# Benefits Supervisor Sleeping

> A record-breaking Lucian Freud auction and a software glitch at Moody's define a week of high-stakes financial errors and political blunders.

- **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- **Episode:** 32
- **Published:** 2008-05-24
- **Length:** 1h 22m
- **Topics:** Lucian Freud, Moody's scandal, [Hillary Clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), Mega Purple, [Vodafone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vodafone.md), Jajah, [Gordon Brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-brown.md)
- **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping

## About this episode

Lucian Freud broke auction records this week as his painting Benefit Supervisor Sleeping fetched $33.6 million, sparking a global debate on the valuation of contemporary art. The sale of the nude portrait coincides with a deepening scandal at Moody's Investors Service, where a software coding error allegedly inflated subprime mortgage ratings to AAA status for over a year. These events highlight a week of institutional volatility ranging from the art market to the heart of the global financial crisis.

In the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Gordon Brown faces mounting pressure to resign as government bank stabilization costs soar to 200 billion pounds following a Conservative Party landslide. Across the Atlantic, Hillary Clinton remains under fire for referencing the Robert F. Kennedy assassination while justifying her continued primary campaign against Barack Obama. Meanwhile, the wine industry grapples with the Mega Purple additive scandal, and Vodafone users navigate restrictive fair-use data policies on new 7.5 megabit USB sticks. Technological shifts continue as Rasmussen Reports moves toward fully automated robopolls, and Jajah emerges as a web-based telephony competitor to Skype and British Telecom.

From the rainy peaks of Northern California to the uncharacteristic sunshine of Southwest London, the week concludes with Manchester United securing a dramatic Champions League victory in Moscow. Observations on the waterproof wool of prehistoric Icelandic sheep and the search for yak meat in Indian regional cuisine provide a brief respite from the heavy rotation of political marketing. The hosts eventually settle on a title inspired by the Freud masterpiece, reflecting on a week defined by expensive mistakes and unexpected beauty.

## Chapters

Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/transcript.md.

### 1. Weather Anomalies in London and Northern California (0:04–0:55)

The hosts compare current weather conditions between Southwest London and Northern California. While London experiences uncharacteristic sunshine and gusty winds, Northern California faces unusual late-May snow and rain attributed to a low-pressure system moving back from Denver.

Keywords: [london](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/london.md), [northern california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/northern-california.md), [denver](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/denver.md), [lake tahoe](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lake-tahoe.md), [weather patterns](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weather-patterns.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/1.md)

### 2. Vodafone Mobile Data Plans and Roaming Fees (0:58–3:34)

A discussion regarding UK mobile data services focuses on Vodafone's transition from hardware dongles to USB sticks offering 7.5 megabits down. The conversation highlights the high cost of international roaming and the frustration with "fair use" limits that restrict users to small monthly data allowances.

Keywords: [vodafone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vodafone.md), [mobile data](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mobile-data.md), dongle, [roaming charges](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/roaming-charges.md), [data caps](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/data-caps.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/2.md)

### 3. Jajah VoIP Service and International Calling Costs (3:34–7:42)

The Jajah telephony service is presented as a cost-effective alternative to Skype and traditional carriers like British Telecom. The platform functions by connecting two standard phone lines via a web interface, utilizing preferred exchanges and backhaul networks to provide near-landline quality at a fraction of the cost.

Keywords: jajah, [skype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skype.md), [voip](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/voip.md), [sequoia capital](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sequoia-capital.md), [british telecom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/british-telecom.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/3.md)

### 4. Global Communication Challenges and Text Message Routing (7:43–9:53)

Managing multiple international phone numbers presents logistical hurdles, particularly regarding SMS. While services like Grand Central (acquired by Google) allow for voice call forwarding, the lack of a standardized routing facility for text messages forces users to rely on complex manual workarounds involving Bluetooth and local computers.

Keywords: grand central, [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md), [text messaging](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/text-messaging.md), [bluetooth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bluetooth.md), mobile routing

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/4.md)

### 5. Social Etiquette and Technology Distractions in Public Speaking (9:53–11:38)

The rise of mobile technology and social media platforms like Twitter has altered the dynamics of public speaking, with audiences often distracted by devices rather than engaging with the speaker. This shift in social decorum is compared to changes in classroom environments where traditional boundaries between students and teachers have eroded.

Keywords: [web 2.0](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/web-2-0.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [social etiquette](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-etiquette.md), [public speaking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-speaking.md), classroom behavior

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/5.md)

### 6. Linguistic Formality and Cultural Shifts in Addressing Others (11:38–15:02)

European languages such as French, Dutch, and German maintain formal and informal versions of the word "you," a distinction that does not exist in English. There is a noted trend toward informal address in professional settings, potentially influenced by the global reach of American media and English linguistic norms.

Keywords: [french language](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/french-language.md), [dutch language](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dutch-language.md), german language, linguistic etiquette, formal address

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/6.md)

### 7. Dutch Societal Issues and Integration (15:02–15:41)

The primary topics of public discourse in the Netherlands center on the challenges of a multicultural society, specifically the integration of Muslim immigrants, and persistent traffic congestion. Despite frequent discussion, there is a perceived lack of political action to address these core issues.

Keywords: [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [multiculturalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/multiculturalism.md), muslim integration, traffic congestion, dutch politics

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/7.md)

### 8. Champions League Final in Moscow (15:42–18:47)

The Champions League final between Manchester United and Chelsea, held in Moscow, concluded with a penalty shootout victory for United. The match featured high drama, including a goal by Frank Lampard shortly after the death of his mother, and was notable for the lack of fan violence despite the high stakes.

Keywords: [champions league](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/champions-league.md), [manchester united](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manchester-united.md), [chelsea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chelsea.md), frank lampard, [moscow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/moscow.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/8.md)

### 9. Iceland Tourism and Prehistoric Sheep (18:48–20:28)

Iceland is described as a low-stress travel destination characterized by its small population and unique wildlife. The country is known for its "prehistoric" looking sheep with waterproof wool that comes in natural black, white, and brown shades, allowing for undyed textile production.

Keywords: [iceland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iceland.md), [guilford](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/guilford.md), [puffin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/puffin.md), [wool](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wool.md), prehistoric sheep

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/9.md)

### 10. Indian Regional Cuisines and Yak Meat (20:29–23:29)

Research into Indian spices reveals that "Indian food" is actually a collection of roughly 18 distinct regional cuisines with varying dietary laws. While yak meat is a staple in Tibet and the Himalayan regions, its presence in specific northeastern Indian diets is a subject of investigation.

Keywords: [india](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/india.md), [tibet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tibet.md), yak, indian cuisine, [spices](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spices.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/10.md)

### 11. Google Image Labeler and Gamified Data Entry (23:30–26:02)

Google Image Labeler is a tool that gamifies the process of tagging images to improve search results by pairing anonymous users to compete for points. This strategy is compared to the use of CAPTCHAs, where users unknowingly perform free labor to train algorithms or assist spammers.

Keywords: [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md), image search, [gamification](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gamification.md), [crowdsourcing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crowdsourcing.md), captchas

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/11.md)

### 12. Moody's Ratings Scandal and Software Coding Errors (26:03–28:48)

Moody's Investors Service attributed the misrating of complex debt vehicles (CDOs) during the subprime mortgage crisis to a software coding error. The agency reportedly knew about the glitch, which inflated ratings to AAA status, for a full year before the information was made public.

Keywords: [moody's](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/moody-s.md), [credit ratings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/credit-ratings.md), cdos, [subprime mortgages](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/subprime-mortgages.md), [financial crisis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/financial-crisis.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/12.md)

### 13. UK Financial Crisis and Gordon Brown's Leadership (28:50–29:39)

The UK government's financial commitment to stabilize banks has doubled to approximately 200 billion pounds. Amidst this economic turmoil, Prime Minister Gordon Brown faces calls for resignation following a landslide victory for the Conservative Party in local elections.

Keywords: [gordon brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-brown.md), [united kingdom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-kingdom.md), [banking crisis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/banking-crisis.md), [conservative party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conservative-party.md), [elections](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elections.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/13.md)

### 14. Hillary Clinton's RFK Assassination Comment Controversy (29:40–33:34)

Hillary Clinton sparked a major political scandal by referencing the June 1968 assassination of Robert F. Kennedy as a reason to remain in the primary race against Barack Obama. While Clinton issued an apology, the remark is viewed as a significant strategic blunder that may damage her future prospects within the Democratic Party.

Keywords: [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [bobby kennedy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bobby-kennedy.md), [2008 election](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2008-election.md), [assassination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/assassination.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/14.md)

### 15. Media Bias and Barack Obama's Campaign Financing (33:35–37:54)

Barack Obama's rise is attributed in part to strong support from major media outlets and figures like Rolling Stone founder Jann Wenner. Analysis of campaign contributions on OpenSecrets.org shows a mix of small donations and significant contributions from corporate executives, despite individual donation limits.

Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [rolling stone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rolling-stone.md), jann wenner, [media bias](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-bias.md), [campaign finance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/campaign-finance.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/15.md)

### 16. Historical Comparisons of Democratic Candidates (37:54–39:29)

The Democratic Party has a history of nominating "intellectual" or "egghead" candidates, such as Adlai Stevenson and John Kerry, who are known for eloquent but ponderous speaking styles. Barack Obama is compared to these figures, with some questioning if his rhetorical style will wear thin with voters by the general election.

Keywords: [adlai stevenson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adlai-stevenson.md), [john kerry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-kerry.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [democratic party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/democratic-party.md), [oratory](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oratory.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/16.md)

### 17. Campaign Finance Limits and State Election Rules (39:32–43:28)

An investigation into political donation records reveals individuals contributing multiple times to the same candidate. This is explained by varying state laws and the distinction between primary and general election limits, which allow donors to contribute up to $2,300 per specific election cycle.

Keywords: [campaign finance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/campaign-finance.md), [ferc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ferc.md), [political donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-donations.md), [primaries](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/primaries.md), [election law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/election-law.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/17.md)

### 18. Political Marketing and the Ineffectiveness of Campaign Ads (43:29–47:49)

Despite the hundreds of millions of dollars spent on presidential campaigns, the resulting television commercials are often criticized for poor production quality and conservative messaging. The media industry is identified as the primary opponent of campaign finance reform, as it benefits directly from the massive spending on political advertisements.

Keywords: [larry lessig](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/larry-lessig.md), [campaign finance reform](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/campaign-finance-reform.md), [political advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-advertising.md), [moveon.org](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/moveon-org.md), [focus groups](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/focus-groups.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/18.md)

### 19. Automated Polling Technology and Rasmussen Reports (47:50–50:18)

Rasmussen Reports has institutionalized the use of fully automated "robopolls" that utilize interactive voice menus to collect voter data. This shift toward automation allows for high-volume data collection with branching logic based on user responses, removing the need for human interviewers.

Keywords: [rasmussen reports](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rasmussen-reports.md), [polling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/polling.md), [automation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/automation.md), [mtv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mtv.md), [market research](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/market-research.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/19.md)

### 20. The Failure of Focus Groups in Design and Innovation (50:20–53:40)

The reliance on focus groups is criticized for stifling innovation in the automotive and fashion industries, leading to "milquetoast" products. Industry leaders like Steve Jobs are cited for the belief that the public cannot accurately predict or request future innovations, as their preferences are often rooted in current or past trends.

Keywords: [steve jobs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steve-jobs.md), [focus groups](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/focus-groups.md), automotive design, [fashion industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fashion-industry.md), [innovation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/innovation.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/20.md)

### 21. Personality and Authenticity in Political Candidates (53:40–59:17)

Political candidates often adopt a "phony facade" during campaigns that masks their true personalities. Historical examples like Walter Mondale and contemporary figures like Mike Huckabee demonstrate that candidates often appear more engaging and humorous when they are not constrained by the rigors of a presidential race.

Keywords: [walter mondale](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/walter-mondale.md), [jesse ventura](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jesse-ventura.md), [mike huckabee](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mike-huckabee.md), political persona, [authenticity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/authenticity.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/21.md)

### 22. Television Production Economics and David E. Kelly (59:18–1:04:21)

The economics of high-end television production, such as David E. Kelly's "Boston Legal," rely heavily on reaching the five-year mark to secure lucrative syndication deals. While DVD sales provide some revenue, the traditional model of long-term broadcast runs remains the primary driver of profit for expensive scripted dramas.

Keywords: david e. kelly, boston legal, [syndication](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syndication.md), [television production](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/television-production.md), [jerry seinfeld](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jerry-seinfeld.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/22.md)

### 23. Wine Additives and the Mega Purple Scandal (1:04:21–1:08:59)

The global wine industry is facing a quiet scandal regarding the use of "Mega Purple," a concentrated additive used to darken the color and alter the flavor profile of wines. This trend is driven by the influence of critic Robert Parker, whose preference for "inky" wines has led producers to manipulate their products to achieve higher scores.

Keywords: mega purple, wine additives, robert parker, [viticulture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/viticulture.md), blind tasting

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/23.md)

### 24. Copyright Extension and the Loss of Public Domain (1:08:59–1:13:37)

The extension of copyright terms in the United States, often attributed to lobbying by Disney and the late Sonny Bono, has significantly hindered the availability of 20th-century art in the public domain. This legal landscape makes it difficult for educators and authors to reproduce works by artists like Picasso without expensive licensing fees.

Keywords: [copyright law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/copyright-law.md), [sonny bono](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sonny-bono.md), [disney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/disney.md), pablo picasso, [public domain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-domain.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/24.md)

### 25. Lucian Freud's Record-Breaking Painting Sale (1:13:38–1:21:03)

A painting by 85-year-old artist Lucian Freud, titled "Benefit Supervisor Sleeping," sold for a record $33.6 million at auction. The sale of the piece, which depicts a nude, obese woman, has sparked debate regarding the subjective nature of beauty and the astronomical prices currently found in the contemporary art market.

Keywords: lucian freud, [christie's](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/christie-s.md), contemporary art, benefit supervisor sleeping, [art market](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/art-market.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/25.md)

### 26. Show Outro and Title Selection (1:21:04–1:22:32)

The hosts conclude the episode by reflecting on its lack of a central theme, ultimately deciding to title the show "Benefit Supervisor Sleeping" after the Lucian Freud painting. They sign off from their respective locations in the UK and Northern California.

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), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), [guilford](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/guilford.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping/chapter/26.md)

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