# Cork Grows on Trees > A deep dive into the survival of the Portuguese cork industry, the rise of private mercenary navies, and the political theater of global financial bailouts. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 58 - **Published:** 2008-11-22 - **Length:** 1h 3m - **Topics:** Portuguese Cork, [Timothy Geithner](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/timothy-geithner.md), Somali Piracy, Blackwater Navy, Auto Bailouts, [Mark Cuban](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mark-cuban.md), Lisbon Trade - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees ## About this episode The Portuguese cork industry faces a coordinated disinformation campaign from plastic manufacturers as the global wine market shifts toward synthetic closures. While lobbyists claim cork forests are shrinking, Portuguese law strictly regulates the harvest of oak bark every seven years, and local plantations are currently expanding at a rate of four percent annually. This environmental battle coincides with a broader economic transformation in Lisbon, fueled by European Union infrastructure projects and the development of new deepwater shipping ports. Barack Obama’s appointment of Timothy Geithner as Treasury Secretary triggered a massive stock market rally, though Geithner’s ties to the New York Federal Reserve and Kissinger Associates suggest political continuity over radical change. In Europe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi navigated a tense diplomatic protocol incident during a summit where Nicolas Sarkozy and Gordon Brown demanded the United States meet international financial standards within 100 days. Meanwhile, the American auto industry faces public outrage after CEOs utilized private jets to solicit government bailouts, and the final Yugo vehicle rolled off the assembly line in Serbia. Maritime security reaches a breaking point as Somali pirates seize a Saudi oil tanker carrying two million barrels of crude, prompting the private firm Blackwater to deploy its own mercenary navy. Mark Cuban faces an SEC investigation that some speculate is retaliation for his involvement with the 9/11 documentary Loose Change. The broadcast concludes with a technical analysis of portable recording rigs, featuring the Heil PR40 and the shielding failures of M-Audio interfaces during field reporting in the United Kingdom. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/transcript.md. ### 1. Portugal Trade Mission and Lisbon Wine Country (0:01–2:20) The hosts open the program from different locations, with one broadcasting from Surrey, United Kingdom, and the other from Lisbon, Portugal. The discussion covers a government-sponsored trade mission in Portugal involving tech and import-export agencies. A recent excursion to the Portuguese wine country, located approximately ninety minutes outside of Lisbon, is described. Keywords: [lisbon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisbon.md), [portugal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/portugal.md), trade agency, [wine country](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wine-country.md), [photography](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/photography.md), [travel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/travel.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Portuguese Cork Industry and Anti-Cork Propaganda (2:20–5:54) The Portuguese cork industry is facing a public relations battle against the plastics industry regarding the sustainability of cork stoppers. Cork is harvested from the bark of specific oak trees every seven years, a process that does not harm the tree and is strictly regulated by Portuguese law. Despite propaganda claiming cork forests are shrinking, the plantations are currently growing at a rate of four percent annually. Keywords: [portugal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/portugal.md), cork oak, cork industry, plastics industry, [sustainability](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sustainability.md), [agriculture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/agriculture.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Deepwater Ports and Synthetic Wine Closures (5:56–9:50) A visit to a new deepwater port south of Lisbon is compared unfavorably to major shipping hubs in the San Francisco Bay Area. The conversation shifts back to the wine industry, specifically the environmental impact of plastic enclosures and metal screw tops compared to natural cork. The lack of effective communication from the Portuguese cork industry is identified as a primary reason for the rise of synthetic alternatives. Keywords: oporto, [lisbon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisbon.md), deepwater port, plastic corks, screw tops, [public relations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-relations.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Portugal EU Integration and Women's Sports (9:51–12:12) Portugal's transition from a third-world status to a modern economy is attributed to its 1986 entry into the European Union, which significantly increased English literacy and infrastructure. The discussion moves to the 2004 European Championship stadium and the cultural differences in the perception of women's sports, such as soccer and field hockey, between Europe and the United States. Martina Navratilova's appearance on a reality television show is also noted. Keywords: [portugal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/portugal.md), [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), english literacy, [soccer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/soccer.md), [field hockey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/field-hockey.md), [martina navratilova](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/martina-navratilova.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Angela Merkel and Silvio Berlusconi Protocol Incident (12:12–13:54) German Chancellor Angela Merkel was filmed in Italy appearing to physically push an assistant aside to greet Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. The incident occurred during a high-stakes meeting where European leaders, including Nicolas Sarkozy and Gordon Brown, attempted to coordinate a response to the global financial crisis. The leaders set a 100-day deadline for the United States to comply with international financial standards. Keywords: [angela merkel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/angela-merkel.md), [silvio berlusconi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silvio-berlusconi.md), [italy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/italy.md), [germany](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/germany.md), [protocol](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/protocol.md), [financial crisis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/financial-crisis.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Timothy Geithner Treasury Appointment and Political Language (13:55–17:49) Barack Obama's announcement of Timothy Geithner as Treasury Secretary caused a significant stock market rally. Geithner's extensive background with the New York Federal Reserve, the Council on Foreign Relations, and Kissinger Associates is analyzed as a sign of political continuity rather than change. The segment also critiques the repetitive use of the word "look" by political figures like Rahm Emanuel and commentators on CNBC to deflect difficult questions. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [timothy geithner](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/timothy-geithner.md), [treasury secretary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/treasury-secretary.md), [rahm emanuel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rahm-emanuel.md), [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), [cnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnbc.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Audio Engineering and Portable Recording Equipment (17:50–21:31) Technical difficulties during the broadcast lead to a discussion about portable audio setups and radio frequency interference. The current rig involves a Heil PR40 dynamic microphone and an M-Audio Fast Track interface, which is criticized for poor shielding. The potential of Countryman MEMS microphones is explored as a high-quality, ultra-portable alternative for field recording. Keywords: [m-audio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/m-audio.md), [heil pr40](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/heil-pr40.md), countryman microphones, [mems](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mems.md), audio interface, shielding [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Portuguese Language and European Television History (21:31–23:15) The linguistic challenges of Portuguese are discussed, noting that while the written language is accessible to Spanish speakers, the pronunciation is vastly different. One host recalls his time as a television personality on Europa Television and RTP-2 in the early 1980s, wondering if local residents over the age of forty still recognize him from his daily broadcasts. Keywords: portuguese, [spanish](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spanish.md), rtp-2, europa television, [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [linguistics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/linguistics.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/chapter/8.md) ### 9. United Kingdom Prostitution Laws and Asset Forfeiture (23:15–26:32) The United Kingdom is implementing strict new laws targeting the clients of prostitutes, specifically those involving victims of sex trafficking or "enforced" labor. Ignorance of a prostitute's status will not be a legal defense, leading to concerns about how clients can verify consent. Similar strict enforcement and asset forfeiture laws, such as impounding vehicles used in solicitations, are compared to existing practices in California. Keywords: [united kingdom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-kingdom.md), [prostitution](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prostitution.md), [sex trafficking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sex-trafficking.md), [asset forfeiture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/asset-forfeiture.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [eliot spitzer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eliot-spitzer.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Legalized Prostitution Models and San Francisco Ballot Measures (26:32–30:57) The social impact of legalized prostitution is debated, using the Netherlands and Nevada as models where regulated sex work reportedly correlates with lower rates of violent sex crimes. Despite San Francisco's liberal reputation, a recent ballot measure to decriminalize prostitution failed by a significant margin. The segment also covers the crackdown on Craigslist's "erotic services" section and the use of coded language like "roses" to represent currency. Keywords: [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [nevada](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nevada.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [craigslist](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/craigslist.md), erotic services, [decriminalization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/decriminalization.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Auto Industry Bailouts and the End of Yugo (30:58–34:25) The "Big Three" American automakers faced public backlash for flying private jets to Washington D.C. to request government bailout funds. In Europe, the German government is considering a billion-dollar bailout for Opel, though officials fear the funds may be diverted to its parent company, General Motors. Additionally, the final Yugo vehicle reportedly rolled off the assembly line in Serbia, marking the end of the brand. Keywords: [general motors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/general-motors.md), opel, yugo, [private jets](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/private-jets.md), corporate bailouts, [germany](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/germany.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Antitrust Laws and Too Big to Fail Banks (34:27–36:59) The "too big to fail" doctrine is criticized in the context of Citibank's falling share price and the consolidation of the banking industry. Historical antitrust laws and interstate banking restrictions once prevented the formation of national banking monopolies. The erosion of these regulations is blamed for creating massive financial institutions that require taxpayer intervention to prevent systemic collapse. Keywords: [citibank](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/citibank.md), [bank of america](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bank-of-america.md), [antitrust](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/antitrust.md), [too big to fail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/too-big-to-fail.md), [glass-steagall](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/glass-steagall.md), [congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Corporate Pensions and Executive Accountability (37:00–39:17) The mismanagement of corporate pensions at companies like General Motors is highlighted as a potential criminal issue that warrants investigation. Comparisons are drawn between the prosecution of Martha Stewart for obstruction of justice and the lack of accountability for financial executives. The segment questions why pension funds are not protected before government bailouts are issued to failing corporations. Keywords: [general motors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/general-motors.md), [pensions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pensions.md), [martha stewart](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/martha-stewart.md), [mark cuban](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mark-cuban.md), [justice department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/justice-department.md), [obstruction of justice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/obstruction-of-justice.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Mark Cuban SEC Investigation and Loose Change (39:19–42:49) The SEC investigation into Mark Cuban is discussed as a potentially vindictive move by the Justice Department. Speculation suggests the legal pressure may be related to Cuban's financial support for the 9/11 documentary "Loose Change," narrated by Charlie Sheen. Cuban's history as a "lottery winner" billionaire following the sale of Broadcast.com to Yahoo is also reviewed. Keywords: [mark cuban](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mark-cuban.md), [sec](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sec.md), [insider trading](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/insider-trading.md), [loose change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/loose-change.md), [9/11 truth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/9-11-truth.md), [yahoo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yahoo.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/chapter/14.md) ### 15. European Weather and Private Jet Fire Sales (42:52–46:30) Severe weather in Northern Europe, including snow and high winds, disrupted travel plans between the UK and the Netherlands. The economic downturn has led to a "fire sale" in the private aviation market, with banks like Fortis offering high-end Cessna jets at a fraction of their original value. The high cost of aircraft maintenance is noted as a deterrent for potential buyers during the financial crisis. Keywords: [frankfurt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/frankfurt.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [cessna](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cessna.md), [private jets](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/private-jets.md), [fortis bank](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fortis-bank.md), [aviation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aviation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/chapter/15.md) ### 16. New York City History and Squeegee Men (46:30–50:47) The transformation of New York City under Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton is recounted through the lens of the "Broken Windows" theory. By targeting petty crimes like "squeegee men" and subway panhandling, the administration aimed to change the public perception of safety. The cleanup of Times Square and the displacement of the local sex trade are cited as major turning points in the city's history. Keywords: [new york city](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-york-city.md), [rudy giuliani](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rudy-giuliani.md), [bill bratton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-bratton.md), [squeegee men](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/squeegee-men.md), broken windows theory, [times square](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/times-square.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Somali Piracy and Blackwater Private Navy (50:47–54:23) Somali pirates successfully hijacked a massive Saudi oil tanker carrying two million barrels of oil, representing a significant escalation in maritime crime. In response, the private security firm Blackwater is developing its own navy and attack helicopter capabilities to protect commercial shipping. The potential for private military contractors to be hired for corporate-sponsored coups or resource seizures in developing nations is explored. Keywords: [somalia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/somalia.md), [piracy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/piracy.md), [blackwater](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blackwater.md), [saudi arabia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/saudi-arabia.md), [mercenaries](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mercenaries.md), [oil tankers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oil-tankers.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Russian Political Terms and CEO Imprisonment (54:22–56:09) Russia has extended its presidential term to six years, a move seen as a way to keep Vladimir Putin in power indefinitely. The Russian government's strategy of imprisoning oligarchs and reclaiming stolen oil assets is discussed as a radical form of corporate accountability. The segment suggests that Western governments could learn from the Russian model of putting CEOs in jail when they abuse their positions. Keywords: [vladimir putin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vladimir-putin.md), [russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md), [stalin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stalin.md), [oligarchs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oligarchs.md), [central bank](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/central-bank.md), corporate crime [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/chapter/18.md) ### 19. End the Fed Rallies and Tennessee File Sharing Monitoring (56:19–59:25) Protests organized by "End the Fed" are taking place in 39 U.S. cities to challenge the authority of the central bank and Chairman Ben Bernanke. Meanwhile, the state of Tennessee is criticized for allocating nearly $10 million in taxpayer funds to monitor file sharing within the university system. This initiative is viewed as a misappropriation of education funds to perform police work for the RIAA. Keywords: [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), [ben bernanke](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ben-bernanke.md), [tennessee](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tennessee.md), [riaa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/riaa.md), [file sharing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/file-sharing.md), [isp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/isp.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Lisbon Photography Excursion and Outro (59:26–1:02:39) The broadcast concludes as one host prepares for a photography tour of Lisbon using an Olympus 520 camera. Travel logistics for a return flight through London's Heathrow or Gatwick airports are discussed. The hosts address listener feedback regarding the "depressing" nature of the show's outro music before signing off for the week. Keywords: [lisbon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisbon.md), olympus 520, [heathrow airport](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/heathrow-airport.md), [gatwick](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gatwick.md), [photography](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/photography.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/58-cork-grows-on-trees/chapter/20.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/57-michelle-oprah-and-the-strippers.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/59-smells-like-tee-truffle.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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