# Eat a Baseball > A deep dive into the media's gamification of the Sandy Hook tragedy, the rise of the Asymmetric Warfare Group, and the dubious evidence behind Chinese hacking claims. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 489 - **Published:** 2013-02-21 - **Length:** 2h 57m - **Topics:** [Sandy Hook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sandy-hook.md), Mandiant APT1, [Joe Biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-biden.md), [Asymmetric Warfare](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/asymmetric-warfare.md), [Bitcoin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bitcoin.md), [Nigel Farage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nigel-farage.md), Pope Benedict - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball ## About this episode Adam Curry broadcasts from the new Travis Heights Hideout in Austin while John C. Dvorak joins from Silicon Valley to dissect the media frenzy surrounding the Sandy Hook investigation. Reports from the FBI lab in Quantico suggest Adam Lanza was obsessed with Norwegian mass murderer Anders Breivik, leading to a surge in news narratives targeting the video game industry. The hosts analyze how outlets like CNN and the Hartford Courant are framing the tragedy through the lens of gamification and tactical reloading mechanics. Vice President Joe Biden advocates for double-barrel shotguns over AR-15s during a Parents Magazine town hall, while Washington State legislators propose annual police inspections of semi-automatic rifle owners. In the intelligence sector, the Defense Intelligence Agency expands its Asymmetric Warfare Group by 5,000 operatives to compete with the CIA in global conflict zones. Meanwhile, the Mandiant APT1 report claims to have traced Chinese state-sponsored hacking to a specific building in Shanghai, though the evidence relies heavily on Google Earth imagery and common script kiddie tools. Reverend James Manning delivers a scathing critique of Pope Benedict XVI for resigning via email amidst Vatican Bank scandals and health concerns. Nigel Farage warns the European Union about the economic impact of Bulgarian and Romanian immigration as the value of Bitcoin climbs toward forty dollars. The show concludes with a look at the controversial No Hesitation shooting targets used by law enforcement to train officers for encounters with non-traditional threats. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/transcript.md. ### 1. Travis Heights Hideout, South by Southwest Platinum Passes (0:00–8:43) Adam Curry introduces the show from his new studio, the Travis Heights Hideout in Austin, Texas, while John C. Dvorak joins from Silicon Valley. Curry describes rebuilding his command center and mentions his new neighbors who keep chickens. He reveals that South by Southwest organizers invited him to interview They Might Be Giants, offering two platinum passes valued at $1,200 each as compensation instead of a speaking fee. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [travis heights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/travis-heights.md), [south by southwest](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/south-by-southwest.md), platinum pass [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Sandy Hook Investigation, Adam Lanza and Anders Breivik (8:44–18:52) CBS News reports that Sandy Hook shooter Adam Lanza was obsessed with Norwegian mass murderer Anders Breivik and viewed himself in direct competition to surpass Breivik's death toll. Media coverage emphasizes Lanza's "trove" of violent video games and a private gaming room in his basement as primary motivators. Investigators at the FBI lab in Quantico continue attempting to recover data from a physically destroyed hard drive found at the Lanza residence. Keywords: [adam lanza](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-lanza.md), [sandy hook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sandy-hook.md), [anders breivik](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anders-breivik.md), [cbs news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cbs-news.md), [video games](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/video-games.md), [connecticut](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/connecticut.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Media Narratives, Video Game Gamification of Violence (18:52–28:13) Criminologist James Fox and other analysts on CNN and PBS Frontline discuss the "copycat factor" and the gamification of mass shootings. The Hartford Courant reports that Lanza may have carried out the shooting in a manner consistent with video game mechanics, such as tactical reloading. The hosts criticize these narratives, arguing that the media is unfairly targeting the video game industry while ignoring other cultural factors. Keywords: [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [pbs frontline](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pbs-frontline.md), james fox, hartford courant, [gamification](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gamification.md), copycat factor [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Joe Biden, Double Barrel Shotgun Advice (28:15–35:25) Vice President Joe Biden advised homeowners to purchase a double-barrel shotgun for self-defense during a Parents Magazine town hall, suggesting that firing two blasts outside is more effective than using an AR-15. During the session, Biden used the phrase "moral disapprobation" to describe society's role in shaming unsafe gun owners. He also dismissed comparisons between gun regulation and the failed war on drugs, specifically mentioning cocaine. Keywords: [joe biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-biden.md), parents magazine, [shotgun](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shotgun.md), [gun control](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gun-control.md), moral disapprobation [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Gun Legislation, Self-Defense Tactics and Propaganda (35:26–42:12) Washington State is considering legislation to allow annual police inspections of semi-automatic rifle owners' homes. Meanwhile, the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs faced criticism for self-defense advice suggesting women tell attackers they are menstruating or vomiting to deter assault. The hosts analyze the "Run, Hide, Fight" propaganda videos produced in Houston and the push for biometric or RFID-enabled "smart guns." Keywords: [washington state](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/washington-state.md), [rfid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rfid.md), [university of colorado](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/university-of-colorado.md), [self-defense](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/self-defense.md), run hide fight [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Executive Producer Credits, No Agenda Donation Model (42:12–46:31) The hosts thank executive producers and associate executive producers for their financial support, including a medical practitioner introduced to the show by Leo Laporte. They promote the "value for value" model and encourage listeners to visit NoAgendaCD.com to distribute the show. A brief discussion occurs regarding the "de-douching" process for long-time listeners who finally contribute. Keywords: [executive producer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/executive-producer.md), [leo laporte](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/leo-laporte.md), [de-douching](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/de-douching.md), [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [no agenda cd](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda-cd.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Reverend James Manning, Pope Benedict XVI Resignation (46:32–53:56) Reverend James Manning criticizes Pope Benedict XVI for resigning via email without consulting the Cardinals, suggesting the departure was uncharacteristic of a man of God. The hosts speculate on the true reasons for the resignation, mentioning the Vatican Bank scandals, the Pope's health, and his past membership in the Hitler Youth. They discuss the rarity of a papal resignation, noting the last occurrence was 600 years ago. Keywords: [james manning](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/james-manning.md), [pope benedict xvi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pope-benedict-xvi.md), [vatican bank](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vatican-bank.md), [hitler youth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hitler-youth.md), [resignation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/resignation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Scientology in Austin, L. Ron Hubbard (53:56–56:15) A discussion about high-ranking Scientologists moving to Austin leads to a critique of L. Ron Hubbard's book Dianetics. The hosts question the transition from the book's concepts to a formal church structure. They also reference the group Anonymous and its history of attacking the Church of Scientology. Keywords: [scientology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/scientology.md), [l. ron hubbard](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/l-ron-hubbard.md), [dianetics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dianetics.md), [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [anonymous](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anonymous.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Reverend Manning, CIA Assassination Plot Claims (56:16–1:02:52) Reverend James Manning claims the CIA, Homeland Security, and the NYPD visited his church in 2009, followed by a tip from a "defective" agent about an assassination plot against him. Manning continues his campaign against Barack Obama, announcing plans to travel to Hawaii with attorneys to investigate the President's birth certificate. He further alleges that Obama has ties to the CIA dating back to his years at Columbia University. Keywords: [james manning](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/james-manning.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [hawaii](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hawaii.md), [columbia university](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/columbia-university.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Larry Sinclair, Barack Obama Allegations (1:02:53–1:08:53) The transcript includes a detailed 1999 account from Larry Sinclair, who alleges he engaged in drug use and sexual acts with then-State Senator Barack Obama in a Chicago limousine. The hosts connect the resurfacing of these claims to recent reports of President Obama golfing with Tiger Woods in Palm Springs while the press was excluded, noting the presence of former aide Reggie Love. Keywords: [larry sinclair](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/larry-sinclair.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [chicago](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chicago.md), [cocaine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cocaine.md), [reggie love](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reggie-love.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Benghazi Fallout, General John Allen Retirement (1:08:54–1:18:27) General John Allen's decision to retire rather than lead NATO forces is characterized as a move to avoid Senate questioning regarding the Benghazi attack. Sources suggest John Brennan was responsible for blocking military support during the consulate attack, leading to a rift between the CIA and the military. Senator John McCain's aggressive questioning on Benghazi is framed as an attempt to expose Brennan's role before his confirmation as CIA Director. Keywords: [john allen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-allen.md), [benghazi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/benghazi.md), [john brennan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-brennan.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Asymmetric Warfare Group, DIA Recruitment (1:18:28–1:21:39) The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) is reportedly hiring 5,000 new operatives for the Asymmetric Warfare Group (AWG) to serve as analysts and advisors. The hosts review the job description for "Operational Advisors," which requires working in unconstrained environments and solving complex problems. This expansion is viewed as a direct competition between the DIA and the CIA for influence in global conflict zones like Mali and Algeria. Keywords: [dia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dia.md), asymmetric warfare group, [recruitment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/recruitment.md), [military intelligence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-intelligence.md), [consultants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/consultants.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Sequestration Panic, Military Industrial Complex (1:21:39–1:26:47) The hosts discuss the impending budget sequestration and the resulting panic within the military-industrial complex. They compare the situation to a scene from The Sopranos where a friend realizes the mob is not actually his friend when money is owed. While the media warns of dire consequences, the hosts argue that the 7% cuts are necessary and that the "fiefdoms" within the Pentagon are simply protecting their funding. Keywords: [sequestration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sequestration.md), [budget cuts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/budget-cuts.md), [military industrial complex](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/military-industrial-complex.md), tony soprano, [pentagon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pentagon.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Media Fearmongering, Jay Carney and Chris Matthews (1:26:47–1:32:47) A media montage illustrates the dire warnings from news outlets regarding job losses and public health risks due to sequestration. White House Press Secretary Jay Carney is criticized for dismissive responses to questions about the President's role in originating the sequester idea. Meanwhile, MSNBC's Chris Matthews compares Republican tactics to Cold War-era CIA destabilization efforts. Keywords: [jay carney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jay-carney.md), [chris matthews](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chris-matthews.md), [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md), [sequestration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sequestration.md), [white house](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/white-house.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Economic Cycles, 1857 Depression and Oil Wealth (1:32:48–1:40:21) John C. Dvorak presents his thesis on 40-year and 80-year economic depression cycles, comparing the current era to the 1850s. He argues that the discovery of shale gas and oil in the U.S. is acting as a temporary wealth influx similar to the 1849 Gold Rush, potentially delaying a major crash until 2017. The discussion covers the historical depression of 1857 and a predicted global conflagration in 2020. Keywords: [economic cycles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economic-cycles.md), [gold](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gold.md), [shale gas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shale-gas.md), [1857 depression](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/1857-depression.md), 2017 crash [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/15.md) ### 16. No Agenda Donation Segment Reform (1:40:21–1:52:13) The hosts engage in a serious discussion about shortening the donation segment, expressing concern that it has become too long and focused on "jingle requests" rather than show support. Adam Curry admits he fears a drop in revenue but would rather have fewer donations than act as a "monkey boy" for jingles. They propose raising the minimum amount for note reading to $100 and thanking donors under that amount in a list format. Keywords: [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [donation segment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donation-segment.md), [jingles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jingles.md), [karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karma.md), [producers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/producers.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Producer Donations, De-douching and Birthdays (1:52:13–2:10:00) The hosts read a series of notes from producers in Australia, Croatia, and the United States. Topics include "de-douching" long-time listeners, birthday wishes for wives and girlfriends, and requests for specific jingles like "Mac and Cheese." They use these examples to demonstrate why the segment has become cumbersome and needs editing or higher thresholds for participation. Keywords: [australia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/australia.md), [croatia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/croatia.md), [de-douching](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/de-douching.md), [mac and cheese](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mac-and-cheese.md), [karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karma.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Final Donation Reads, Jingle Retirement Idea (2:10:00–2:24:50) The final set of donations includes a "Swazzle Nuff" request from Saskatchewan and a drunk donation from Maine. John Dvorak suggests a "jingle retirement" program where overplayed clips like "Mac and Cheese" are retired after a certain number of plays. The segment concludes with a nostalgic discussion about the OS/2 operating system and the Rexx programming language. Keywords: [saskatchewan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/saskatchewan.md), [maine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/maine.md), [vancouver](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vancouver.md), [jingles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jingles.md), [os/2](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/os-2.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Calvin Coolidge, New York Times and Mandiant (2:24:51–2:28:20) A clip of a historian discussing Calvin Coolidge's success in lowering the federal budget serves as a contrast to modern fiscal policy. The hosts then critique the New York Times for its coverage of a cybersecurity report by Mandiant. They suggest the Times' relationship with Mandiant—hiring, firing, then reporting on them—resembles a marketing scam to promote cybersecurity services. Keywords: [calvin coolidge](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/calvin-coolidge.md), [new york times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-york-times.md), [mandiant](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mandiant.md), [cybersecurity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cybersecurity.md), [hacking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hacking.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Mandiant APT1 Report, Chinese Hacking Claims (2:28:21–2:39:34) The Mandiant "APT1" report identifies a specific building in Shanghai as the headquarters for Chinese state-sponsored hacking. The hosts debunk the report's evidence, noting it relies on Google Earth photos and common "script kiddie" tools like HTRAN. They mock the report's use of hacker personas like "Ugly Gorilla" and "SuperHard," characterizing the document as a sales pitch for corporate security contracts. Keywords: [mandiant](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mandiant.md), apt1, [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [shanghai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shanghai.md), [cyber espionage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cyber-espionage.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/20.md) ### 21. White House Working Group, Online Radicalization (2:39:34–2:45:48) A new White House interagency working group is tasked with countering "online radicalization to violence." The initiative targets groups including Al-Qaeda adherents, white supremacists, and "sovereign citizens." The hosts express concern that the broad definitions of "division" and "anti-government extremism" could eventually be used to target independent media and political dissenters. Keywords: [white house](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/white-house.md), [radicalization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/radicalization.md), [sovereign citizens](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sovereign-citizens.md), [al-qaeda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-qaeda.md), [extremism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/extremism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Nigel Farage, EU Immigration and Bitcoin (2:45:48–2:51:45) Nigel Farage addresses the EU, criticizing the UK's open-door policy for Bulgarian and Romanian immigrants starting in 2014. He argues that EU policies are causing unemployment and destroying national sovereignty. In a separate update, the hosts discuss the rising value of Bitcoin, with Dvorak noting it has reached $39 per coin, making Curry's forgotten stash of 300 Bitcoins worth approximately $9,000. Keywords: [nigel farage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nigel-farage.md), [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [bulgaria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bulgaria.md), [immigration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/immigration.md), [bitcoin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bitcoin.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Google Glass, No Hesitation Targets, Outro (2:51:45–2:57:29) The show concludes with a look at Google Glass "Explorer" applications and the controversy surrounding "No Hesitation" shooting targets sold to law enforcement. These targets feature images of pregnant women and children holding guns to train officers to shoot without hesitation. Adam Curry promises a beet soup recipe in the next newsletter and signs off from the Travis Heights Hideout. Keywords: [google glass](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google-glass.md), [homeland security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/homeland-security.md), no hesitation targets, [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), beet soup [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/489-eat-a-baseball/chapter/23.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/488-sponsor-influence.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/490-add-bacon.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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