# Pastafarians Unite!

> A global media empire fractures under hacking allegations while the White House navigates a debt crisis and the recognition of a new Libyan government.

- **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- **Episode:** 322
- **Published:** 2011-07-17
- **Length:** 2h 17m
- **Topics:** [News Corp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/news-corp.md), [Pastafarianism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pastafarianism.md), Libya TNC, [Abilify](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abilify.md), Slogging, NASCAR funding, [George Clooney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-clooney.md)
- **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite

## About this episode

The News Corp phone hacking scandal intensifies as Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal demands full cooperation with British investigators, signaling a potential fracture in Rupert Murdoch’s media empire. While CEO Rebecca Brooks resigns, UK politicians like Jack Straw leverage the crisis to advocate for statutory press regulation, threatening the future of independent journalism. The fallout suggests an interagency conflict between MI5 and the CIA, with both organizations allegedly planting stories in the British press to influence the narrative surrounding the Benazir Bhutto assassination.

In the United States, President Barack Obama faces scrutiny for claiming his 50th birthday is only a week away despite the date being August 4th, fueling theories regarding his scripted public appearances. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton officially recognized the Libyan Transitional National Council, a move that unlocks billions in frozen assets for rebels currently being transported by NATO aircraft. Domestically, Representative Dennis Kucinich warns of a massive wealth transfer occurring under the guise of debt ceiling negotiations, while Representative Betty McCollum fails to strip NASCAR recruitment funding from the Pentagon budget.

Cultural oddities emerge as an Austrian atheist wins the legal right to wear a pasta strainer in his driver's license photo, cementing the status of Pastafarianism as a recognized satirical faith. Adam Curry reflects on his exclusion from the MTV 30th anniversary despite his history with Headbangers Ball, while George Clooney’s Satellite Sentinel Project conveniently discovers mass graves in Sudan. The episode concludes with a tribute to the late producer Craig William Dukar, who receives a posthumous knighthood for his dedication to the No Agenda community.

## Chapters

Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/transcript.md.

### 1. No Agenda Episode 322, Hot Pockets 2008 Tour Virginia Meetup (0:00–12:08)

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open episode 322 of the No Agenda show, with Curry broadcasting from a mobile RV in Virginia as part of the Hot Pockets 2008 Tour. Curry describes a recent meetup in the Virginia area attended by numerous producers, many of whom claim to hold high-level security clearances or work as government contractors. The hosts discuss the logistics of the RV tour, the local traffic conditions in the DC metro area, and the high concentration of technical and intelligence personnel among their listener base.

Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [virginia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/virginia.md), hot pockets 2008 tour, baroness maggie vincent, [security clearance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/security-clearance.md), [sysadmins](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sysadmins.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/1.md)

### 2. Verizon Wireless, Itemized Billing Legal Requirements (12:09–13:59)

A report from a listener highlights a situation where Verizon Wireless allegedly instructed a customer to obtain a lawyer and a subpoena simply to receive an itemized billing statement. The hosts compare this level of customer service to competitors like AT&T and discuss the general lack of transparency in cellular billing practices. This news follows recent moves by Verizon to cap data plans for users.

Keywords: [verizon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/verizon.md), itemized bill, [subpoena](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/subpoena.md), [customer service](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/customer-service.md), cell phone billing

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/2.md)

### 3. News Corp Phone Hacking Scandal, Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal Interview (13:59–23:27)

The resignation of News Corp CEO Rebecca Brooks and the ongoing phone hacking scandal involving the News of the World newspaper dominate the media landscape. A BBC interview with Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, the second-largest shareholder of News Corp, reveals his insistence on full cooperation with the British government's commission. The discussion explores the potential for the scandal to be an orchestrated effort to force Rupert Murdoch out of the UK media market and the withdrawal of the News Corp bid for B-Sky-B.

Keywords: [news corp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/news-corp.md), [rupert murdoch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rupert-murdoch.md), [rebecca brooks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rebecca-brooks.md), [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), prince al-waleed bin talal, b-sky-b, [phone hacking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/phone-hacking.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/3.md)

### 4. UK Media Regulation Proposals, Jack Straw and Statutory Oversight (23:28–29:05)

British politicians, including Jack Straw, are advocating for independent or statutory regulation of the press following the News Corp scandal. The hosts review clips from Parliament where members argue that self-regulation has failed and that the government must impose stronger systems of oversight. An anecdote is shared regarding Jack Straw's personal history of detaining photographers in his township, framing his current push for media control as a move toward government-managed information flow.

Keywords: jack straw, media regulation, [parliament](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/parliament.md), statutory regulation, press complaints commission

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/4.md)

### 5. Benazir Bhutto Assassination, MI5 and CIA Media Influence (29:05–32:45)

Speculation arises regarding The Times of London and its aggressive reporting on sensitive topics, including claims that the British Crown or intelligence agencies may have been involved in the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. The hosts suggest an interagency war may be occurring between MI5 and the CIA, with both agencies potentially planting stories in the British media. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown's previous accusations against the Murdoch empire regarding the leak of his medical records are cited as evidence of this ongoing friction.

Keywords: [benazir bhutto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/benazir-bhutto.md), the times of london, [mi5](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mi5.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [gordon brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-brown.md), [ed miliband](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ed-miliband.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/5.md)

### 6. Michael Zelina, MTV 30th Anniversary Exclusion (32:45–35:09)

Producer Michael Zelina re-ups his knighthood, prompting a discussion about Adam Curry's legacy at MTV as the network's 30th anniversary approaches on August 1st. Curry notes that he is effectively "persona non grata" at the network and expects to be erased from their historical retrospectives, specifically regarding the Headbangers Ball. The hosts joke about Curry's exclusion from official music history despite his significant role in early cable music television.

Keywords: [michael zelina](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-zelina.md), [mtv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mtv.md), [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [ricky rackman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ricky-rackman.md), [rock and roll hall of fame](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/6.md)

### 7. Craig William Dukar, Posthumous Knighthood Memorial (35:09–36:45)

Sir Chris Jacob donates a knighthood in memory of Craig William Dukar, a longtime supporter of the show who recently died in a motorcycle accident. The hosts honor Dukar's 25-year friendship with Jacob and his dedication to the No Agenda community. This posthumous knighthood serves as a formal recognition of his contributions to the show's value-for-value model.

Keywords: craig william dukar, [chris jacob](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chris-jacob.md), [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [memorial](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/memorial.md), [motorcycle accident](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/motorcycle-accident.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/7.md)

### 8. Listener Donations, De-douche Requests and Global Support (36:45–39:57)

A series of donations from listeners in California, Australia, and Texas are read, including a request for a "de-weaseling" jingle and a "de-douching" for a corporate slave in Australia. One donor, Taylor Stewart, discusses his plan to move from California to Flagstaff, Arizona, mirroring the hosts' own interests in relocating. The segment highlights the diverse geographic reach of the audience and their personal life transitions.

Keywords: weasels, lawrence yin, [australia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/australia.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), flagstaff, [arizona](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/arizona.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/8.md)

### 9. Hot Pockets 2008 Tour Logistics, Gas Costs and Social Media (39:58–46:20)

The hosts discuss the rising costs of the Hot Pockets 2008 Tour, estimating gas expenses at approximately $250 per day for the RV. They acknowledge producers who have provided gas cards and cash donations at meetups to keep the tour moving. Additionally, they mention the creation of a Facebook page for the tour and list several new domain names registered by listeners that forward to the main show website.

Keywords: gas cards, [harry pilgrim](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harry-pilgrim.md), [facebook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/facebook.md), [google plus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google-plus.md), [hot pockets tour](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hot-pockets-tour.md), [domain names](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/domain-names.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/9.md)

### 10. Blagging Terminology, UK Phone Hacking Slang (46:20–48:56)

The term "blagging" is highlighted after being used in the UK Parliament to describe the act of obtaining information through deception or impersonation. The hosts discuss the nuances of the word, which has become a common descriptor for the tactics used in the British phone hacking scandal. They contrast the term with "blogging" and explore its specific cultural context in British law enforcement and media.

Keywords: blagging, [uk parliament](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/uk-parliament.md), [slang](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/slang.md), [phone hacking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/phone-hacking.md), [terminology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/terminology.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/10.md)

### 11. Slogging and Slug Lines, DC Commuter Culture (48:57–50:36)

In the Washington DC area, a commuter practice known as "slogging" (or slugging) involves drivers picking up strangers at designated stops to meet the three-person requirement for HOV lanes. The hosts compare this to similar carpooling systems in the San Francisco Bay Area. The practice is described as a user-generated movement that allows commuters to reach destinations like the Pentagon more quickly while providing free rides to passengers.

Keywords: slogging, slugging, hov lane, [pentagon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pentagon.md), [carpooling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carpooling.md), dc traffic

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/11.md)

### 12. Contagion Movie, Bird Flu Propaganda and Hollywood MKUltra (50:36–56:16)

The upcoming film "Contagion" is analyzed as a potential propaganda tool for promoting fear of a bird flu pandemic. Featuring stars like Matt Damon and Lawrence Fishburne, the movie depicts a rapidly mutating virus and the subsequent social collapse. The hosts suggest that such films serve to condition the public for future medical mandates. A brief comparison is made to the animated film "Ponyo," which is described as having environmentalist themes.

Keywords: [contagion](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/contagion.md), [matt damon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/matt-damon.md), [bird flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bird-flu.md), lawrence fishburne, [pandemic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pandemic.md), ponyo

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/12.md)

### 13. David and Victoria Beckham, Population Control Criticism (56:16–58:49)

The birth of David and Victoria Beckham's fourth child, Harper Seven, has drawn criticism from environmental campaigners and UK politicians like Caroline Lucas. These critics argue that having large families is environmentally irresponsible as the global population nears 7 billion. The hosts mock the idea that a celebrity family should be a target for population control debates while other regions face declining birth rates.

Keywords: [david beckham](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-beckham.md), victoria beckham, [population control](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/population-control.md), [the guardian](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-guardian.md), harper seven

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/13.md)

### 14. Barack Obama, Birthday Discrepancy and Internal Clock (58:52–1:02:13)

During a press conference regarding the debt ceiling, President Obama claimed he would be turning 50 "in a week," despite his actual birthday being August 4th, nearly three weeks away. The hosts revisit their theory of "two Obamas," suggesting a programming error or a failure in the President's internal clock. They note his aging appearance and the repetitive nature of his public addresses on the budget crisis.

Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [debt ceiling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/debt-ceiling.md), [birthday](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/birthday.md), [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md), internal clock

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/14.md)

### 15. Revenue vs Taxes, Obama's Salesmanship Tactics (1:02:14–1:03:54)

President Obama is criticized for using the word "revenue" as a euphemism for tax increases during debt ceiling negotiations. He claims that 80% of Americans support a "balanced approach" that includes both spending cuts and revenue increases. The hosts liken his rhetorical style to that of a used car salesman, asserting that he is attempting to manufacture consent for higher taxes by framing them as a popular necessity.

Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [taxes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taxes.md), [revenue](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/revenue.md), [debt ceiling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/debt-ceiling.md), [public opinion](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-opinion.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/15.md)

### 16. Julia Gillard, Scripted Town Hall Questions (1:03:54–1:06:46)

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard is accused of using scripted questions during a televised open forum. A participant named Eliza, who identified as a worker in higher education, asked a question about trust and "backflipping" on policies like the carbon tax. The hosts argue the question was designed to allow Gillard to deliver a rehearsed response, noting the similarity to scripted town hall events held by politicians in the United States.

Keywords: [julia gillard](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/julia-gillard.md), [australia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/australia.md), [town hall](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/town-hall.md), [carbon tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carbon-tax.md), [scripted questions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/scripted-questions.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/16.md)

### 17. Libya Transitional National Council, US Recognition and Funding (1:06:48–1:13:51)

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced that the United States officially recognizes the Transitional National Council (TNC) as the legitimate governing authority of Libya. This recognition allows for the transfer of billions of dollars in frozen Libyan assets to the rebel council. The hosts criticize the media's portrayal of the rebels, noting that TNC ministers are being transported in C-130 aircraft and are requesting $3 billion in immediate aid, while civilian casualties from NATO drone strikes remain largely unreported.

Keywords: [libya](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/libya.md), tnc, [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [gaddafi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gaddafi.md), [c-130](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-130.md), [frozen assets](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/frozen-assets.md), [drones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drones.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/17.md)

### 18. Grandma Karma, Ron Paul and End the Fed (1:13:52–1:20:45)

A listener request for "emergency karma" for a sick grandmother is granted, followed by a donation from Mat Jones, who includes a note about marking "End the Fed" on currency. Jones also promotes a Twitter bot that uses the Unix fortune command and requests karma for Ron Paul. The hosts discuss the upcoming tour stop in North Carolina and the various gifts, such as bumper stickers and tattoos, received from producers on the road.

Keywords: [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), end the fed, [karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karma.md), [grandma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/grandma.md), mat jones, [assassination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/assassination.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/18.md)

### 19. Asheville North Carolina, Barbecue Styles and SheVille (1:20:46–1:24:47)

As the Hot Pockets tour heads toward Asheville, North Carolina, the hosts discuss the region's famous barbecue styles and local culture. They mention a website called "SheVille" and joke about the city's reputation. The segment transitions into a final knighting ceremony for David Hewitt and the late Craig William Dukar, officially welcoming them to the No Agenda Roundtable.

Keywords: [asheville](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/asheville.md), [north carolina](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/north-carolina.md), [barbecue](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barbecue.md), sheville, biltmore hotel

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/19.md)

### 20. Las Vegas Real Estate, Nevada Relocation Search (1:24:47–1:28:43)

Adam Curry recounts a recent house-hunting trip to Las Vegas, which ultimately proved unsuccessful due to the extreme heat and the desert landscape. Despite seeing impressive homes, Curry and his wife Mickey decided the environment was not a fit for them, leading to plans to look at other Nevada locations like Reno. The discussion touches on the high cost of living in their current location and the possibility of broadcasting from North Carolina, similar to radio pioneer Jim Eason.

Keywords: [las vegas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/las-vegas.md), [nevada](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nevada.md), [real estate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/real-estate.md), [reno](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reno.md), jim eason, [heat wave](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/heat-wave.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/20.md)

### 21. New York Times, Saturday vs Sunday Editions (1:28:44–1:32:42)

An analysis of the New York Times suggests that the Saturday edition contains more substantive news for "insiders," while the Sunday edition focuses on sensational or outdated stories. The Sunday paper featured a front-page story on bath salts, a topic the hosts claim to have covered years ago, and a piece on Michele Bachmann's husband. In contrast, the Saturday edition covered the $30 billion backing of Libyan rebels and the Whitey Bulger case in greater detail.

Keywords: [new york times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-york-times.md), [bath salts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bath-salts.md), [michele bachmann](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michele-bachmann.md), [whitey bulger](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/whitey-bulger.md), [media analysis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-analysis.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/21.md)

### 22. George Clooney, Satellite Sentinel Project in Sudan (1:32:44–1:34:57)

Actor George Clooney's Satellite Sentinel Project is credited with discovering mass graves in Sudan just as South Sudan achieved independence. The hosts express skepticism about the timing of these discoveries, suggesting the project serves as a tool for Western intervention. They compare the media's celebration of Clooney's activism to the training of "rebel" forces in various conflict zones, which they view as highly staged for public consumption.

Keywords: [george clooney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-clooney.md), [sudan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sudan.md), [satellite sentinel project](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/satellite-sentinel-project.md), [mass graves](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mass-graves.md), [time magazine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/time-magazine.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/22.md)

### 23. Anti-Psychotic Medications, Dr. Drew and Abilify (1:34:58–1:43:12)

The United States has seen a massive surge in the use of anti-psychotic medications, with Abilify becoming a top-selling drug. The hosts criticize Dr. Drew Pinsky for allegedly promoting Abilify for off-label uses on his show "Celebrity Rehab," such as treating alcoholics and drug addicts. They review NIH data on the drug's intended use for schizophrenia and mania, questioning the ethics of prescribing it to patients in detox centers.

Keywords: [abilify](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abilify.md), [dr. drew](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dr-drew.md), [anti-psychotics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anti-psychotics.md), [schizophrenia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/schizophrenia.md), celebrity rehab, [nih](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nih.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/23.md)

### 24. Haiti National Stadium, Lady Gaga and Refugee Displacement (1:43:13–1:45:36)

The Haitian government reportedly paid 30 families $250 each to vacate their temporary shelters in the National Stadium in Port-au-Prince to make room for upcoming events. The hosts speculate that the stadium is being cleared for a Lady Gaga concert or similar high-profile entertainment, despite the families having lived there since the 2010 earthquake. This displacement is framed as a prioritization of the "new upper crust" over the city's displaced poor.

Keywords: [haiti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haiti.md), [lady gaga](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lady-gaga.md), national stadium, [port-au-prince](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/port-au-prince.md), earthquake refugees

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/24.md)

### 25. Betty McCollum, NASCAR Recruitment Funding Debate (1:45:37–1:49:00)

Minnesota Representative Betty McCollum is mocked for her performance during a budget debate regarding Pentagon sponsorships of NASCAR racing. McCollum argued that the $20 million investment in motorsports is an ineffective use of taxpayer money for military recruitment. The hosts focus on her verbal slips, including a reference to "high grass prices" instead of gas prices, and the overwhelming rejection of her amendment by her colleagues.

Keywords: betty mccollum, [nascar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nascar.md), [pentagon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pentagon.md), [recruiting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/recruiting.md), [minnesota](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/minnesota.md), budget amendment

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/25.md)

### 26. Dennis Kucinich, Debt Debate and Wealth Transfer (1:49:00–1:54:55)

Representative Dennis Kucinich delivered a speech on the House floor arguing that the debt ceiling debate obscures a fundamental transfer of wealth from the American public to a small elite. Kucinich cited the costs of wars in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya, as well as the role of the Federal Reserve and insurance companies in hollowing out the economy. The hosts praise his directness, comparing his stance to that of Ron Paul, and note that such perspectives are rarely highlighted in mainstream media.

Keywords: [dennis kucinich](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dennis-kucinich.md), [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md), [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), [military spending](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-spending.md), [wealth transfer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wealth-transfer.md), [wall street](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wall-street.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/26.md)

### 27. Veterinary Insurance, Healthcare Scams and Pet Care (1:54:55–1:58:18)

An anecdote about rising veterinary costs for Baroness Maggie Vincent's three St. Bernards leads to a discussion on the impact of insurance on service pricing. The hosts argue that the introduction of pet insurance has caused vet bills to skyrocket, similar to how health insurance and the Affordable Care Act have allegedly inflated human medical costs. They describe a system where insurance companies and providers gouge the public, leaving those without coverage to rely on high-interest credit cards.

Keywords: veterinary bills, [pet insurance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pet-insurance.md), [obamacare](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/obamacare.md), saint bernard, [credit cards](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/credit-cards.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/27.md)

### 28. Eurozone Crisis, Euro Bonds and Greek Bankruptcy (1:58:22–2:06:12)

The ongoing financial crisis in Europe is analyzed through the lens of the Lisbon Treaty and the proposed "Euro bonds." Ministers in the European Parliament debate whether the crisis is a debt issue or a political failure of the monetary union. While some argue that the EU has prevented a total Greek collapse, others suggest that the bailouts are primarily designed to protect German and French banks rather than the Greek people.

Keywords: [eurozone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eurozone.md), [lisbon treaty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisbon-treaty.md), [greece](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greece.md), [euro bonds](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/euro-bonds.md), [moody's](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/moody-s.md), [european parliament](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-parliament.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/28.md)

### 29. Pastafarianism, Religious Headgear in Driver's Licenses (2:06:13–2:09:13)

An atheist in Austria successfully fought for the right to wear a pasta strainer on his head in his driver's license photo, claiming it as religious headgear for "Pastafarianism." The hosts view this as a satirical victory that highlights the complexities of religious accommodation laws in the European Union. They joke about the strainer's potential to block satellite brainwaves and its status as a "fashion statement."

Keywords: [pastafarianism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pastafarianism.md), [austria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austria.md), [driver's license](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/driver-s-license.md), [religious freedom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/religious-freedom.md), pasta strainer

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/29.md)

### 30. Netherlands Broadcast Tower Fires, Infrastructure Vulnerability (2:09:14–2:12:10)

Two major broadcast towers in the Netherlands experienced fires on the same day, leading to a total collapse of one antenna and a nationwide radio outage. The towers, owned by a French company and used by various government and commercial stations, are critical infrastructure. The hosts find the coincidence of two simultaneous fires highly suspicious and suggest it may indicate a deliberate attack on the country's communication systems.

Keywords: [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), broadcast towers, lopik, alticom, radio outage, [infrastructure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/infrastructure.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/30.md)

### 31. Free Press Defense, Episode 322 Outro (2:12:15–2:16:58)

The show concludes with a clip from the UK Parliament defending the importance of a free press despite the News Corp scandal. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak wrap up the episode, with Curry preparing to move the Hot Pockets tour from Virginia to North Carolina. They thank their hosts and producers, reminding listeners to support the show through the value-for-value model before signing off.

Keywords: [free press](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/free-press.md), [uk parliament](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/uk-parliament.md), [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [north carolina](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/north-carolina.md), [virginia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/virginia.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/322-pastafarians-unite/chapter/31.md)

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