# 200 Dollar Oil > Speculators push energy markets toward a breaking point while the Vatican uncovers Marco Polo’s divorce papers and European leaders bypass voters to pass the Lisbon Treaty. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 34 - **Published:** 2008-06-06 - **Length:** 1h 36m - **Topics:** Oil Speculation, [Bilderberg Group](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bilderberg-group.md), [Lisbon Treaty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisbon-treaty.md), Vatican Archives, Enron Loophole, RFID Tracking - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil ## About this episode Oil prices surge toward a predicted $200 per barrel as George Soros and Michael Greenberger testify before C-SPAN regarding the Enron Loophole. This regulatory gap allows investment banks like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to drive record-high energy costs through unregulated speculation. Reports indicate oil tankers are currently sitting idle offshore, waiting for peak pricing before offloading cargo into a volatile global market. In the Democratic primary, rumors circulate regarding Barack Obama and Michelle Obama, while the annual Bilderberg Group meeting in Virginia faces criticism for its lack of transparency. The Vatican Archives reportedly contain uncatalogued divorce papers belonging to Marco Polo, and Russian geologist Yakov Venchuk claims the discovery of a radiation-absorbing mineral. Meanwhile, the Lisbon Treaty faces a critical Irish referendum as critics warn of hidden clauses concerning the death penalty and basic human rights. In Germany, new surveillance laws grant authorities the power to monitor private computers and install covert home cameras. Technical failures plague international roaming between O2 and AT&T, causing a three-day delay for Holland's Got Talent tickets. A viral video of George H.W. Bush at a Katrina fundraiser sparks reptilian conspiracy theories, which are dismissed as video compression artifacts. The show concludes with a review of New York's Bentley hotel and the subpar gourmet hamburgers at Cafe at Country. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/transcript.md. ### 1. AT&T Network Reliability, International Roaming Issues (0:01–4:19) The reliability of mobile networks is questioned following missed text messages and delayed voicemails while traveling between the United Kingdom and the United States. Technical issues involving network hopping between O2, the 3 network, and AT&T resulted in a three-day delay for a message regarding Holland's Got Talent tickets. Plans are made to switch to a local UK number on a new iPhone to bypass international routing complications. Keywords: [at&t](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/at-t.md), o2 network, 3 network, [voicemail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/voicemail.md), [iphone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iphone.md), [text messaging](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/text-messaging.md), [roaming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/roaming.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Campaign Rumors (4:19–11:44) Speculation surrounds the 2008 Democratic nomination as rumors circulate regarding Barack Obama's personal life and Michelle Obama's temperament. Unsubstantiated claims involve a supposed videotape of Michelle Obama and allegations from Larry Sinclair regarding the Senator's past. Additionally, the murders of three openly gay members of Jeremiah Wright’s Trinity United Church of Christ, including choir master Donald Young, are noted as points of interest for conspiracy theorists. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [michelle obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michelle-obama.md), [jeremiah wright](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jeremiah-wright.md), [larry sinclair](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/larry-sinclair.md), donald young, [2008 election](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2008-election.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Bilderberg Group, David Icke, Reptilian Conspiracy Theories (11:45–14:21) The annual Bilderberg Group meeting in Virginia is compared to the World Economic Forum, drawing criticism for its lack of media transparency despite the attendance of major publishers. This leads to a discussion of David Icke, a former UK sports commentator turned conspiracy theorist. Icke's claims regarding a global elite composed of shape-shifting reptiles are reviewed with skepticism. Keywords: [bilderberg group](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bilderberg-group.md), [david icke](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-icke.md), [conspiracy theories](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conspiracy-theories.md), [world economic forum](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/world-economic-forum.md), [reptiles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reptiles.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/3.md) ### 4. George H.W. Bush, Katrina Video, Reptilian Eye Claims (14:22–16:10) A viral video from a post-Hurricane Katrina fundraiser featuring George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton is analyzed. Conspiracy theorists claim the footage shows the elder Bush's eyes transforming into reptilian slits. The visual anomaly is dismissed as likely being a result of video compression or lighting rather than evidence of the reptilian theory. Keywords: [george h.w. bush](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-h-w-bush.md), [bill clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-clinton.md), [hurricane katrina](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hurricane-katrina.md), [rfid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rfid.md), [video editing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/video-editing.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Russian Radiation-Absorbing Mineral, Geode Collecting (16:11–19:35) Russian geologists led by Yakov Venchuk claim to have discovered a new mineral capable of absorbing radiation from liquid nuclear waste. The mineral's appearance is compared to rose quartz. This discovery prompts a discussion on geology, specifically the massive geodes found in rock shops in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and the hobby of sourcing minerals versus purchasing them. Keywords: [russia today](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia-today.md), yakov venchuk, [nuclear waste](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nuclear-waste.md), geodes, [geology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/geology.md), [sao paulo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sao-paulo.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Vatican Archives, Marco Polo Divorce Papers (19:36–21:49) A contact within the Vatican's public relations office describes the vast, uncatalogued nature of the Holy See's archives. Among the hidden historical documents is the purported discovery of divorce papers belonging to explorer Marco Polo. The conversation compares the scale of the Vatican's collection to the National Palace Museum in Taiwan, which holds artifacts moved by Chiang Kai-shek. Keywords: [vatican city](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vatican-city.md), [archives](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/archives.md), marco polo, museum of natural history, chiang kai-shek [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/6.md) ### 7. New York City Boutique Hotels, The Bentley, Restaurant Reviews (21:50–24:59) A stay at The Bentley hotel near the Queensborough Bridge in New York City reveals the challenges of finding quality accommodations and dining in the city. A visit to the Cafe at Country, a Michelin-starred establishment, results in a negative review due to poor service and a subpar gourmet hamburger. Keywords: [new york city](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-york-city.md), the bentley hotel, queensborough bridge, cafe at country, [michelin star](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michelin-star.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Ted Leonsis, List Magazine, Credit Card Ventures (25:00–29:08) The career of entrepreneur Ted Leonsis is examined, from his early success with List Magazine to his tenure at AOL. Leonsis is currently involved with the widget company ClearSpring and a new white-label credit card system. His impact on Washington D.C. is noted through his ownership of the Washington Capitals hockey team and the construction of their stadium in a previously underdeveloped area. Keywords: ted leonsis, [aol](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aol.md), clearspring, list magazine, washington capitals, washington nationals [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/8.md) ### 9. The Independent International Edition, US Media Quality (29:09–31:42) The availability of the International Edition of The Independent in New York City highlights a perceived decline in American news quality. The British publication featured a breakout story regarding secret plans for a long-term US military presence in Iraq. The Financial Times is also cited as a superior source for global news compared to domestic US outlets. Keywords: [the independent](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-independent.md), [financial times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/financial-times.md), herald tribune, [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md), [iraq war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq-war.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/9.md) ### 10. London Economic Trends, Chinese Cannabis Trade, Iris Chang (31:43–35:28) Current trends in London include a heavy presence of Russian wealth in hotels and the takeover of the local cannabis trade by Chinese organized crime operating out of council estates. Separately, Ted Leonsis's interest in history led him to finance a documentary based on Iris Chang's "The Rape of Nanking," detailing the 1937 Japanese occupation of China. Keywords: [london](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/london.md), [russian oligarchs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russian-oligarchs.md), cannabis trade, iris chang, rape of nanking [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Jane Seymour, Japanese Cultural History, Documentary Series (35:28–41:33) A 1988 PBS documentary series titled "Japan," narrated by actress Jane Seymour, is discussed for its insights into Japanese history and the Tokugawa Shogunate. The series explores the cultural roots of the "expressionless" Japanese demeanor and the historical brutality associated with the occupation of Nanking. Seymour's extensive career, including "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" and "Wedding Crashers," is also noted. Keywords: [jane seymour](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jane-seymour.md), [pbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pbs.md), [japan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/japan.md), samurai, tokugawa shogunate, [nanking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nanking.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/11.md) ### 12. CNBC vs Fox Business, Studio Tours, Brian Williams (41:34–48:57) A comparison of the CNBC and Fox Business Network facilities reveals significant differences in scale and production energy. While Fox Business is a newer, all-digital operation, CNBC is described as a more established and profitable powerhouse. An anecdote is shared regarding NBC anchor Brian Williams and his past interactions with one of the host's wives during a cosmetic surgery news segment. Keywords: [cnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnbc.md), [fox business](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox-business.md), [brian williams](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brian-williams.md), [neil cavuto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/neil-cavuto.md), [trish regan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trish-regan.md), [squawk box](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/squawk-box.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/12.md) ### 13. ISDN Technology, Radio Guesting, Telemarketing Spam (48:58–51:13) The benefits and drawbacks of installing an ISDN line for remote broadcasting are debated. While the technology allows for high-quality participation in radio shows from home, it is expensive and has led to an influx of automated telemarketing spam. One host reports that British Telecom (BT) seemingly shared his business number, leading to frequent "ISDN spam" calls. Keywords: [isdn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/isdn.md), codec, [bt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bt.md), [telemarketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/telemarketing.md), yellow pages, [broadcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/broadcasting.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Book Publishing Industry, Literary Agents, Dummy Contracts (51:15–57:35) The mechanics of the book publishing industry are detailed, focusing on the role of literary agents like John Brockman. The process involves writing proposals, navigating agent "channels" to specific editors, and negotiating advances. The "dummy contract" is identified as a standard industry trap where authors are expected to negotiate terms rather than signing the initial unfavorable draft. Keywords: [john brockman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-brockman.md), [gina smith](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gina-smith.md), [publishing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/publishing.md), literary agents, book advances, [contracts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/contracts.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Music Industry Royalties, Force Majeure, Contract Folklore (57:36–1:01:23) The complexity of music industry contracts is illustrated by a duet agreement involving a 5% retail royalty after various deductions. The discussion shifts to the "folklore" of legal documents, where contracts are frequently shared and modified. Examples include the development of specific "force majeure" clauses for public speaking engagements and the settlement agreement between Adam Curry and MTV. Keywords: [music royalties](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/music-royalties.md), mechanical reproduction, [force majeure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/force-majeure.md), [mtv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mtv.md), legal language [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Lisbon Treaty, Irish Referendum, European Union Constitution (1:01:23–1:09:25) The Lisbon Treaty is identified as a rebranded version of the failed 2005 European Constitution, designed to avoid public referendums in most member states. Ireland remains the only country holding a public vote on June 12th. Critics argue the document is intentionally unreadable and contains controversial clauses regarding basic human rights and the death penalty during times of unrest or escape. Keywords: [lisbon treaty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisbon-treaty.md), [ireland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ireland.md), [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [referendum](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/referendum.md), [angela merkel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/angela-merkel.md), [brussels](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brussels.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/16.md) ### 17. German Surveillance Laws, Computer Monitoring (1:09:25–1:11:03) New legislation in Germany reportedly grants law enforcement the authority to monitor private computers via the internet and install covert cameras in homes. The law has sparked concerns regarding privacy and the extent of government overreach within the European Union. Keywords: [germany](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/germany.md), [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md), [privacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/privacy.md), computer monitoring, [law enforcement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/law-enforcement.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Euro Currency RFID Chips, Money Sniffing Dogs (1:11:03–1:18:56) New European laws mandate the declaration of cash amounts exceeding 10,000 euros when crossing borders, supported by the use of "money sniffing dogs" at airports. There are persistent claims that Euro banknotes contain embedded RFID chips for tracking. A "microwave test" is described where bills allegedly pop and develop pinholes when exposed to radiation, though officials suggest this may be due to metallic anti-counterfeiting ink. Keywords: [rfid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rfid.md), [euro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/euro.md), [money laundering](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/money-laundering.md), money sniffing dogs, [hitachi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hitachi.md), microwave test [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/18.md) ### 19. US Currency RFID Rumors, Microwave Safety (1:18:56–1:25:39) Reports from websites like Prison Planet suggest that new US $20 bills also contain RFID tags that explode or burn when microwaved. The discussion covers the history of RFID development by companies like Hitachi and Philips. The hosts debate the utility of microwaves, with one host refusing to own one due to concerns over food quality and aesthetics. Keywords: [rfid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rfid.md), [$20 bill](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/20-bill.md), prison planet, [microwave](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/microwave.md), [faraday cage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/faraday-cage.md), [hitachi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hitachi.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/19.md) ### 20. China in Africa, Trade Tariffs, Resource Extraction (1:25:39–1:27:18) A Fast Company article highlights China's aggressive expansion into Africa to secure natural resources. Beyond simple extraction, the strategy involves lopsided trade deals where Chinese vendors receive exemptions from local customs and taxes, often putting native African businesses out of competition while infrastructure projects remain unfinished. Keywords: [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [africa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/africa.md), [fast company](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fast-company.md), [resource extraction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/resource-extraction.md), [trade deals](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trade-deals.md), [customs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/customs.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Oil Price Speculation, Enron Loophole, Tanker Shortage (1:27:19–1:31:55) Testimony from George Soros and Michael Greenberger before C-SPAN suggests that current record-high oil prices are driven by unregulated speculation rather than supply issues. Greenberger points to the "Enron Loophole" which allows investment banks like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley to trade energy futures without oversight. Reports indicate oil tankers are sitting idle offshore, waiting for prices to peak before offloading. Keywords: [oil prices](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oil-prices.md), [george soros](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-soros.md), [michael greenberger](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-greenberger.md), [goldman sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), [morgan stanley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/morgan-stanley.md), [speculation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/speculation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Market Death Knell, $200 Oil Predictions, Outro (1:31:56–1:36:14) The hosts predict that oil speculators may push prices to a psychological barrier of $200 per barrel before a massive market correction occurs. Such a crash could lead to a surge in the US dollar and influence the 2008 presidential election in favor of John McCain. The show concludes with a mention of an upcoming speaking engagement in Michigan regarding the future of the newspaper industry. Keywords: [oil futures](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oil-futures.md), [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [2008 election](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2008-election.md), [public speaking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-speaking.md), [michigan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michigan.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/34-200-dollar-oil/chapter/22.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/33-the-king-of-beers.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/35-obama-and-olbermann.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)