendrickson from Indiana. The knighting of Sir iShare Media is discussed alongside potential PR associate candidates who have promoted the show through Xbox Live gamertags and other initiatives. Keywords: werner flipson, aj tissier, matthew hawking, nina kristen hetland, charles hendrickson [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/2.md) ### 3. General Aviation Grounding, Mirage Jet Interceptions in Europe (10:01–13:10) Reports from Europe indicate that even small general aviation aircraft flying under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) were grounded despite clear skies. Anecdotes describe private pilots being intercepted by French Mirage jets and the Royal Air Force for attempting to fly during the ash cloud restrictions. Media coverage of the event is criticized, specifically highlighting a segment by Rick Sanchez questioning how a volcano could exist in a cold climate like Iceland. Keywords: [general aviation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/general-aviation.md), mirage jets, [vfr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vfr.md), royal air force, [rick sanchez](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rick-sanchez.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Eurocontrol Volcanic Ash Exercises, Flight Safety Skepticism (13:28–22:28) Eurocontrol reportedly conducted volcanic ash disaster exercises in Italy in November 2009 but had not prepared for an Icelandic eruption despite the common transatlantic flight paths over the region. Airlines such as KLM and Lufthansa conducted test flights through the purported ash zones, finding no damage to engines or significant ash accumulation. The total shutdown of European airspace is characterized as a government-led overreaction based on computer models rather than empirical aviation data. Keywords: [eurocontrol](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eurocontrol.md), icao, vaac, [klm](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/klm.md), [lufthansa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lufthansa.md), [volcanic ash](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/volcanic-ash.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/4.md) ### 5. High-Speed Rail Promotion, Economic Impact of Aviation Shutdown (22:28–26:00) The grounding of flights is viewed as a potential catalyst for promoting high-speed rail infrastructure, with mentions of Chinese contracts to build bullet trains in California. The economic fallout extends beyond passengers to include massive backlogs in mail and freight logistics for companies like FedEx. Predictions suggest the crisis will be used to argue that aviation is unreliable compared to rail transport. Keywords: [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [amtrak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amtrak.md), [fedex](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fedex.md), [logistics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/logistics.md), [infrastructure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/infrastructure.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/5.md) ### 6. US Rail Infrastructure, Amtrak vs. European Train Travel (26:01–32:06) A comparison of rail travel in the United States and Europe highlights the geographic impracticality of long-distance trains in America. While high-speed rail is efficient in densely populated European regions, it is deemed a "step backwards" for the U.S. due to the speed and cost-effectiveness of domestic flights like Virgin America. Personal anecdotes regarding Amtrak sleepers and the "trench" design of high-speed tracks illustrate the cultural and logistical differences. Keywords: [amtrak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amtrak.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [virgin america](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/virgin-america.md), [atlas shrugged](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/atlas-shrugged.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/6.md) ### 7. X-37B Space Vehicle Launch, Air Force Secretive Payload (32:06–35:51) The U.S. Air Force is scheduled to launch the X-37B robotic space vehicle from Cape Canaveral. The vehicle resembles a miniature space shuttle and carries a secretive payload in its experiment bay. There is speculation regarding whether the European airspace shutdown was intended to provide clear skies for military or space operations. Keywords: [x-37b](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/x-37b.md), [cape canaveral](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cape-canaveral.md), [air force](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-force.md), [space shuttle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/space-shuttle.md), payload [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Afghanistan War, Heroin Use Among Afghan Police (35:51–38:38) A BBC interview with a British serviceman, Carl Klaus, who lost a leg to an anti-tank mine in Afghanistan, reveals claims that the Afghan National Police are frequently under the influence of heroin. The soldier criticizes the lack of adequate armored vehicles, such as the Mastiff, which might have prevented his injuries. Media outlets are criticized for glossing over the revelation of widespread drug use among local security forces. Keywords: [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [heroin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/heroin.md), anti-tank mine, [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), mastiff vehicle [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Porn for the Blind, Braille Erotica Redefinition (38:38–40:19) CNN reported on the creation of "porn for the blind," consisting of books with raised images of naked bodies and braille descriptions. This is cited as an example of "newspeak" or the constant redefinition of common terms in modern media. The segment questions the classification of artistic tactile images as pornography. Keywords: [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), braille, porn for the blind, [newspeak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/newspeak.md), [linguistics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/linguistics.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Haiti Earthquake Recovery, Bill Clinton and Toothbrush Donations (40:21–43:08) Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have been active in Haiti recovery efforts, with Clinton downplaying corruption concerns regarding the $8 billion rebuilding fund. Unusual charitable initiatives are noted, including a "Haiti toothbrush donation month" advertised during baseball games. Critics argue the focus should be on direct aid rather than symbolic gestures or low-wage garment industry promotion. Keywords: [haiti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haiti.md), [bill clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-clinton.md), [george w. bush](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-w-bush.md), [clinton global initiative](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/clinton-global-initiative.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Red Cross Haiti Response, Gail McGovern Criticism (43:08–49:45) American Red Cross President Gail McGovern defended the organization's lack of a visible presence on the ground in Haiti, citing the logistical difficulty of feeding volunteers and a desire to "psychologically empower" the local Red Cross. Critics point out that the Red Cross has failed to brand its supplies or establish significant tent cities near Port-au-Prince, while the UN has built high-quality facilities for its own staff. Keywords: [red cross](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/red-cross.md), [gail mcgovern](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gail-mcgovern.md), [haiti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haiti.md), [port-au-prince](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/port-au-prince.md), relief aid [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Technical Difficulties, Time Warner Cable and Netgear Hardware (49:46–53:54) A discussion regarding recurring internet connection drops focuses on Time Warner Cable and a Netgear DOCSIS 3.0 gateway. The hardware is suspected of being too new or having firmware issues that cause the router to disconnect from the network during live broadcasts. Keywords: [time warner cable](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/time-warner-cable.md), [netgear](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netgear.md), docsis 3.0, [router](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/router.md), [technical support](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/technical-support.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Bill Maher on Breeders, Tax Credits and Consumption Tax (53:54–56:32) Comedian Bill Maher criticized the U.S. tax code on his HBO show, specifically targeting tax credits for parents, whom he referred to as "breeders." The panel discussion included British guests advocating for a Value Added Tax (VAT) in the United States. Maher's claims that the IRS only recently began "social engineering" are refuted by the long history of mortgage and dependent deductions. Keywords: [bill maher](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-maher.md), [hbo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hbo.md), [tax credits](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tax-credits.md), [vat](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vat.md), [social engineering](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-engineering.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Bill Maher Gaffe, Obama and the Chinaman Comment (56:32–59:34) During a monologue, Bill Maher used the term "Chinaman" while discussing President Barack Obama's interactions with the Chinese president at a nuclear summit. Maher appeared visibly rattled by his own use of the racially insensitive term. The segment also addresses Maher's tendency to label Tea Party members as "tea baggers" and his assertions regarding racism in political opposition. Keywords: [bill maher](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-maher.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [racism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/racism.md), [gaffe](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gaffe.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Countdown to Zero, Nuclear Terrorism Documentary (59:34–1:01:35) Producer Lawrence Bender, known for *An Inconvenient Truth*, has released a new documentary titled *Countdown to Zero* regarding the threat of nuclear terrorism. The film, which premiered at Sundance, is characterized as a fear-mongering tool designed to support the political agenda of the recent nuclear summit. The project is funded by eBay founder Jeff Skoll's Participant Media. Keywords: countdown to zero, lawrence bender, [nuclear weapons](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nuclear-weapons.md), jeff skoll, [documentary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/documentary.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Listener Donations, Timeshare Scams and Knighting Ceremony (1:01:35–1:06:28) Donations were received from Anastasia Parov, Jason Williams, and Robert Campbell, the latter of whom shared a story about being scammed by a timeshare marketing company. A knighting ceremony was performed for Sir iShare Media following a cumulative donation of $1,000. The segment emphasizes the "value-for-value" model of the show, which relies entirely on listener support rather than advertising. Keywords: anastasia parov, jason williams, robert campbell, timeshare, [karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karma.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/16.md) ### 17. No Agenda Value-for-Value Model, Direct Deposit Options (1:06:28–1:08:00) The hosts explain the listener-supported funding model, comparing the cost of the show to the price of movie tickets. New donation methods are being introduced, including direct deposit and wire transfers for listeners who prefer not to use PayPal or reside in countries like India where the service is limited. Keywords: [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [paypal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paypal.md), [wire transfer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wire-transfer.md), [value-for-value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Herman Van Rompuy, European Union President Haiku Book (1:08:00–1:12:56) Herman Van Rompuy, the President of the European Council, has released a book of haikus. The Belgian politician, previously described by Nigel Farage as having the "charisma of a damp rag," read several poems about nature and spring in Flemish and French. The release of the book is contrasted with his role as a powerful leader in the European Union. Keywords: [herman van rompuy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/herman-van-rompuy.md), [haiku](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haiku.md), [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [nigel farage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nigel-farage.md), [belgium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/belgium.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Senator Mike Johans, Too Big to Fail Financial Reform (1:12:56–1:16:18) Nebraska Senator Mike Johans appeared on C-SPAN to discuss financial reform and the "Too Big to Fail" doctrine. While Johans talked tough about planting a "stake in the heart" of large financial institutions, critics point out that many banks have only grown larger since the TARP bailouts. A caller named Diane is praised for her simple explanation of how both parties have sold out to bank contributions. Keywords: mike johans, [nebraska](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nebraska.md), [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md), [too big to fail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/too-big-to-fail.md), [tarp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tarp.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Glass-Steagall Act Repeal, Phil Gramm and Financial Meltdown (1:16:18–1:19:25) A C-SPAN caller questioned Senator Mike Johans on why the re-institution of the Glass-Steagall Act is not part of current financial reform legislation. The act, which separated commercial and investment banking, was repealed in 1999 under the Clinton administration with the help of Republican Senator Phil Gramm. Johans' refusal to support the act's return is cited as evidence of ongoing corruption within the financial regulatory system. Keywords: [glass-steagall](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/glass-steagall.md), phil gramm, [bill clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-clinton.md), [derivatives](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/derivatives.md), [banking reform](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/banking-reform.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Educational Records Bureau, Pre-K Testing and Tutors (1:19:25–1:21:14) The Educational Records Bureau (ERB) is administering tests to four-year-olds for admission into elite schools. Wealthy parents are reportedly hiring tutors for their toddlers to prepare for these assessments. This trend is highlighted as part of a broader critique of the modern educational system and its focus on standardized testing at increasingly younger ages. Keywords: erb, [education](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/education.md), [pre-k](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pre-k.md), [testing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/testing.md), tutors [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Nicole Gelinas and Harry Markopolos, C-SPAN Nerd Porn (1:21:14–1:25:24) Author Nicole Gelinas interviewed Madoff whistleblower Harry Markopolos on C-SPAN 2 regarding the financial crisis and his book *No One Would Listen*. The interview is described as a "nerd fest" that deconstructed the failures of Wall Street and Washington. Gelinas' book, *After the Fall*, explores saving capitalism from the influence of big banks and government intervention. Keywords: nicole gelinas, [harry markopolos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harry-markopolos.md), [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md), [bernie madoff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bernie-madoff.md), after the fall [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Harry Markopolos on Corporate Bailouts, SEC Failure (1:25:24–1:27:48) Harry Markopolos argued that the U.S. government prioritizes the protection of corporations over individual citizens and taxpayers. He noted that while Madoff victims face "clawbacks" of their remaining assets, big banks and corporate entities received massive bailouts. Markopolos criticized the SEC for failing to protect investors despite clear warnings about the Madoff Ponzi scheme. Keywords: [harry markopolos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harry-markopolos.md), [sec](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sec.md), madoff, [bailouts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bailouts.md), [corporations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/corporations.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Financial Accountability, SEC Promotions and Regulatory Failure (1:27:48–1:31:30) Harry Markopolos stated that no one in Washington has been held accountable for the 2008 financial collapse or the Madoff scandal. He highlighted the irony that some SEC staffers responsible for the oversight failures were actually promoted or moved to lucrative private-sector jobs. Markopolos called for a complete teardown of the current regulatory scheme, citing a total lack of accountability in government. Keywords: [harry markopolos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harry-markopolos.md), [sec](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sec.md), [accountability](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/accountability.md), [financial reform](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/financial-reform.md), [bonuses](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bonuses.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/24.md) ### 25. JPMorgan Chase Mortgage Protest, SEC Goldman Sachs Lawsuit (1:31:30–1:34:00) David Lohman, the head of mortgages at JPMorgan Chase, was confronted by a group of borrowers during a hearing after suggesting they "come to him" for help. Meanwhile, the SEC's lawsuit against Goldman Sachs is viewed as a superficial gesture that will likely result in a fine rather than jail time for executives. The $100 million potential fine is described as insignificant compared to the scale of the alleged financial scams. Keywords: [jpmorgan chase](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jpmorgan-chase.md), [goldman sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), [sec](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sec.md), [barney frank](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barney-frank.md), david lohman [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/25.md) ### 26. CNBC Goldman Sachs Argument, Jim Cramer Outburst (1:33:59–1:35:36) A segment on CNBC featured a heated exchange where a guest accused other panelists, including Jim Cramer, of acting as public relations representatives for Goldman Sachs. Cramer reacted with offense to the suggestion. The incident is used to illustrate the media's protective stance toward major investment banks. Keywords: [cnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnbc.md), [jim cramer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jim-cramer.md), [goldman sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), [jim kramer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jim-kramer.md), [council on foreign relations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/council-on-foreign-relations.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Rachel Maddow and Janet Napolitano, Supreme Court Speculation (1:35:36–1:37:45) MSNBC host Rachel Maddow interviewed Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, concluding the segment by suggesting Napolitano would be a good candidate for the Supreme Court. The interview covered the 15th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing and domestic terrorism threats. Maddow's deferential treatment of the Secretary, including a "namaste" bow, is criticized as overly sycophantic. Keywords: [rachel maddow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rachel-maddow.md), [janet napolitano](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/janet-napolitano.md), [supreme court](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/supreme-court.md), [homeland security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/homeland-security.md), [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/27.md) ### 28. Short Selling Defense, Senator Blanche Lincoln Proposal (1:37:45–1:40:40) Robert Sloan, author of *Don't Blame the Shorts*, defended short selling as a necessary market stabilization tool on C-SPAN. He criticized Senator Blanche Lincoln's proposal to ban all derivative transactions, arguing that such a move would be impossible in a modern economy where the dollar itself functions as a derivative. Lincoln is characterized as lacking a fundamental understanding of financial markets. Keywords: [short selling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/short-selling.md), blanche lincoln, [derivatives](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/derivatives.md), s3 partners, robert sloan [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/28.md) ### 29. Nick Clegg, UK Election Debates and Russian Spy Lineage (1:40:40–1:43:50) Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg has emerged as a popular figure in the UK's first televised American-style election debates. However, Clegg's background reveals deep ties to the elite, including a father who is a merchant banker and a great aunt, Baroness Mura Budberg, who was a notorious Russian spy. The "Cleggmania" phenomenon is compared to a reality TV show designed to manufacture a "new hope" for voters. Keywords: [nick clegg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nick-clegg.md), [liberal democrats](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/liberal-democrats.md), [united kingdom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-kingdom.md), [mi5](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mi5.md), mura budberg [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/29.md) ### 30. Obama's Missing Girlfriends, American Thinker Report (1:43:50–1:44:45) An article on *American Thinker* titled "Obama's Missing Girlfriends" questions why none of the women Barack Obama purportedly dated before meeting Michelle have ever come forward or been interviewed. Despite mentions of various relationships in his own books, the identities and accounts of these women remain absent from the public record. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [american thinker](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/american-thinker.md), girlfriends, [biography](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/biography.md), [media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/30.md) ### 31. Civil War Education, Open Source Podcast Promotion (1:44:45–1:48:00) A 14-year-old listener, Dieter Archer, wrote in about being taught that slavery was the sole cause of the American Civil War, despite his questions about international influences from Britain and France. The hosts encourage Dieter and his friend to start their own podcast using No Agenda's open-source jingles and format. The segment emphasizes critical thinking and the rejection of mainstream media narratives. Keywords: [civil war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/civil-war.md), [slavery](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/slavery.md), dieter archer, [open source](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/open-source.md), [jingles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jingles.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/31.md) ### 32. Somalia Executive Order, Stargate Conspiracy Theory (1:48:01–1:49:55) President Obama issued an executive order blocking the property of persons contributing to the conflict in Somalia. This move is linked by the hosts to the presence of international warships in the Gulf of Aden, fueling a fringe theory regarding a "stargate" in the region. The lack of mainstream media coverage on the financial restrictions in Somalia is noted. Keywords: [somalia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/somalia.md), [executive order](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/executive-order.md), [stargate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stargate.md), [pirates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pirates.md), [warships](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/warships.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/32.md) ### 33. FEMA NLE10 Exercise, Nuclear Detonation Scenario (1:49:56–1:51:32) FEMA is preparing for National Level Exercise 2010 (NLE10) in May, which focuses on domestic terrorism and a Tier 1 nuclear detonation scenario. The exercise coincides with the release of documentaries like *Countdown to Zero*, suggesting a coordinated effort to increase public anxiety regarding nuclear threats. Keywords: [fema](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fema.md), nle10, [domestic terrorism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/domestic-terrorism.md), nuclear detonation, [preparedness](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/preparedness.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/33.md) ### 34. James Cameron in Brazil, Amazon Dam Protest (1:51:33–1:53:56) Director James Cameron and actress Sigourney Weaver traveled to Brazil to protest the construction of a massive hydroelectric dam in the Amazon. The protest is compared to previous environmental activism by the singer Sting. Critics argue that the dam provides green energy and that the celebrities are using their "Avatar" fame to interfere in local infrastructure projects. Keywords: [james cameron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/james-cameron.md), [avatar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/avatar.md), [brazil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brazil.md), [amazon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amazon.md), [sigourney weaver](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sigourney-weaver.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/34.md) ### 35. Obama Tax Returns, Nobel Peace Prize Income (1:53:58–1:55:35) President Obama's tax returns show an adjusted gross income of over $5.5 million, largely from book royalties. While he donated his $1.4 million Nobel Peace Prize money to charity, questions remain about the total accounting of his income and deductions. Vice President Joe Biden reported a significantly lower income of $333,000. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [tax returns](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tax-returns.md), [nobel peace prize](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nobel-peace-prize.md), [joe biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-biden.md), [income](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/income.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/35.md) ### 36. Ted Kennedy FBI Files, Health Insurance Fast Food Investments (1:55:38–1:57:16) The FBI is allowing the Kennedy family to review and object to the release of Ted Kennedy's secret files before they are made public. In other news, it has been revealed that several major health insurance companies are heavily invested in fast-food chains. This is viewed as a conflict of interest, as the companies profit from the very industries that contribute to poor health outcomes. Keywords: [ted kennedy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ted-kennedy.md), [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), [health insurance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/health-insurance.md), [fast food](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fast-food.md), [chappaquiddick](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chappaquiddick.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/36.md) ### 37. Janet Napolitano Interview, Domestic Terrorism and Border Security (1:57:16–2:07:41) In an interview with Rachel Maddow, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano discussed the lessons learned from the Oklahoma City bombing and the current state of domestic extremism. Napolitano also addressed international airline security following the Christmas Day bombing attempt and the challenges of managing the 22 agencies within the DHS. The interview concluded with Napolitano declining to comment on Supreme Court vacancy rumors while Maddow praised her performance. Keywords: [janet napolitano](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/janet-napolitano.md), [rachel maddow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rachel-maddow.md), [homeland security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/homeland-security.md), [oklahoma city](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oklahoma-city.md), [immigration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/immigration.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/192-smoke-gets-in-your-eyes/chapter/37.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/191-bully-for-you.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/193-goldman-sachs-and-the-pedo-bear.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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