# The King of Beers > A massive brewing merger looms as European fuel protests ignite and British lawmakers propose a controversial carbon rationing scheme for every citizen. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 33 - **Published:** 2008-05-30 - **Length:** 1h 26m - **Topics:** InBev, Carbon Rationing, Fuel Protests, Scott McClellan, [IPv6](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ipv6.md), NASCO, [Sharon Stone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sharon-stone.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers ## About this episode Belgian brewing giant InBev is reportedly weighing a $50 billion hostile takeover of Anheuser-Busch as the global beverage market shifts toward spirits and alcopops. This potential consolidation of the beer industry coincides with massive fuel protests across the United Kingdom and France, where truckers have paralyzed the West End of London to protest rising diesel costs and new CO2 emission taxes implemented by Prime Minister Gordon Brown. British MPs led by Tim Yeo have proposed a mandatory carbon ration card for all UK adults, a move critics label a backdoor for national ID systems and a new carbon credit investment market. Meanwhile, former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan has released a controversial memoir alleging the Bush administration, including Condoleezza Rice and Karl Rove, misled the public regarding the Iraq War. In the tech sector, European Commissioner Viviane Reding is pushing an aggressive 2010 deadline for IPv6 adoption, though skeptics suggest Cisco and other networking firms are manufacturing a crisis to drive hardware sales. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak reverse their usual recording schedule, with Curry broadcasting from the UK and Dvorak staying up late in California. The duo reflects on the 'theater of the mind' in broadcasting, the resurgence of The Osmonds at the O2 Arena, and the bizarre demands of celebrities like Michael Jackson and Richard Stallman regarding their titles and terminology. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/transcript.md. ### 1. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak Reverse Recording Roles (0:01–1:45) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the program from the Curry Manor in the United Kingdom and Northern California, respectively. They note a reversal in their typical recording roles, with Dvorak staying up late until 1:00 AM while Curry begins his morning at 9:00 AM. The hosts clarify that the episode is being recorded on a Thursday for a Friday release, potentially affecting the timeliness of news items. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [curry manor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/curry-manor.md), [northern california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/northern-california.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), recording schedule [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/1.md) ### 2. European Diesel Price Protests and CO2 Emission Taxes (0:46–6:01) Massive protests have erupted across Europe, specifically in the United Kingdom and France, driven by the rising cost of diesel fuel. While raw material costs are increasing, European governments have implemented additional CO2 emission taxes on diesel based on global warming concerns. In the UK, truckers blocked the West End of London, pressuring Prime Minister Gordon Brown to reconsider a planned fuel tax increase. Keywords: [diesel prices](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/diesel-prices.md), [carbon tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carbon-tax.md), [gordon brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-brown.md), uk truckers, french fishermen, [co2 emissions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/co2-emissions.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/2.md) ### 3. British MPs Propose Mandatory Carbon Ration Cards (6:02–10:02) A group of British Members of Parliament, led by Conservative MP Tim Yeo, has proposed a scheme requiring every adult in Britain to carry a carbon ration card. The plan involves an annual carbon dioxide allowance that would be docked whenever a citizen pays for road fuel, flights, or energy bills. Critics argue the system is a scam designed to create a new investment market for carbon credits and serves as a backdoor for a national ID card system. Keywords: carbon rationing, tim yeo, [greenhouse gas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greenhouse-gas.md), [al gore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-gore.md), national id card, [carbon credits](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carbon-credits.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Scott McClellan White House Memoir Controversy (10:04–13:53) Former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan has released a tell-all book detailing his tenure from 2003 to 2006. The memoir alleges that the Bush administration misled the American public to initiate the Iraq War and describes the internal dynamics of figures like Condoleezza Rice, Karl Rove, and Dick Cheney. The discussion touches on the motivations behind the book and the potential risks faced by whistleblowers in high-level government positions. Keywords: scott mcclellan, [george w. bush](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-w-bush.md), [condoleezza rice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/condoleezza-rice.md), [karl rove](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karl-rove.md), [iraq war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq-war.md), [white house press secretary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/white-house-press-secretary.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Osmonds Reunion Tour and UK Nostalgia Culture (13:53–19:49) The Osmonds are experiencing a massive resurgence in the United Kingdom, selling out venues like the O2 Arena as part of a world tour. Despite being a "dinosaur act" from decades ago, the group remains popular among a demographic seeking nostalgia. The hosts debate the appeal of seeing aging performers in large stadium settings versus intimate venues, noting the specific cultural phenomenon of Jimmy Osmond's past success in Britain. Keywords: the osmonds, [donny osmond](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donny-osmond.md), [marie osmond](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marie-osmond.md), [o2 arena](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/o2-arena.md), jimmy osmond, [nostalgia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nostalgia.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Sharon Stone Criticizes China Over Earthquake Karma (19:49–20:25) Actress Sharon Stone sparked international controversy by suggesting that the recent earthquake in China was the result of "bad karma." Speaking to a Chinese delegation at a public event, Stone linked the natural disaster to the country's political actions. The hosts dismiss her comments as ill-informed and insensitive. Keywords: [sharon stone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sharon-stone.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [earthquake](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/earthquake.md), [karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karma.md), celebrity controversy [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/6.md) ### 7. European Parliament Child Labor Import Ban Discussions (20:26–22:18) The European Parliament is currently debating a ban on the import of products derived from child labor, specifically targeting manufacturing in countries like China and India. A segment on the BBC program Newsnight highlighted the issue by sending British fashion consumers to work in Chinese factories. The experience reportedly left the participants disillusioned with the ethics of "disposable" fashion. Keywords: [european parliament](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-parliament.md), [child labor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/child-labor.md), [bbc newsnight](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc-newsnight.md), [manufacturing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manufacturing.md), [trade policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-policy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Sex and the City Movie and Consumerism (22:18–28:17) The release of the Sex and the City movie is expected to be a major box office event, driven by its focus on high-end brand names and luxury fashion. The hosts characterize the film as "female porn" centered on expensive handbags and shoes. They also discuss the cultural perception of the characters and propose a humorous "poll" to see if the movie functions as an effective date-night film for men. Keywords: [sex and the city](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sex-and-the-city.md), sarah jessica parker, [box office](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/box-office.md), [consumerism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/consumerism.md), chick flick [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/8.md) ### 9. NASCO Super Corridor and Lou Dobbs Controversy (28:17–36:13) Representative Mary Kaptur and media figure Lou Dobbs have drawn attention to the North American Super Corridor (NASCO), often referred to as the "NAFTA Highway." The project involves a multi-modal transportation network connecting Mexican ports to Canada, bypassing U.S. ports like Long Beach and Oakland. Critics of Dobbs in the media have attempted to debunk his claims by arguing that no project is officially named the "NAFTA Superhighway," despite the existence of the NASCO initiative. Keywords: nasco, nafta highway, [lou dobbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lou-dobbs.md), mary kaptur, [mexico](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mexico.md), trade corridor [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Intelligence Agency Influence in Mainstream Journalism (36:14–40:03) The discussion explores the alleged infiltration of mainstream media by intelligence agencies to plant disinformation. One host recounts an anecdote about a journalist offered a career path by an agency on the condition of occasionally publishing phony stories. They suggest that readers can "reverse engineer" propaganda by identifying journalists who consistently criticize whistleblowers or books like "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man." Keywords: [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [disinformation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/disinformation.md), [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md), [intelligence agencies](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/intelligence-agencies.md), [propaganda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/propaganda.md), [economic hit man](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economic-hit-man.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Corporate Media Censorship and Celebrity Demands (40:03–45:19) The hosts share personal anecdotes regarding corporate censorship and the demands of high-profile figures. One host recalls being reprimanded by MTV's press department for criticizing Madonna in TV Guide, and another describes a contract requirement to refer to Michael Jackson as "The King of Pop" in every segment. Additionally, they discuss Richard Stallman's refusal to appear on "Silicon Spin" unless the hosts agreed to use the term "GNU Linux." Keywords: [mtv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mtv.md), [madonna](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/madonna.md), [michael jackson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-jackson.md), [richard stallman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/richard-stallman.md), [gnu linux](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gnu-linux.md), [corporate media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/corporate-media.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/11.md) ### 12. IPv6 Transition and Cisco Marketing Claims (45:20–49:21) The European Commission, led by Commissioner Viviane Reding, is pushing for a rapid transition to IPv6, claiming that only 16% of IPv4 addresses remain available. The hosts express skepticism toward the 2010 deadline, suggesting the "crisis" may be a marketing ploy by networking companies like Cisco to force hardware upgrades. They compare the urgency of the transition to the hype surrounding Y2K. Keywords: [ipv6](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ipv6.md), ipv4, [european commission](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-commission.md), [cisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cisco.md), internet addresses, viviane reding [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/12.md) ### 13. International Treaty Banning Cluster Bombs (49:25–53:36) Over 100 nations have reached an agreement on a treaty to ban the current design of cluster bombs. While the move is celebrated in European media, the hosts question why cluster bombs are being prioritized over the ongoing global threat of landmines. They observe that such news stories often originate from European Union committee reports and are subsequently disseminated through a "copy-paste" journalism culture. Keywords: [cluster bombs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cluster-bombs.md), [landmines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/landmines.md), international treaty, [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Monkey Brain Research and EU Kids Corner (53:37–56:19) Scientists have reported success in allowing monkeys to control robotic arms using only their thoughts via brain probes. Transitioning to a lighter topic, the hosts explore the "Kids Corner" of the European Union website, which features games about the Euro. They discuss the various colors and denominations of Euro notes and the difficulty of spending high-value bills in European shops due to counterfeiting concerns. Keywords: [robotics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/robotics.md), monkey brain, [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), euro notes, [currency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/currency.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Belgian Political Rifts and Google Lawsuits (56:21–59:06) Belgium is facing a significant internal rift between its French-speaking and Flemish-speaking populations, with some suggesting the Flemish region could rejoin the Netherlands. Simultaneously, Belgian entities are reportedly suing Google over unwanted search links. The hosts characterize the country's political and legal situation as increasingly fractured and eccentric. Keywords: [belgium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/belgium.md), [flemish](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/flemish.md), [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md), [internet law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/internet-law.md), european politics [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/15.md) ### 16. InBev Potential Acquisition of Anheuser-Busch (58:05–1:05:36) Belgian brewer InBev is reportedly considering a $50 billion acquisition of Anheuser-Busch. The potential deal comes as the traditional beer market faces pressure from "alcopops" and spirits among younger consumers. While some analysts dismiss the talk as a move to pump stock prices, the hosts discuss the history of American brewers licensing European brands like Lowenbrau and the shifting landscape of the global beverage industry. Keywords: inbev, [anheuser-busch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anheuser-busch.md), [budweiser](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/budweiser.md), beer industry, [consolidation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/consolidation.md), stella artois [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Analysis of This Week in Tech Content (1:04:53–1:08:06) The hosts review a recent episode of "This Week in Tech" (TWiT), praising its discussion on orphan copyrights while speculating on the show's audience metrics. They compare the appeal of "gossipy" tech news featuring guests like Kevin Rose or Jason Calacanis against more substantive policy discussions. One host notes the tendency of some tech personalities to mispronounce show titles as a recurring quirk. Keywords: [twit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twit.md), [leo laporte](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/leo-laporte.md), [tech news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-news.md), [kevin rose](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kevin-rose.md), [jason calacanis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jason-calacanis.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Live Streaming Trends and Theater of the Mind (1:07:22–1:14:24) The rise of live streaming services like UStream and Qik is criticized for ruining the "theater of the mind" essential to audio broadcasting. The hosts argue that streaming mundane activities or behind-the-scenes footage devalues the final product and reduces economic productivity. They cite the disappointment of seeing how old-time radio plays were produced as a reason to maintain the mystery of the broadcast environment. Keywords: ustream, [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [live streaming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/live-streaming.md), scoble, [daily source code](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/daily-source-code.md), [radio plays](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/radio-plays.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Old Time Radio and Copy-Paste Internet Culture (1:14:25–1:17:10) The hosts recommend "Old Time Radio" (OTR) collections available on Mevio as a superior form of entertainment compared to modern "copy-paste" internet culture. They lament how the internet has become a "game of telephone" where dubious articles are endlessly propagated through blogs without original sourcing. This trend is described as a failure of responsibility in the digital publishing age. Keywords: otr, old time radio, [mevio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mevio.md), gutenberg, internet commentary, game of telephone [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Geotagging Technology and GPS in Cameras (1:17:11–1:24:35) A discussion on the utility of geotagging photos and videos reveals a disagreement over the availability of GPS-enabled cameras. While one host enjoys creating "walk-through" videos of locations like Korea, they argue that high-quality digital cameras—not just cell phones—should have integrated GPS for automatic location logging. Research during the segment confirms that while the technology has existed since 2005 in models from Ricoh and Kodak, it has not yet become a standard consumer feature. Keywords: [geotagging](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/geotagging.md), [gps](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gps.md), digital cameras, ricoh, [kodak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kodak.md), cell phone cameras [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Show Outro and Future Travel Plans (1:23:42–1:25:48) The hosts conclude the episode as the late hour in California and early morning in the UK converge. Adam Curry discusses his flight plans to Holland, navigating storm fronts over the North Sea. They look forward to a potential meeting in Amsterdam in the coming weeks, depending on family schedules and theater projects, before delivering their traditional sign-off. Keywords: [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [holland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/holland.md), [north sea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/north-sea.md), [weather](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weather.md), family projects, [sign-off](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sign-off.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers/chapter/21.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/32-benefits-supervisor-sleeping.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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