# China Syndrome > Global markets face a calculated currency devaluation as the Iraq War adopts Roman-style mercenary tactics and the Beijing Olympics struggle under a shroud of industrial smog. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 27 - **Published:** 2008-04-19 - **Length:** 1h 16m - **Topics:** [Currency Devaluation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/currency-devaluation.md), [Beijing Olympics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/beijing-olympics.md), Twitter Growth, SIP Protocol, Iraq Mercenaries, Shanghai Trade - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome ## About this episode The U.S. Treasury Department is intentionally devaluing the dollar to force China to unpeg its currency, a move that benefits American exporters like Boeing while squeezing European competitors like Airbus. This economic tension coincides with the upcoming Beijing Olympics, where severe air pollution and corruption allegations overshadow the city's rapid modernization. Prime Minister Gordon Brown recently visited President George W. Bush amid a total U.S. media blackout, leaving the 10 Downing Street Twitter account as the primary source for diplomatic updates. In Iraq, the military surge relies on 70,000 hired local militias and high-paid mercenaries, a strategy drawing comparisons to the late Roman Empire. Technological shifts continue as the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and Gizmo software struggle against the closed dominance of Skype. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury has introduced a new five-dollar bill featuring a controversial lavender-colored numeral, and the Department of Defense is deploying pixelated computerized camouflage to trick human visual perception in desert environments. Adam Curry also details his plan to record U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents using an iRiver IFP-799 during his next secondary search. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak trade barbs over hair maintenance and the social etiquette of aging while navigating the complexities of the early social media landscape. Dvorak admits his skepticism of Twitter is fading after Leo Laporte drove his follower count past 5,700, proving the platform's utility for real estate and activism. The duo reflects on the death of a four-year-old iMac and the liberation found in a week-long refrigerator failure. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/transcript.md. ### 1. Weather Discrepancies, UK and Northern California (0:01–1:55) Adam Curry reports from a dark, misty evening in the United Kingdom while John C. Dvorak describes sunny conditions in Northern California. Dvorak notes unusual April snow in Port Angeles, Washington, while Curry mentions low visibility preventing him from flying. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [port angeles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/port-angeles.md), [washington](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/washington.md), [weather](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weather.md), [snow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/snow.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/1.md) ### 2. SIP Protocol, Gizmo Software, Skype Alternatives (1:55–6:58) The hosts discuss the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and its history in the telecom industry, referencing Jeff Pulver and early expectations for free calling. Dvorak criticizes the Gizmo software for being poorly implemented and resource-heavy, while Curry explores why Skype remains the dominant, albeit closed, standard for internet calls. Keywords: sip, gizmo, jeff pulver, [skype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skype.md), open protocol, [voip](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/voip.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/2.md) ### 3. iPod Touch, MIDI Controllers, Remote Studio Setup (6:59–10:19) Curry describes using an iPod Touch as a handheld browser and a wireless MIDI controller for his Ableton Live studio setup. He details using AKA Remote software to trigger jingles and control faders remotely, while planning a future screencast to document his technical workflow for listeners. Keywords: [ipod touch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ipod-touch.md), fader fox, [ableton live](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ableton-live.md), [midi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/midi.md), aka remote, [macbook pro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/macbook-pro.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Customs and Border Protection, Secondary Search Recording (10:19–13:10) Curry plans to record his next encounter with U.S. Customs and Border Protection after being placed on a secondary search list. The hosts discuss the logistics of using a Flip camera or an iRiver IFP-799 digital audio recorder to document the interaction with a team leader at the border. Keywords: [customs and border protection](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/customs-and-border-protection.md), secondary search, flip camera, [iriver](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iriver.md), [passport control](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/passport-control.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/4.md) ### 5. iMac Hardware Failure, 24/7 Computer Operation (13:13–14:55) A 15-inch PowerPC iMac failed after four years of continuous 24/7 operation, likely due to a melted graphics card. The discussion touches on the lifespan of Chinese-manufactured electronics and the environmental impact of leaving computers running indefinitely. Keywords: [imac](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/imac.md), powerpc, [hardware failure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hardware-failure.md), graphics card, [energy consumption](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/energy-consumption.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Renault Twingo, Smart Car, European Driving Experience (14:55–17:27) Curry describes driving a Renault Twingo with a 1.2-liter engine and compares it to his previous experience owning a convertible Smart Car in Amsterdam. The conversation covers the practicality of small European cars, including the ability to park them head-first in cities like Paris. Keywords: renault twingo, smart car, [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [paris](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paris.md), [fuel efficiency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fuel-efficiency.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Refrigerator Failure, Minimalism, Grocery Habits (17:28–19:11) A week-long refrigerator failure leads to a realization about the unnecessary accumulation of food and household items. The hosts discuss the tendency to use refrigerators for long-term storage of items that are rarely consumed, advocating for downsizing and cleaning out clutter. Keywords: [refrigerator](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/refrigerator.md), drinks cooler, [minimalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/minimalism.md), [food storage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/food-storage.md), [consumerism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/consumerism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/7.md) ### 8. U.S. Currency Redesign, Five Dollar Bill, Lavender Ink (19:12–21:04) Dvorak critiques the aesthetic of the new U.S. five-dollar bill, specifically noting the large lavender-colored number five on the reverse side. The discussion explains the process of currency circulation and how the Treasury Department replaces worn bills with new designs. Keywords: five dollar bill, [abraham lincoln](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abraham-lincoln.md), lavender ink, [treasury](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/treasury.md), currency circulation [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/8.md) ### 9. European Union Currency, British Pounds, French Francs (21:04–23:19) The hosts discuss the transition to the Euro and the difficulties of exchanging old national currencies like the Dutch guilder and Belgian franc. Dvorak recalls being unable to use old British pounds that lacked the European Union "E" symbol and reminisces about the varied sizes and colors of French franc notes. Keywords: [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [euro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/euro.md), [british pound](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/british-pound.md), french franc, dutch guilder [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Gordon Brown, U.S. Visit, Media Blackout (23:20–25:07) British Prime Minister Gordon Brown visited the United States to meet with President Bush and several presidential candidates, yet the event received minimal U.S. media coverage. Curry notes that he followed the trip via the 10 Downing Street Twitter account while mainstream news focused on the Pope's visit. Keywords: [gordon brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-brown.md), [george w. bush](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-w-bush.md), [10 downing street](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/10-downing-street.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [media coverage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-coverage.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Twitter Growth, Influencer Following, Networking Strategy (25:09–27:15) Dvorak reports a surge in his Twitter followers to over 5,700 after a plug from Leo Laporte. Curry explains the strategy of attracting "repeaters" like Jason Calacanis to amplify messages to a larger, more relevant audience. Keywords: [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [leo laporte](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/leo-laporte.md), [jason calacanis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jason-calacanis.md), [followers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/followers.md), social media strategy [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Social Media Skepticism, Egypt Arrest, Real Estate Tech (27:15–30:06) Dvorak admits his skepticism toward Twitter has softened, citing its utility for real estate professionals and its role in the release of an activist arrested in Egypt. The hosts discuss how the platform functions as an efficient broadcast tool rather than just an ego stroke. Keywords: [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [cranky geeks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cranky-geeks.md), [egypt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/egypt.md), [real estate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/real-estate.md), [social media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-media.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Twitter Tools, TwitterMail, Microblogging Ads (30:07–33:41) The discussion covers various third-party tools for managing Twitter, including TwitterMail for email summaries and threaded view applications. They also touch on the potential downside of upcoming advertisements being integrated into Twitter feeds. Keywords: twittermail, microblogging, [advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/advertising.md), social media tools, [threads](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/threads.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Gaming Consoles, Xbox, Product Reviews (33:41–35:14) Dvorak discusses the pressure to buy the latest gaming consoles for his children and his reluctance to accept review units from manufacturers. He mentions that his office often becomes cluttered with evaluation hardware that he eventually refuses to accept. Keywords: [xbox](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/xbox.md), gaming consoles, [product reviews](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/product-reviews.md), trade magazines, [electronics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/electronics.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Hair Maintenance, Aging, Social Etiquette (35:14–41:13) The hosts engage in a lengthy discussion about their hair, including the challenges of maintaining long hair and the social awkwardness of seeing friends who have aged or gone bald. Curry describes his grooming rituals while Dvorak defends his own "blonde" hair against claims that it has turned white. Keywords: hair care, [shampoo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shampoo.md), [aging](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aging.md), [social etiquette](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-etiquette.md), baldness [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Iraq War, Mercenaries, Military Policy (41:13–43:44) A discussion on the Iraq War surge reveals that while 30,000 U.S. troops were deployed, approximately 70,000 local militias were also hired. Dvorak compares the use of high-paid mercenaries to the tactics of the Roman Empire, noting the lack of military code oversight for these contractors. Keywords: [iraq war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq-war.md), [surge](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surge.md), [militias](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/militias.md), [mercenaries](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mercenaries.md), [roman empire](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/roman-empire.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Computerized Camouflage, Pixelated Patterns, Visual Perception (43:45–46:40) New computerized camouflage patterns are being used to make soldiers nearly invisible against desert backgrounds. Dvorak describes how the pixelated designs trick the human brain, making it difficult to see anything but a floating head in certain environments. Keywords: [camouflage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/camouflage.md), computerized patterns, pixelated, [military technology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-technology.md), visual perception [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/17.md) ### 18. The Kid from Brooklyn, Online Comedy, Pat Condell (46:40–48:19) Curry discusses the online comedian known as "The Kid from Brooklyn," who produces offensive but popular video rants. The conversation compares his style to British commentator Pat Condell and mentions his satirical presidential run and endorsement of Obama. Keywords: the kid from brooklyn, pat condell, online comedy, [political satire](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-satire.md), [brooklyn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brooklyn.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/18.md) ### 19. U.S. Dollar Devaluation, China Trade, Global Manufacturing (48:20–53:11) Dvorak posits that the U.S. is intentionally devaluing the dollar to force China to unpeg its currency. The discussion explores how a weak dollar benefits U.S. exports like Boeing jets while hurting European competitors like Airbus, despite the continued influx of cheap Chinese goods. Keywords: [us dollar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/us-dollar.md), [euro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/euro.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [manufacturing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manufacturing.md), [exports](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/exports.md), currency peg [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Beijing Olympics, Air Pollution, Chinese Art (53:13–55:37) The upcoming Summer Olympics in Beijing face scrutiny due to severe air pollution and corruption. Dvorak compares Chinese and Vietnamese art, noting that Chinese paintings often feature white, cloudless skies reflecting the smog-filled reality of the region. Keywords: [beijing olympics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/beijing-olympics.md), [air pollution](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-pollution.md), chinese art, [vietnam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vietnam.md), summer olympics [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Chinese Cultural Perceptions, Western Influence, Tourism (55:38–58:11) Dvorak shares anecdotes about traveling in China, claiming that Westerners are often treated with high regard because of a Chinese aspiration toward American capitalism and lifestyle. He notes that the typical Chinese person's view of the West is heavily influenced by television and returning expatriates. Keywords: [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [shanghai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shanghai.md), [beijing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/beijing.md), [tourism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tourism.md), american english, [capitalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/capitalism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Chinese Economic Expansion, African Infrastructure, Gray Markets (58:12–1:02:25) China is rapidly expanding its influence in Africa by securing infrastructure contracts for dams and civic centers. Dvorak explains a tactic where Chinese firms bring equipment into countries duty-free and then sell it on the gray market, effectively putting local and European businesses out of competition. Keywords: [africa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/africa.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), mugabe, [infrastructure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/infrastructure.md), [gray market](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gray-market.md), [dams](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dams.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Malaysian Chinese Businessmen, Global Trade, Cutthroat Capitalism (1:02:24–1:05:25) The discussion differentiates between various groups of Chinese businessmen, highlighting the "Malaysian Chinese" as particularly aggressive and influential in global trade. Dvorak suggests this group is behind many of the high-stakes deals in Africa and dominates the Malaysian economy. Keywords: [malaysia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/malaysia.md), [taiwan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taiwan.md), [businessmen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/businessmen.md), [capitalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/capitalism.md), petronas towers, triads [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Hong Kong Economy, Shanghai Trade, Maoist Souvenirs (1:05:26–1:09:42) Hong Kong has transitioned into a high-priced banking hub as international trade action shifts to Shanghai. Dvorak recounts a story from the late 1990s about the difficulty of finding traditional Maoist clothing or posters in Beijing, as the local population had moved on from those cultural symbols. Keywords: [hong kong](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hong-kong.md), [shanghai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shanghai.md), [banking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/banking.md), [mao zedong](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mao-zedong.md), [tourism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tourism.md), [trade](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Shanghai Tourism, Travel Logistics, Price Discrepancies (1:09:42–1:14:13) Dvorak recommends Shanghai as a premier travel destination, noting the short flight from Vancouver and the extreme price discrepancies for consumer goods like Coca-Cola. He praises the city's modern architecture and high-end restaurants while acknowledging the underlying pollution. Keywords: [shanghai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shanghai.md), [vancouver](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vancouver.md), [tourism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tourism.md), [coca-cola](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/coca-cola.md), [travel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/travel.md), [architecture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/architecture.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/25.md) ### 26. Media Criticism, Future Depression, Show Outro (1:14:13–1:16:25) The hosts conclude with a critique of modern journalism and the failure of media to cover significant international events. Dvorak predicts a future economic depression that will reset the system, before the hosts sign off and promote their respective blogs. Keywords: [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md), [blogging](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blogging.md), [economic depression](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economic-depression.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/27-china-syndrome/chapter/26.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/26-feeling-fat.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/28-the-future-of-media.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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