# Truth to Power Ratio > A pilot battles the leans over the English Channel while political strategists deploy the appeasement label to reshape the 2008 presidential race. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 31 - **Published:** 2008-05-17 - **Length:** 1h 26m - **Topics:** Instrument flight, DHS toothpaste, Appeasement meme, Sensory straw, Skype latency, [Geotagging](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/geotagging.md), Truth-to-Power - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio ## About this episode Adam Curry recounts a harrowing flight from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom where he experienced the leans, a form of spatial disorientation, while transitioning into Instrument Meteorological Conditions. This physical vertigo forced a total reliance on cockpit instruments over human instinct to maintain aircraft control. The incident serves as a backdrop for a broader analysis of the Truth-to-Power Ratio, a new metric for evaluating political authenticity in an era of manufactured rhetoric. John C. Dvorak breaks down the strategic branding behind George W. Bush’s speech to the Israeli Knesset, which successfully framed Barack Obama as an appeaser in the vein of Neville Chamberlain. Meanwhile, a Department of Homeland Security volunteer reveals that the DHS was forced to manually purge thousands of emergency kits after discovering tainted toothpaste imported from China. Technical comparisons between Skype and ISDN reveal a massive 540-millisecond latency gap, while AT&T roaming failures on the O2 network in London continue to plague international travelers. Patricia Paay provides a window into the blunt honesty of Holland’s Got Talent, sparking a debate on the decline of resilience in a generation of over-protected children. John C. Dvorak and Adam Curry pitch The Tomato Show as a return to Vaudeville-style accountability where audiences throw rotten produce at failing acts. The session concludes with a tasting of Cordier Tandem, a boxed Bordeaux featuring a patented Tetra Pak sensory straw designed to aerate wine directly onto the palate. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/transcript.md. ### 1. Adam Curry Instrument Flight Training and Vertigo (0:01–3:10) Adam Curry describes his recent experience performing instrument flying while traveling from the Netherlands to the United Kingdom. He explains the technical transition from Visual Flight Rules (VFR) to Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC), detailing the physical sensation of "the leans" or vertigo when a pilot cannot see the horizon. The discussion covers the necessity of trusting cockpit instruments over physical sensations to avoid losing aircraft control during a whiteout. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), instrument flight rules, [vfr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vfr.md), imc, [vertigo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vertigo.md), [aviation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aviation.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/1.md) ### 2. No Agenda Mission Statement and Meta-Agenda (3:11–4:54) Adam Curry addresses feedback from Twitter followers regarding the meaning of the show's title, No Agenda. He clarifies that while the program has a list of topics for entertainment, it lacks a "meta-agenda" such as political lobbying or commercial sales. The hosts emphasize that they do not coordinate their topics before recording to ensure the conversation remains fresh and spontaneous. Keywords: [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [transparency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/transparency.md), [media criticism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-criticism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Skype Latency and ISDN Connection Technical Comparison (4:54–8:51) The hosts compare the technical performance of Skype versus ISDN for remote broadcasting. Adam Curry notes that ISDN provides a 60-millisecond delay due to dedicated circuits, whereas Skype typically has a 600-millisecond latency. John C. Dvorak mentions his recent Comcast speed boost to 16 Mbps down and 3 Mbps up, though he notes performance drops when connecting to international servers in England. Keywords: [skype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skype.md), [isdn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/isdn.md), [latency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/latency.md), aac codec, [comcast](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/comcast.md), [p2p](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/p2p.md), [networking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/networking.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Podcast Production Ethics and Handling Connection Drops (8:52–11:21) John C. Dvorak and Adam Curry discuss their "straight up" recording philosophy, which avoids overproduction and jingles. They explain that edits only occur when a Skype connection fails, at which point they "punch back in" to maintain the flow of the conversation. Curry reflects on his time at MTV, expressing a long-standing dislike for producers who insist on unnecessary "safety" takes during filming. Keywords: [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), [skype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skype.md), [editing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/editing.md), [mtv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mtv.md), [production](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/production.md), [authenticity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/authenticity.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Professional Photography and Portrait Control for Media (11:21–15:56) The hosts discuss the difficulties of professional portrait photography and the importance of maintaining control over one's image in magazines. John C. Dvorak recounts working with famous rock photographer Jim Marshall and another photographer, Tom O'Brien, who specialized in food and portraits. They compare the high-volume digital approach to the precision of large-format film photography where a single negative could cost nearly $100. Keywords: [photography](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/photography.md), jim marshall, tom o'brien, portrait, [lighting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lighting.md), [hasselblad](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hasselblad.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Podcast Editing Anecdote and Irina Slutsky (15:56–17:43) Adam Curry admits to a rare edit in the previous episode due to a personal phone call from his wife. He also mentions receiving a message from Irina Slutsky, who reported receiving her second marriage proposal following an appearance on Cranky Geeks. Keywords: irina slutsky, [cranky geeks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cranky-geeks.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), [editing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/editing.md), [marriage proposal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marriage-proposal.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Belgian Linguistic Confusion over Poo-pooing (17:43–19:22) A listener from Belgium named Thomas de Krik informs the hosts that the English term "poo-pooing" has a different connotation in Flemish. In the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, "poop" refers to one's posterior, making the phrase sound vulgar to local ears. Keywords: [belgium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/belgium.md), [flemish](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/flemish.md), [linguistics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/linguistics.md), [slang](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/slang.md), thomas de krik [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/7.md) ### 8. George W. Bush Appeasement Speech and Obama Branding (19:23–28:05) John C. Dvorak analyzes President George W. Bush's speech to the Israeli Knesset regarding the appeasement of Hitler, which Barack Obama interpreted as a personal attack. Dvorak argues this is a Republican strategic "meme hacking" effort to tag Obama with the "appeaser" moniker, similar to how John Kerry was labeled a "flip-flopper." The discussion touches on the historical significance of Neville Chamberlain and the potential effectiveness of this branding in the 2008 election. Keywords: [george w. bush](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-w-bush.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), neville chamberlain, [appeasement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/appeasement.md), [israel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/israel.md), [knesset](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knesset.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Political Rhetoric and the Truth-to-Power Ratio (28:05–35:04) The hosts examine political catchphrases used by the Democratic Party, such as "gravitas" and "speaking truth to power." They trace the origins of the "truth to power" phrase back to a 1955 Quaker pamphlet and its later use by Anita Hill. Adam Curry jokingly proposes a "Truth-to-Power Ratio" (TPR) as a metric for measuring political authenticity. Keywords: [bill moyers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-moyers.md), truth to power, [gravitas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gravitas.md), [mario cuomo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mario-cuomo.md), [political memes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-memes.md), [democrats](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/democrats.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/9.md) ### 10. DHS Volunteer and Tainted Chinese Toothpaste Stockpiles (35:05–39:00) Adam Curry shares a story from a contact who serves as a volunteer ambulance driver for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The volunteer reported that DHS had to manually remove toothpaste from thousands of emergency sanitation kits because the product, sourced from China, was found to be tainted. The hosts criticize the government for purchasing essential emergency supplies from foreign adversaries. Keywords: [department of homeland security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-homeland-security.md), [dhs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dhs.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [toothpaste](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/toothpaste.md), emergency kits, [sanitation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sanitation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/10.md) ### 11. AT&T Roaming Issues and Skype Call Forwarding (39:03–45:42) John C. Dvorak complains about technical failures when using Skype to call Adam Curry's forwarded mobile number in the UK. He describes a loop where AT&T's roaming partner, O2, requires the manual entry of a ten-digit number to access voicemail. Curry explains that this is a known issue with the O2 network's interaction with AT&T roaming rather than a specific conspiracy against Skype. Keywords: [at&t](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/at-t.md), o2, [skype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skype.md), call forwarding, [roaming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/roaming.md), [voicemail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/voicemail.md), [united kingdom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-kingdom.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Childhood Safety and the Generation of Pussies (45:42–48:29) John C. Dvorak observes a 12-year-old boy wearing a helmet while riding a slow-moving scooter, sparking a discussion on over-parenting. The hosts argue that modern "political correctness" and "self-esteem" culture in schools are creating a "generation of pussies." They cite Gordon Ramsay's interactions with young workers as evidence of a lack of resilience in the newer generation. Keywords: [safety](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/safety.md), helmets, [parenting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/parenting.md), [skateboarding](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skateboarding.md), gordon ramsey [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Adam Curry's 1970s Skateboarding Accident in Texas (48:32–50:42) Adam Curry recounts a severe skateboarding accident he had at age nine while visiting Dallas, Texas. Having learned to skate on flat ground in the Netherlands, he was unprepared for a significant hill and collided with a truck. He notes that the lack of safety gear resulted in gravel being permanently embedded in his elbow, which served as a lasting lesson in risk management. Keywords: [skateboarding](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skateboarding.md), [dallas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dallas.md), [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), [injury](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/injury.md), [childhood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/childhood.md), [risk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/risk.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Holland's Got Talent and the Value of Losing (50:42–53:02) Adam Curry discusses his wife Patricia Paay's role as a judge on Holland's Got Talent. He praises the show for its honesty in rejecting contestants, including young children, contrasting it with American "everyone is a winner" culture. He argues that there is significant social value in public failure and clear competition. Keywords: [holland's got talent](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/holland-s-got-talent.md), [patricia paay](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/patricia-paay.md), [reality tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reality-tv.md), [competition](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/competition.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Vaudeville History and The Tomato Show Concept (53:02–57:10) John C. Dvorak provides a brief history of 19th-century theater, vaudeville, and burlesque, noting that audiences used to throw rotten produce at poor performers. This inspires a pitch for a new Mevio show called "The Tomato Show," where the audience is permitted to throw a limited amount of rotten eggs and cabbages at acts they dislike. Keywords: vaudeville, [burlesque](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/burlesque.md), theater history, [reality tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reality-tv.md), [entertainment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/entertainment.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/15.md) ### 16. GPS Geotagging and Travel Photography Utility (57:13–59:24) John C. Dvorak admits he previously dismissed GPS-enabled cameras until a trip to Korea made him realize the value of knowing exactly where a specific photo was taken. He explains how geotagging allows travelers to relocate interesting shops or landmarks they captured in passing shots from taxis. Keywords: [gps](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gps.md), [geotagging](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/geotagging.md), [photography](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/photography.md), [korea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/korea.md), [travel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/travel.md), [tech 5](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-5.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Guided Audio Walking Tours and Geotagged Waypoints (59:24–1:04:21) Adam Curry proposes a mobile application for the iPhone that uses GPS to trigger location-specific audio commentary. He envisions a system where users walking through Amsterdam could receive historical context or restaurant recommendations, such as a specific shawarma shop near the Anne Frank Museum, automatically as they reach the coordinates. Keywords: [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [iphone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iphone.md), [gps](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gps.md), audio tours, [anne frank house](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anne-frank-house.md), waypoints [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Commercial Potential of Location-Based Services (1:04:22–1:08:44) The hosts brainstorm the monetization of GPS waypoint services, comparing the idea to a location-based Twitter feed. They discuss practical applications such as "No Agenda" travel packs, speed trap alerts, and even a hypothetical (though illegal) service for locating drug dealers or sex workers. Keywords: [rss](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rss.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [gps](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gps.md), speed traps, [monetization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monetization.md), waypoints [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Product Placement and the No Agenda Advertising Club (1:08:44–1:12:52) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak discuss a non-traditional advertising model for the podcast. Instead of standard spots, they propose sending bills to companies they mention favorably, such as Apple, Cessna, or TracFone. Conversely, they joke about sending checks to companies whose products they "slam" to maintain their credibility and independence. Keywords: [advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/advertising.md), [product placement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/product-placement.md), [apple](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple.md), [cessna](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cessna.md), tracfone, [monetization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monetization.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Bordeaux in a Box and the Sensory Straw (1:12:53–1:18:45) The hosts discuss a new product from Cordier called "Tandem," which features Bordeaux wine in a carton equipped with a "sensory straw." The straw is designed with four pinholes to spray wine across the palate, mimicking the experience of drinking from a glass. They note that wine consumption in France has dropped significantly over the last 40 years, falling from 100 liters to 54 liters per person. Keywords: [bordeaux](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bordeaux.md), [wine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wine.md), sensory straw, tetra pak, london international wine fair, [france](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/france.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Tetra Pak Sensory Straw Technology and Patents (1:18:47–1:24:53) Adam Curry researches the "Sensory Straw" technology, discovering it was launched by Tetra Pak around 2003. While marketed for wine, the technology is also used to make drinking milk interactive for children. The hosts examine the history of the company, noting its roots in centrifugal separator technology dating back to 1890. Keywords: tetra pak, sensory straw, [patents](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/patents.md), dairy foods, [innovation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/innovation.md), [milk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/milk.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/31-truth-to-power-ratio/chapter/21.md) ### 22. No Agenda Episode 31 Outro (1:24:54–1:26:01) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak conclude the 31st episode of No Agenda. They recap the "businesses" they brainstormed during the show and confirm they will return the following week. Curry signs off from the Curry Manor in the UK, and Dvorak signs off from Northern California. 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