# Bagging Your Own Reality > A controversial Dutch film critiques multiculturalism while British retail giant Tesco miscalculates the American grocery market and Heathrow Terminal 5 suffers a massive baggage system collapse. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 24 - **Published:** 2008-03-29 - **Length:** 1h 17m - **Topics:** Fitna film, Tesco failure, Wembley tax, Steroid scandal, Heathrow T5, [Soy milk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/soy-milk.md), Midway Island - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality ## About this episode Dutch politician Geert Wilders triggers a European firestorm with the release of Fitna, a controversial film targeting the influence of Islam in the Netherlands. The production claims a significant portion of third-generation Muslims favor Sharia law over democratic systems, sparking a debate on the failure of multiculturalism and the rise of political correctness. This cultural friction coincides with a broader shift in European sentiment as governments struggle to balance secular values with shifting demographics. British retail giant Tesco faces a disastrous launch of its Fresh and Easy stores in Southern California due to a fundamental misunderstanding of American consumer habits. The chain’s reliance on European-style expiration dating and small-format layouts has alienated local shoppers accustomed to bulk buying and long-dated products. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom tax code undergoes a radical shift effective April 6, leading UEFA to pull the 2010 Champions League finals from Wembley Arena after the government refused to waive taxes for international players. In the United States, the decline of full-service gas stations in Oregon and the environmental impact of plastic bags on Midway Island signal a transition toward a self-service economy where consumers bear the labor costs previously handled by corporations. Adam Curry recounts a harrowing flight through 40-knot winds to Antwerp for a mandatory aircraft inspection, emphasizing the life-or-death necessity of consistent maintenance. Actor Donald Sutherland brings Canadian humor to the BBC with a polarizing joke about the esophagus, while Jose Canseco prepares to release a second book naming names in the Major League Baseball steroid scandal. The program concludes with a look at the opening of Heathrow Terminal 5, where an 8-billion-dollar investment resulted in a total baggage handling collapse. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/transcript.md. ### 1. Adam Curry, Aviation Maintenance and Antwerp Flight (0:01–1:46) Adam Curry describes flying through 40-knot winds and rain to reach Antwerp, Belgium, for a mandatory annual aircraft inspection. The discussion emphasizes the critical importance of consistent maintenance and trusting a single mechanic to ensure pilot safety. Failure to complete the inspection by the March 31st deadline would have invalidated the aircraft's insurance. Keywords: [antwerp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/antwerp.md), [aviation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aviation.md), [aircraft maintenance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aircraft-maintenance.md), annual inspection, [pilot safety](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pilot-safety.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Geert Wilders, Fitna Movie and Dutch Multiculturalism (1:47–3:12) Dutch politician Geert Wilders released a controversial film titled Fitna, which uses edited footage to critique the influence of Islam in the Netherlands. The film claims that a significant portion of third-generation Muslims in the country prefer Sharia law over democracy. The commentary suggests that while the film's production quality is poor, it reflects a growing European sentiment against multiculturalism that is often suppressed by political correctness. Keywords: [geert wilders](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/geert-wilders.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [fitna](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fitna.md), [sharia law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sharia-law.md), [islamization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/islamization.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Tesco, Fresh and Easy Supermarket Launch Failure (3:15–6:43) British retailer Tesco launched a chain of small grocery stores called Fresh and Easy in Southern California, based on flawed market research. The stores utilize a "fresh and easy" formula that ignores American consumer preferences for large-scale shopping and specific store layouts. Critics predict the venture will fail because it misjudges the competitive landscape of the United States grocery market. Keywords: [tesco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tesco.md), fresh and easy, [southern california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/southern-california.md), grocery industry, [market research](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/market-research.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Soy Milk, Estrogen Claims and Soybean Lobby (6:44–9:09) A discussion regarding the health effects of soy milk highlights claims that the product contains "mock estrogen" which may cause physical changes in men, such as tender breasts. The soybean industry in the United States is described as having a powerful public relations machine that aggressively counters negative health reports online. One speaker expresses shock at these claims after consuming soy milk exclusively for two years. Keywords: [soy milk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/soy-milk.md), [estrogen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/estrogen.md), soybean lobby, [public relations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-relations.md), health claims [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Fresh and Easy, Food Expiration Dating Standards (9:10–10:53) Tesco's Fresh and Easy stores implemented a European-style expiration dating system that conflicts with American consumer expectations. While Americans typically look for products with dates far into the future to ensure freshness, Fresh and Easy uses tighter windows that make products appear older to local shoppers. This cultural mismatch in dating standards is cited as a primary reason for the chain's poor reception. Keywords: fresh and easy, [expiration dates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/expiration-dates.md), [consumer behavior](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/consumer-behavior.md), grocery retail, shelf life [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/5.md) ### 6. British Bangers, Sausage Regulations and Bread Content (10:53–13:11) The conversation shifts to the composition of British bangers, which traditionally contain a high percentage of bread crumbs or "rusk" for texture. United States food laws historically limited the amount of filler allowed in sausages, making authentic British-style bangers difficult to find domestically. Personal anecdotes include a high-quality banger served on a Canadian airline flight from Toronto to London. Keywords: [bangers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bangers.md), sausages, bread crumbs, rusk, food regulations [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Grocery Bagging, Labor Traditions and European Fees (13:11–15:40) A comparison of international grocery shopping habits reveals that Americans expect staff to bag their groceries, whereas Europeans typically bag their own. In the Netherlands and other parts of Europe, customers are often charged a fee for plastic bags, a practice that is becoming more common in environmentally conscious U.S. cities like San Francisco. The shift toward self-service is viewed by some as a loss of traditional service and employment opportunities for youth and retirees. Keywords: grocery bagging, [labor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/labor.md), self-service, [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [plastic bags](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/plastic-bags.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Plastic Bag Bans, Ocean Pollution and Midway Island (15:40–18:56) The environmental impact of plastic bags is examined, specifically their tendency to accumulate in trees and oceans. A documentary about Midway Island highlights the massive amount of plastic debris swirling in oceanic gyres. While modern plastics are designed to be biodegradable, the resulting micro-particles are being consumed by marine life, potentially entering the human food chain. Keywords: [plastic bags](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/plastic-bags.md), midway island, [ocean pollution](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ocean-pollution.md), biodegradation, [environmental impact](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/environmental-impact.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Tesco, Retail Strategy and Central Market Success (18:56–24:04) Tesco's strategy of opening small neighborhood markets is compared to failed American experiments like Andronico's Marketplace in the Bay Area. Successful modern retailers, such as Central Market in Seattle and the H-E-B owned Central Market in Texas, focus on large-format stores that combine specialty items with traditional commercial products. The failure of the "small format" model in the U.S. is attributed to the American habit of weekly, car-based shopping rather than daily walking trips. Keywords: [tesco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tesco.md), [andronico's](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/andronico-s.md), central market, h-e-b, retail format [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Donald Sutherland, Canadian Humor and Esophagus Joke (24:03–27:18) Actor Donald Sutherland appeared on the BBC's Jonathan Ross show and shared a joke about two sperm that highlights cultural differences in humor between Canadians and Americans. The joke involves a misunderstanding of anatomy, specifically the esophagus, leading to a punchline about fellatio. The hosts debate whether the joke is too juvenile for American audiences or if Americans simply lack the anatomical knowledge to find it funny. Keywords: [donald sutherland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-sutherland.md), [canada](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/canada.md), [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), [jonathan ross](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jonathan-ross.md), [humor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/humor.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Full-Service Gas Stations, Oregon Law and Retail Economics (27:18–29:44) The decline of full-service gas stations in the United States is discussed, noting that Oregon remains one of the few places where it is illegal to pump your own gas. Historically, gas stations provided free maps, oil checks, and windshield cleaning, services that have vanished in the era of high-priced, self-service fuel. This shift is attributed to a broader trend in retail where consumers perform the labor previously handled by employees to save on corporate costs. Keywords: [gas stations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gas-stations.md), [oregon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oregon.md), self-service, retail labor, [economics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economics.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/11.md) ### 12. NCR, IBM History and Thomas Watson (29:44–33:57) The history of IBM is traced back to Thomas Watson's time at the National Cash Register Company (NCR). Watson reportedly modeled the name International Business Machines as an "upgraded" version of National Cash Register. The discussion also touches on the early "brutish" reputation of IBM and the longevity of the AS/400 computer systems in the corporate world. Keywords: ncr, [ibm](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ibm.md), thomas watson, cash registers, business history [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/12.md) ### 13. European Shopping Habits, Labor Laws and Sarkozy (33:57–36:54) A comparison of work cultures notes that Americans work long hours and shop weekly, while Europeans often maintain a tradition of daily shopping at local markets despite the rise of big-box stores. This is linked to European labor laws that mandate shorter work days and extensive vacation time. The segment transitions to French President Nicolas Sarkozy's state visit to the United Kingdom to meet the Queen. Keywords: shopping habits, [labor laws](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/labor-laws.md), [france](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/france.md), nicholas sarkozy, [work-life balance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/work-life-balance.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Carla Bruni, Camilla Parker Bowles and Corgi Joke (36:54–39:39) The public appearance of Carla Bruni during Nicolas Sarkozy's UK visit is contrasted with the British royal family. A joke is shared involving Prince Charles, a deceased corgi, and a fairy godmother who is unable to improve Camilla Parker Bowles' appearance. The anecdote highlights the media's fascination with Bruni's glamour compared to the traditional image of the British royals. Keywords: [carla bruni](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carla-bruni.md), [camilla parker bowles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/camilla-parker-bowles.md), [prince charles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prince-charles.md), [queen elizabeth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/queen-elizabeth.md), corgis [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Grits, Specialty Salts and Smoked Paprika Trends (39:40–44:17) The culinary properties of grits are explored, focusing on their ability to expand and provide a feeling of fullness, making them a staple for the poor. The discussion moves to the trend of expensive specialty salts, such as Hawaiian red salt and French fumé sel, which significantly improves the flavor of bland foods. Additionally, smoked paprika is identified as a high-demand "secret ingredient" currently trending in the spice market. Keywords: grits, specialty salt, smoked paprika, [food trends](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/food-trends.md), [culinary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/culinary.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/15.md) ### 16. UK Tax Code, Champions League and Wembley Arena (44:17–46:02) The United Kingdom's new tax code, effective April 6, has resulted in the loss of the 2010 Champions League finals at Wembley Arena. UEFA withdrew the bid because the UK government refused to waive taxes for participating players. This development is cited as evidence that the new tax laws are driving major events and businesses away from Britain. Keywords: [tax code](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tax-code.md), [champions league](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/champions-league.md), wembley arena, [uefa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/uefa.md), [united kingdom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-kingdom.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/16.md) ### 17. The Money Masters, Federal Reserve and Central Banking (46:03–49:44) The documentary "The Money Masters" is reviewed, which details how private families and individuals control the world through the Bank of England and the Federal Reserve. The film argues that central banks manipulate interest rates and national debt for their own benefit, regardless of government leadership. The discussion suggests that the American Revolution was fought primarily to escape this system of debt-based currency. Keywords: the money masters, [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), [bank of england](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bank-of-england.md), [rothschild](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rothschild.md), [central banking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/central-banking.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/17.md) ### 18. The Good Shepherd, Skull and Bones and Christopher Buckley (49:45–52:00) The movie "The Good Shepherd" is used to illustrate the stoic personality of elite banking families like the Rothschilds. The conversation moves to the influence of the Skull and Bones society at Yale, noting that for the first time in recent history, no current presidential candidate is a member. A personal anecdote is shared regarding Christopher Buckley, son of William F. Buckley, and his connection to these elite circles. Keywords: the good shepherd, [skull and bones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skull-and-bones.md), [christopher buckley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/christopher-buckley.md), [yale](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yale.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/18.md) ### 19. AOL, Steve Forbes and Computer Appliance Myths (52:01–54:13) A retrospective on the early internet era recalls a conversation with Christopher Buckley about the perceived insignificance of the web compared to AOL. The discussion critiques Steve Forbes' late-90s prediction that computers would become simple "appliances." The hosts argue that computers, like cars, require a level of skill and will never be as simple as a toaster or refrigerator. Keywords: [aol](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aol.md), [steve forbes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steve-forbes.md), computing, [internet history](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/internet-history.md), [appliances](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/appliances.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/19.md) ### 20. AppleScript, Automation and Scrapyard Patents (54:14–58:38) The difficulty of personal computer automation is discussed, highlighting the limitations of tools like AppleScript for non-programmers. One host describes building a complex audio processing setup that took years to perfect due to a lack of accessible APIs. This leads to an anecdote about helping an inventor secure a patent for a vacuum-based recycling separator used in industrial scrapyards. Keywords: applescript, [automation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/automation.md), [patents](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/patents.md), scrapyard, [programming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/programming.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Heathrow Terminal 5, Baggage Failures and Travel Liquids (58:39–1:01:12) The opening of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 is described as a disaster after an $8 billion investment and 19 years of planning. A failure in the baggage handling system led to hundreds of canceled flights and passengers waiting hours for luggage. The incident reinforces the host's preference for carry-on travel, despite the inconvenience of liquid restrictions for hair and skin products. Keywords: [heathrow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/heathrow.md), [terminal 5](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/terminal-5.md), [british airways](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/british-airways.md), baggage system, [travel restrictions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/travel-restrictions.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Jose Canseco, Steroids and Vindicating Juiced (1:01:12–1:03:33) Former baseball player Jose Canseco is releasing a second book naming more names in the ongoing MLB steroid scandal. His first book, "Juiced," was initially met with skepticism but has since been largely vindicated as more players were implicated. The discussion notes that steroids do more than just increase strength; they also improve the coordination and reaction time necessary to hit high-speed pitches. Keywords: jose canseco, [steroids](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steroids.md), [baseball](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/baseball.md), juiced, performance drugs [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Journalism Standards, Second Sources and Wikipedia Editing (1:03:34–1:07:20) A critique of modern journalism focuses on the "second source" rule, which the hosts argue is often used to dismiss first-hand eyewitness accounts. This is compared to the controversial rule against individuals editing their own Wikipedia pages to correct inaccuracies. The discussion suggests that if a correspondent is physically present at an event, such as in Tibet, their direct reporting should not require secondary triangulation to be considered valid. Keywords: [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md), second source, [wikipedia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wikipedia.md), [reporting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reporting.md), ken sago [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Holland's Got Talent, Reality TV Formats and Deal or No Deal (1:07:20–1:13:10) The success of the "Got Talent" franchise is discussed following the high-rated premiere of the Dutch version featuring one of the host's wives as a judge. The segment explores the "casting" of judges to fill specific archetypes, such as the honest critic or the soft-hearted mentor. Other reality shows like "Deal or No Deal" are criticized for lacking skill and relying on the mathematical ignorance of contestants. Keywords: [holland's got talent](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/holland-s-got-talent.md), [reality tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reality-tv.md), [simon cowell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/simon-cowell.md), deal or no deal, [television production](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/television-production.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Nothing But The Truth, Jerry Springer and Media Stupidity (1:13:10–1:15:31) The game show "Nothing But The Truth," hosted by Jerry Springer, is highlighted for its use of lie detectors to force contestants to reveal embarrassing secrets in front of their families. While one host finds the cringe-inducing questions entertaining, the other argues that such programming is detrimental to society and contributes to the "stupefication" of the public. Keywords: nothing but the truth, [jerry springer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jerry-springer.md), [lie detector](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lie-detector.md), [television](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/television.md), [ethics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ethics.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/24-bagging-your-own-reality/chapter/25.md) ### 26. Podcast Wrap-up, TWiT Mention and Sign-off (1:15:34–1:17:33) The hosts conclude the program by debating the merits of modern media before deciding to end the show to avoid a two-hour runtime. They mention that John C. Dvorak will be appearing on Leo Laporte's TWiT network the following day. The episode ends with the standard sign-off from the "Curry Manor" and Northern California. 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