# No Agenda 002 > NBC Universal demands a federal anti-piracy czar as the Writers Guild strike jeopardizes the future of digital streaming and the launch of Hulu. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 2 - **Published:** 2007-11-02 - **Length:** 34m - **Topics:** [WGA Strike](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wga-strike.md), [Blackwater](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blackwater.md), [Hulu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hulu.md), Rick Cotton, [Linda Stein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/linda-stein.md), Garbage Patch, [Erik Prince](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/erik-prince.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/2-no-agenda-002 ## About this episode Rick Cotton of NBC Universal is lobbying the White House for a cabinet-level anti-piracy czar, claiming intellectual property theft outweighs physical crimes like bank robbery. This aggressive stance coincides with the Writers Guild of America strike, which Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak characterize as a strategic blunder. The labor action over unproven new media residuals may force networks to shutter digital experiments like Hulu to avoid future contractual liabilities. Erik Prince defended Blackwater operations on Charlie Rose, framing the private military firm as a mere training extension of the U.S. Navy and Marines. Meanwhile, the Southeastern United States faces a catastrophic drought as Georgia officials warn of a 60-day water supply window and Tennessee towns run dry. In the Pacific, researchers identify a plastic garbage patch the size of Texas where microscopic debris is entering the primary food chain. The music industry mourns Linda Stein, the legendary manager of The Ramones, following her violent death in a Fifth Avenue apartment. John C. Dvorak and Adam Curry contrast the high-earning private contractors in Iraq with the $35,000 salaries of enlisted soldiers. The duo tracks the evolution of the adult industry from Rotterdam bulletin boards to the multimillion-dollar success of Danni Ashe. Dvorak prepares for his upcoming Cranky Geeks appearance while the pair signs off from their respective California studios. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/2-no-agenda-002/transcript.md. ### 1. No Agenda Introduction, Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak (0:01–0:46) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the program from their respective locations in San Francisco and Albany, California. They establish the show's premise as a commercial-free, independent production without a fixed agenda. The hosts briefly discuss their recording setup and prepare to transition into the day's primary news topics. Keywords: [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [albany](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/albany.md), podcast launch [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/2-no-agenda-002/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Writers Guild of America Strike, Strategic Blunder Analysis (0:46–4:12) The Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike is characterized as a strategic blunder due to a lack of clear metrics for new media monetization. While writers are legitimately concerned about declining DVD residuals, the focus on unproven internet revenue streams is viewed as premature. The labor action may inadvertently cause television networks to scale back their digital distribution experiments to avoid future contractual obligations. Keywords: [writers guild of america](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/writers-guild-of-america.md), [wga strike](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wga-strike.md), dvd sales, [new media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-media.md), [napster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/napster.md), [residuals](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/residuals.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/2-no-agenda-002/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Hulu Beta Launch, NBC and Fox Digital Strategy (4:12–7:56) The upcoming launch of the streaming service Hulu faces skepticism regarding the value of network back catalogs compared to timely episode access. Access to the beta version appears restricted to specific media insiders and "shills," leading to concerns about manufactured positive PR. Critics argue the platform's success is uncertain as audiences shift their viewing habits toward online environments. Keywords: [hulu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hulu.md), [nbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nbc.md), [fox](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox.md), [beta testing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/beta-testing.md), back catalog, [streaming media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/streaming-media.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/2-no-agenda-002/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Union History, Personal Experiences with AFTRA and Teamsters (7:57–9:49) Personal histories with labor organizations are shared, including experiences as a union organizer and a member of the Teamsters. Participation in AFTRA and SAG is noted as being primarily motivated by the need for quality health insurance rather than ideological alignment. While the concept of collective bargaining is supported, the current leadership of modern unions is described as out of touch with technological shifts. Keywords: [aftra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aftra.md), [sag](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sag.md), [teamsters](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/teamsters.md), union organizing, [health insurance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/health-insurance.md), [labor unions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/labor-unions.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/2-no-agenda-002/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Blackwater Awareness, European Perspectives on Private Contractors (9:50–12:13) European audiences and media editors, particularly in the United Kingdom, show a surprising lack of awareness regarding the private military firm Blackwater. A PR campaign involving a Ron Paul interview revealed that 40% of high-brow political editors were unfamiliar with the congressman or the significance of private contractors in Iraq. Domestic issues in the UK often drown out news regarding the American military-industrial complex. Keywords: [blackwater](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blackwater.md), [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [united kingdom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-kingdom.md), [private military](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/private-military.md), [contractors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/contractors.md), [iraq war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq-war.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/2-no-agenda-002/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Erik Prince, Charlie Rose Interview Analysis (12:14–14:02) Erik Prince, the founder of Blackwater, defended his company's operations during a lengthy interview with Charlie Rose. Prince claimed that Blackwater primarily serves as an outsourced training facility for the U.S. Marines and Navy under direct military command. The discussion compares the services provided by private security firms to those of traditional defense contractors manufacturing fighter jets and ships. Keywords: [erik prince](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/erik-prince.md), [charlie rose](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/charlie-rose.md), [blackwater](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blackwater.md), military command, [outsourcing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/outsourcing.md), [defense industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/defense-industry.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/2-no-agenda-002/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Iraq War Logistics, Private Contractors and Military Pay (14:02–17:48) The presence of commercial entities like Burger King and Pizza Hut on military bases in Basra and the Green Zone highlights the shift toward privatized logistics. Discrepancies in pay between enlisted soldiers earning $35,000 and private contractors earning upwards of $200,000 are cited as a major factor in military recruitment struggles. Taxpayers express frustration that IRS payments are increasingly directed toward private military profits rather than traditional defense. Keywords: [green zone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/green-zone.md), [burger king](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/burger-king.md), [pizza hut](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pizza-hut.md), [iraq](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq.md), military pay, [irs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/irs.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/2-no-agenda-002/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Adult Industry Business, Danni Ashe and Amsterdam Servers (17:48–21:24) The business side of the adult industry is explored through anecdotes about early bulletin board systems in Rotterdam and the success of Danni Ashe. Ashe is described as a savvy businesswoman who generated millions in revenue through her "Danni's Hard Drive" sites in the late 1990s. The narrative notes how the industry often changes the personalities of those involved, shifting them toward a stereotypical "high-end" aesthetic. Keywords: danni ashe, [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [rotterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rotterdam.md), [porn industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/porn-industry.md), [tech tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-tv.md), [silicon spin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-spin.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/2-no-agenda-002/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Southeast United States Drought, Tennessee and Georgia Water Crisis (21:24–24:01) A severe drought in the Southeastern United States has caused towns in Tennessee to run completely dry, leading to potential long-term pipe corrosion. Georgia is reportedly facing a critical 60-day window before its water reserves are depleted. The situation is contrasted with recent flooding in the United Kingdom, where emergency relief was only prioritized once London's infrastructure was threatened. Keywords: [tennessee](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tennessee.md), [georgia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/georgia.md), [drought](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drought.md), [fema](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fema.md), water infrastructure, [gordon brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-brown.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/2-no-agenda-002/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Great Pacific Garbage Patch, Plastic Pollution in Ocean Gyres (24:03–26:58) The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a massive collection of plastic debris trapped in an ocean gyre, is described as being the size of Texas. Research indicates that plastic in these areas breaks down into microscopic bits that are consumed by plankton-feeding organisms, disrupting the food chain. The area contains a high concentration of discarded items, including fluorescent tubes, buoys, and plastic ropes. Keywords: gyre, [plastic pollution](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/plastic-pollution.md), great pacific garbage patch, plankton, [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), [oceanography](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oceanography.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/2-no-agenda-002/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Linda Stein Murder, Music Industry Legend Death (26:59–31:25) Linda Stein, a legendary music manager who handled The Ramones and was the ex-wife of Sire Records founder Seymour Stein, was found bludgeoned to death in her Fifth Avenue apartment. Stein was known for her abrasive personality and high-profile career, which included helping launch Madonna's mainstream success. The investigation into her death is expected to draw significant attention from the entertainment industry. Keywords: [linda stein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/linda-stein.md), [seymour stein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/seymour-stein.md), [madonna](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/madonna.md), [the ramones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-ramones.md), [fifth avenue](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fifth-avenue.md), [murder](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/murder.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/2-no-agenda-002/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Rick Cotton, NBC Universal Anti-Piracy Claims (31:24–33:55) Rick Cotton, General Counsel for NBC Universal, sparked controversy by suggesting that law enforcement should prioritize intellectual property theft over burglary and bank robbery. Cotton claimed that while physical property crimes cost $16 billion annually, piracy costs the country hundreds of billions. He has reportedly lobbied the White House to create a cabinet-level position dedicated to anti-piracy enforcement. Keywords: rick cotton, [nbc universal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nbc-universal.md), [piracy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/piracy.md), [ars technica](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ars-technica.md), [intellectual property](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/intellectual-property.md), [white house](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/white-house.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/2-no-agenda-002/chapter/12.md) ### 13. No Agenda Sign-off, Cranky Geeks and Next Episode (33:55–34:44) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak conclude the episode by encouraging listeners to share and redistribute the content. They mention Dvorak's appearance on Cranky Geeks and confirm the schedule for the following week's recording. The show ends with a final sign-off from the Curry Condo and the Dvorak Mansion. Keywords: [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [cranky geeks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cranky-geeks.md), [podcast outro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcast-outro.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/2-no-agenda-002/chapter/13.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1-no-agenda-001.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/3-no-agenda-003.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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