# Blood Trains

> A coordinated push for high-speed rail emerges from volcanic ash as global leaders move to regulate the internet and redefine political dissent.

- **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- **Episode:** 194
- **Published:** 2010-04-25
- **Length:** 2h 9m
- **Topics:** Cleanternet, [Goldman Sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), [X-37B](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/x-37b.md), [Blood Diamonds](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blood-diamonds.md), [Tea Party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tea-party.md), Speed Spike, NikVax
- **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains

## About this episode

Bill Clinton warned of a vast internet echo chamber inciting political violence during a CNN interview with Wolf Blitzer, drawing direct parallels between modern anti-government rhetoric and the atmosphere preceding the Oklahoma City bombing. The former president specifically cited threats against President Barack Obama and Republican Whip Eric Cantor as evidence of a dangerous shift in public discourse. This narrative coincides with the demonization of the Tea Party movement by media figures like Bill Maher and allegations of agent provocateurs infiltrating grassroots protests to justify future crackdowns on digital dissent.

The European Commission is currently advancing the Cleanternet initiative, a plan led by Cecilia Malmström to implement a continent-wide website blocking system under the guise of combating child pornography. Simultaneously, the FAA faces critical infrastructure failures with its NextGen air traffic control system and the loss of an IntelSat satellite, while the Obama administration aggressively pivots funding toward high-speed rail. Major industrial players like Siemens and Virgin Atlantic CEO Richard Branson have entered the fray, with rail lobbyists capitalizing on the Icelandic volcanic ash crisis to push for a permanent transition away from commercial aviation. In the financial sector, the SEC is investigating Goldman Sachs for mortgage-backed security hedging, even as reports surface that high-level SEC officials spent the 2008 financial crisis viewing pornography on government computers.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak analyze the bizarre disqualification of a Seattle softball team for not being gay enough and the military launch of the X-37B space plane. The duo performs a formal knighthood for Sir Gere following a significant contribution to the No Agenda Value for Value model. Guest Jack Cashill provides a historical breakdown of how no-fault divorce laws and ACORN housing initiatives contributed to the subprime mortgage collapse.

## Chapters

Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/transcript.md.

### 1. No Agenda Episode 194 Introduction and Twitter Battles (0:01–3:21)

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open Episode 194 of the No Agenda show on April 25, 2010. The hosts introduce a "Lindsay Lohan moment" segment featuring Troy Rutter, discussing a police welfare check on Lohan's sister and a subsequent Twitter dispute between Lindsay and her father. The conversation transitions into a discussion about generational differences in technology use, specifically how younger people prefer texting over Twitter or phone calls.

Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md), [lindsay lohan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lindsay-lohan.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), troy rutter

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/1.md)

### 2. Joy Behar HLN Gaffe and Media Production Skepticism (3:22–6:25)

The hosts correct a previous error regarding Joy Behar's network affiliation, noting she broadcasts on HLN rather than MSNBC. They criticize the high production costs and large crews of corporate media shows despite what they perceive as low-quality content. The segment highlights a specific clip where Behar and her guests discuss threats against South Park creators, comparing the situation to the assassination of Theo Van Gogh in Amsterdam.

Keywords: [joy behar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joy-behar.md), [hln](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hln.md), [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md), [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [media criticism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-criticism.md), [theo van gogh](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/theo-van-gogh.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/2.md)

### 3. South Park Muslim Threats and Joseph Cohen Connection (6:26–8:14)

A report suggests that the radical Muslim group threatening South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker was founded by Joseph Cohen, a former Israeli radical. The hosts question the legitimacy of the threat, noting that South Park previously aired images of Muhammad in 2001 without incident. They characterize the current controversy as state-sponsored fear-mongering and note the media's failure to identify "Pedobear" references in the related online discourse.

Keywords: [south park](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/south-park.md), joseph cohen, radical muslims, matt stone, trey parker, [fear-mongering](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fear-mongering.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/3.md)

### 4. No Agenda Executive Producers and Deuce Club Promotion (8:16–12:22)

The hosts acknowledge high-tier donors, including Sir Gere, who contributed $700, and Joseph Willis, who donated $500 from a tax return. They introduce the "Deuce Club" promotion to celebrate the upcoming 200th episode and discuss their "Value for Value" funding model. Associate executive producers Ryan Story, Andrew Brewer, and David Koss are credited for their financial support of the program.

Keywords: [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [deuce club](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/deuce-club.md), [paul t](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paul-t.md), ryan story, andrew brewer, [david koss](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-koss.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/4.md)

### 5. No Agenda News Community and Global Listener Feedback (12:23–15:28)

The hosts discuss the expansion of the No Agenda community through listener-created sites like noagendanews.info, a Digg-style clone. They play a clip from Maynard of "The Skeptic Zone" in Australia, who describes the show's "crackpot" appeal and interest in topics like the HAARP array. Additional shout-outs are given to Todd McGreevey for promoting the show on Republic Broadcasting.

Keywords: noagendanews.info, [open source](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/open-source.md), [maynard](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/maynard.md), the skeptic zone, todd mcgreevey, harp array

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/5.md)

### 6. European Ashmageddon and Pro-Train PR Campaigns (15:30–21:12)

Following the Icelandic volcanic ash crisis, the hosts analyze a perceived media push to transition travelers from planes to trains. They critique an NPR report sponsored by Siemens—a major train manufacturer—which highlights the reliability of rail travel during flight cancellations. Richard Branson of Virgin Atlantic is cited as criticizing the flight bans as unnecessary and financially devastating to the aviation industry.

Keywords: ashmageddon, iceland volcano, [siemens](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/siemens.md), [npr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/npr.md), [richard branson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/richard-branson.md), [eurostar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eurostar.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/6.md)

### 7. FAA Technology Failures and High-Speed Rail Skepticism (21:13–24:59)

The FAA faces significant setbacks with its modernization efforts, including the loss of control over an IntelSat satellite critical to the WAAS landing system. Additionally, the multi-billion dollar "NextGen" air traffic control computer system is reportedly behind schedule. The hosts suggest these failures, combined with heavy investment in high-speed rail by the Obama administration, are intended to make commercial aviation less attractive to the public.

Keywords: [faa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/faa.md), waas system, intelsat, [nextgen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nextgen.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [joe biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-biden.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/7.md)

### 8. General Aviation Restrictions and Train Safety Physics (24:59–28:35)

The discussion shifts to the systematic dismantling of general aviation through TSA regulations and airport restrictions. The hosts engage in a theoretical debate about the physics of high-speed train crashes versus airplane accidents. They explore concepts of momentum and gravity, questioning whether a passenger jumping in a moving train would experience a change in position relative to the floor.

Keywords: [general aviation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/general-aviation.md), [tsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsa.md), [physics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/physics.md), [momentum](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/momentum.md), [train crash](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/train-crash.md), [gravity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gravity.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/8.md)

### 9. Dick Morris Waco Claims and Janet Reno Reappointment (28:36–32:12)

Political consultant Dick Morris claimed on Fox News that Janet Reno blackmailed Bill Clinton into reappointing her as Attorney General by threatening to tell the "truth about Waco." Morris later appeared to walk back the "bombshell" claim, characterizing it as conjecture based on facts. The hosts speculate that Morris was pressured to retract the statement after it gained significant media traction.

Keywords: [dick morris](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dick-morris.md), [bill clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-clinton.md), [janet reno](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/janet-reno.md), [waco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/waco.md), [fox news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox-news.md), [hannity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hannity.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/9.md)

### 10. Bill Clinton Wolf Blitzer Interview and Political Violence (32:13–38:45)

In a CNN interview with Wolf Blitzer, Bill Clinton warns of a "vast echo chamber" on the internet that could incite unstable individuals to violence. Clinton draws parallels between current anti-government rhetoric and the atmosphere preceding the Oklahoma City bombing. He specifically mentions threats against President Obama and Republican Whip Eric Cantor, which the hosts interpret as a coded attack on the Tea Party movement.

Keywords: [bill clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-clinton.md), [wolf blitzer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wolf-blitzer.md), [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [tea party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tea-party.md), [oklahoma city bombing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oklahoma-city-bombing.md), [eric cantor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eric-cantor.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/10.md)

### 11. Tea Party Infiltration and Political Assassination Rhetoric (38:46–40:54)

The hosts discuss the demonization of the Tea Party by media figures like Bill Maher. They suggest that the movement has been infiltrated by agent provocateurs designed to make the group appear radical or dangerous. They express concern that the rhetoric used by Bill Clinton sets the stage for blaming future acts of violence on "unhinged" internet users or political dissidents.

Keywords: [tea party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tea-party.md), [bill maher](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-maher.md), [agent provocateurs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/agent-provocateurs.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [political rhetoric](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-rhetoric.md), [infiltration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/infiltration.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/11.md)

### 12. Arizona Immigration Law and Border Crime Waves (40:55–43:40)

The hosts analyze the media coverage of Arizona's controversial new immigration law, noting that reports often ignore the specific crime wave and the murder of a local rancher that prompted the legislation. They argue the narrative has been shifted to focus on job competition rather than the security concerns of Arizona residents. They criticize the "show me your papers" framing used by national news outlets.

Keywords: [arizona](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/arizona.md), [immigration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/immigration.md), [sb 1070](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sb-1070.md), [border security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/border-security.md), [crime wave](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crime-wave.md), rancher murder

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/12.md)

### 13. UK Election Debates and Siemens Rail Lobbying (43:41–46:21)

During the UK general election debates, both Gordon Brown and David Cameron express strong support for high-speed rail over airport expansion at Heathrow. The hosts identify this as a coordinated public relations campaign likely managed by a major agency like Hill & Knowlton. They point out that Siemens, which manufactures trains, is a primary beneficiary and sponsor of media content promoting this shift.

Keywords: [gordon brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-brown.md), [david cameron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-cameron.md), [heathrow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/heathrow.md), [siemens](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/siemens.md), [uk election](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/uk-election.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/13.md)

### 14. Jason Matera on GOP Incompetence and Obama Zombies (46:22–49:39)

Author Jason Matera appears on C-SPAN to discuss his book "Obama Zombies," criticizing the Republican Party's failure to engage young voters. He contrasts the Obama campaign's sophisticated use of social media and Facebook co-founders with John McCain's "Pork Invaders" internet outreach. Matera argues that the GOP's digital incompetence has allowed the Democratic Party to dominate the youth demographic.

Keywords: jason matera, obama zombies, [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [youth vote](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/youth-vote.md), [facebook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/facebook.md), [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/14.md)

### 15. European Cleanternet Initiative and Website Blocking (49:39–51:12)

European Commissioner Cecilia Malmström is promoting a plan to introduce a Europe-wide website blocking system, colloquially dubbed the "Cleanternet." While officially aimed at combating child pornography, critics fear the infrastructure will be used for broader political censorship. The hosts link this to a global trend of governments attempting to regulate and "clean up" the internet's echo chambers.

Keywords: cleanternet, cecilia malmström, [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [censorship](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/censorship.md), [internet filters](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/internet-filters.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/15.md)

### 16. Naomi Campbell Blood Diamond Allegations and Mia Farrow (51:13–59:25)

A Nightline report details allegations that former Liberian President Charles Taylor gave model Naomi Campbell a large "blood diamond" in 1997 following a dinner hosted by Nelson Mandela. Actress Mia Farrow testified that Campbell boasted about the gift the next morning. Campbell reacted violently to reporters questioning her about the incident, while the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund denied receiving any donated diamond from her.

Keywords: [naomi campbell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/naomi-campbell.md), [charles taylor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/charles-taylor.md), [mia farrow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mia-farrow.md), [blood diamonds](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blood-diamonds.md), [nelson mandela](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nelson-mandela.md), [liberia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/liberia.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/16.md)

### 17. Listener Donations and House of Numbers Documentary (59:26–1:03:29)

The hosts thank various donors, including Michael Maza of CTV and porn star Bobby Eden. They discuss the documentary "House of Numbers," which challenges mainstream narratives regarding the HIV/AIDS virus. Adam Curry mentions his interest in the film's claim that the discoverer of the virus now questions its role in the disease, linking it to his broader skepticism of vaccine programs.

Keywords: [bobby eden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bobby-eden.md), michael maza, chum fm, [house of numbers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/house-of-numbers.md), [aids](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aids.md), [vaccines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccines.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/17.md)

### 18. No Agenda Community Projects and Book Club (1:03:32–1:07:02)

The hosts review a list of community-driven No Agenda projects, including art galleries, proxies, and mobile apps. They introduce three new books for the "No Agenda Book Club": Jason Matera's "Obama Zombies," Matthew Crawford's "Shop Class as Soulcraft," and Jack Cashill's "Popes and Bankers." They emphasize the importance of listener-supported media in a landscape of corporate consolidation.

Keywords: [no agenda art](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda-art.md), [iphone apps](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iphone-apps.md), matthew crawford, jack cashill, shop class as soulcraft

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/18.md)

### 19. Australian Vaccine Suspensions and Fungus Flu Fears (1:07:03–1:10:16)

Health authorities in Australia suspended swine flu vaccinations for children under five after reports of convulsions and at least one death. The hosts also discuss a new "deadly fungus" strain, Cryptococcus gattii, spreading in the Pacific Northwest. They predict that the World Health Organization will use this fungus outbreak to justify the development of new, mandatory vaccines.

Keywords: [australia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/australia.md), [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), csl, cryptococcus gattii, [vaccines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccines.md), [fungus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fungus.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/19.md)

### 20. Nicotine Vaccines and Healthcare Bill Mandates (1:10:16–1:13:53)

Researchers are testing "NikVax," a vaccine designed to prevent nicotine from entering the brain to help smokers quit. The hosts argue that "vaccine" is the wrong terminology for an addiction treatment and note that the new U.S. healthcare bill mandates no co-payments for vaccines. They characterize this as a guaranteed revenue stream for pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer and AstraZeneca.

Keywords: nikvax, [smoking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smoking.md), [pfizer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pfizer.md), [shantix](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shantix.md), [healthcare bill](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/healthcare-bill.md), [big pharma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/big-pharma.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/20.md)

### 21. Stevia PR Campaign and FDA Dog Bone Warning (1:13:53–1:16:50)

A media campaign is promoting Stevia and Truvia as safer alternatives to other artificial sweeteners, which are now being linked to weight gain in reports by Time magazine. Separately, the FDA issued a warning advising dog owners not to feed their pets real animal bones due to splintering risks. The hosts view the FDA's involvement in pet care as an example of unnecessary federal overreach into daily life.

Keywords: [stevia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stevia.md), truvia, [coca-cola](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/coca-cola.md), [fda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fda.md), dog bones, sugar substitutes

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/21.md)

### 22. Financial Reform and the Goldman Sachs "Quiet Coup" (1:16:52–1:22:29)

The hosts discuss an Atlantic Monthly article titled "The Quiet Coup," which argues that the financial industry has captured the U.S. government. They list high-ranking Obama administration officials, such as Larry Summers and David Axelrod, who received millions in payments from Wall Street firms like Goldman Sachs and Citigroup. They suggest that "financial reform" is actually a mechanism for the next industry bailout.

Keywords: [goldman sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), [larry summers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/larry-summers.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), atlantic monthly, quiet coup, [financial reform](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/financial-reform.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/22.md)

### 23. Goldman Sachs SEC Investigation and Market Logic (1:22:29–1:25:35)

The SEC is investigating Goldman Sachs for its role in selling mortgage-backed securities while simultaneously betting against them. The hosts argue that Goldman's actions were not illegal, but rather a standard practice of hedging investments. They credit Goldman for recognizing the housing bubble early after attending seminars by trader John Paulson, unlike other firms that collapsed.

Keywords: [sec](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sec.md), [goldman sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), john paulson, [mortgage-backed securities](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mortgage-backed-securities.md), [aig](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aig.md), [short selling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/short-selling.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/23.md)

### 24. SEC Pornography Scandal and Internet Regulation Strategy (1:25:35–1:33:33)

An ABC News report by Jonathan Karl reveals that high-level SEC officials spent hours daily viewing pornography on government computers during the 2008 financial crisis. Senator Chuck Grassley requested the investigation, which found 31 serious offenders. The hosts suggest this story is being used as a "nothing to see here" distraction and a justification for future internet restrictions under the guise of "cleaning up" the web.

Keywords: [sec](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sec.md), [pornography](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pornography.md), [chuck grassley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chuck-grassley.md), [jonathan karl](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jonathan-karl.md), [internet censorship](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/internet-censorship.md), skankwire

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/24.md)

### 25. UK Speed Spike Camera System and Pips Technology (1:33:34–1:35:15)

A new surveillance system called "Speed Spike," developed by Pips Technology, is being tested in London and Cornwall. The system uses ground cameras and satellite data to calculate a vehicle's average speed between two points, regardless of weather conditions. The hosts discuss the implications of this technology for driver privacy and the increasing automation of law enforcement.

Keywords: speed spike, pips technology, [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md), uk traffic, [london](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/london.md), speed cameras

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/25.md)

### 26. Jack Cashill on Acorn and Housing Market Demolition (1:35:16–1:36:56)

Author Jack Cashill discusses the history of ACORN and its role in the housing market, citing a 1992 New York Times article that celebrated the organization's efforts to secure mortgages for people with no credit history. Cashill argues that the current financial crisis was a "planned demolition" of the housing market. He also notes the shifting media definition of "dissent" from patriotic to racist.

Keywords: jack cashill, [acorn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/acorn.md), [housing crisis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/housing-crisis.md), [wall street](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wall-street.md), [new york times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-york-times.md), [dissent](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dissent.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/26.md)

### 27. Magic Numbers and Sony PlayStation 3D Update (1:36:56–1:39:11)

The hosts track the use of "magic numbers" in media and politics, noting Sigourney Weaver's use of "30%" in a speech about ocean acidity. They highlight Sony's release of PlayStation 3 firmware version 3.30, which introduces 3D gaming capabilities. They joke about the marketing synergy of using the number three across the product's branding and technical specifications.

Keywords: [magic numbers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/magic-numbers.md), [sigourney weaver](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sigourney-weaver.md), [sony](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sony.md), playstation 3, 3d gaming, [firmware](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/firmware.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/27.md)

### 28. X-37B Space Plane and Prompt Global Strike Weapon (1:39:11–1:45:22)

The U.S. military launched the secretive X-37B unmanned space plane and a Minotaur IV rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base. Popular Mechanics reports on the "Prompt Global Strike" initiative, a DARPA project designed to hit any target on Earth within an hour using conventional warheads. The hosts characterize the media coverage as a distraction from the reality of escalating space-based weaponry.

Keywords: [x-37b](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/x-37b.md), [darpa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/darpa.md), minotaur iv, prompt global strike, [vandenberg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vandenberg.md), space weapons

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/28.md)

### 29. Seattle Gay Softball World Series Disqualification (1:45:24–1:46:18)

A softball team in Seattle was disqualified from the Gay Softball World Series after an investigation concluded they had too many non-gay members. The hosts find it ironic that the organizers cross-examined players about their sexual preferences to ensure they were "gay enough" to compete. They view the situation as a bizarre reversal of traditional discrimination.

Keywords: gay softball world series, [seattle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/seattle.md), [discrimination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/discrimination.md), [gaydar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gaydar.md), [irony](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/irony.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/29.md)

### 30. Obama Weekly Address and GM Loan Repayment Claims (1:46:22–1:52:25)

President Obama claimed in his weekly address that General Motors (GM) repaid its government loans five years ahead of schedule. However, an SEC filing reveals that GM used money from a Treasury escrow account—essentially TARP funds—to pay back the original TARP loan. The hosts criticize the President's performance and characterize the announcement as a deceptive "misdirection" by the Ministry of Truth.

Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [general motors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/general-motors.md), [tarp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tarp.md), sec filing, [auto industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/auto-industry.md), escrow

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/30.md)

### 31. Shop Class as Soulcraft and the Loss of Self-Reliance (1:52:26–2:00:00)

Matthew Crawford, author of "Shop Class as Soulcraft," discusses the dismantling of vocational training in American schools in favor of a "knowledge-based" college track. He argues that modern design intentionally hides how machines work, leading to a culture of passivity and dependence. The hosts reflect on the disappearance of wood shop, metal shop, and home economics, which they believe is part of a plan to reduce individual responsibility.

Keywords: matthew crawford, [shop class](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shop-class.md), [education](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/education.md), self-reliance, [home economics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/home-economics.md), cubicles

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/31.md)

### 32. Knighthood of Sir Gere and Show Outro (2:00:01–2:02:28)

The hosts perform a formal knighthood ceremony for Sir Gere, a donor who contributed via wire transfer. They briefly discuss Stephen Hawking's warning about the dangers of contacting extraterrestrial life before providing final donation instructions. The show concludes with a reminder of the upcoming 200th episode and the "Deuce Club" promotion.

Keywords: [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), sir gere, [stephen hawking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stephen-hawking.md), [aliens](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aliens.md), [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/32.md)

### 33. Jack Cashill on Divorce Rates and Home Ownership (2:02:28–2:09:08)

In a concluding segment, Jack Cashill traces the decline of U.S. home ownership rates to the rise of no-fault divorce in California starting in 1969. He argues that the Clinton administration ignored the breakdown of the nuclear family as the root cause of housing instability, choosing instead to blame racism in lending. Cashill posits that the subprime crisis was the result of pushing home ownership on single-parent households that could not financially sustain them.

Keywords: jack cashill, [no-fault divorce](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-fault-divorce.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [home ownership](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/home-ownership.md), [bill clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-clinton.md), [social engineering](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-engineering.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/194-blood-trains/chapter/33.md)

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