# Do You Think Believe Feel? > A high-stakes VP selection and a theatrical Democratic convention collide with extraterrestrial predictions and the rise of a surveillance state across the Atlantic. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 45 - **Published:** 2008-08-30 - **Length:** 1h 36m - **Topics:** [Sarah Palin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarah-palin.md), [Gitmo Nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md), [Pleiadians](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pleiadians.md), [Lehman Brothers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lehman-brothers.md), [Silvio Berlusconi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silvio-berlusconi.md), [Surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md), SOS Georgia - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel ## About this episode John McCain selected Sarah Palin as his vice presidential running mate, a move that Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak analyze as a calculated play for the evangelical and veteran vote. The selection draws immediate comparisons to Tina Fey and late-night television tropes, signaling a shift toward high-entertainment political theater. Meanwhile, Barack Obama accepted the Democratic nomination in a stadium performance featuring Greek columns and Lincoln Memorial iconography, sparking a debate over the role of production value in modern elections. Karl Rove identified small business owners and evangelicals as the key demographics for the Republican ticket, while the Democratic convention utilized a show-business-style acclamation via Hillary Clinton to unify the party. In the United Kingdom, the economy faces a dire outlook with one million projected job losses and a massive hit to Lehman Brothers' profits. Surveillance concerns mount as BP gas stations deploy license plate recognition systems that store driver data indefinitely. In Italy, Silvio Berlusconi has deployed thousands of troops to major cities like Rome and Milan under the guise of managing illegal immigration, while Alitalia enters a specialized bankruptcy protection to shed debt. Adam Curry recounts a meeting with individuals claiming to be Pleiadian extraterrestrials who apparently enjoy strawberry ice cream. This leads to a discussion of Blossom Goodchild’s prediction that a Galactic Federation of Light vessel will appear over Alabama on October 14, 2008. The program concludes with a critique of the 'I feel' linguistic tic used in corporate settings to shield opinions from scrutiny. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/transcript.md. ### 1. Weather Patterns, Gitmo Nation, and Pistachio Nut Emails (0:01–2:14) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the program from Guilford, UK, and Northern Silicon Valley, discussing local weather conditions and the "Gitmo Nation" moniker. Dvorak addresses listener emails claiming he was eating pistachio nuts during the previous broadcast, which he denies. The hosts briefly mention Barack Obama's electability before transitioning to personal updates. Keywords: [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [guilford](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/guilford.md), [weather](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weather.md), [marine layer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marine-layer.md), [tech 5](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-5.md), pistachio nuts, [emails](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/emails.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Christina's 18th Birthday, 80s Theme Party, and Tattoos (2:15–9:05) A 48-hour stomach flu affected the Curry household just before Christina's 18th birthday celebration at Bar Mambo in Surrey. The 80s-themed party featured British teenagers dressed in retro Americana styles, including horn-rimmed glasses and shoulder pads. Following her birthday, Christina obtained her third tattoo, a musical G-clef on her ankle, prompting a discussion on the permanence of body art. Keywords: stomach flu, [surrey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surrey.md), bar mambo, 80s party, [tattoos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tattoos.md), [amy winehouse](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amy-winehouse.md), legal age [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Sarah Palin, Tina Fey, and VP Selection (9:07–11:48) John McCain's selection of Sarah Palin as his running mate draws comparisons to actress Tina Fey and "sexy librarians" from late-night cable television. The hosts discuss the entertainment value Palin brings to the 2008 election cycle. Dvorak claims to have predicted her selection months prior, though he suggests Mitt Romney might have been a more strategic choice. Keywords: [sarah palin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarah-palin.md), [tina fey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tina-fey.md), [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [vice president](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vice-president.md), cinemax, [jon stewart](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jon-stewart.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Barack Obama, DNC Stadium Performance, and Racial Dynamics (11:48–16:47) Barack Obama's acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention is characterized as a high-production theatrical performance akin to a Michael Jackson concert. The hosts analyze the use of Greek columns and Lincoln Memorial iconography in the stage design. Dvorak argues that Obama may face electability issues due to inherent racial biases within the Democratic base despite his oratorical skills. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [dnc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dnc.md), [lincoln memorial](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lincoln-memorial.md), [performance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/performance.md), [racism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/racism.md), [democratic party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/democratic-party.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Hillary Clinton, Convention Acclamation, and Sarah Palin's Voice (16:47–18:19) The Democratic convention's move to nominate Barack Obama by acclamation via Hillary Clinton is described as a masterful show business stroke. Looking ahead to 2012, the hosts speculate on the political futures of both Clinton and Sarah Palin. A brief critique of Palin's vocal quality compares her to characters in the film Fargo. Keywords: [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), acclamation, [2012 election](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2012-election.md), [sarah palin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarah-palin.md), p.w. fenton, [fargo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fargo.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Karl Rove, Voter Demographics, and Small Business Owners (18:19–24:00) Karl Rove's analysis on Fox News identifies three critical voter demographics for the Republican party: evangelicals, veterans, and small business owners. The selection of Sarah Palin is viewed as a move to secure the evangelical vote. Meanwhile, Barack Obama is observed delivering a memorized, repetitive speech in Beaver, Pennsylvania, without the use of a teleprompter. Keywords: [karl rove](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karl-rove.md), [fox news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox-news.md), [evangelicals](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/evangelicals.md), [veterans](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/veterans.md), small business owners, beaver pennsylvania, [teleprompters](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/teleprompters.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Presidential Debates, Economic Cycles, and Joe Biden (24:02–28:44) The upcoming presidential debates are expected to yield high television ratings and significantly impact the 2008 election. The hosts compare the role of Joe Biden to Dick Cheney, suggesting Biden serves as a "shield" for the establishment. Dvorak references his 80-year depression cycle theory and the book Legacy of Ashes while discussing the theatrical nature of American politics. Keywords: [presidential debates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/presidential-debates.md), [joe biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-biden.md), [dick cheney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dick-cheney.md), [adlai stevenson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adlai-stevenson.md), [legacy of ashes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/legacy-of-ashes.md), 80 year depression [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Rage Against the Machine, Protests, and Free Speech Zones (28:45–30:57) A Rage Against the Machine concert held during the convention attracted anti-war veterans who presented folded flags to represent fallen soldiers. Bill Maher's program highlighted the absurdity of "free speech zones," which were depicted as empty fenced-in areas. The hosts contrast these genuine protests with the "crackpot" protesters often featured on mainstream news. Keywords: [rage against the machine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rage-against-the-machine.md), [anti-war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anti-war.md), [veterans](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/veterans.md), [bill maher](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-maher.md), [free speech zones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/free-speech-zones.md), dnc protests [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Body Language Analysis, Ageism, and Media Hypocrisy (30:57–33:27) Mainstream networks like CNN, Fox News, and the BBC are increasingly using body language analysts to dissect candidate performances, such as Hillary Clinton's lip-pursing. The hosts criticize the Democratic party and media for practicing ageism against John McCain and sexism against Sarah Palin. They argue this hypocrisy creates a psychological conflict for the "intellectual" wing of the party. Keywords: [body language](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/body-language.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [ageism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ageism.md), [sexism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sexism.md), [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [media bias](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-bias.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Dennis Kucinich, Deval Patrick, and Convention Roll Calls (33:27–37:12) Dennis Kucinich's energetic "Wake Up America" speech is praised for its passion, despite being taken out of context by news outlets. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick is identified as a standout orator who was given a poor time slot to avoid upstaging the main nominee. The hosts mock the traditional convention roll call for its focus on trivial state facts like "the biggest ball of twine." Keywords: [dennis kucinich](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dennis-kucinich.md), [deval patrick](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/deval-patrick.md), [massachusetts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/massachusetts.md), [roll call](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/roll-call.md), [dnc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dnc.md), [dish network](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dish-network.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Financial Meltdown, Hurricane Gustav, and Gas Prices (37:13–40:12) Speculation regarding a financial collapse continues as the government considers bailouts for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Fox News coverage of Hurricane Gustav is criticized for fear-mongering about five-dollar gas prices while interviewing oil platform workers. The hosts note that Sarah Palin's Alaska background ties into national debates over domestic oil drilling. Keywords: [fannie mae](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fannie-mae.md), [freddie mac](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/freddie-mac.md), hurricane gustav, oil platforms, [gas prices](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gas-prices.md), [alaska](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alaska.md), [sarah palin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sarah-palin.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Linguistic Tics, Corporate Speech, and "I Feel" Statements (40:13–44:23) A discussion on annoying speech patterns covers the use of "you know what" by politicians and the habit of ending sentences with "right?" in Silicon Valley tech pitches. At Meveo, conference calls are often dominated by "I believe" or "I feel" statements. The hosts argue that "I feel" is a politically correct stalling tactic used to shield opinions from criticism. Keywords: linguistic tics, [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [meveo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/meveo.md), [vocabulary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vocabulary.md), [political correctness](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-correctness.md), [grammar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/grammar.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/12.md) ### 13. British Grocers, Varietal Eggs, and Economic Job Losses (44:23–51:19) A visit to a new Marks and Spencer at a gas station leads to a discussion on high-end British grocers. Dvorak describes purchasing "varietal eggs" from specific chicken breeds at Fortnum & Mason in London. The segment concludes with news of a dire UK economy, with predictions of one million job losses and massive hits to Lehman Brothers' profits. Keywords: [marks and spencer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marks-and-spencer.md), fortnum and mason, varietal eggs, piccadilly circus, job losses, [lehman brothers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lehman-brothers.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Pleiadian Extraterrestrials, Strawberry Ice Cream, and October 14th (51:20–58:01) Adam Curry recounts a meeting with individuals claiming to be Pleiadian extraterrestrials, noting they have a preference for strawberry ice cream. He shares a specific prediction attributed to Blossom Goodchild: a Galactic Federation of Light vessel will appear over Alabama on October 14, 2008, for 48 to 72 hours. Dvorak remains skeptical, searching for the claim online during the discussion. Keywords: [pleiadians](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pleiadians.md), strawberry ice cream, blossom goodchild, [alabama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alabama.md), galactic federation of light, [ufo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ufo.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/14.md) ### 15. UFO Numerology, First Contact, and Skepticism (58:01–1:05:00) The hosts examine online comments regarding the October 14th UFO prediction, including strange numerological links to the year 2012 and the planet Nibiru. Dvorak questions the definition of "first contact" if aliens are already walking among humans. They agree to revisit the topic after the predicted date passes to see if any sightings occur. Keywords: blossom goodchild, [ufo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ufo.md), [numerology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/numerology.md), [nibiru](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nibiru.md), [skype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skype.md), first contact [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/15.md) ### 16. License Plate Recognition and the Surveillance State (1:05:00–1:06:40) At a British gas station, Adam Curry observed a "BP Oil Sentry" system actively scanning and digitizing license plates on a monitor. The clerk confirmed the data is kept indefinitely, which the hosts cite as further evidence of the growing "Gitmo Nation" surveillance apparatus. They speculate that facial recognition technology is likely the next step in public monitoring. Keywords: [license plate recognition](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/license-plate-recognition.md), bp oil sentry, [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md), [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md), [privacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/privacy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/16.md) ### 17. British Tourists, Greek Riots, and Margaret Thatcher (1:06:41–1:11:41) British tourists in Greece are reportedly feared for public vomiting and fighting, which the hosts attribute to a reaction against the "totalitarian" environment in the UK. They argue that Margaret Thatcher broke the spirit of the British people by crushing unions and protests in the 1980s. This suppression has allegedly resulted in a culture of binge drinking as a form of desensitization. Keywords: [british tourists](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/british-tourists.md), [greece](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/greece.md), [margaret thatcher](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/margaret-thatcher.md), [unions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/unions.md), social suppression, drinking culture [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Media Brainwashing, Rupert Murdoch, and Mansion Fires (1:11:42–1:14:45) Rupert Murdoch's extensive control over British media through Sky News and various newspapers is blamed for the "brainwashing" of the public. The hosts note how trivial stories, such as a millionaire's mansion fire, dominate the news cycle and distract from significant events like the Georgia conflict or US elections. They compare the celebrity obsession with figures like Britney Spears to the rise of Barack Obama. Keywords: [rupert murdoch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rupert-murdoch.md), [sky news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sky-news.md), [brainwashing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brainwashing.md), mansion fire, [media control](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-control.md), [britney spears](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/britney-spears.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/18.md) ### 19. SOS Georgia, Mark Reinhagen, and Russian Cyberattacks (1:14:46–1:24:14) A full-page ad in the Financial Times for "SOS Georgia" leads the hosts to investigate the site's origins. The site is linked to Mark Reinhagen, creator of the game Vampire: The Masquerade, and appears to be hosted on servers in Lithuania. The website claims to be under massive DDoS attacks from Russian hackers, though the hosts find the high-budget advertising and "slick" design suspicious. Keywords: sosgeorgia.org, mark reinhagen, [financial times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/financial-times.md), [ddos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ddos.md), [lithuania](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lithuania.md), vampire the masquerade [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Republican Convention, Kevin Rose, and Obama's Brother (1:24:15–1:27:28) The hosts discuss the upcoming Republican convention and Adam Curry's decision not to emcee the event due to a scheduling miscommunication. They reference a Diggnation segment where Kevin Rose was "called out" for teasing information. The segment also touches on Rush Limbaugh's critique of Barack Obama's "I am my brother's keeper" line, contrasting it with his brother's living conditions in Kenya. Keywords: [republican convention](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/republican-convention.md), [kevin rose](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kevin-rose.md), diggnation, [rush limbaugh](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rush-limbaugh.md), [kenya](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kenya.md), mud hut [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Alitalia Bankruptcy, Italian Military, and Silvio Berlusconi (1:27:29–1:30:45) Alitalia has entered a new form of bankruptcy protection in Italy after the government changed laws to facilitate receivership. Air France-KLM is reportedly interested in the brand but not the airline's debts. Meanwhile, Silvio Berlusconi has deployed thousands of troops to the streets of Italian cities like Rome and Milan, ostensibly to manage illegal immigration and "gypsy" populations. Keywords: alitalia, [bankruptcy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bankruptcy.md), air france klm, [silvio berlusconi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silvio-berlusconi.md), [gypsies](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gypsies.md), [rome](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rome.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/45-do-you-think-believe-feel/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Drop.io No Agenda, NOS Studios, and Outro (1:30:46–1:36:12) Adam Curry promotes the "Drop.io/NoAgenda" site for listener contributions and research. He shares an anecdote about working at the gray, "Russian-style" NOS studios in 1983, where they used massive metal plates for reverb. The show concludes with the hosts signing off from "Gitmo East" and "Gitmo West," promising to return the following week. 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