# Feeling Fat?

> Aviation safety crackdowns ground the American Airlines fleet while Skype attempts a media takeover through Oprah Winfrey and the Miss USA pageant faces accusations of scripted results.

- **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- **Episode:** 26
- **Published:** 2008-04-12
- **Length:** 1h 35m
- **Topics:** FAA crackdown, Skype PR, [Miss USA](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/miss-usa.md), Michelin Guide, MD-80, DHS TRIP, Leaded gas
- **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat

## About this episode

American Airlines faces a massive maintenance crisis as the FAA initiates a rigorous crackdown on MD-80 aircraft safety standards. Adam Curry details the chaos of the national aviation system after being forced into a middle coach seat during a flight from New York to San Francisco. The grounding of hundreds of planes follows Congressional pressure on the FAA to enforce strict maintenance sign-offs, specifically regarding nose gear wire bundles and component lifespans.

Skype has reportedly secured a major media partnership with Oprah Winfrey and Harpo Productions to integrate video conferencing into professional broadcasts. Meanwhile, the Miss USA 2008 pageant at the Planet Hollywood Hotel faces rigging allegations involving Donny Osmond and judge Heather Mills. In the world of high-end dining, San Francisco establishments like Michael Mina and La Folie are under fire for wine service failures and pretentious Michelin-star menus. Additional reports cover the decline of youth summer employment, the retail marketing model of Jack Wills, and the history of tetraethyl lead in gasoline.

John C. Dvorak and Adam Curry share personal histories of factory inspections at International Harvester and the reality of manufacturing tolerances. The duo critiques the judging bias of the Miss USA panel and recalls a bizarre appearance on Circus of the Stars involving a rocket car. The episode concludes with a look back at a guest role on the Swamp Thing television series and a critique of William Shatner's recent media appearances.

## Chapters

Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/transcript.md.

### 1. Weather Conditions, Travel Logistics, American Airlines Coach Experience (0:01–2:12)

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the program discussing contrasting weather in Guilford, UK, and Northern California, where temperatures reached 86 degrees. Curry describes a recent flight from New York to San Francisco on American Airlines. Despite being 6'4", he sat in a middle coach seat due to rebooking issues, noting the lack of legroom but the benefit of observing fellow passengers.

Keywords: [guilford](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/guilford.md), [northern california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/northern-california.md), [american airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/american-airlines.md), coach seating, [travel logistics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/travel-logistics.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/1.md)

### 2. Skype PR Strategy, Harris Interactive Survey, Hearst Media Partnership (2:12–5:46)

While on a flight, a PR proposal for Skype was observed on a passenger's laptop, detailing a plan to claim email is being replaced by VoIP and IM. The strategy involves using data from Harris Interactive to support these claims and a partnership with Hearst Media. The plan also positions Skype as a platform for presidential candidates to communicate with constituents.

Keywords: [skype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skype.md), harris interactive, hearst media, [pr strategy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pr-strategy.md), presidential candidates

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/2.md)

### 3. Oprah Winfrey, Harpo Productions, Video Conferencing in Media (5:48–9:41)

Skype reportedly secured a deal with Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions to integrate video conferencing into television programming. The discussion critiques the use of low-quality webcams in professional broadcasts, citing past failures at Tech TV where amateur video connections looked "cheap and crummy." The trend is characterized as a marketing gimmick to sell webcams rather than a programming improvement.

Keywords: [oprah winfrey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oprah-winfrey.md), harpo productions, [skype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skype.md), video conferencing, [tech tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-tv.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/3.md)

### 4. Summer Employment Trends, Grit Newspaper, Youth Labor Market (9:41–11:54)

A discussion on the decline of summer jobs for youth compares the current era to the 1950s under President Truman. While factory jobs with union pay were once common, modern options are often limited to retail or volunteer work. An anecdote about the newspaper Grit highlights the disappearance of traditional door-to-door sales roles for children.

Keywords: [truman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/truman.md), [port townsend](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/port-townsend.md), grit newspaper, [summer jobs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/summer-jobs.md), youth employment

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/4.md)

### 5. Jack Wills Retail Model, Employee Discounts, Marketing Ecosystems (11:55–13:19)

The retail clothing brand Jack Wills is noted for a specific business model that hires young, attractive employees and offers them a 90% discount on expensive merchandise. This creates a "perpetual marketing ecosystem" where staff spend a significant portion of their minimum-wage earnings back at the store. These employees act as incentivized brand ambassadors to drive sales.

Keywords: jack wills, abercrombie and fitch, [retail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/retail.md), employee discounts, [sales tactics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sales-tactics.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/5.md)

### 6. Factory Inspector Career, International Harvester, Union Pay Tactics (13:21–17:00)

A personal history of working as a factory inspector at International Harvester and Trailmobile reveals the benefits of high union pay for summer students. The narrative describes a tactic of telling employers that college was "too hard" to secure long-term roles, only to resign at the end of summer to return to school. This approach allowed for high earnings while avoiding the most grueling assembly line tasks.

Keywords: [international harvester](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/international-harvester.md), factory inspector, union pay, [summer jobs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/summer-jobs.md), career tactics

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/6.md)

### 7. Manufacturing Tolerances, Quality Control, Factory Foreman Conflict (17:01–19:30)

An anecdote from a Trailmobile factory illustrates the reality of manufacturing tolerances and the power of inspectors. After a foreman criticized an inspector for talking to a worker, the inspector retaliated by "papering" the line with rejection stickers for minor, technically out-of-spec flaws. The story emphasizes that very few manufactured products perfectly meet every specification, relying instead on acceptable tolerance ranges.

Keywords: [manufacturing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manufacturing.md), [quality control](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/quality-control.md), factory specs, tolerance levels, [trailmobile](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trailmobile.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/7.md)

### 8. FAA Maintenance Crackdown, American Airlines Groundings, Congressional Pressure (19:32–21:09)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently conducting rigorous "by the book" inspections of airlines, starting with American Airlines and AMR Corporation. This crackdown follows Congressional criticism of the FAA's oversight. The strict adherence to every regulation has the potential to bring the national aviation system to a standstill as inspectors find minor technicalities to ground aircraft.

Keywords: [faa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/faa.md), [american airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/american-airlines.md), [congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md), [aircraft maintenance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aircraft-maintenance.md), amr corporation

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/8.md)

### 9. Aviation Maintenance Standards, MD-80 Inspections, Component Lifespans (21:10–23:42)

Aviation maintenance relies on strict "time to live" expiration dates for every bolt, wire, and airframe component. Pilots and engineers must sign off on regular intervals of inspections, such as annual checks and biennial avionics testing. The current FAA focus on MD-80 aircraft stems from concerns that maintenance records were not properly signed off, leading to safety risks.

Keywords: aviation maintenance, md-80, [faa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/faa.md), [avionics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/avionics.md), propeller maintenance

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/9.md)

### 10. MD-80 Nose Gear Issues, Outsourced Maintenance Risks, Airline Penalties (23:42–26:40)

Technical issues with MD-80 nose gear retraction have been linked to improper maintenance of wire ties in copper bundles. There is a growing concern regarding the outsourcing of aircraft maintenance to facilities in Mexico and the potential for errors when multiple teams handle the same aircraft. The discussion argues for severe penalties for airlines that skimp on maintenance to save costs.

Keywords: md-80, nose gear, maintenance outsourcing, [mexico](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mexico.md), [airline safety](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/airline-safety.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/10.md)

### 11. Customs Secondary Screening, SFO Airport, Team Leader Protocol (26:40–29:50)

During an arrival at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), a traveler requested a "Team Leader" (TL) at customs to resolve recurring database issues. This led to a 25-minute detention in a secondary screening room. The process revealed various internal codes used by Border Patrol agents on landing cards to flag passengers for further inspection.

Keywords: [customs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/customs.md), sfo airport, [secondary screening](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/secondary-screening.md), [border patrol](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/border-patrol.md), [team leader](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/team-leader.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/11.md)

### 12. DHS Traveler Redress Inquiry Program, TRIP System, Database Errors (29:51–34:05)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) utilizes the Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP) to address issues for passengers who are repeatedly flagged for secondary screening. Agents at SFO confirmed that the database sits on top of DMV and IRS information, making it difficult to remove names once they are entered. There are reportedly over a million people currently affected by these database errors.

Keywords: [dhs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dhs.md), trip program, [homeland security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/homeland-security.md), [database](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/database.md), traveler redress

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/12.md)

### 13. TSA Interaction, Shaquille O'Neal Anecdote, Human Connection (34:06–36:13)

A lighthearted interaction at JFK Airport involved a tall TSA agent and a brief moment of human connection through a hug. This reminded the speaker of a previous interview with Shaquille O'Neal, where the 7-foot athlete provided a rare opportunity for the speaker to feel small during a hug. The segment emphasizes the value of physical touch and humor in stressful travel environments.

Keywords: [tsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsa.md), [jfk airport](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jfk-airport.md), [shaquille o'neal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shaquille-o-neal.md), [human connection](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/human-connection.md), [anecdote](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anecdote.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/13.md)

### 14. Electronic Component Accuracy, System Clocks, Military Specifications (36:16–38:48)

A listener from Virginia, a computer engineer, explains why electronic crystals and system clocks are often inaccurate due to manufacturing tolerances and environmental variables like temperature. Components like resistors are color-coded to indicate their quality and deviation percentage (e.g., 5% for gold). "Mil-spec" or military specification refers to the tightest possible tolerances for these electronic parts.

Keywords: [crystals](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crystals.md), resistors, capacitors, [mil-spec](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mil-spec.md), system clocks

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/14.md)

### 15. Kodak Camera Microphones, Audio Engineering, Cranky Geek Studio (38:50–41:45)

A specific Kodak pocket camera is noted for having an exceptionally high-quality microphone that rivals studio equipment. Research revealed that while most cheap camera mics are uncalibrated and cost very little, some individual units perform significantly better due to manufacturing luck. The audio quality was tested during a recording with Annalisa Savage at the Cranky Geek studio.

Keywords: [kodak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kodak.md), [microphones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/microphones.md), [audio engineering](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/audio-engineering.md), cranky geek, annalisa savage

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/15.md)

### 16. Lead in Gasoline, Tetraethyl Lead, Engine Valve Lubrication (41:46–46:45)

The history of leaded gasoline explains that tetraethyl lead was originally added to fuel to increase octane and prevent engine knock. A secondary effect was the lubrication of valve seats; without lead, valves could weld themselves to the engine head. The transition to unleaded fuel required the development of hardened valve seats and synthetic lubricants to prevent engine failure.

Keywords: [gasoline](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gasoline.md), tetraethyl lead, [octane](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/octane.md), valve seats, [union oil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/union-oil.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/16.md)

### 17. Chevrolet Corvette History, Fiberglass Degradation, Garage Fire Incident (46:45–49:11)

A 1975 Corvette Stingray is discussed, noting the tendency for its plastic and fiberglass components to degrade over time. An anecdote from Belgium describes a C5 Corvette owner who accidentally destroyed the car's door and flooded a house after a garage door opener caught fire, causing a panicked reverse maneuver that ruptured a boiler.

Keywords: chevrolet corvette, [stingray](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stingray.md), [fiberglass](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fiberglass.md), c5 corvette, [belgium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/belgium.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/17.md)

### 18. Legislative Naivete, Aviation Safety Standards, Instrument Flight (49:11–53:37)

The discussion critiques the lack of manufacturing experience among modern legislators, leading to "naive" laws regarding technical specifications. While flexibility is often necessary in general manufacturing, aviation safety requires much stricter adherence to maintenance intervals. The segment concludes with a debate on whether any aircraft is ever truly "up to spec" according to the strictest regulatory definitions.

Keywords: [manufacturing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manufacturing.md), [legislation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/legislation.md), [aviation safety](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aviation-safety.md), [tolerance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tolerance.md), instrument flight

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/18.md)

### 19. La Folie Restaurant Review, Michelin Star Critique, San Francisco Dining (53:37–58:32)

A visit to the Michelin-starred restaurant La Folie in San Francisco resulted in a mixed review. While the service and atmosphere were praised, the food was criticized for being "over-complicated," specifically a Dungeness crab salad with grapefruit and pomegranate jelly. The presence of unnecessary ingredients under a potato blini was cited as an example of trying too hard to justify a star.

Keywords: la folie, [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [michelin star](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michelin-star.md), roland passant, [fine dining](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fine-dining.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/19.md)

### 20. Wine Service Failures, Chateau Marbousset, Restaurant Arrogance (58:33–1:03:15)

A dining experience was marred by wine service errors, including the restaurant being out of a listed 2003 Chateau Marbousset. The sommelier's attempt to substitute a different vintage and a debate over decanting were highlighted as pretentious. The discussion argues that Michelin-starred establishments should not have such frequent "out of stock" issues on their wine lists.

Keywords: [wine list](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wine-list.md), chateau marbousset, [decanting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/decanting.md), [michelin star](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michelin-star.md), restaurant service

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/20.md)

### 21. Michelin Guide History, Tire Marketing, Star Rating Standards (1:03:16–1:05:57)

The Michelin Guide was originally created by the tire manufacturer to encourage automobile travel and tire wear. The "Red Guide" uses a three-star system that is notoriously strict in France but is perceived as being more lenient in the United States. Only nine restaurants in Paris hold the prestigious three-star rating, compared to a perceived over-abundance of stars in California.

Keywords: michelin guide, [tires](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tires.md), [france](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/france.md), restaurant ratings, red guide

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/21.md)

### 22. California Restaurant Ratings, Gary Danko, French Laundry Critique (1:05:58–1:09:50)

The distribution of Michelin stars in Northern California is criticized for favoring the Napa Valley over San Francisco and the South Bay. Notable restaurants like Gary Danko and the Ritz-Carlton dining room are cited as superior to some starred establishments like Aqua. The French Laundry's three-star status is questioned due to perceived arrogance in its reservation policies.

Keywords: gary danko, [french laundry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/french-laundry.md), aqua, chez panisse, restaurant ratings

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/22.md)

### 23. Michael Mina Restaurant, Wine Bait and Switch, Sommelier Tactics (1:09:51–1:13:18)

A review of Michael Mina's restaurant in San Francisco describes a "bait and switch" tactic regarding wine. After being told a selected bottle was unavailable, the staff offered an upgrade at the same price, only to later retract the offer for a cheaper substitute. This experience, combined with inconsistent food quality, led to a negative assessment of the establishment's management.

Keywords: [michael mina](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-mina.md), aqua, wine service, [bait and switch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bait-and-switch.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/23.md)

### 24. St. Regis New York, Joseph Drouhin Wine, Corrupt Service Practices (1:13:19–1:17:22)

An incident at the St. Regis in New York involved a waiter repeatedly attempting to serve a lower-end Joseph Drouhin Pinot Noir instead of the specific "Laurène" vineyard bottling ordered. The hotel manager later admitted the restaurant was plagued by corrupt practices and significant financial losses. The segment concludes with a call for a "one-star taco truck" rating system for high-quality casual food.

Keywords: st. regis, [new york](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-york.md), joseph drouhin, [pinot noir](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pinot-noir.md), wine fraud

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/24.md)

### 25. Miss USA 2008 Pageant, Heather Mills, Judging Controversy (1:17:22–1:22:26)

The 2008 Miss USA competition is critiqued for its "cookie-cutter" contestants and controversial judging. Judge Heather Mills is accused of "lowballing" Miss Pennsylvania after the contestant gave a moderate answer regarding marketing cosmetics to children. The pageant's website was also noted for featuring weight loss and cosmetic advertisements despite the event's supposed focus on role models.

Keywords: [miss usa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/miss-usa.md), heather mills, [donny osmond](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donny-osmond.md), [cosmetics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cosmetics.md), pageant judging

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/25.md)

### 26. Pageant Rigging Allegations, Donny Osmond, Sean Merriman (1:22:27–1:26:26)

Allegations of rigging in the Miss USA pageant center on a segment where host Donny Osmond appeared to steer a specific question from judge Sean Merriman to the eventual winner, Crystle Stewart. The judging panel, which included Rob Schneider and Joey Fatone, is described as a collection of celebrities promoting their own projects rather than qualified experts.

Keywords: [miss usa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/miss-usa.md), [donny osmond](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donny-osmond.md), sean merriman, [rigging](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rigging.md), pageant judges

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/26.md)

### 27. Judging Bias, Order of Appearance, Scoring Trends (1:26:27–1:30:52)

Academic studies on judging behavior suggest that the order of appearance significantly impacts scores, with later contestants typically receiving higher marks as judges "warm up." This trend was observed in the Miss USA gown competition, where the first contestant received the lowest score despite a strong performance, while later contestants received high scores even after stumbling on stage.

Keywords: judging bias, scoring, [miss usa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/miss-usa.md), university studies, [statistics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/statistics.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/27.md)

### 28. Planet Hollywood Hotel, Circus of the Stars, Rocket Car Anecdote (1:30:54–1:32:41)

The Miss USA pageant was held at the new Planet Hollywood Hotel in Las Vegas, which is noted for its high-quality production facilities. This prompts a memory of appearing on "Circus of the Stars" in 1992, specifically a segment involving a "rocket car of death." The hosts discuss the practice of using celebrities with new shows to host events "on the cheap."

Keywords: planet hollywood, [las vegas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/las-vegas.md), [circus of the stars](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/circus-of-the-stars.md), [rocket car](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rocket-car.md), tv production

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/28.md)

### 29. William Shatner, Swamp Thing TV Series, Show Outro (1:32:41–1:35:03)

The program concludes with a critique of William Shatner's recent appearance on Jay Leno, where he allegedly told fabricated stories about a motorcycle crash. A host mentions their own past acting role as a rock star in the "Smoke and Mirrors" episode of the Swamp Thing television series. The show ends with a sign-off from Guilford and Northern California.

Keywords: william shatter, [swamp thing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swamp-thing.md), boston legal, [jay leno](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jay-leno.md), [letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/letterman.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat/chapter/29.md)

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