# Elephant In The Room > Corporate interests hide behind Supreme Court nomination scandals while a new era of banker-led governance takes hold in the United Kingdom and the Eurozone. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 199 - **Published:** 2010-05-13 - **Length:** 2h 16m - **Topics:** [Elena Kagan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elena-kagan.md), Eurozone Bailout, [High-Speed Rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [Goldman Sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), Haiti Oil, Voyager 2, UK Coalition - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room ## About this episode The nomination of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court has ignited a media firestorm as pundits like Rachel Maddow and outlets like Politico focus on the nominee’s personal life. While the press debates Kagan’s sexual orientation, deeper concerns emerge regarding her past ties to Goldman Sachs and her office’s intervention on behalf of Monsanto. This episode uncovers how these personal narratives serve as a smokescreen for corporate interests and the ongoing consolidation of power within the judicial system. Global financial shifts take center stage as the Eurozone bailout is exposed as a mechanism to protect banks like Citibank from Greek debt exposure. In the United Kingdom, David Cameron’s new coalition government reveals a cabinet packed with former bankers from Rothschild and Deutsche Bank, signaling a transition from lawyer-led to banker-led governance. Meanwhile, a massive push for high-speed rail infrastructure across Australia and the Netherlands is identified as a coordinated effort to replace independent trucking with centralized, taxable freight systems supported by Norfolk Southern. Technical chaos strikes the studio when a Macintosh kernel panic nearly erases the broadcast, only to be saved by a listener known as Nerdy Dude who recorded the live stream. The show also explores the bizarre intersection of pop culture and predictive programming, from zombie vaccines on the television show Supernatural to the Australian media censorship driving a surge in labiaplasty surgeries. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak conclude with a look at the strategic energy interests surrounding Haiti’s La Gonâve island and the mysterious uncoded data packets currently being transmitted by Voyager 2. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/transcript.md. ### 1. No Agenda Episode 199, Gitmo Nation Media Assassination (0:00–1:51) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open episode 199 of the No Agenda show on May 13, 2010. The broadcast originates from the "hilltop watchtower crackpot command center" in Southern California and Northern Silicon Valley. The hosts exchange traditional "In the Morning" greetings and reference old radio sign-ons from the BBC. 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), [media assassination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-assassination.md), episode 199 [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Hugo Chavez, Caribbean Natural Gas Platform Sinking (1:53–5:10) A natural gas platform recently sank off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago, fulfilling a previous prediction regarding Caribbean oil rig disasters. Hugo Chavez is characterized as being "in on the game," using the lack of casualties in this incident to claim superiority over American safety standards. The hosts suggest Chavez uses his weekly television show to propagate these narratives to his audience. Keywords: [hugo chavez](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hugo-chavez.md), [venezuela](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/venezuela.md), trinidad and tobago, [natural gas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/natural-gas.md), [caribbean](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/caribbean.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Executive Producer Donations, Spreadsheet Software Grievances (5:11–7:38) Matthew Greensmith from Melbourne and Adam Miller from Perryville are named executive producers after donating identical amounts of $333.33 back-to-back. A discussion ensues regarding the use of spreadsheets for memos, with complaints about the necessity of booting Excel to read simple lists. Adam Miller is noted as being in line for a knighthood by the end of the program. Keywords: [matthew greensmith](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/matthew-greensmith.md), [adam miller](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-miller.md), [melbourne](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/melbourne.md), perryville, [excel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/excel.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/3.md) ### 4. No Agenda Network, Browser Toolbar Initiative (7:38–10:58) Brent Mosley developed a custom No Agenda browser toolbar featuring an embedded stream player, chat room access, and a "Links That Rock" directory. The hosts highlight the No Agenda Network website as a central hub for various community initiatives, including custom floor mats. The toolbar also includes a Twitter reader and one-click page translation features. Keywords: brent mosley, [no agenda network](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda-network.md), status.net, browser toolbar, [rss feed](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rss-feed.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Weezer Band Members, Donald Trump Photo Leak (10:59–15:25) Pat Wilson of the band Weezer sent a photo from the set of The George Lopez Show featuring the band members and Donald Trump. The band members are pictured wearing "In the Morning" sashes and bunny costumes while posing with Trump. Weezer is jokingly declared the official band of No Agenda following their public display of show memes. Keywords: pat wilson, [weezer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weezer.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), george lopez show, [tnt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tnt.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/5.md) ### 6. International Shipping Discrepancies, US Customs Scams (15:27–20:14) A comparison of shipping costs reveals a massive discrepancy between moving goods from London versus Amsterdam to the United States. One shipment cost only $85 despite containing a Japanese light machine gun, while another shipment from Holland cost $1,800 for mostly clothing. The hosts suggest the Department of Homeland Security's outsourced scanning process is a "scam" that inconsistently applies fees. Keywords: [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [london](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/london.md), [department of homeland security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-homeland-security.md), [customs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/customs.md), shipping fees [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/6.md) ### 7. UK Power Plugs, 220V Electrical Safety (20:15–23:14) The transition of audio gear from the UK to the US requires converting large, fused British power plugs to American standards. The hosts discuss the safety differences between 110V and 220V systems, noting that the US adopted 110V to reduce liability and accidental deaths. They characterize the European approach as less concerned with "idiots" electrocuting themselves. Keywords: [united kingdom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-kingdom.md), electrical plugs, 220v, 110v, [liability](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/liability.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Elena Kagan, Supreme Court Nomination Sexuality Rumors (23:18–27:11) The nomination of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court has sparked media debate regarding her sexual orientation, which some describe as the "elephant in the room." Politico reported that friends of Kagan are denying she is gay, citing past dates with figures like Elliot Spitzer. The hosts compare the media's handling of her personal life to the Clarence Thomas and Anita Hill hearings. Keywords: [elena kagan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elena-kagan.md), [supreme court](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/supreme-court.md), [andrew sullivan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/andrew-sullivan.md), [elliot spitzer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elliot-spitzer.md), [politico](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/politico.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Rachel Maddow, Elena Kagan Judicial Experience Defense (27:11–30:59) Rachel Maddow defended Elena Kagan's lack of judicial experience by comparing her to Harriet Miers, a move the hosts label as "specious." Maddow emphasized Kagan's role as Solicitor General and Dean of Harvard Law School to counter Republican criticism. The hosts argue that Maddow is ignoring Kagan's lack of litigation experience to score political points against the Bush administration's legacy. Keywords: [rachel maddow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rachel-maddow.md), [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md), harriet miers, [solicitor general](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/solicitor-general.md), judicial experience [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Monsanto and Goldman Sachs, Kagan Conflict of Interest (30:59–35:07) Critics point to Elena Kagan's past ties to Goldman Sachs and her office's intervention on behalf of Monsanto regarding genetically modified alfalfa. The hosts argue that the media focus on her sexuality serves as a "smokescreen" to hide her status as a corporate shill. They also criticize C-SPAN for editorializing during broadcasts of Senate hearings on the Gulf oil spill. Keywords: [monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), [goldman sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), [alfalfa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alfalfa.md), [solicitor general](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/solicitor-general.md), [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Technical Failure, Kernel Panic Recovery (35:08–39:42) The podcast suffered a major technical failure mid-recording due to a Macintosh "kernel panic" that crashed the system and Ableton Live software. A listener named "Nerdy Dude" recorded the live stream, allowing the hosts to recover the first 40 minutes of the show. The hosts discuss the reliability of "The Cloud," which they define as individuals backing up the stream in real-time. Keywords: kernel panic, [macintosh](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/macintosh.md), [ableton live](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ableton-live.md), nerdy dude, cloud backup [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Supernatural TV Show, Zombie Vaccine Meme (39:43–42:45) The television show "Supernatural" featured a plotline involving Niveus Pharmaceuticals distributing a swine flu vaccine that turns people into zombies. The hosts suggest this is part of a broader media trend to normalize "zombie" imagery as a predictive meme. They debate whether the zombie craze in pop culture is expanding or has already peaked. Keywords: [supernatural](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/supernatural.md), niveus pharmaceuticals, [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [vaccine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccine.md), [zombies](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zombies.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Flash Crash, Erlang Programming Language Theory (42:47–45:07) New information suggests the May 2010 "Flash Crash" may have been caused by code written in Erlang, a language that allows for recompiling and reloading code while a server is operating. This supports a theory that a programmer, possibly linked to Sergei Aleynikov, ran a "beta test" that accidentally crashed the market. The Erlang virtual machine's ability to execute old and new code simultaneously is cited as a key factor. Keywords: [flash crash](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/flash-crash.md), erlang, sergei aleynikov, [high-frequency trading](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-frequency-trading.md), virtual machine [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/13.md) ### 14. SEC Investigation, High-Frequency Trading Triggers (45:07–48:42) SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro and CFTC Chairman Gary Gensler testified before Congress regarding the 1,000-point market drop. They ruled out "fat finger" errors and terrorist hacking, instead focusing on a "confluence of events" involving high-frequency traders. The investigation highlights how these traders limited their participation during the crash, removing market liquidity. Keywords: mary schapiro, [sec](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sec.md), [cftc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cftc.md), [gary gensler](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gary-gensler.md), [high-frequency trading](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-frequency-trading.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Eurozone Bailout, Bank Debt Exposure (48:44–53:03) The nearly trillion-dollar bailout of the Eurozone is described as a mechanism to ensure Greece and other nations can pay back loans to major banks like Citibank and Goldman Sachs. The hosts debate whether the recent stock market crash was a "salvo" by bankers to scare governments into finalizing the bailout. They conclude the market is being propped up by high-frequency trading that could collapse at any time. Keywords: [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [eurozone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eurozone.md), [greece](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greece.md), [citibank](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/citibank.md), [goldman sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Iceland Financial Crisis, Joseph Stiglitz Analysis (53:04–56:17) In his book "Freefall," Nobel Prize winner Joseph Stiglitz details how Iceland's banks lured British and Dutch depositors with high-interest "Ice Saver" accounts. The hosts argue that finance ministers in the UK and Netherlands failed in their regulatory duties, leading to a situation where taxpayers eventually had to front the bill. This event is framed as the beginning of a larger trend of financial control in Europe. Keywords: [iceland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iceland.md), joseph stiglitz, landsbanki, ice saver, [wouter bos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wouter-bos.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/16.md) ### 17. EU Budget Control, Franco-German Power Struggle (56:18–58:48) The European Union has announced plans to pre-vet member states' budgets from Brussels, a move seen as a total loss of national sovereignty. The hosts discuss the historical incompatibility of France and Germany, questioning how long their dominant partnership within the EU can last. They suggest the current cooperation is a temporary alignment of "Type A" personality countries. Keywords: [brussels](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brussels.md), [germany](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/germany.md), [france](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/france.md), [budget](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/budget.md), [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/17.md) ### 18. David Cameron, UK Coalition Government Formation (58:49–1:02:07) David Cameron has become the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, forming a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats after Gordon Brown's resignation. The hosts note the Queen's active role in the transition, challenging the notion that the monarchy is merely a figurehead. The new government faces an immediate challenge with a $250 billion national deficit. Keywords: [david cameron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-cameron.md), [gordon brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-brown.md), [queen elizabeth ii](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/queen-elizabeth-ii.md), [tories](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tories.md), [liberal democrats](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/liberal-democrats.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Banker Infiltration, UK Parliament Appointments (1:02:07–1:04:27) The new UK cabinet and Parliament feature an unusually high number of former bankers from institutions like Rothschild, Deutsche Bank, and Barings. The hosts argue that bankers are replacing lawyers as the dominant force in politics to exert direct control over the population's money. Notable appointments include Mark Garnier and Jacob Rees-Mogg. Keywords: mark garnier, [rothschild](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rothschild.md), barings bank, [deutsche bank](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/deutsche-bank.md), [parliament](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/parliament.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/19.md) ### 20. High-Speed Rail, UK Coalition Transport Policy (1:04:28–1:07:16) The UK coalition agreement includes a surprise mandate for a high-speed rail network and the cancellation of the third runway at Heathrow. The policy shifts focus from air travel to trains and includes mandates for national electric vehicle recharging networks. The hosts view the "per flight duty" tax as a method to ground airlines in favor of rail infrastructure. Keywords: [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [heathrow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/heathrow.md), [electric vehicles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/electric-vehicles.md), [gatwick](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gatwick.md), air passenger duty [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Kay Burley, Sky News Anchor Assault Incident (1:07:18–1:09:47) Sky News anchor Kay Burley was photographed grabbing a photographer by the throat during a media scrum for Naomi Campbell. Despite photographic evidence of the "choke marks," Burley denied the assault, claiming she was provoked. The hosts label her an "elitist" and criticize her behavior as representative of a disconnected media class. Keywords: kay burley, [sky news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sky-news.md), [naomi campbell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/naomi-campbell.md), [assault](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/assault.md), [paparazzi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paparazzi.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Global High-Speed Rail, Anti-Plane Propaganda (1:09:48–1:12:40) Reports from Australia and the Netherlands indicate a coordinated push for high-speed rail despite logistical challenges and past multi-billion dollar fiascos. The hosts suggest that "anti-plane" stories in the media are being used to drive people toward rail systems that are easier for governments to tax and control. They also note that freight companies like Norfolk Southern are major beneficiaries of this shift. Keywords: [australia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/australia.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [high-speed rail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-speed-rail.md), [freight](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/freight.md), [teamsters](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/teamsters.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Norfolk Southern, The Future Needs Us Campaign (1:12:41–1:17:30) The "The Future Needs Us" advertising campaign by Norfolk Southern is identified as a direct attack on the trucking industry. The campaign promotes rail as a "green" alternative to smoky trucks and congested roads. The hosts argue this is a global movement to shift infrastructure away from independent trucking toward centralized rail freight. Keywords: [norfolk southern](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/norfolk-southern.md), [freight](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/freight.md), [trucking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trucking.md), [green jobs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/green-jobs.md), [infrastructure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/infrastructure.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/23.md) ### 24. John Kerry, Clean Energy Jobs Act (1:17:30–1:20:23) Senator John Kerry introduced the "Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act," a new version of the cap-and-trade bill. Kerry claims the transition to a clean energy economy will be "free" for the public, a statement the hosts mock. The bill's rollout coincides with the Gulf oil disaster, which the hosts believe is being used as a catalyst for the legislation. Keywords: [john kerry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-kerry.md), [cap and trade](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cap-and-trade.md), [climate change bill](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change-bill.md), s1733, dow corning [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Gulf Oil Spill, Media Propaganda and Avatar Comparisons (1:20:23–1:24:57) Geraldo Rivera's coverage of the Gulf oil spill included an interview with Sigourney Weaver, who compared the environmental disaster to the movie "Avatar." The hosts criticize the lack of aerial footage of the spill and the use of "Avatar" as a propaganda tool to re-energize the environmental movement. They argue that the media is portraying oil companies as seeking "quick profits" despite the decades required for deep-sea drilling projects. Keywords: [geraldo rivera](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/geraldo-rivera.md), [greenpeace](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greenpeace.md), [sigourney weaver](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sigourney-weaver.md), [james cameron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/james-cameron.md), [avatar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/avatar.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/25.md) ### 26. Nuclear Power, Standardized vs Custom Plants (1:24:58–1:30:07) The hosts discuss the inefficiency of the US nuclear industry compared to France, noting that French plants are standardized while American plants are all custom-made. They argue that companies like General Electric benefit from this complexity, which keeps costs high. The segment also touches on the "Big Beef" jingle and the use of children in environmental propaganda. Keywords: [nuclear energy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nuclear-energy.md), [france](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/france.md), [general electric](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/general-electric.md), [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md), [three mile island](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/three-mile-island.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Donation Reads, Haitian Relief Skepticism (1:30:09–1:35:03) The hosts read donations from listeners, including Adam Birkpile, creator of the Pocket No Agenda app, and John Snyder. A listener warns against promoting Doctors Without Borders, prompting a discussion about the financial transparency of the International Red Cross. The hosts claim the Red Cross has $600 million in the bank and operates more like a profitable human rights organization than a medical one. Keywords: adam birkpile, [john snyder](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-snyder.md), [doctors without borders](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/doctors-without-borders.md), [red cross](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/red-cross.md), [haiti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haiti.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/27.md) ### 28. Knighting Ceremony, Sir Bernard and Knight Noirs (1:35:06–1:37:40) Adam Miller is officially dubbed "Sir Bernard, Knight of the No Agenda Roundtable." Several "Knight Noirs" are also recognized for their cumulative contributions over time, including Aaron Jones, Philip Evans, and Margaret George. The hosts emphasize the "Value for Value" model and the benefits of joining the show's knighthood. Keywords: [adam miller](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-miller.md), sir bernard, knight noir, [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/28.md) ### 29. Voyager 2, Uncoded Data Transmission (1:37:42–1:41:06) NASA reports that Voyager 2, launched in 1977, has begun transmitting data packets that cannot be decoded. The spacecraft is currently at the edge of the solar system, and the hosts speculate on whether the computer has malfunctioned or if something "on board" has changed. They suggest the data should be made open-source for public decoding efforts. Keywords: voyager 2, [nasa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nasa.md), interstellar space, data packets, chuck berry [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/29.md) ### 30. Deuce Club, La Gonâve Island Oil Project (1:41:07–1:44:03) The "Deuce Club" is promoted as a tribute for the upcoming 200th episode. Meanwhile, research into Haiti reveals plans by a group called "Global Renewable Energy" to purchase the island of La Gonâve for an oil refinery and port. The project, which Bill Clinton reportedly supports, would involve building mammoth oil tanks and a refinery to process "sour crude" near the earthquake's epicenter. Keywords: [deuce club](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/deuce-club.md), [haiti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haiti.md), la gonâve, [bill clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-clinton.md), global renewable energy [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/30.md) ### 31. Haiti Oil Refinery, Strategic Sea Lanes (1:44:03–1:49:04) The island of La Gonâve is strategically located on the Windward Passage, a major energy sea lane. FAQs from developers suggest the island needs an oil refinery to be "self-sufficient," despite the environmental impact of refining sour crude. The developers have threatened to move the project to the Dominican Republic if the Haitian government does not approve it soon. Keywords: la gonâve, windward passage, [oil refinery](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oil-refinery.md), sour crude, [dominican republic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dominican-republic.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/31.md) ### 32. International Crisis Group, George Soros and Haiti (1:49:05–1:52:34) Monsanto has donated 475 tons of genetically modified seeds to Haiti, which the hosts view with suspicion. They also examine the International Crisis Group and the United States Institute of Peace, noting that their boards include "one world government" figures like George Soros, Kofi Annan, and Zbigniew Brzezinski. These groups are characterized as managing international conflicts to facilitate development projects. Keywords: [monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), united states institute of peace, [international crisis group](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/international-crisis-group.md), [george soros](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-soros.md), [kofi annan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kofi-annan.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/32.md) ### 33. Fermilab Death, Dutch Justice Department Scandal (1:52:35–1:56:10) A 24-year-old Russian scientist, Maria Beloyevan, died after falling in the atrium at Fermilab, sparking conspiracy theories about weaponized colliders. In the Netherlands, real estate developer Huub Pote has taken out full-page ads accusing the Director General of Justice of being a pedophile. Pote claims to have a dossier of information he will release if the government continues to block his development projects. Keywords: fermilab, maria beloyevan, huub pote, [schiphol](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/schiphol.md), [pedophilia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pedophilia.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/33.md) ### 34. Miranda Rights, Citizenship Revocation Proposals (1:56:16–2:01:41) Attorney General Eric Holder and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are reportedly considering modifications to Miranda rights and the power to revoke US citizenship for terror suspects. John Dean, former White House counsel, appeared on Keith Olbermann's show to argue that these moves are "political grandstanding" and unnecessary for law enforcement. The hosts warn that this leads to a system where citizens can be disappeared without legal recourse. Keywords: [miranda rights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/miranda-rights.md), [eric holder](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eric-holder.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [john dean](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-dean.md), [keith olbermann](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/keith-olbermann.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/34.md) ### 35. Secret Videotaping, New Sexual Gratification Crimes (2:01:42–2:03:54) A San Jose man, Juan Rodriguez, was arrested at a Safeway in Morgan Hill for secretly videotaping women. He is charged with using a concealed camera for "sexual gratification," a phrasing the hosts find unusual and potentially indicative of expanding privacy laws. They question if simply looking at someone could eventually be criminalized under similar logic. Keywords: [san jose](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-jose.md), [morgan hill](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/morgan-hill.md), juan rodriguez, [safeway](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/safeway.md), [privacy laws](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/privacy-laws.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/35.md) ### 36. Labiaplasty Trends, Australian Media Censorship (2:03:55–2:05:31) A growing trend in Australia sees young women undergoing labiaplasty to achieve a "neat and tidy" appearance. Experts suggest this is driven by censorship in soft-porn magazines like Penthouse, which use Photoshop to remove "genital detail" to comply with M15+ classifications. This creates a skewed perception of normal anatomy, leading women to seek surgical "mutilation." Keywords: labiaplasty, [australia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/australia.md), [cosmetic surgery](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cosmetic-surgery.md), [penthouse](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/penthouse.md), [censorship](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/censorship.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/36.md) ### 37. Pennsylvania Tax Amnesty, Intimidating Ad Campaign (2:05:33–2:08:49) The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue launched an intimidating $3 million ad campaign featuring a character named "Tom" to collect back taxes. The ads, created by the Neiman Group, use the tagline "Find us before we find you." The hosts also touch on a National Enquirer story about Barack Obama and the "cheating gene" meme. Keywords: [pennsylvania](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pennsylvania.md), [tax amnesty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tax-amnesty.md), neiman group, governor rendell, [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/37.md) ### 38. Outro, Labiaplasty Documentary Audio (2:08:50–2:16:47) The hosts sign off, thanking "Nerdy Dude" for the technical assist and promoting episode 200. The show concludes with an extended audio clip from an Australian documentary about labiaplasty. The clip features interviews with plastic surgeons, graphic designers, and the Australian Classification Board regarding the impact of media censorship on women's body image. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), labiaplasty, vulva, [episode 200](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/episode-200.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/199-elephant-in-the-room/chapter/38.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/198-things-could-get-complicated.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/200-the-deuce.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)