# Cocked Pistol > A broadcast from Brasilia uncovers scripted presidential rallies, the pharmaceutical industry's influence on medical research, and the aggressive expansion of Chinese telecommunications giants across the globe. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 339 - **Published:** 2011-09-15 - **Length:** 2h 21m - **Topics:** Futurecom Brazil, Solyndra hearing, AttackWatch, Huawei tactics, Eurozone austerity, [Fisker Karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fisker-karma.md), NASA UARS - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol ## About this episode John C. Dvorak broadcasts from Brasilia, Brazil, following a keynote at the Futurecom technology conference, while Adam Curry joins from California to analyze the shifting geopolitical landscape. The duo examines the American Jobs Act promotion in North Carolina, where President Barack Obama appeared at Fort Hayes High School in a highly produced event featuring scripted student chants. Tensions rise as the Vice President Joe Biden introduces the term "Lone Ranger" to describe domestic terror threats, signaling a new phase in administrative rhetoric. European austerity measures trigger massive protests in Rome and Madrid as the Eurozone debt crisis deepens. Former EU Commission President Romano Prodi and Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou face scrutiny over the centralization of financial power in Brussels, while German Commissioner Gunther Oettinger suggests flying the flags of deficit-heavy nations at half-mast. In the private sector, Pfizer and Eli Lilly fund new Alzheimer's research in Neurology just as the Lipitor patent expires, and Huawei aggressively undercuts competitors like Ericsson through controversial management tactics. Meanwhile, the Department of Energy faces a Congressional grilling over the $535 million Solyndra loan failure and taxpayer-funded luxury vehicle production at Fisker Automotive. Technical glitches in Brazil and a $1,400 utility bill discrepancy provide a backdrop for the show's unique Value-for-Value funding model. The hosts grant a knighthood to Sir Gregory Laudrup and analyze the CDC-backed film Contagion as a potential propaganda vehicle. The broadcast concludes with a look at NASA's falling UARS satellite and the chilling social media intimidation tactics used by Mexican drug cartels in Nuevo Laredo. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/transcript.md. ### 1. Dvorak Broadcasting from Brazil, Futurecom Event Speech (0:00–2:28) John C. Dvorak broadcasts from a television studio in Brasilia, Brazil, after delivering a paid speech at the Futurecom technology event. He describes the IPTV infrastructure of the station and the social culture of the Brazilian people. Adam Curry welcomes him from California as they open episode 339 of the podcast. Keywords: [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [brazil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brazil.md), [brasilia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brasilia.md), futurecom, [iptv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iptv.md), [sao paulo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sao-paulo.md), eric lieb [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Brazilian Social Culture, Trade Show Booth Bimbos (2:29–4:44) A discussion of Brazilian culture highlights the social nature of the population and the quality of local cuisine, specifically churrascarias and Italian restaurants. Observations from the Futurecom trade show floor include the prevalence of "booth bimbos" and the difficulty of distinguishing transsexual individuals at public events. Keywords: [brazil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brazil.md), [sao paulo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sao-paulo.md), churrascarias, futurecom, booth bimbos, transsexuals [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/2.md) ### 3. SD Card Class Compatibility, Dental Implant Procedure (4:45–6:09) Technical difficulties in Brazil involve a laptop's inability to read Class 6 and Class 8 SD cards due to interface limitations. Simultaneously, a host describes a recent dental procedure involving a metal pin and cement for a tooth implant, jokingly referring to it as an RFID chip installation. Keywords: sd card, class 6, class 8, dental implant, [rfid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rfid.md), [dentistry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dentistry.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Joe Biden, Lone Ranger Terrorist Meme (6:10–11:37) Vice President Joe Biden introduced a new terminology for domestic terrorism, mistakenly referring to a "lone wolf" as a "Lone Ranger" during an interview with Ann Curry. The discussion analyzes Biden's repeated use of the term "lone actor," suggesting it implies a scripted or disingenuous nature to reported terror threats. Keywords: [joe biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-biden.md), [lone ranger](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lone-ranger.md), [lone wolf](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lone-wolf.md), lone actor, [department of homeland security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-homeland-security.md), [ann curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ann-curry.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Barack Obama, American Jobs Act Promotion (11:38–14:29) President Barack Obama traveled to North Carolina to promote the American Jobs Act, urging the public to pressure Congress to pass the bill immediately. Critics note the lack of a published full text for the bill at the time of the speech, despite the President's public displays of a thick document. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [american jobs act](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/american-jobs-act.md), [north carolina](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/north-carolina.md), [jobs bill](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jobs-bill.md), [whitehouse.gov](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/whitehouse-gov.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Scripted Political Rallies, High School Audience Staging (14:30–19:28) An analysis of a presidential appearance at Fort Hayes High School in Ohio suggests the event was a highly produced television experience. Audio evidence points to producers using "warm-up" techniques to prompt students to chant "pass this bill" and stage interactions with the President. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [ohio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ohio.md), fort hayes high school, [stagecraft](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stagecraft.md), warm-up man, pass this bill [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Democratic Election Strategy, Potential 2012 Candidates (19:29–20:26) Speculation regarding the 2012 presidential election considers the possibility of Barack Obama declining to run for re-election. Potential alternatives discussed include Vice President Joe Biden and Hillary Clinton, alongside the political fallout of the current administration's economic policies. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [joe biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-biden.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [2012 election](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2012-election.md), [democratic party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/democratic-party.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Lipitor Patent Expiration, Alzheimer's Disease Study (20:27–27:26) A new study linking high cholesterol to Alzheimer's disease is scrutinized as a marketing effort by Pfizer ahead of the Lipitor patent expiration in November 2011. The research, published in Neurology, is noted for being funded by major pharmaceutical companies including Eli Lilly, GlaxoSmithKline, and Pfizer. Keywords: [lipitor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lipitor.md), [pfizer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pfizer.md), [alzheimer's disease](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alzheimer-s-disease.md), [cholesterol](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cholesterol.md), neurology.org, [pharmaceutical industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pharmaceutical-industry.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/8.md) ### 9. AttackWatch.com, Obama Campaign Anti-Smear Website (27:30–31:48) The Obama campaign launched AttackWatch.com, a website designed to counter political smears and misinformation. The site's red, black, and white color scheme drew comparisons to historical propaganda, while online critics and satirists released spoof videos mocking the site's reporting mechanism. Keywords: attackwatch.com, [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), roger black, [rick perry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rick-perry.md), [mitt romney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mitt-romney.md), [alex jones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alex-jones.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Mark Zandi, Moody's Analytics Jobs Plan Analysis (31:49–35:10) Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Analytics, released an analysis supporting the American Jobs Act, claiming it would add two percentage points to GDP growth. The discussion questions Zandi's background, noting his education at the Wharton School and his ancestral ties to the Zand dynasty of Iran. Keywords: mark zandi, moody's analytics, [american jobs act](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/american-jobs-act.md), [gdp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gdp.md), wharton school, zand dynasty [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Richard Branson, Job Sharing Economic Proposal (35:10–37:39) Virgin Group chairman Richard Branson proposed a solution to unemployment involving widespread job sharing and part-time work. Branson suggested that if 10-20% of the workforce worked 50% of the year, it would significantly reduce the unemployment rate and address social unrest. Keywords: [richard branson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/richard-branson.md), [virgin group](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/virgin-group.md), [unemployment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/unemployment.md), job sharing, [part-time work](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/part-time-work.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Utility Bill Discrepancy, California Public Utilities Commission (37:40–40:11) A host reports receiving a water and electricity bill for $1,400 despite being away from home for over five weeks with most appliances turned off. The incident is used to criticize the lack of oversight by the Public Utilities Commission and the perceived inaccuracy of utility usage estimates. Keywords: [utility bills](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/utility-bills.md), [smart meters](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smart-meters.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), public utilities commission, [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Executive Producer Credits, Anonymous Donations (40:12–42:42) The show acknowledges financial support from executive producers, including an anonymous donor and Sir John Smith. The segment includes a brief reflection on the anniversary of September 11 and the current political climate regarding Ron Paul's candidacy. Keywords: [mollywood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mollywood.md), [john smith](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-smith.md), kate marengo, [9/11](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/9-11.md), [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Domain Name Registrations, Attack Vector Dashboard (42:43–45:16) Listeners registered several domain names related to recent show topics, including "Center for Strategic Counterterrorism Communications" and "Attack Vector Dashboard." The latter refers to a concept mentioned by former Federal CIO Vivek Kundra, which the hosts joke could be a corporate IT product. Keywords: [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [vivek kundra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vivek-kundra.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), attack vector dashboard, dark souls [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/14.md) ### 15. No Agenda Bingo, One Day in Gitmo Nation (45:17–48:37) The release of a limited edition hardback of "One Day in Gitmo Nation" is announced, with proceeds benefiting the show. Additionally, a listener-created website, noagendabingo.com, is highlighted as a way for fans to track recurring show tropes and catchphrases. Keywords: no agenda bingo, lulu.com, nate in new york, [scott mckenzie](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/scott-mckenzie.md), [brazil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brazil.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/15.md) ### 16. IBM Watson, Cleverbot AI Trust Issues (48:38–54:50) IBM's Watson computer, famous for winning Jeopardy, has been contracted by health insurer Wellpoint to assist doctors with diagnoses. The hosts compare this to "Cleverbot" and express concern that the public is being conditioned to trust AI systems for medical and environmental policy decisions. Keywords: [ibm watson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ibm-watson.md), cleverbot, [jeopardy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jeopardy.md), [wellpoint](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wellpoint.md), [health insurance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/health-insurance.md), [expert systems](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/expert-systems.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Daily Source Code, Adam Curry Podcast Update (54:51–55:43) Adam Curry addresses listener inquiries regarding the frequency of his "Daily Source Code" podcast. He notes that the show is currently produced on an irregular basis as it is a non-commercial venture compared to other projects. Keywords: [daily source code](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/daily-source-code.md), [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [horowitz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/horowitz.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/17.md) ### 18. European Austerity Measures, Italian Protests (55:44–1:00:16) Protests erupted in Rome and Madrid as European governments passed strict austerity measures to combat the Eurozone debt crisis. In Italy, Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's government survived a confidence vote while implementing tax hikes and raising the retirement age for women to 65. Keywords: [silvio berlusconi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silvio-berlusconi.md), [rome](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rome.md), [greece](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greece.md), [madrid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/madrid.md), [austerity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austerity.md), [equal rights amendment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/equal-rights-amendment.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/18.md) ### 19. European Union Power Consolidation, Romano Prodi Quote (1:00:19–1:02:38) A 2001 quote from former EU Commission President Romano Prodi is used to argue that the current Greek debt crisis is being leveraged to centralize financial power in Brussels. The prediction suggests that EU member states will eventually cede sovereignty over taxation and wages to avoid economic depression. Keywords: romano prodi, [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [brussels](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brussels.md), [greece](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greece.md), central taxation, [financial times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/financial-times.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/19.md) ### 20. George Papandreou, Greek Prime Minister Background (1:02:39–1:06:49) Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou's American roots are examined, noting he was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and educated at Harvard and the London School of Economics. His background as a fellow at the Center for Foreign Relations leads to speculation about his role in the Eurozone crisis. Keywords: [george papandreou](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-papandreou.md), [greece](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greece.md), st. paul minnesota, [harvard university](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harvard-university.md), [council on foreign relations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/council-on-foreign-relations.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/20.md) ### 21. German Influence, EU Deficit Sinner Flags (1:06:49–1:09:15) German EU Commissioner Gunther Oettinger suggested that the national flags of bailed-out member states should be flown at half-mast at EU buildings. This "deficit sinner" symbol reflects the growing tension between Germany and struggling economies like Greece as the debt crisis impacts global markets. Keywords: [germany](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/germany.md), gunther oettinger, [greece](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greece.md), deficit sinners, [stock market](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stock-market.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Brazil Economy, Airport Conveyor Belt Anecdote (1:09:16–1:11:31) Despite Brazil's status as a rising "BRIC" economy, observations from the Brasilia airport suggest systemic inefficiencies. An anecdote describes airline employees using luggage conveyor belts as a primary means of personal transportation within the terminal. Keywords: [brazil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brazil.md), [brasilia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brasilia.md), [tam airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tam-airlines.md), brick nations, [foreign investment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/foreign-investment.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Huawei Business Practices, Chinese Management Style (1:11:34–1:12:50) A report on the business tactics of Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei claims the company aggressively undercuts competitors like Ericsson by 30%. The discussion also touches on the difficult working conditions and "mean-spirited" management style attributed to the firm. Keywords: [huawei](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/huawei.md), [ericsson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ericsson.md), [cisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cisco.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [brazil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brazil.md), [management](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/management.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Rhinoceros Poaching, Chinese Traditional Medicine (1:12:51–1:16:09) Conservationist Lawrence Anthony, known as the "Elephant Whisperer," reports that rhinoceroses are being killed in Africa at a rate of one every twenty hours. The poaching is driven by the high demand for rhino horn in China, Vietnam, and Cambodia, where it is used for traditional medicinal purposes. Keywords: lawrence anthony, rhinoceros, [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [south africa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/south-africa.md), baghdad zoo, poaching [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Chinese Resource Extraction, Congo Rare Earth Minerals (1:16:09–1:18:39) An estimated five million Chinese nationals are reportedly active in the Congo, building infrastructure to facilitate the extraction of critical minerals. The Congo holds significant deposits of rare earth elements and cobalt, which are essential for the production of modern electronics like the iPhone. Keywords: [congo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congo.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [usaid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/usaid.md), [rare earth elements](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rare-earth-elements.md), [cobalt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cobalt.md), [iphone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iphone.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/25.md) ### 26. Elephant Intelligence, Sudan Migration Patterns (1:18:39–1:20:05) Elephants in the Sudan demonstrated remarkable intelligence by migrating from the south to the north at the onset of war and returning immediately after a peace agreement was signed. Researchers believe elephants use subsonic stomach vibrations to communicate across hundreds of kilometers. Keywords: [elephants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elephants.md), [sudan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sudan.md), [migration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/migration.md), subsonic communication, [animal behavior](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/animal-behavior.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Ivar Giaver, American Physical Society Resignation (1:20:06–1:22:57) Nobel Prize-winning physicist Dr. Ivar Giaver resigned from the American Physical Society in protest of the organization's stance on man-made global warming. Giaver specifically objected to the use of the word "incontrovertible" to describe the evidence for climate change. Keywords: ivar giaver, [nobel prize](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nobel-prize.md), american physical society, [global warming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-warming.md), [al gore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-gore.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/27.md) ### 28. Syrian Opposition, Exxon-Putin Deal Impact (1:22:58–1:25:09) The geopolitical focus on Syria appears to have shifted following a major deal between ExxonMobil and Russia's Vladimir Putin. The discussion suggests that Russia's opposition to UN resolutions has slowed international intervention, leading to the formation of a transitional national council. Keywords: [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), [russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md), [vladimir putin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vladimir-putin.md), [exxonmobil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/exxonmobil.md), [united nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-nations.md), [nato](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nato.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/28.md) ### 29. Solyndra Loan Investigation, Department of Energy Hearing (1:25:10–1:32:42) Congressional hearings investigated the $535 million government loan to the failed solar company Solyndra. Representatives Griffin and Murphy grilled Jonathan Silver of the Department of Energy regarding the decision to subordinate taxpayer money to private investors during the company's restructuring. Keywords: [solyndra](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/solyndra.md), [department of energy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-energy.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md), [loan guarantee](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/loan-guarantee.md), [bankruptcy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bankruptcy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/29.md) ### 30. Fisker Automotive, Al Gore Government Loans (1:32:43–1:38:38) Fisker Automotive, a luxury hybrid car company backed by Al Gore, received a $529 million U.S. government loan to build vehicles in Finland. The "Fisker Karma," priced near $100,000, is criticized for using Chinese-made motors despite receiving substantial American taxpayer funding. Keywords: [fisker automotive](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fisker-automotive.md), [al gore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-gore.md), [tesla](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tesla.md), [department of energy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-energy.md), [finland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/finland.md), [karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karma.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/30.md) ### 31. Listener Donations, Knighting of Sir Gregory Laudrup (1:38:39–1:42:19) The show acknowledges various listener donations, including a significant contribution from Gregory Laudrup, who is granted a knighthood. Other donors mentioned include Mark Fusco of 1337wine.com and Gil Freund, who requested a shout-out for his son's Bar Mitzvah. Keywords: gregory laudrup, mark fusco, 1337wine.com, bar mitzvah, [stockholm](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stockholm.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/31.md) ### 32. Contagion Movie Review, CDC Propaganda (1:42:20–1:45:01) The film "Contagion" is analyzed as a potential propaganda tool for the CDC, which consulted on the production. The movie was written by Scott Z. Burns, who also produced Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth," and features a character that some listeners believe is a parody of Adam Curry. Keywords: [contagion](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/contagion.md), [cdc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cdc.md), jude law, scott z. burns, [al gore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-gore.md), [vaccines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccines.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/32.md) ### 33. Birthday Announcements, Job Loss Karma (1:45:02–1:47:33) The hosts read birthday wishes for listeners and offer "karma" to those facing personal challenges, such as eye surgery or job loss. One listener, Dame Lena, lost her job after 17 years, prompting a discussion about the "job sharing" ideas previously mentioned by Richard Branson. Keywords: rachel carrier, mike potter, dame lena, [richard branson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/richard-branson.md), alamo california [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/33.md) ### 34. No Agenda Business Model, Producer Credits (1:47:34–1:50:58) The "Value for Value" funding model is explained, emphasizing that the show accepts no advertising and relies solely on listener contributions. Listeners who donate $200 or more are credited as Associate Executive Producers, a title the hosts offer to vouch for in professional settings. Keywords: [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [noagendanation.com](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/noagendanation-com.md), [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md), [executive producer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/executive-producer.md), [residuals](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/residuals.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/34.md) ### 35. Social Media Valuation, User Data Sales (1:50:59–1:56:30) A discussion on the valuation of social media companies like Twitter reveals that registered users are often valued between $20 and $100 per head. The hosts argue that traditional media treats the audience as a product to be sold to advertisers, whereas their model focuses on direct listener support. Keywords: [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [mailchimp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mailchimp.md), [social networking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-networking.md), [advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/advertising.md), [data privacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/data-privacy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/35.md) ### 36. NASA Satellite Re-entry, UARS Space Junk (1:56:31–2:00:02) NASA's Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS), a 12,000-pound piece of space junk, is expected to fall back to Earth in an uncontrolled re-entry. NASA scientists state the debris could land anywhere between 57 degrees north and south latitude, covering most of the world's populated areas. Keywords: [nasa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nasa.md), uars, [space junk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/space-junk.md), [orbital debris](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/orbital-debris.md), nick johnson, [fireball](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fireball.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/36.md) ### 37. Comet Elenin, Operation Cocked Pistol Drill (2:00:02–2:04:14) Conspiracy theories regarding Comet Elenin and a rumored DEFCON 1 drill codenamed "Cocked Pistol" are discussed. The segment touches on the murals at Denver International Airport and the hosts' desire to appear on the "Coast to Coast AM" radio show with George Noory. Keywords: [comet elenin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/comet-elenin.md), cocked pistol, [denver airport](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/denver-airport.md), [defcon 1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/defcon-1.md), [coast to coast am](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/coast-to-coast-am.md), [george noory](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-noory.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/37.md) ### 38. Ron Paul, CNN Tea Party Debate Setup (2:04:15–2:11:46) The CNN Tea Party Republican debate is criticized as a "setup" designed to discredit Ron Paul. Host Wolf Blitzer asked a hypothetical question about an uninsured man dying, which was later linked to the death of Paul's former campaign manager, Kent Snyder, and a website registered by a Democratic PR consultant. Keywords: [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [wolf blitzer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wolf-blitzer.md), [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), matt ortega, lethimdie.com, kent snyder [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/38.md) ### 39. Nathan Eccleston, Illuminati Tweet Controversy (2:11:46–2:13:51) Liverpool soccer player Nathan Eccleston faced disciplinary action after posting a tweet on the anniversary of September 11 suggesting the "Illuminati" were responsible for the attacks. The incident is cited as an example of the limitations on free speech for public figures with large audiences. Keywords: nathan eccleston, liverpool fc, [illuminati](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/illuminati.md), [9/11](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/9-11.md), [freedom of speech](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/freedom-of-speech.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/39.md) ### 40. Mexican Drug Cartels, Social Media Intimidation (2:13:52–2:17:21) In Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, drug cartels left a chilling message by hanging two bodies from a bridge with signs warning against reporting criminal activity on social media. The act is described as psychological warfare intended to silence citizens using Twitter and Facebook to bypass censored mainstream media. Keywords: [mexico](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mexico.md), nuevo laredo, [drug cartels](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drug-cartels.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [facebook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/facebook.md), [psychological warfare](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/psychological-warfare.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/40.md) ### 41. New York Street Signs, Show Outro (2:17:22–2:21:29) An artist in New York City, Jason Shelewitz, has been installing realistic-looking street signs with humorous etiquette messages like "pull up your pants." The show concludes with a final thank you to producers and a sign-off from both California and Brazil. Keywords: metropolitan etiquette authority, jason shelewitz, [chelsea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chelsea.md), [lone ranger](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lone-ranger.md), [brazil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brazil.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/339-cocked-pistol/chapter/41.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/338-bunga-bunga.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/340-tart-cherry-juice.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. Every public page on this site has one: add `.md` to its URL, or request it with `Accept: text/markdown`. - [Site index for agents (llms.txt)](https://search.noagendashow.net/llms.txt) - [Home](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - [Search transcripts](https://search.noagendashow.net/search.md) - [All episodes](https://search.noagendashow.net/episodes.md) - [Topics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topics.md) - [People](https://search.noagendashow.net/people.md)