# No Agenda 006 > A radio executive’s vendetta triggers federal border harassment while corporate negligence at AT&T and Nokia reveals the dark side of the early mobile era. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 6 - **Published:** 2007-11-30 - **Length:** 39m - **Topics:** CBP harassment, Phone slamming, [CNN debate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn-debate.md), Nokia scandal, Fourmilab, Hurricane predictions, [Video poker](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/video-poker.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/6-no-agenda-006 ## About this episode Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak expose systemic harassment within Customs and Border Protection as Curry faces repeated secondary screenings and currency interrogations at the U.S. border. The hosts trace these invasive security delays back to a specific threat from a radio network executive who claimed to have personal influence over federal watch lists. This pattern of targeted enforcement highlights a lack of transparency in the TSA and CBP random screening protocols during the 2007 holiday travel season. John C. Dvorak details a persistent phone slamming scheme by AT&T where unauthorized long-distance plans and call waiting services were added to his account despite password protections. The program also critiques the CNN Republican primary debate for using animated avatars and vetted shills, leading to a public apology from Anderson Cooper regarding the integrity of the questioners. Additional reports cover the failure of Colorado State University meteorologists to predict the 2007 hurricane season and the debunking of a South Korean cell phone explosion that turned out to be a murder cover-up. Adam Curry recounts the origins of the Comic Strip Blogger and the infamous listener catchphrase directed at him following a whistleblowing scandal at Nokia. John C. Dvorak shares his mathematical strategy for beating Las Vegas video poker machines while defending his controversial habit of burning low-sulfur coal in his California fireplace. The duo concludes with a look at John Walker’s Fourmilab experiments regarding human intent and digital random number generators. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/6-no-agenda-006/transcript.md. ### 1. Remote Podcast Setup, Skype Audio Quality, and Comedy Deconstruction (0:01–2:00) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the program from San Francisco, discussing the technical limitations of a mobile podcasting setup using Skype and laptop microphones. Dvorak expresses interest in developing a new podcast focused on deconstructing jokes with professional comedians, though he notes the difficulty of getting non-technical guests configured with high-quality audio connections. Keywords: [skype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skype.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), [audio quality](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/audio-quality.md), [comedy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/comedy.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), laptop mic [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/6-no-agenda-006/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Customs and Border Protection, TSA Random Screening Lists (2:01–6:31) Adam Curry describes repeated delays and secondary screenings by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents when entering the United States. Despite having a new RFID-enabled passport, Curry is consistently flagged with an "M" code on his customs form and subjected to questioning about carrying currency over $10,000. The discussion explores the difficulty of being removed from federal watch lists and the lack of transparency regarding "random" security procedures. Keywords: [customs and border protection](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/customs-and-border-protection.md), [homeland security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/homeland-security.md), rfid passport, [secondary screening](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/secondary-screening.md), [terrorist watch list](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/terrorist-watch-list.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/6-no-agenda-006/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Personal Vendettas, Potential Misuse of Customs Power (6:33–8:26) Adam Curry recalls a past business dispute with a radio network executive who explicitly threatened to use personal connections at customs to ensure Curry faced invasive searches. The hosts speculate whether Curry's current travel difficulties stem from this specific threat or a broader systemic issue. They characterize the repeated screenings as targeted harassment rather than legitimate contraband investigations. Keywords: [customs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/customs.md), [harassment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harassment.md), misuse of power, radio network, cavity search [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/6-no-agenda-006/chapter/3.md) ### 4. AT&T Phone Slamming, Unauthorized Account Changes (8:26–11:14) John C. Dvorak details ongoing issues with AT&T (formerly SBC) regarding "phone slamming" and the unauthorized addition of services like call waiting and long-distance plans to his bill. Despite setting up a security password to prevent unauthorized changes, Dvorak discovers that low-level call center employees can bypass these protections. He suspects the persistent interference may be motivated by personal grudges from disgruntled tech users. Keywords: [at&t](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/at-t.md), sbc, phone slamming, long distance, call waiting, security password [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/6-no-agenda-006/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Apple Leopard OS Stability, Windows vs Mac Support (11:14–14:32) The hosts compare the stability of Apple's Leopard operating system with Windows, noting that while Mac users complain about rare crashes, Windows users are accustomed to frequent reboots. Adam Curry expresses satisfaction with his return to the Mac ecosystem for daily work, despite needing a Windows laptop for specific software like Cast Blaster. Dvorak admits that while he has issues with Apple as a company, he recommends their hardware to family members to minimize his own tech support burden. Keywords: [apple](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple.md), leopard, [windows xp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/windows-xp.md), [excel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/excel.md), [tech support](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-support.md), [operating systems](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/operating-systems.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/6-no-agenda-006/chapter/5.md) ### 6. CNN Republican Primary Debate, Anderson Cooper Apology (14:33–15:29) The hosts criticize the format of a recent CNN Republican primary debate, labeling the inclusion of animated avatars and "shill" audience members as infantile. They discuss Anderson Cooper's subsequent apology regarding the vetting of questioners who had ties to rival political campaigns. The segment highlights the perceived lack of substance in the confrontation between candidates like Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney. Keywords: [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [republican debate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/republican-debate.md), [anderson cooper](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anderson-cooper.md), [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [mitt romney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mitt-romney.md), [rudy giuliani](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rudy-giuliani.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/6-no-agenda-006/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Hurricane Season Predictions, Global Warming Skepticism (15:29–18:24) John C. Dvorak points out the failure of meteorologists at Colorado State University to accurately predict the 2007 hurricane season, which saw significantly fewer storms than the 26 recorded in 2005. The discussion extends to European weather forecasting, mentioning a massive false alarm in the UK and Netherlands that led to unnecessary evacuations. They argue that climate scientists and TV weathermen often lack the data to support their dire predictions. Keywords: [hurricanes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hurricanes.md), [colorado state university](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/colorado-state-university.md), [global warming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-warming.md), [meteorology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/meteorology.md), [weather forecasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weather-forecasting.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/6-no-agenda-006/chapter/7.md) ### 8. International News Coverage, Multilingual Office Environment (18:24–19:55) Adam Curry explains his habit of reading Google News from the US, UK, and the Netherlands to gain a broader perspective on global events. Dvorak comments on the "Tower of Babel" atmosphere at the PodShow offices, where Curry is frequently heard speaking Dutch on the phone. They conclude that American news coverage is often inferior to international sources. Keywords: [google news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google-news.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [podshow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podshow.md), [dutch language](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dutch-language.md), [international news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/international-news.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/6-no-agenda-006/chapter/8.md) ### 9. South Korean Cell Phone Death Hoax, Nokia Battery Recalls (19:56–22:17) A report of a South Korean man killed by an exploding cell phone is revealed to be a murder cover-up rather than a hardware failure. The hosts discuss how the media's inherent dislike of mobile phones led to the quick adoption of the story. They also recall a legitimate Nokia battery recall that was preceded by listener reports of batteries exploding and burning holes in carpets. Keywords: [nokia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nokia.md), [south korea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/south-korea.md), cell phone explosion, [battery recall](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/battery-recall.md), [media hoax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-hoax.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/6-no-agenda-006/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Coal Fires, Residential Heating in California (22:18–25:20) John C. Dvorak, a former air pollution control official, discusses his affinity for burning coal in his fireplace, a practice he adopted after visiting England. He describes the unique radiant heat and "cozy" aroma of coal, arguing that low-sulfur coal is less harmful than burning wood. Dvorak notes that the smell is entirely alien to his California neighbors, who are generally unfamiliar with coal as a residential fuel. Keywords: coal fire, [air pollution](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-pollution.md), radiant heat, [england](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/england.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), low sulfur coal [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/6-no-agenda-006/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Comic Strip Blogger, Nokia Whistleblowing, EU Criticism (25:21–30:54) Adam Curry provides the history of the "Comic Strip Blogger," a former Nokia employee who was fired and allegedly forced out of Finland for criticizing the company. The blogger became a vocal proponent of Windows Mobile and a critic of the European Union's bureaucracy. Curry credits this individual with originating the "Fuck you, Adam Curry" catchphrase that has since become a staple of his listener comments. Keywords: [nokia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nokia.md), [finland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/finland.md), windows mobile, [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [comic strip blogger](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/comic-strip-blogger.md), [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/6-no-agenda-006/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Retro Psychokinesis, John Walker, Fourmilab Experiments (30:55–37:44) The hosts discuss "retro psychokinesis" experiments hosted on John Walker's Fourmilab website, which involve using mental concentration to influence random number generators. They review a listener's letter claiming a four-year-old grandson achieved statistically impossible results on a virtual pendulum experiment. While Dvorak remains skeptical, Curry expresses interest in testing the Java-based applications to see if human intent can alter digital outcomes. Keywords: retro psychokinesis, [john walker](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-walker.md), fourmilab, random number generator, [switzerland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/switzerland.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/6-no-agenda-006/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Video Poker Strategy, Las Vegas Payouts (37:44–39:06) John C. Dvorak shares his strategy for winning at video poker in Las Vegas, emphasizing the importance of finding machines with specific payout schedules. He explains that video poker is a game of mathematical rules rather than traditional poker skills. Dvorak claims that by identifying the correct machines via internet research, a player can consistently avoid the "nickel and dime" losses typical of standard casino games. Keywords: [video poker](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/video-poker.md), [las vegas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/las-vegas.md), gambling strategy, payouts, casino games [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/6-no-agenda-006/chapter/13.md) ### 14. No Agenda Outro, Fourmilab URL, Sign-off (39:06–39:50) The hosts conclude the episode by providing the URL for John Walker's Fourmilab and encouraging listeners to research psychokinesis. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak sign off from their respective locations in California. The program is credited as a production of PodShow and Limelight. Keywords: [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), fourmilab, [podshow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podshow.md), [limelight](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/limelight.md), [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/6-no-agenda-006/chapter/14.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/5-no-agenda-005.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/7-no-agenda-007.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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