# Choking the Puffin > Global banking liquidity relies on cartel cash while the White House bypasses Congress on Libya and Icelanders revolt against international debt collectors. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 294 - **Published:** 2011-04-10 - **Length:** 2h 35m - **Topics:** Wachovia laundering, Libya memo, Icesave referendum, Cartel liquidity, [Harold Camping](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harold-camping.md), Kane County, [Susan Rice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/susan-rice.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin ## About this episode Wachovia Bank and its parent Wells Fargo face scrutiny following revelations of laundering $378 billion for Mexican drug cartels. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak analyze theories suggesting the 2007 global credit crunch was triggered when these cartels withdrew liquid assets from the banking system in response to federal investigations. This liquidity crisis forced major financial institutions to rely on the Federal Reserve discount window as drug money evaporated from the global market. Legal tensions mount as a memo from Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Krass asserts President Barack Obama holds the constitutional authority to direct military force in Libya without a congressional declaration of war. Meanwhile, Ambassador Susan Rice requests $3.54 billion for United Nations funding despite skepticism over financial transparency. In the Netherlands, a mass shooting at an Alphen aan den Rijn shopping mall by Tristan van der Vlis prompts speculation regarding security failures, while Icelanders reject a referendum to repay billions to the UK and Netherlands following the Icesave collapse. Domestic oddities include a new regulation in Kane County, Illinois, requiring residents to pay for dog-walking licenses and wear physical tags while using public parks. The hosts also examine the rise of Harold Camping and his May 21st Judgment Day predictions appearing on sandwich boards across Los Angeles. Sir Brian Kaufman receives a formal knighthood for his contributions to the No Agenda News Network, and the show bids farewell to Glenn Beck following his departure from Fox News amidst advertiser boycotts. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/transcript.md. ### 1. Gitmo Nation Media Assassination Episode 294 Introduction (0:00–1:23) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open Episode 294 of the No Agenda show on April 10, 2011. The hosts welcome the live stream audience and establish the "Gitmo Nation" theme while preparing to discuss the week's major news events. 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), [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Runyon Canyon, American Idol, Pia Toscano Elimination (1:24–3:55) A personal anecdote about walking in Runyon Canyon leads to a discussion regarding the elimination of contestant Pia Toscano from American Idol. The hosts remark on the public outcry from judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, and Randy Jackson, noting that Toscano secured a record contract despite being voted off by the audience. Keywords: runyon canyon, [los angeles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/los-angeles.md), [american idol](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/american-idol.md), pia toscano, [steven tyler](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steven-tyler.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Federal Budget Showdown, Planned Parenthood, EPA Carbon Tax (3:56–10:16) The hosts analyze the federal budget showdown as political theater designed for news ratings. Discussion focuses on the ideological battles over Planned Parenthood funding and EPA regulations, which the hosts argue are actually about carbon credit taxes rather than clean air. They criticize the media's portrayal of the potential government shutdown's impact on national monuments and parades. Keywords: [federal budget](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-budget.md), [planned parenthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/planned-parenthood.md), [epa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/epa.md), [carbon tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carbon-tax.md), [wolf blitzer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wolf-blitzer.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Remote Area Medical Free Clinic in Oakland (10:17–12:39) A free medical clinic hosted by Tennessee-based Remote Area Medical at the Oakland Coliseum draws thousands of people seeking dental and vision care. The hosts compare the scene of people lining up at midnight for vouchers to conditions in third-world countries, noting the organization typically operates in the Appalachian region. Keywords: [oakland coliseum](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oakland-coliseum.md), remote area medical, free clinic, [healthcare](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/healthcare.md), appalachia [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Caroline D. Krass Memo on Libya War Constitutionality (12:40–15:57) A 13-page legal memo from Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Krass, dated April 1, 2011, argues that President Barack Obama has the constitutional authority to direct military force in Libya. The memo asserts that under Article 2, the President can determine military use based on national interest without a formal declaration of war from Congress. Keywords: caroline d. krass, [libya](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/libya.md), [article 2](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/article-2.md), [war powers act](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/war-powers-act.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Susan Rice Congressional Hearing on UN Funding (15:57–17:35) Ambassador Susan Rice appeared before a congressional hearing to request $3.54 billion for United Nations funding, including $1.9 billion for peacekeeping missions. The hosts characterize Rice as an elitist and express skepticism regarding the transparency of the UN's financial accounting. Keywords: [susan rice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/susan-rice.md), [united nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-nations.md), [peacekeeping](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/peacekeeping.md), [congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md), [budget](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/budget.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Wachovia Bank, Mexican Drug Cartels, 2007 Credit Crunch (17:36–21:48) An investigation by The Guardian reveals that Wachovia Bank, now owned by Wells Fargo, laundered $378 billion for Mexican drug cartels. The hosts discuss a theory that the 2007 global credit crunch was triggered when these cartels withdrew liquid assets from the banking system in response to federal investigations. Keywords: [wachovia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wachovia.md), [wells fargo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wells-fargo.md), [mexico](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mexico.md), [drug cartels](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drug-cartels.md), [money laundering](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/money-laundering.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/7.md) ### 8. PBS Commercialization, Underwriting, Revenue Models (21:48–25:04) The hosts criticize the increasing commercialization of PBS and NPR, noting the frequency of "sponsored messages" and underwriting that resembles traditional advertising. They argue that because these organizations sell their audience to sponsors, the audience becomes the product, contrasting this with the No Agenda donation model. Keywords: [pbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pbs.md), [npr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/npr.md), [carbonite](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carbonite.md), [underwriting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/underwriting.md), [advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/advertising.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/8.md) ### 9. No Agenda Donation Segment, Knighting of Bruce Kaufman (25:04–28:02) The hosts acknowledge donations from the "No Agenda" producers, including Bruce Kaufman of Tempe, Arizona, who sold silver to fund his knighthood and law school studies. They discuss the upcoming 300th episode and the "300 Club" membership for high-tier donors. Keywords: bruce kaufman, [300 club](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/300-club.md), [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [silver](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silver.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Gitmo Nation National Anthem, No Agenda News Network (28:03–30:32) The "Gitmo Nation National Anthem" is played, followed by a discussion of new domain name forwards like 33.me. Adam Curry invites listeners to contribute work to the No Agenda News Network website. Keywords: [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md), [national anthem](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/national-anthem.md), [no agenda news network](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda-news-network.md), [domain names](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/domain-names.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Kane County Dog Walking Licenses, Illinois Regulation (30:33–34:08) A new regulation in Kane County, Illinois, reportedly requires residents to pay $40 per year for a permit to use off-leash dog parks. The report claims owners must wear a physical tag around their necks while walking their dogs, which the hosts cite as an example of excessive government control over "slaves." Keywords: kane county, [illinois](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/illinois.md), [dog walking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dog-walking.md), [permits](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/permits.md), daily herald [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Smolensk Air Disaster Anniversary, Russia Today Propaganda (34:08–42:16) The one-year anniversary of the Smolensk air disaster, which killed the Polish president and dozens of officials, is marked by a critique of Russia Today's coverage. The hosts suggest the crash benefited Russian interests regarding natural gas pipelines and dismiss the official Russian investigation as propaganda. Keywords: [smolensk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smolensk.md), [poland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poland.md), [russia today](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia-today.md), [donald tusk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-tusk.md), [pipeline](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pipeline.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/12.md) ### 13. UN Anti-Israel Bias, Goldstone Report, Sudan Pipeline (42:16–53:15) During a congressional hearing, representatives criticize the United Nations for using Israel as a "punching bag" and discuss the retraction of the Goldstone Report. Susan Rice is also heard discussing a potential UN mission in Sudan, which the hosts claim is actually intended to protect oil pipeline interests. Keywords: [susan rice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/susan-rice.md), [israel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/israel.md), goldstone report, [sudan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sudan.md), [palestinian state](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/palestinian-state.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Cass Sunstein, Cognitive Infiltration, NSA Jingles (53:15–55:49) The hosts discuss Cass Sunstein's theories on "cognitive infiltration" of online groups and warn the chat room to be vigilant against shills. They play a jingle inspired by "They Might Be Giants" regarding NSA surveillance and the permanent war state. Keywords: [cass sunstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cass-sunstein.md), [cognitive infiltration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cognitive-infiltration.md), [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), they might be giants [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Canadian Election, Vote Mobs, Social Media Cynicism (55:50–1:01:01) Coverage of the Canadian federal election highlights the emergence of "vote mobs" organized via Facebook. A CBC panel discussion is played where commentators argue that the immediacy of social media like Twitter creates a "bubble" of engagement that actually drives political cynicism. Keywords: [canada](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/canada.md), [cbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cbc.md), vote mob, [facebook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/facebook.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Alphen aan den Rijn Shopping Mall Shooting (1:01:02–1:06:29) A mass shooting at a shopping mall in Alphen aan den Rijn, Netherlands, leaves several dead. The hosts speculate on the event being a "false flag" or involving "MKUltra" programming, noting the shooter, Tristan van der Vlis, was a member of a gun club. Keywords: [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), alphen aan den rijn, tristan van der vlis, [shooting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shooting.md), [mkultra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mkultra.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Oil Price Speculation, Electronic Trading, Algorithms (1:06:29–1:10:43) CNBC coverage of rising oil prices highlights the role of electronic trading and algorithms in driving Brent crude over $120. Analysts suggest that the market is small enough for large funds to manipulate prices using automated systems, regardless of actual supply and demand. Keywords: [crude oil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crude-oil.md), [brent crude](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brent-crude.md), [cnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnbc.md), [algorithms](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/algorithms.md), [speculation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/speculation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/17.md) ### 18. May 21st Judgment Day, Harold Camping, The Rapture (1:10:44–1:14:21) The hosts discuss the widespread "Judgment Day" warnings appearing on sandwich boards in Los Angeles, pointing to the May 21, 2011, date predicted by Harold Camping. They explain the concept of the Rapture and the subsequent "tribulations" as described by certain Christian groups. Keywords: judgment day, [harold camping](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harold-camping.md), [rapture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rapture.md), [may 21](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/may-21.md), [huffington post](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/huffington-post.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Glenn Beck Departure from Fox News, Advertiser Boycotts (1:14:22–1:17:19) The departure of Glenn Beck from Fox News is analyzed through a clip from MSNBC's "The Ed Show" featuring Al Sharpton. Sharpton credits organized advertiser boycotts for Beck's exit, which the hosts use to illustrate why the No Agenda show avoids the advertiser-supported revenue model. Keywords: [glenn beck](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/glenn-beck.md), [fox news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox-news.md), [al sharpton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-sharpton.md), [ed schultz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ed-schultz.md), [boycotts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boycotts.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/19.md) ### 20. No Agenda Producer Credits, Birthday Acknowledgments (1:17:21–1:25:26) The hosts read letters from donors, including Daniel Hutner and Dame Astrid, while performing "de-douching" and "karma" rituals. They acknowledge various $50 and $100 donations from listeners in Australia, the UK, and North America. Keywords: [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [birthdays](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/birthdays.md), [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karma.md), [de-douching](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/de-douching.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Show 300 Preparation, Sir Brian Kaufman Knighthood (1:25:41–1:29:37) Adam Curry announces plans for a special clip show for Christmas and discusses the upcoming 300th episode. Brian Kaufman is officially knighted as "Sir Brian Kaufman, Knight of the Night" for his cumulative donations exceeding $1,000. Keywords: [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), brian kaufman, show 300, [easter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/easter.md), [clip show](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/clip-show.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Iceland Icesave Referendum, Debt Repayment Rejection (1:29:38–1:34:21) Citizens of Iceland vote "no" in a referendum regarding the repayment of billions to the UK and Netherlands following the collapse of Icesave. The hosts praise the Icelandic people for resisting international banking pressure and recall Gordon Brown previously using anti-terrorism laws against the country. Keywords: [iceland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iceland.md), icesave, [referendum](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/referendum.md), [gordon brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-brown.md), [puffin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/puffin.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Belgium Government Stalemate, IMF Debt Warning (1:34:22–1:37:48) Belgium sets a Guinness World Record for the longest period without a functioning government. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns that the 10-month stalemate threatens the economy, as the country faces a sovereign debt ratio of 94% of its GDP and potential downgrades from ratings agencies. Keywords: [belgium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/belgium.md), [imf](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/imf.md), [sovereign debt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sovereign-debt.md), [guinness world record](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/guinness-world-record.md), standards and poor's [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Steroids in Sports, Factory Work, Drug Legalization (1:37:48–1:42:42) A clip from the documentary "Bigger, Faster, Stronger" prompts a discussion about the prevalence of performance-enhancing drugs in sports and manual labor. John C. Dvorak recounts his time working at an International Harvester factory where workers allegedly used amphetamines to meet production quotas. Keywords: [steroids](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steroids.md), bigger faster stronger, [international harvester](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/international-harvester.md), [amphetamines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amphetamines.md), [legalization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/legalization.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Michel Martelly Interview, Election Consultants (1:42:42–1:46:35) Haitian President-elect Michel Martelly is interviewed regarding his use of international political consultants Ostos & Sola, who previously worked for John McCain and Felipe Calderón. Martelly admits he was initially "immature" about the need for professional campaign advisors. Keywords: [michel martelly](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michel-martelly.md), [haiti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haiti.md), [felipe calderon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/felipe-calderon.md), [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), ostos & sola [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/25.md) ### 26. Haiti Recovery Commission, Bill Clinton, Funding Confusion (1:46:36–1:52:14) Michel Martelly demonstrates confusion regarding the name of the Interim Haiti Recovery Commission (IHRC), led by Bill Clinton. The hosts criticize the lack of progress in moving Haitians from tents to permanent housing despite billions in pledged international aid and "text-to-donate" campaigns. Keywords: [haiti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haiti.md), [bill clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-clinton.md), ihrc, [michel martelly](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michel-martelly.md), [reconstruction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reconstruction.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Japan Red Cross, Billion Dollar Donation Backlog (1:52:15–1:54:46) The Japanese Red Cross reportedly collected over $1 billion in the three weeks following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami but has yet to distribute the funds to victims. The hosts criticize the organization and Hollywood celebrities for promoting donation channels that fail to provide immediate relief. Keywords: [japan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/japan.md), [red cross](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/red-cross.md), [tsunami](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsunami.md), [earthquake](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/earthquake.md), yukio edano [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/27.md) ### 28. NATO Libya Press Conference, Civilian Casualties (1:54:46–1:59:56) During a NATO press conference in Naples, Deputy Commander Rear Admiral Russell Harding avoids answering questions about specific civilian casualty numbers. Harding claims that any answer provided would be "out of date" by the time it was given, implying a high frequency of ongoing deaths. Keywords: [nato](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nato.md), [libya](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/libya.md), [civilian casualties](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/civilian-casualties.md), rear admiral russell harding, naples [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/28.md) ### 29. Baroness Catherine Ashton, EU Foreign Policy, Libya Mission (1:59:57–2:03:45) Baroness Catherine Ashton, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, is discussed in the context of coordinating humanitarian missions in Libya. The hosts echo criticisms from Nigel Farage regarding her unelected status and high salary within the European Union bureaucracy. Keywords: [catherine ashton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/catherine-ashton.md), [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [nato](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nato.md), [libya](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/libya.md), [nigel farage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nigel-farage.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/29.md) ### 30. Kurt Weldon Libya Trip, Oil and Defense Consultants (2:03:45–2:13:54) Former Congressman Kurt Weldon travels to Libya on a private mission, claiming to support the Obama administration's goals. Under questioning from Wolf Blitzer, Weldon reveals his trip was funded by Steve Payne and Brian Ettinger, whom the hosts identify as influential oil and defense consultants. Keywords: kurt weldon, [wolf blitzer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wolf-blitzer.md), [libya](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/libya.md), steve payne, brian ettinger [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/30.md) ### 31. Dana Perino, Al Jazeera Symbolism, Political Appearance (2:13:55–2:19:07) The hosts comment on a Fox News segment featuring Dana Perino and Sean Hannity, noting what they perceive as subliminal Al Jazeera symbolism in a guest's attire. The discussion devolves into a critique of the physical appearance and "uniforms" of female political commentators. Keywords: [dana perino](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dana-perino.md), [sean hannity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sean-hannity.md), [al jazeera](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-jazeera.md), [symbolism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/symbolism.md), [fox news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox-news.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/31.md) ### 32. Donald Trump, Birther Movement, The Apprentice Ratings (2:19:08–2:20:45) Donald Trump's focus on President Obama's birth certificate is characterized as a "red herring" designed to boost ratings for "The Apprentice" on NBC. The hosts discuss the mainstream media's role in amplifying Trump's claims while simultaneously criticizing them. Keywords: [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [birth certificate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/birth-certificate.md), [nbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nbc.md), [the apprentice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-apprentice.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/32.md) ### 33. The Kennedys Miniseries, The Borgias on Showtime (2:20:45–2:25:18) The hosts compare the "historically inaccurate" Kennedys miniseries on ReelzChannel with the premiere of "The Borgias" on Showtime. They praise Jeremy Irons' performance as Pope Alexander VI and recommend the show for its high production values and portrayal of the "original crime family." Keywords: the kennedys, the borgias, [showtime](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/showtime.md), jeremy irons, [katie holmes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/katie-holmes.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/33.md) ### 34. No Agenda Episode 294 Outro, TWiT Appearance (2:25:18–2:27:02) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak conclude the show, mentioning Dvorak's upcoming appearance on the TWiT network. The closing music is identified as "On the Seventh Day" by the Marriott Jazz Quintet. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [twit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twit.md), [marriott jazz quintet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marriott-jazz-quintet.md), [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/34.md) ### 35. Max Keiser, Drug Money Liquidity, Global Banking Crisis (2:27:06–2:35:19) In a closing segment, Max Keiser and Stacy Herbert deconstruct the link between Mexican drug cartel money and global banking liquidity. They argue that the 2008 financial crisis was exacerbated when banks lost access to liquid drug money, forcing them to turn to the Federal Reserve's discount window. Keywords: [max keiser](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/max-keiser.md), [wachovia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wachovia.md), [drug money](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drug-money.md), [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), [liquidity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/liquidity.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/294-choking-the-puffin/chapter/35.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/293-self-radicalize.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/295-poledancing-for-college.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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