# Piles of Pelicans > Internal White House friction boils over as the military admits to training failures in Iraq and the TSA quietly adjusts radiation protocols for airport security. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 405 - **Published:** 2012-05-03 - **Length:** 2h 45m - **Topics:** [Bin Laden Raid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bin-laden-raid.md), TSA Radiation, [Goldman Sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), [Body Bombs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/body-bombs.md), SBIRT Program, Fukushima Unit 4, Pirate Bay Blockade - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans ## About this episode The Obama administration faces scrutiny following claims that soldiers at Fort Stewart were forced to attend a presidential address where Barack Obama repeated controversial jokes about the military gene pool. Internal friction regarding the Abbottabad raid on Osama bin Laden surfaces as reports suggest Valerie Jarrett initially blocked the operation, leading to resignation threats from Robert Gates and intense pressure from Hillary Clinton. Meanwhile, Admiral Bill McRaven is identified as the primary architect of the mission as the White House marks the one-year anniversary of the strike. General Martin Dempsey admits to systemic failures in Iraqi police training and the slow recognition of corruption in Afghanistan, while White House advisor John Brennan defends drone strikes using medical metaphors of excision. The Department of Homeland Security prepares to release Bacillus subtilis into the Boston MBTA subway system to test biological sensors, sparking public health concerns. In the UK, a parliamentary committee declares Rupert Murdoch unfit to lead News Corp, and ISPs begin blocking The Pirate Bay under new censorship mandates. Domestic policy shifts as the Affordable Care Act integrates mandatory drug screening into primary care through the SBIRT program, while the TSA reportedly increases radiation levels on body scanners to detect surgically implanted explosives. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak deconstruct an ABC News report on bullied dolphins as a form of social engineering and mind control. The hosts also examine a secret recording of Goldman Sachs executives attempting to pitch the Facebook IPO to Autodesk founder John Walker against his explicit instructions. The show concludes with a formal knighting ceremony for Sir Aslak and Sir Ilyan as the No Agenda Roundtable expands. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/transcript.md. ### 1. No Agenda Episode 405 Introduction, Slide Whistle Concerto (0:00–1:19) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open episode 405 of the No Agenda show on May 3, 2012. The hosts discuss the benefits of listening to the live stream, including hearing mistakes and their musical slide whistle performances. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [camp mofo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/camp-mofo.md), [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [slide whistle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/slide-whistle.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Nielsen Television Ratings Decline, CNN Viewership Crisis (1:19–3:52) Nielsen reports a significant decline in television viewership hours per household for the first time in two decades. CNN faces a severe ratings crisis with average viewership dropping to approximately 100,000 people, drawing comparisons to the low numbers seen during the era of TechTV. Keywords: [nielsen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nielsen.md), [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [television ratings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/television-ratings.md), [cable news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cable-news.md), [viewership](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/viewership.md), [tech tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-tv.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Fort Stewart Military Attendance, Obama Gene Pool Comments (3:53–7:31) A listener email from Fort Stewart claims that out of a battalion of 1,500 soldiers, only two volunteered to attend a speech by President Barack Obama. The remaining troops were reportedly forced to attend the event, where the President repeated his recurring "marry up into the gene pool" joke. Keywords: fort stewart, [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [military](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military.md), battalion, gene pool, [volunteers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/volunteers.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Osama Bin Laden Raid Anniversary, Hillary Clinton Anecdotes (7:32–10:57) The first anniversary of the killing of Osama bin Laden prompts the release of new information regarding the raid in Abbottabad. Hillary Clinton recounts anecdotes about Admiral Bill McRaven's confidence in the Navy SEALs, noting the high frequency of similar special operations conducted by the unit. Keywords: [osama bin laden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/osama-bin-laden.md), [abbottabad](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abbottabad.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [navy seals](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/navy-seals.md), [bill mcraven](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-mcraven.md), [special forces](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-forces.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/4.md) ### 5. White House Internal Conflict, Valerie Jarrett and Robert Gates (10:58–12:36) Reports from the Ulsterman blog suggest internal friction within the Obama administration regarding the bin Laden raid. Claims indicate that Valerie Jarrett initially blocked the operation, leading to threats of resignation from Robert Gates and pressure from Hillary Clinton and Bill Daley before the President gave the final order. Keywords: [valerie jarrett](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/valerie-jarrett.md), [robert gates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/robert-gates.md), [bill daley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-daley.md), [leon panetta](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/leon-panetta.md), [white house](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/white-house.md), ulsterman [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Admiral Bill McRaven, Special Operations Spec Ops Book (12:36–15:13) Admiral Bill McRaven is identified as the primary architect behind the bin Laden raid and the author of the book "Spec Ops." Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mike Mullen describes the intense preparation and "steely-eyed glare" of the SEAL team members prior to the mission's execution. Keywords: [bill mcraven](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-mcraven.md), [mike mullen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mike-mullen.md), [navy seals](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/navy-seals.md), spec ops, [special operations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-operations.md), [joint chiefs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joint-chiefs.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/6.md) ### 7. ABC News Body Bomb Report, Surgically Implanted Explosives (15:13–20:02) ABC News reports on a potential terror threat involving "body bombs" or explosives surgically implanted into the abdominal cavities of Al-Qaeda operatives. The report, featuring Diane Sawyer and Brian Ross, suggests these devices contain no metal to evade airport security, though the technical feasibility of such a device is questioned. Keywords: [abc news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abc-news.md), [diane sawyer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/diane-sawyer.md), [brian ross](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brian-ross.md), [body bombs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/body-bombs.md), [al-qaeda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-qaeda.md), surgically implanted explosives [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Airport Security Radiation, TSA Body Scanner Adjustments (20:02–23:13) ABC News correspondent Brian Ross claims that U.S. authorities have "turned up the radiation" on airport body scanners to detect surgically implanted explosives. This statement contradicts previous TSA assurances that the scanners do not use harmful radiation, sparking concerns about passenger safety and the transparency of security protocols. Keywords: [tsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsa.md), [body scanners](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/body-scanners.md), [radiation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/radiation.md), [airport security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/airport-security.md), [brian ross](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brian-ross.md), [abc news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abc-news.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/8.md) ### 9. John Brennan Speech Protest, Code Pink Activist Ejection (23:13–26:37) White House counterterrorism advisor John Brennan was interrupted by a Code Pink activist during a speech at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars. The protester questioned the morality of drone strikes and the killing of 16-year-old American citizen Abdulrahman al-Awlaki before being physically removed from the room. Keywords: [john brennan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-brennan.md), [code pink](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/code-pink.md), [drone strikes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drone-strikes.md), [abdulrahman al-awlaki](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abdulrahman-al-awlaki.md), [wilson center](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wilson-center.md), [protest](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/protest.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Targeted Drone Strikes, Medical Metaphors for Terrorism (26:37–30:39) John Brennan defends the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs) by using medical metaphors, describing terrorism as a "metastasized cancer" that must be "excised" with "surgical precision." He emphasizes that the chain of command follows a rigorous legal process to ensure strikes are consistent with domestic and international law. Keywords: [john brennan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-brennan.md), [drones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drones.md), remotely piloted aircraft, surgical precision, [counterterrorism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/counterterrorism.md), [cancer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cancer.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/10.md) ### 11. History of Streaking, Media Coverage Policies (30:40–33:46) The hosts discuss the cultural history of streaking and the shift in media policy to stop filming individuals who run naked across sports fields. They suggest that the lack of coverage for "off-script" events, including protests and streaking, is a deliberate attempt to prevent the spread of such behaviors. Keywords: streaking, [media censorship](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-censorship.md), [sports broadcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sports-broadcasting.md), public protest, [memes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/memes.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Executive Producer Donations, Knighting Ceremony (33:48–38:26) The show acknowledges significant financial contributions from producers, including new knights Sir Elion Seamus and Sir Oslok Christensen. Other donors mentioned include Dwayne Melancon and Aaron McGuffin, the latter of whom composed a gospel-style jingle for the program. Keywords: elion seamus, oslok christensen, [dwayne melancon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dwayne-melancon.md), [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [executive producers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/executive-producers.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/12.md) ### 13. No Agenda Merchandise, Customs Issues with Mugs (38:26–41:49) The hosts announce that No Agenda mugs may no longer be available due to harassment and logistical issues faced by their distributor, Eric, when importing the items from China. Listeners are encouraged to visit the show's various websites to support the program through other means. Keywords: no agenda mugs, [customs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/customs.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [merchandise](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merchandise.md), [eric](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eric.md), noagendanation [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Wayward Dolphin Bullying, ABC News Mind Control (41:49–45:41) ABC News reports on a wayward dolphin in Orange County, California, suggesting the animal is a victim of "bullying" by other dolphins. The hosts deconstruct the report as a form of "mind control" intended to normalize anti-bullying laws and social engineering through anthropomorphized animal stories. Keywords: dolphin, [bullying](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bullying.md), [abc news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abc-news.md), [david wright](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-wright.md), [orange county](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/orange-county.md), [animal behavior](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/animal-behavior.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/14.md) ### 15. General Martin Dempsey, Iraqi Police Training Failures (45:41–48:41) General Martin Dempsey, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reflects on the early failures of the Iraq War. He admits that U.S. forces were initially teaching Iraqi police how to issue traffic tickets while the officers were being killed by a well-organized insurgency, illustrating a lack of cultural and tactical understanding. Keywords: [martin dempsey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/martin-dempsey.md), [iraq war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq-war.md), [joint chiefs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joint-chiefs.md), iraqi national guard, [police training](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/police-training.md), [insurgency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/insurgency.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Camp Smitty Anecdote, Dad's Army Comparison (48:41–51:41) Adam Curry shares an anecdote from his 2003 visit to Camp Smitty in Iraq with Dutch Marines. He describes witnessing the training of the Iraqi National Guard, comparing their comical inability to perform basic drills to the British sitcom "Dad's Army." Keywords: camp smitty, [iraq](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq.md), [dutch marines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dutch-marines.md), [dad's army](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dad-s-army.md), [military training](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-training.md), [ak-47](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ak-47.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Military Corruption Task Force, Learning Organizations (51:42–53:28) General Martin Dempsey discusses the establishment of an anti-corruption task force in Afghanistan two years prior. He acknowledges that the military is a "learning organization" that struggled for a decade to recognize and address the systemic corruption that put missions at risk. Keywords: [martin dempsey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/martin-dempsey.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [corruption](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/corruption.md), anti-corruption task force, interagency, [military strategy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-strategy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/17.md) ### 18. National Drug Control Strategy, Secret Service Cover-up (53:28–58:21) The hosts posit that the Secret Service prostitution scandal in Colombia was a media distraction to avoid discussing drug legalization at the Summit of the Americas. Drug Czar Gil Kerlikowske introduces the 2012 National Drug Control Strategy, which he calls a "third way" between legalization and a law-enforcement-only approach. Keywords: [drug policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drug-policy.md), [secret service](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/secret-service.md), [colombia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/colombia.md), [gil kerlikowske](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gil-kerlikowske.md), [summit of the americas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/summit-of-the-americas.md), [legalization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/legalization.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Affordable Care Act, Mandatory Drug Screening (58:22–1:02:39) The 2012 National Drug Control Strategy integrates substance abuse treatment into the mainstream healthcare system via the Affordable Care Act. The "SBIRT" program (Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) will implement mandatory drug screening in primary care settings, creating new billing codes for Medicaid and insurance providers. Keywords: [affordable care act](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/affordable-care-act.md), [obamacare](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/obamacare.md), sbirt, drug screening, [medicaid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/medicaid.md), [health care](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/health-care.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Fair Sentencing Act, Crack Cocaine Disparity (1:02:39–1:07:07) The Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 reduced the disparity between crack and powder cocaine sentences. While the threshold for a five-year mandatory minimum for crack was raised from 5 grams to 28 grams, the hosts argue the policy still heavily favors powder cocaine users and maintains a massive law enforcement budget. Keywords: fair sentencing act, [crack cocaine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crack-cocaine.md), powder cocaine, [mandatory minimums](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mandatory-minimums.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), drug courts [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Synthetic Drugs, Bulk Cash Smuggling Interdiction (1:07:08–1:10:23) The federal government is increasing its focus on synthetic drugs like "bath salts" and "spice" (K2) through the use of regional fusion centers. Additionally, ICE has expanded operations at the Bulk Cash Smuggling Center to prevent the southbound movement of currency and weapons across the U.S. borders. Keywords: [bath salts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bath-salts.md), [spice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spice.md), [k2](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/k2.md), bulk cash smuggling, [ice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ice.md), [fusion centers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fusion-centers.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Methamphetamine Production, Smurfing and Pseudoephedrine (1:10:24–1:13:55) To combat domestic methamphetamine production, officials are considering making pseudoephedrine a prescription-only substance. The strategy also targets "smurfing," a practice where individuals visit multiple stores to purchase small amounts of precursor chemicals to bypass legal limits. Keywords: [methamphetamine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/methamphetamine.md), pseudoephedrine, smurfing, [nyquil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nyquil.md), [drug enforcement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drug-enforcement.md), [pharmacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pharmacy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/22.md) ### 23. HBO Girls HPV Meme, Elijah Character (1:13:56–1:16:22) The HBO series "Girls" features a storyline where characters discuss HPV testing and transmission. The hosts analyze the segment as a vehicle for promoting medical memes, specifically regarding the inability of men to be tested for the virus and the social stigma associated with the diagnosis. Keywords: [hbo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hbo.md), girls, [hpv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hpv.md), [lena dunham](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lena-dunham.md), elijah, television memes [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/23.md) ### 24. HPV Testing Rigging, False Positives and Gardasil (1:16:22–1:21:02) An anonymous source dubbed "Dr. Deep Throat" alleges that HPV testing machines manufactured by Hologic are designed to produce a high rate of false positives. This systemic bias reportedly drives patients toward expensive follow-up procedures and the Gardasil vaccine, benefiting a partnership between Hologic and Merck. Keywords: [hpv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hpv.md), [gardasil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gardasil.md), [merck](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merck.md), hologic, [false positives](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/false-positives.md), dr. deep throat [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Medical Industry Corruption, Insurance and HPV Shots (1:21:02–1:24:28) The hosts discuss reports of doctors pressuring married women to receive HPV vaccines by questioning their husbands' fidelity. They argue that the medical industry, driven by insurance mandates and the Affordable Care Act, is using fear and "pre-cancerous" terminology to monetize routine screenings. Keywords: [hpv vaccine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hpv-vaccine.md), [medical ethics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/medical-ethics.md), [insurance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/insurance.md), [obamacare](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/obamacare.md), [cancer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cancer.md), [screening](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/screening.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/25.md) ### 26. Rupert Murdoch Fitness, Louise Mensch Testimony (1:24:28–1:27:38) A UK parliamentary committee declares Rupert Murdoch "not fit" to lead an international company. Conservative MP Louise Mensch later clarifies that the "not fit" language was a partisan addition not supported by evidence, as no committee member could prove the Murdochs had misled Parliament. Keywords: [rupert murdoch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rupert-murdoch.md), [louise mensch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/louise-mensch.md), [parliament](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/parliament.md), [bskyb](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bskyb.md), [news corp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/news-corp.md), [phone hacking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/phone-hacking.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Contempt of Parliament, Colin Myler and News of the World (1:27:38–1:31:48) Parliament considers how to handle individuals found to have misled select committees, a situation not seen since the 1950s. Colin Myler, former editor of News of the World and current editor of the New York Daily News, is among those accused of misleading the government during the phone-hacking investigation. Keywords: colin myler, [parliament](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/parliament.md), [contempt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/contempt.md), [news of the world](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/news-of-the-world.md), [mort zuckerman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mort-zuckerman.md), [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/27.md) ### 28. War on Chicken, Poultry Farm Fires and NPR (1:31:50–1:34:52) The "War on Chicken" continues with a massive fire at a Weld County, Colorado poultry farm that killed 500,000 chickens. NPR reports on the rise of "Big Chicken" in Texas, using military terminology like "fallout" and "blowback" to describe the environmental and social impact of industrial chicken farming. Keywords: [war on chicken](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/war-on-chicken.md), poultry farm, weld county, [npr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/npr.md), big chicken, [agriculture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/agriculture.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/28.md) ### 29. Cinco de Mayo, European Elections and Afghanistan Treaty (1:34:52–1:38:37) The hosts discuss the upcoming Cinco de Mayo holiday and its lack of historical significance in Mexico. They also note critical elections in Greece and France, and the signing of a strategic partnership agreement between President Obama and Afghan President Hamid Karzai, which requires congressional ratification. Keywords: [cinco de mayo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cinco-de-mayo.md), [greece](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greece.md), [france](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/france.md), [elections](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elections.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [hamid karzai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hamid-karzai.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/29.md) ### 30. Producer Credits, Gambling Karma and Knighting (1:38:38–1:43:23) A segment dedicated to thanking show producers for their financial support. The hosts grant "gambling karma" and "clippity-clop karma" to various donors, while acknowledging the efforts of Glenn Woodfin in improving the show's SEO and Google search rankings. Keywords: [executive producers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/executive-producers.md), [karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karma.md), [slide whistle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/slide-whistle.md), [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [producers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/producers.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/30.md) ### 31. Birthday Shout-outs, Female Listeners and Sarah Picture (1:43:23–1:48:08) The hosts read birthday greetings for listeners and discuss a marketing pitch aimed at encouraging women to support their husbands' donations to the show. They also mention a photo sent in by a female producer named Sarah, noting the increasing number of women in the audience. Keywords: [birthdays](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/birthdays.md), female listeners, [sarah](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarah.md), [producers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/producers.md), [marketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketing.md), [newsletter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/newsletter.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/31.md) ### 32. Slide Whistle Controversy, Alan Levine for Congress (1:48:08–1:52:43) A listener suggests that the use of the slide whistle is causing a decline in donations. In response, John Dvorak proposes a "voting" system where listeners can use their donations to either keep or kill the slide whistle. The hosts also promote Alan Levine's congressional campaign in Georgia. Keywords: [slide whistle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/slide-whistle.md), [alan levine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alan-levine.md), [georgia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/georgia.md), [congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [voting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/voting.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/32.md) ### 33. Mustang Sally Trailer, Tour 09 Meetups (1:52:44–1:56:05) Adam Curry expresses concern about whether his Dodge Ram 1500 can safely tow the "Mustang Sally" trailer through the Rocky Mountains. Listeners are encouraged to email Mickey Curry to organize meetups for the upcoming "Tour 09" across the United States. Keywords: [dodge ram](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dodge-ram.md), [mustang sally](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mustang-sally.md), [towing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/towing.md), tour 09, [meetups](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/meetups.md), [mickey curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mickey-curry.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/33.md) ### 34. Knighting Ceremony, Sir Ilyan and Sir Aslak (1:56:05–1:57:41) The hosts conduct a formal knighting ceremony for Aslak Christensen, Kent O'Rourke, Sam Luong, and Greg Brunsell. These individuals are recognized for contributing at least $1,000 to the No Agenda show and are welcomed to the "No Agenda Roundtable." Keywords: [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [roundtable](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/roundtable.md), aslak christensen, kent orourke, sam luong, greg brunsell [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/34.md) ### 35. John Walker Goldman Sachs Recording, Career Progression (1:57:42–2:02:12) Autodesk founder John Walker recorded a meeting with Goldman Sachs representatives in Switzerland after they repeatedly fired his brokers for not "gouging" him enough. The recording features a Goldman executive using the euphemism "progressing their career" to describe the termination of employees who refused to pitch risky products to risk-averse clients. Keywords: [john walker](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-walker.md), [autodesk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/autodesk.md), [goldman sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), [switzerland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/switzerland.md), career progression, [investment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/investment.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/35.md) ### 36. Goldman Sachs Facebook Pitch, Discretionary Mandates (2:02:12–2:06:20) In the recorded meeting, John Walker confronts Goldman Sachs about receiving a pitch for the Facebook IPO that included threats of criminal penalties for disclosure. Despite Walker's explicit instructions to avoid equities and high-risk investments, the bank's "investment professionals" claimed they were exercising discretion in presenting the offer. Keywords: [goldman sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), facebook ipo, [investment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/investment.md), risk aversion, discretionary agreement, [london](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/london.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/36.md) ### 37. Ron Paul vs Paul Krugman, Bloomberg Debate (2:06:20–2:10:58) Congressman Ron Paul debated economist Paul Krugman on Bloomberg Television regarding monetary policy and the role of the Federal Reserve. Krugman argued that the government must stabilize the economy to prevent depressions, while Paul contended that the Federal Reserve's management actually triggers economic volatility. Keywords: [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [paul krugman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paul-krugman.md), [bloomberg tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bloomberg-tv.md), austrian economics, [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), [great depression](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/great-depression.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/37.md) ### 38. Gold Standard, Emperor Diocletian Economic Policy (2:10:59–2:14:44) During their debate, Ron Paul countered Paul Krugman's claim that he wants to return to the 19th century by arguing that Krugman's policies of currency debasement mirror those of the Roman and Greek empires. Krugman famously retorted that he is "not a defender of the economic policies of the Emperor Diocletian." Keywords: [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [paul krugman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paul-krugman.md), [gold standard](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gold-standard.md), diocletian, [inflation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/inflation.md), currency debasement [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/38.md) ### 39. Pirate Bay Blockade, UK Internet Censorship (2:14:44–2:18:58) UK courts have ordered ISPs, including Virgin Media, to block access to The Pirate Bay. During a BBC "Today" program interview, the host and a Member of Parliament argued that the internet should be regulated like other media, specifically targeting the availability of pornography to children as a justification for broader ISP censorship. Keywords: [pirate bay](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pirate-bay.md), [virgin media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/virgin-media.md), [richard branson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/richard-branson.md), [censorship](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/censorship.md), [pornography](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pornography.md), [isps](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/isps.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/39.md) ### 40. MTV Rap Fix, Trayvon Martin Discussion (2:18:58–2:23:12) The MTV program "Rap Fix" featured rappers Killer Mike and Prodigy discussing the Trayvon Martin case. The conversation touched on Florida's self-defense laws and the "hunted" status of black men in the South, with Killer Mike encouraging the black community to arm themselves for protection. Keywords: [mtv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mtv.md), [killer mike](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/killer-mike.md), [prodigy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prodigy.md), [trayvon martin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trayvon-martin.md), [george zimmerman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-zimmerman.md), [gun laws](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gun-laws.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/40.md) ### 41. Boston Subway Biological Testing, Bacillus Subtilis (2:23:12–2:27:11) The Department of Homeland Security plans to release particles of Bacillus subtilis bacteria into the Boston MBTA subway system to test biological agent sensors. While officials claim the bacteria is safe for healthy individuals, critics point out that it can remain viable for decades and may pose risks to the elderly or immunocompromised. Keywords: [dhs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dhs.md), [boston](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boston.md), mbta, bacillus subtilis, biological agents, [subway](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/subway.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/41.md) ### 42. H5N1 Bird Flu Research, Scientific Journal Costs (2:27:12–2:29:55) Controversial research on a transmissible version of the H5N1 bird flu is set to be published in major scientific journals. The hosts also discuss the high costs of academic publishing, noting that subscriptions to journals like Nature can cost $40,000 per year while publishers like Elsevier charge significant fees to both authors and readers. Keywords: [h5n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h5n1.md), [bird flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bird-flu.md), [elsevier](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elsevier.md), [nature magazine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nature-magazine.md), scientific publishing, [peer review](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/peer-review.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/42.md) ### 43. Fukushima Unit 4 Spent Fuel Pool, Robert Alvarez (2:29:56–2:34:51) Reports circulating online warn of a global radiation catastrophe if the spent fuel pool at Fukushima's Unit 4 collapses. The hosts debunk these claims by citing an American Nuclear Society report on structural reinforcements and identifying the primary source of the alarm, Robert Alvarez, as an anti-nuclear activist with questionable credentials. Keywords: [fukushima](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fukushima.md), unit 4, robert alvarez, [radiation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/radiation.md), [nuclear energy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nuclear-energy.md), spent fuel pool [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/43.md) ### 44. Wind Farms and Climate Change, NASA Study (2:34:52–2:38:01) Media outlets reported on a NASA study suggesting that wind farms in Texas contribute to climate change by warming the local surface temperature. However, the actual study clarifies that the warming is a localized effect caused by turbines pulling down warmer air at night and does not contribute to global warming trends. Keywords: [wind farms](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wind-farms.md), [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md), [nasa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nasa.md), [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), [global warming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-warming.md), [renewable energy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/renewable-energy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/44.md) ### 45. Wind Turbine Bird Deaths, Polarized Congress Meme (2:38:01–2:41:09) The hosts discuss the lack of evidence for mass bird deaths at wind farms in Holland. They also examine a Morgan Stanley report stating that the current U.S. Congress is the most polarized since the Reconstruction era of 1870, based on an analysis of party-line voting records. Keywords: [wind turbines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wind-turbines.md), [birds](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/birds.md), [morgan stanley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/morgan-stanley.md), [congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md), [polarization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/polarization.md), [reconstruction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reconstruction.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/45.md) ### 46. Samsung Galaxy Note, Episode 405 Outro (2:41:10–2:45:51) Adam Curry reviews his new Samsung Galaxy Note, praising its speed and large screen size for collecting news stories. The hosts conclude the show by reminding listeners to check the No Agenda News Network and prepare for the upcoming Sunday episode following European elections. Keywords: samsung galaxy note, [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [no agenda news network](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda-news-network.md), tour 09, [outro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/outro.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/405-piles-of-pelicans/chapter/46.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/404-spy-in-a-bag.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/406-zombie-walk.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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