# Change Comes From GNU > A secret retribution plan for Pakistan emerges alongside a Blackwater rebranding effort as the surveillance state moves from the battlefield to the streets of Los Angeles. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 239 - **Published:** 2010-09-30 - **Length:** 2h 3m - **Topics:** [Xe Services](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/xe-services.md), [Stuxnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stuxnet.md), Opium Survey, UFO Incursions, CyberStorm 3, Smiths Detection - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu ## About this episode Bob Woodward's new book Obama's Wars reveals a secret U.S. retribution plan targeting Pakistan in the event of a domestic terror attack. The revelation coincides with rumors of a massive cabinet reshuffle involving Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and the potential return of Colin Powell to the Pentagon. These high-level maneuvers suggest a strategic pivot as the administration grapples with intelligence leaks and the shifting optics of the war in Afghanistan. In the private sector, the military contractor formerly known as Blackwater has rebranded as Xe Services, a move reportedly designed as an SEO strategy to bury the company's controversial history in search results. Meanwhile, the UNODC Afghanistan Opium Survey reports a massive yield drop due to a mysterious plant infection, even as cultivation areas remain stable at 123,000 hectares. On the domestic front, the TSA and Smith's Detection are preparing to deploy high-powered X-ray scanners capable of penetrating a foot of steel, while the National Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative expands surveillance over encrypted platforms like Skype and BlackBerry. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak analyze the propaganda loops of Law & Order: Los Angeles and the normalization of surveillance through Lindsay Lohan's SCRAM bracelet. The episode features the official knighthood of Sir Peter Martine and Sir Fred Lust under the show's value-for-value model. Retired Air Force personnel also provide testimony regarding UFO incursions at nuclear missile sites, claiming unidentified craft have successfully disabled launch codes. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/transcript.md. ### 1. Gitmo Nation West, Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak Introduction (0:00–1:39) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open episode 239 of the No Agenda show from their respective locations in Southern California and Silicon Valley. The hosts exchange greetings and discuss the local weather, including a recent cooling trend and a rainbow in Northern California. Curry mentions his "Gitmo jewelry" package and welcomes listeners in the chat room. 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), [southern california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southern-california.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Military Helicopter Activity, Gray Chinooks and Apaches Over Los Angeles (1:40–3:14) Adam Curry reports a continuous presence of military helicopters over his house, including gray Chinooks, Blackhawks, and armed Apaches. He expresses concern over the frequency of these flights and notes that local residents in Los Angeles seem indifferent to the activity. Dvorak finds the presence of armed Apaches particularly disturbing. Keywords: [chinook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chinook.md), [blackhawk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blackhawk.md), apache, military helicopters, [los angeles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/los-angeles.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Saab 9-3 Turbo, Night Mode and Ignition Design Quirks (3:14–6:16) Adam Curry discusses his recent purchase of a 1999 Saab 9-3 Turbo convertible for $3,000. He describes several unique design features of the vehicle, including a "night mode" button that disables the entire dashboard display and the unconventional placement of the ignition switch between the front seats. Dvorak critiques the ergonomics of the ignition placement, noting its vulnerability to liquid spills. Keywords: [saab 9-3](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/saab-9-3.md), turbo, convertible, night mode, ignition switch [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/3.md) ### 4. TechCrunch Disrupt Conference, Mocking Startup Elevator Pitches (6:16–7:38) The hosts discuss the TechCrunch Disrupt conference, which they characterize as a "douchebag festival." They recount an anecdote involving associates who mocked the event by forcing startup founders to deliver elevator pitches into microphones held at extreme heights or near the ground. The segment also mentions appearances by John Doerr and Bing Gordon. Keywords: [techcrunch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/techcrunch.md), elevator pitch, bing gordon, [john doerr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-doerr.md), startup culture [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/4.md) ### 5. No Agenda Producer Credits, Knighthoods and Community Projects (7:39–15:34) The hosts acknowledge financial support from their audience, announcing new executive producers and the knighthood of Peter Martine and Fred Lust. They promote various community-led initiatives, including No Agenda golf balls, a LinkedIn group, virtual and physical producer badges, and QR code t-shirts. Adam Curry highlights the "value for value" model and the success of listener-driven commerce. Keywords: [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [executive producer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/executive-producer.md), [no agenda stuff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda-stuff.md), [linkedin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/linkedin.md), [qr code](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/qr-code.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Blackwater Name Change, Xe Services and SEO Strategy (15:37–17:56) John C. Dvorak recounts a conversation with a hedge fund investor regarding the private military company Blackwater, now known as Xe Services. The investor claims the name change to "Xe" was a deliberate search engine optimization (SEO) strategy intended to make the company harder to find in search results. The discussion also touches on the company's alleged activities in Pakistan. Keywords: [blackwater](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blackwater.md), [xe services](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/xe-services.md), [seo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/seo.md), [private military](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/private-military.md), [pakistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pakistan.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Law & Order Los Angeles, Hollywood Propaganda and Lounge Music (17:57–22:42) The hosts critique the premiere of Law & Order: Los Angeles, arguing that the show portrays a "douchebag" culture and serves as propaganda. They analyze clips that mirror real-life events involving Lindsay Lohan and the "Bling Ring" burglaries. Adam Curry points out the use of "house music" or "lounge music" in the background as a specific atmospheric choice to influence the audience. Keywords: [law & order](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/law-order.md), [los angeles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/los-angeles.md), [lindsay lohan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lindsay-lohan.md), [nbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nbc.md), [propaganda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/propaganda.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Lindsay Lohan, Scram Bracelet and Presidential Slut Squad (22:43–24:29) Adam Curry discusses reports that Lindsay Lohan attempted to sell paparazzi photos of herself wearing her SCRAM alcohol-monitoring bracelet. He frames this as a fulfillment of his "Gitmo jewelry" prediction, suggesting Lohan is part of a "presidential slut squad" used to normalize surveillance technology. The hosts also mention the existence of a No Agenda predictions tracking website. Keywords: [lindsay lohan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lindsay-lohan.md), [scram bracelet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/scram-bracelet.md), [paparazzi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paparazzi.md), [gitmo jewelry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-jewelry.md), [prediction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prediction.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/8.md) ### 9. SVU Rape Kit Backlog, Media Coordination and Legislative Action (24:29–27:46) The hosts examine a Law & Order: SVU episode regarding untested rape kits that aired the same night as local news reports about a San Francisco bill to mandate DNA testing. They argue this is a "packaged" media effort where entertainment programming is used to predispose the public toward specific government actions and legislative mandates. Keywords: [svu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/svu.md), [rape kits](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rape-kits.md), [dna testing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dna-testing.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), media packaging [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Black Box for Women, Personal Security iPhone App (27:46–29:30) Adam Curry describes a pitch from the TechCrunch conference for a "black box" iPhone app designed for women's safety. The app would record audio and track location data for the 30 minutes preceding an incident. The hosts view this as part of a broader trend toward increased personal surveillance and government-aligned security messaging. Keywords: [iphone app](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iphone-app.md), [black box](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/black-box.md), personal security, [techcrunch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/techcrunch.md), [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/10.md) ### 11. UNODC Afghanistan Opium Survey, Production Statistics and Monsanto (29:33–33:57) The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) released its 2010 Afghanistan Opium Survey, reporting a sharp drop in opium yields due to a plant infection. Adam Curry analyzes the report's data, noting that while yields are down, the actual area of cultivation remains unchanged at 123,000 hectares. The hosts mock the precision of the UN's census data regarding poppy-farming households. Keywords: [unodc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/unodc.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [opium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium.md), [poppy cultivation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poppy-cultivation.md), [united nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-nations.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/11.md) ### 12. UNODC Video Blooper, Yuri Fedotov and Puppet Politics (33:57–37:52) Adam Curry highlights an unedited video from the UNODC website featuring Executive Director Yuri Fedotov. The footage includes a blooper where Fedotov asks to restart his speech from a specific paragraph after a teleprompter error. The hosts use this as evidence that high-ranking international officials are "puppets" who simply read scripted messages. Keywords: yuri fedotov, [unodc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/unodc.md), [blooper](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blooper.md), [teleprompter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/teleprompter.md), [united nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-nations.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/12.md) ### 13. European Terror Threat, Soft Targets and Motion Picture Industry Fears (37:54–43:25) The hosts discuss recent terror warnings in Europe, including the evacuation of the Eiffel Tower. They analyze media coverage from CNN's Anderson Cooper regarding "soft targets" like hotels and museums. Adam Curry claims the motion picture industry is terrified of a theater attack, though he predicts such an event will never happen because it would destroy a primary communication channel for the "slaves." Keywords: [terror threat](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/terror-threat.md), [europe](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/europe.md), [eiffel tower](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eiffel-tower.md), [anderson cooper](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anderson-cooper.md), [soft targets](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/soft-targets.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Hillary Clinton, Intelligence Operations and Al-Qaeda Rhetoric (43:25–46:39) Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a statement regarding intelligence reports of terrorist threats, refusing to comment on specifics to protect ongoing operations. The hosts criticize her delivery and the repetitive use of terms like "Al-Qaeda" and "affiliated networks," arguing that the administration uses simplified language to manage public perception. Keywords: [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [al-qaeda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-qaeda.md), [intelligence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/intelligence.md), [terrorism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/terrorism.md), [state department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/state-department.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/14.md) ### 15. National SAR Initiative, Suspicious Activity Reporting and Internet Surveillance (46:39–50:46) The Obama administration is reportedly seeking expanded powers to wiretap encrypted communications on platforms like Skype and BlackBerry. Simultaneously, the National Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) Initiative is encouraging citizens to report "suspicious" behavior to law enforcement. The hosts compare these programs to the "block Nazi" systems of communist regimes. Keywords: sar initiative, [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md), [wiretap](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wiretap.md), nsi, [suspicious activity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/suspicious-activity.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/15.md) ### 16. New York Times Op-Ed, How to Spot a Terrorist (50:47–52:30) An op-ed in the New York Times by John Farmer Jr. discusses the difficulty of identifying terrorists based on legal activities, such as buying large quantities of acetone or taking photographs of federal buildings. The hosts mock the premise, suggesting that the definition of a "terrorist" is being expanded to include anyone who values privacy or civil liberties. Keywords: [new york times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-york-times.md), john farmer jr, [terrorism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/terrorism.md), [civil liberties](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/civil-liberties.md), [profiling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/profiling.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Bob Woodward, Obama's Wars and Intelligence Access (52:33–56:15) Bob Woodward's new book, "Obama's Wars," details the administration's decision-making regarding the war in Afghanistan. Adam Curry questions Woodward's extraordinary access to high-level officials and classified documents, as well as the rapid publishing timeline. The book is based on over 100 interviews and thousands of pages of meeting notes and memos. Keywords: [bob woodward](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bob-woodward.md), obama's wars, [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [intelligence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/intelligence.md), [publishing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/publishing.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Cabinet Reshuffle Rumors, Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden (56:16–58:30) The hosts discuss rumors of a potential swap between Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, where Clinton would become Vice President and Biden would move to the State Department. Adam Curry dismisses this theory, asserting that Clinton would never play "second fiddle" to Obama and is instead positioning herself for a future presidential run. Keywords: [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [joe biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-biden.md), [rahm emanuel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rahm-emanuel.md), [cabinet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cabinet.md), [vice president](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vice-president.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Colin Powell, Secretary of Defense Rumors and Iraq War Legacy (58:39–1:03:05) Bob Woodward suggests that Colin Powell could be a candidate to replace Robert Gates as Secretary of Defense. The hosts criticize the media's short memory regarding Powell's role in the lead-up to the Iraq War and his presentation of false intelligence to the United Nations. They speculate that the rumor might be a "salvo" to force Obama's hand in choosing a military-aligned successor. Keywords: [colin powell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/colin-powell.md), [robert gates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/robert-gates.md), [secretary of defense](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/secretary-of-defense.md), [bob woodward](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bob-woodward.md), [iraq war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq-war.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Pakistan Retribution Plan, Times Square Bomber and CIA Tradecraft (1:03:05–1:08:15) Bob Woodward revealed a secret U.S. "retribution plan" for Pakistan in the event of a terrorist attack on American soil linked to the country. The plan was reportedly communicated to President Zardari following the Times Square bombing attempt. The hosts argue that the public is being conditioned to view Pakistan as the primary threat to justify future military or intelligence actions. Keywords: [pakistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pakistan.md), [times square bomber](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/times-square-bomber.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [retribution](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/retribution.md), zardari [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/20.md) ### 21. No Agenda Donation Segment, Value for Value and Listener Shout-outs (1:08:15–1:13:27) The hosts thank individual donors for their contributions, highlighting the "value for value" funding model. They read notes from listeners in Norway, Palm Beach, and Minnesota, and perform a "de-douching" ritual for a donor whose job was outsourced. The segment emphasizes that the show is 100% user-supported without traditional advertising. Keywords: [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [norway](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/norway.md), [palm beach](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/palm-beach.md), [st. paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/st-paul.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Knighthood Ceremony, Sir Peter Martine and Sir Fred Lust (1:13:29–1:15:19) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak officially knight Peter Martine and Fred Lust for their significant financial contributions to the show. The ceremony includes the bestowing of titles and the mention of upcoming "Knight of the No Agenda Roundtable" rings. The hosts note that they now have approximately 100 knights in their community. Keywords: [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), peter martine, fred lust, [no agenda roundtable](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda-roundtable.md), [rings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rings.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/22.md) ### 23. No Agenda Art, Open Source Model and Google Adsense Issues (1:15:19–1:19:33) The hosts discuss the show's open-source art generation and the various listener-made products like dice and coins. Adam Curry shares his frustration with Google AdSense after being kicked off the platform for "suspicious activity," resulting in a loss of income. He also thanks a producer for creating an Android version of his "Big App Show" for free. Keywords: [no agenda art](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda-art.md), [google adsense](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google-adsense.md), [open source](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/open-source.md), [big app show](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/big-app-show.md), [android](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/android.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/23.md) ### 24. UFO Incursions at Nuclear Sites, Retired Military Testimony (1:19:34–1:23:31) A press conference featuring retired Air Force personnel detailed ongoing UFO incursions at nuclear weapon sites, claiming that unidentified craft have previously disabled missile launch codes. While Dvorak remains skeptical, Curry notes that he reported on these incidents years ago and believes the witnesses are telling the truth about these "silent" craft. Keywords: [ufo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ufo.md), [nuclear missiles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nuclear-missiles.md), [robert hastings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/robert-hastings.md), [air force](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-force.md), [declassified](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/declassified.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Time Travelers Theory, Nuclear Disarmament and Pakistan Pipelines (1:23:32–1:27:34) Adam Curry proposes a theory that UFOs are actually time travelers who have disabled nuclear weapons to prevent human extinction. He argues that because nukes are now ineffective, the government must use "terrorist" memes to control the population. The discussion shifts to Pakistan's strategic importance for oil pipelines connecting China to the global market. Keywords: time travelers, [nuclear weapons](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nuclear-weapons.md), [pakistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pakistan.md), [oil pipelines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oil-pipelines.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/25.md) ### 26. Stuxnet Virus, Chertoff Group and Israel Attribution (1:27:34–1:33:08) The hosts deconstruct media reports on the Stuxnet virus, specifically a Bloomberg interview with a representative from the Chertoff Group. They criticize the "nation-state" requirement theory and the attribution of the virus to Israel. Curry argues that the sophistication of the worm is being exaggerated to justify increased government control over the internet. Keywords: [stuxnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stuxnet.md), [chertoff group](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chertoff-group.md), [israel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/israel.md), [iran](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iran.md), [cyber warfare](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cyber-warfare.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Stuxnet Technical Discrepancies, CyberStorm 3 Exercise (1:33:08–1:37:12) Adam Curry points out technical discrepancies in the Stuxnet narrative, noting that the controllers at the Iranian facility do not match the Siemens models targeted by the virus. He suggests the entire scenario was "scripted" years ago. The hosts also discuss "CyberStorm 3," a large-scale Department of Homeland Security exercise simulating a coordinated cyber attack on vital services. Keywords: [stuxnet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stuxnet.md), [siemens](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/siemens.md), cyberstorm 3, [homeland security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/homeland-security.md), [cyber warfare](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cyber-warfare.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/27.md) ### 28. Caesar and Cleopatra Movie, Historical Anachronisms (1:37:14–1:39:58) John C. Dvorak highlights several historical anachronisms in the film "Caesar and Cleopatra," based on the play by George Bernard Shaw. He notes the mention of "British oysters," "Chianti," and "filet mignon" in a setting intended to be 40-50 BC, long before those terms or products would have been known to the Romans. Keywords: caesar and cleopatra, [george bernard shaw](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-bernard-shaw.md), anachronisms, chianti, [oysters](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oysters.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/28.md) ### 29. European Commission, Genetically Modified Crops Approval (1:39:58–1:41:20) The European Commission has approved the cultivation of various genetically modified crops, sparking a "European Citizens Initiative" to gather a million signatures in opposition. The hosts are dismissive of the initiative's chances, suggesting that unelected officials will ignore the public's concerns in favor of corporate interests like Monsanto. Keywords: [european commission](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-commission.md), [gmo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gmo.md), [monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), citizens initiative, [agriculture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/agriculture.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/29.md) ### 30. Obama Campaign Strategy, Madison Speech and Change Meme (1:41:21–1:44:21) President Obama has shifted his campaign strategy from small "backyard barbecues" back to large-scale university rallies. During a speech in Madison, Wisconsin, he emphasized the phrase "one more time" and warned against voter apathy. The hosts analyze the use of the word "folks" and the re-emergence of the "change" meme. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [madison](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/madison.md), [wisconsin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wisconsin.md), [campaign](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/campaign.md), [apathy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apathy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/30.md) ### 31. Rolling Stone Interview, Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow (1:44:21–1:46:00) In a Rolling Stone interview, President Obama criticized Fox News as "destructive." The hosts also play a clip of MSNBC's Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow celebrating an accolade from the White House Deputy Press Secretary. The hosts argue that such close ties between journalists and the administration undermine journalistic integrity. Keywords: [rolling stone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rolling-stone.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [keith olbermann](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/keith-olbermann.md), [rachel maddow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rachel-maddow.md), [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/31.md) ### 32. No Agenda Nation Map, Donor Directory and Show Notes (1:46:02–1:47:40) The hosts discuss "No Agenda Nation," a map-based directory created by a producer to show the locations of donors and their businesses. They also mention a new system for submitting show notes and ideas to help organize the high volume of listener input, though they joke about the likelihood of actually using the submissions. Keywords: [no agenda nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda-nation.md), donor map, [show notes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/show-notes.md), [community](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/community.md), directory [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/32.md) ### 33. Haiti Aid Backlog, Thomas C. Adams and Wyclef Jean (1:47:41–1:52:11) Reports indicate that very little of the $1.1 billion pledged for Haiti's reconstruction has actually reached the country nine months after the earthquake. The State Department has appointed Thomas C. Adams as a special coordinator, though the hosts note a lack of public information about him. They also mention Wyclef Jean's recent hospitalization and the failure of his presidential bid. Keywords: [haiti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haiti.md), earthquake aid, thomas c. adams, [wyclef jean](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wyclef-jean.md), [state department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/state-department.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/33.md) ### 34. Sarah Shourd Release, Yemen Anecdote and Rahm Emanuel (1:52:12–1:54:43) The hosts discuss the release of Sarah Shourd, one of the American hikers detained in Iran, and share an anecdote about a suspicious "photographer" in Yemen with a computer science degree. They also note Rahm Emanuel's expected announcement to run for Mayor of Chicago, signaling a departure from the White House. Keywords: [sarah shourd](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarah-shourd.md), [yemen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yemen.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [rahm emanuel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rahm-emanuel.md), chicago mayor [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/34.md) ### 35. Airport Security 2012, Truck Scanners and Smith's Detection (1:54:44–2:00:43) The TSA may lift the ban on liquids by 2012 as new explosive detection equipment is deployed. Meanwhile, a counter-terrorism operation in Atlanta involved scanning semi-trucks with handheld devices. The hosts highlight "Smith's Detection," a company producing high-powered X-ray systems capable of penetrating a foot of steel, raising health concerns for drivers. Keywords: [tsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsa.md), [liquid ban](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/liquid-ban.md), smith's detection, truck scanners, [x-ray](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/x-ray.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/35.md) ### 36. Lindsay Lohan Mugshots, Media Distraction and Show Outro (2:00:44–2:03:14) The hosts conclude the show by mocking an Access Hollywood segment that asked viewers to vote on their favorite Lindsay Lohan mugshot. They contrast this "disgusting" media distraction with the serious topics covered in the episode. Adam Curry signs off from Southern California, warning of a potential earthquake, while John C. Dvorak signs off from Silicon Valley. Keywords: [lindsay lohan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lindsay-lohan.md), mugshots, [access hollywood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/access-hollywood.md), [mind control](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mind-control.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/239-change-comes-from-gnu/chapter/36.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/238-hawaii-five-blows.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/240-prince-charles-is-gay.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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