# Let's Get Social! > Federal agencies face a credibility crisis as the NYPD social media strategy implodes and the State Department relies on Instagram photos to track Russian troop movements. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 611 - **Published:** 2014-04-24 - **Length:** 3h 46m - **Topics:** NYPD bash tag, Ukraine intelligence, IRS bonuses, [Net neutrality](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/net-neutrality.md), [Elizabeth Warren](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elizabeth-warren.md), [Common Core](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/common-core.md), [Zohydro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zohydro.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social ## About this episode The New York Police Department faces a digital backlash after its #myNYPD social media campaign was flooded with images of police brutality instead of the intended community harmony. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak analyze the militarization of domestic law enforcement, citing high-production recruitment videos from Texas and Philadelphia that resemble action films. This shift toward tactical policing coincides with White House advisor Lisa Monaco’s proposal for a comprehensive prevention model that encourages citizens to monitor and report radicalized behavior in their own neighborhoods. State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki faces intense questioning from reporter Matt Lee regarding the use of Twitter and Instagram photos as intelligence evidence for Russian military presence in Ukraine. Meanwhile, Professor Stephen Cohen warns of a potential balkanization of Ukraine as the Geneva Agreement falters and energy debts to Russia mount. In Asia, President Obama’s tour of Japan and the Philippines introduces the Asian Crimea meme to describe territorial tensions with China. Domestically, the IRS is under fire for awarding over $1 million in bonuses to employees who are themselves delinquent on federal taxes, while the FCC proposes new net neutrality rules that Dvorak argues are fundamentally misunderstood by the tech press. Adam Curry recounts his personal history with armed IRS agents and explains why he has opted out of the traditional credit system to rent for life. John C. Dvorak mocks the technical ignorance of PC Magazine’s Jill Duffy during her recent appearance on This Week in Tech. The episode concludes with a look at Wyclef Jean’s failed Haiti charity and the bizarre decision by Portland officials to flush 38 million gallons of drinking water due to a single reservoir trespasser. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/transcript.md. ### 1. Podcast Gear Upgrades and Travel Bandwidth Challenges (0:00–4:48) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open episode 611 of No Agenda from Austin, Texas, and Silicon Valley. They discuss recent travel to Mexico and the technical requirements for producing the show on the road. Curry notes that his custom gear builder, an Amazon employee, has stepped away from the project, necessitating a new portable "e-giblet" rig. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [podcasting gear](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting-gear.md), [wi-fi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wi-fi.md), [bandwidth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bandwidth.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Mexico vs. US Airport Security and Customs Harassment (4:49–13:50) Adam Curry contrasts the relaxed security at Cancun International Airport with a hostile experience at Houston International Airport. His wife, Micky Hoogendijk, was allegedly harassed by Customs and Border Protection officers regarding her decision not to change her last name. Curry describes the Department of Homeland Security as a "black box" and expresses frustration with the aggressive behavior of federal agents toward legal residents and citizens. Keywords: [cancun](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cancun.md), houston international airport, [tsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsa.md), [department of homeland security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-homeland-security.md), customs border patrol, micky hoogendijk [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Police Department Recruitment Videos and Militarization (13:52–18:52) The discussion shifts to the perceived militarization of American domestic law enforcement, citing a series of viral police recruitment videos from towns in Texas and Philadelphia. These videos are described as high-production action clips featuring tactical gear and weaponry. Curry calls for voters to remove incumbents in the upcoming midterm elections to protest the growth of the "authoritarian police state." Keywords: [police state](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/police-state.md), recruitment videos, [militarization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/militarization.md), starsky and hutch, [civil disobedience](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/civil-disobedience.md), [midterm elections](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/midterm-elections.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Lisa Monaco and the Comprehensive Prevention Model for Radicalization (18:52–27:55) White House counter-terrorism advisor Lisa Monaco appeared on PBS with Gwen Ifill to discuss identifying radicalized individuals within local communities. Monaco advocates for a "comprehensive prevention model" where parents, teachers, and religious leaders monitor children for behavioral changes. The hosts critique the proposal as a form of state-sponsored surveillance that encourages citizens to report their neighbors and family members to the government. Keywords: [lisa monaco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisa-monaco.md), [gwen ifill](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gwen-ifill.md), [pbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pbs.md), [harvard kennedy school](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harvard-kennedy-school.md), [counter-terrorism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/counter-terrorism.md), [radicalization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/radicalization.md), boston bombers [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/4.md) ### 5. TSA Pre-Check Expansion and Airport Security Randomization (27:56–34:42) The TSA is expanding its Pre-Check program to include all members of the U.S. military, the National Guard, and Department of Defense civilians. John C. Dvorak describes his experience with the "randomizer" at airport security, where passengers are arbitrarily assigned to either the standard or expedited screening lines. The hosts mock the inconsistent rules regarding footwear and electronics at different checkpoints. Keywords: [tsa pre-check](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsa-pre-check.md), [department of defense](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-defense.md), [coast guard](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/coast-guard.md), [airport security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/airport-security.md), [magnetometer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/magnetometer.md), randomization [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/5.md) ### 6. NYPD Twitter Campaign Backfires with Police Brutality Photos (34:42–39:48) The New York Police Department's social media campaign using the hashtag #myNYPD resulted in a "bash tag" as users flooded the feed with images of alleged police brutality. While the department intended to show civic harmony, the public used the opportunity to catalog incidents of officers charging protesters and using force. The hosts speculate that the PR blunder may have originated from John Miller's office or a naive social media manager. Keywords: [nypd](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nypd.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [hashtag](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hashtag.md), mynypd, [police brutality](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/police-brutality.md), [john miller](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-miller.md), [bill bratton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-bratton.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Silicon Valley TV Show Parody and Social Media Song (39:49–43:21) The hosts review the third episode of the HBO series "Silicon Valley," arguing that the real tech industry is already too absurd to effectively parody. They play a clip of a "social media song" featuring a rap segment from the show to illustrate the cringe-inducing nature of modern tech marketing culture. Keywords: [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [hbo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hbo.md), [social media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-media.md), [parody](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/parody.md), [rap](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rap.md), [tech culture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-culture.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/7.md) ### 8. This Week in Tech Critique and Coachella Commentary (43:22–46:40) John C. Dvorak critiques a recent appearance by Jill Duffy of PC Magazine on the "This Week in Tech" podcast. He mocks her lack of familiarity with the Coachella music festival and her tendency to look directly into the camera lens rather than engaging with the host. The segment includes a brief, bizarre tangent regarding Duffy's physical appearance. Keywords: [this week in tech](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/this-week-in-tech.md), [leo laporte](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/leo-laporte.md), jill duffy, [coachella](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/coachella.md), [pc magazine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pc-magazine.md), [broadcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/broadcasting.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Cliven Bundy Ranch Standoff and Federal Overreach (46:41–51:36) Adam Curry discusses the standoff between rancher Cliven Bundy and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Nevada. While skeptical of how alternative media like InfoWars hyped the event, Curry uses the story to highlight his own past experience with armed IRS agents coming to his office to collect a tax bill. The discussion touches on the privatization of prisons and the use of third-party commercial companies for tax collection. Keywords: cliven bundy, [bureau of land management](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bureau-of-land-management.md), [chris hayes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chris-hayes.md), [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md), [irs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/irs.md), [federal agents](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-agents.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/9.md) ### 10. IRS Identity Confusion and Credit Worthiness Issues (51:37–55:28) John C. Dvorak recounts a phone call from an IRS agent who confused him with a different John Dvorak living in Kansas City. Adam Curry shares his ongoing struggles with credit worthiness due to a tax lien and identity confusion with other men named Adam Curry in Oklahoma and New York. Curry states he has "opted out" of the system and intends to rent property for the rest of his life. Keywords: [irs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/irs.md), [identity theft](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/identity-theft.md), [credit report](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/credit-report.md), [kansas city](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kansas-city.md), [tax lien](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tax-lien.md), [renting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/renting.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/10.md) ### 11. No Agenda Producer Donations and Knighting Ceremony (55:29–1:17:55) The hosts conduct a lengthy segment thanking "producers" who donated to the show during their recent break. Notable donors include Arthur Kessler, Michael Leary from Norway, and Barry Hanna from Alberta. Several listeners are awarded knighthoods and peerage titles, including Sir Michael of Hemlock and the Black Knight Baron Barry Hanna. The segment reinforces the "value for value" funding model of the podcast. Keywords: [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [oslo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oslo.md), [norway](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/norway.md), [canada](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/canada.md), [utah](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/utah.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Native Advertising History and Taco Bell News Segments (1:17:56–1:22:03) Adam Curry revisits a 2013 clip from ABC News that he now identifies as an early example of "native advertising." The segment featured a human-interest story about customers "screaming" for a new Taco Bell product. Curry argues that major news networks frequently integrate paid corporate promotions into their standard news broadcasts under the guise of reporting. Keywords: [native advertising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/native-advertising.md), [taco bell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taco-bell.md), [abc news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abc-news.md), [the five](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-five.md), [fox news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox-news.md), [marketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketing.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Email Server Issues and Keyword Blacklisting (1:22:04–1:25:28) John C. Dvorak discusses technical issues with his email server, including the mysterious deletion of his alias files. He also complains about aggressive spam filters that blacklisted the word "nipples," preventing a listener from sending a story about a "Dr. Oz" show producer's strange request for a guest. Keywords: [email filters](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/email-filters.md), [squirrel mail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/squirrel-mail.md), [blacklisting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blacklisting.md), [censorship](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/censorship.md), server administration [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Glenn Greenwald, Pulitzer Prizes, and The Intercept (1:25:29–1:32:55) Glenn Greenwald returned to the United States after winning a Pulitzer Prize for his reporting on Edward Snowden. Adam Curry criticizes Greenwald for holding back information from the Snowden archives to include in his upcoming book, calling it an unethical attempt to "enrich and enfame" himself. The hosts also note the lack of new content on Greenwald's news venture, The Intercept. Keywords: [glenn greenwald](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/glenn-greenwald.md), [pulitzer prize](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pulitzer-prize.md), [edward snowden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/edward-snowden.md), [the guardian](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-guardian.md), [the intercept](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-intercept.md), [pierre omidyar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pierre-omidyar.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Edward Snowden's Question to Vladimir Putin (1:32:56–1:39:48) Edward Snowden participated in a televised Q&A with Russian President Vladimir Putin, asking about Russia's mass surveillance programs. While some viewed this as a staged propaganda move, Curry posits a theory that the event might reflect an ongoing feud between the CIA and the NSA, suggesting Putin's response about lacking NSA-level funding was a calculated jab at the American signals intelligence agency. Keywords: [edward snowden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/edward-snowden.md), [vladimir putin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vladimir-putin.md), [russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md), [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [mass surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mass-surveillance.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Ukraine Crisis and NATO Article 5 Rhetoric (1:39:49–1:48:10) The hosts analyze the escalating rhetoric regarding the Ukraine crisis, focusing on Representative Mike Rogers' calls for a more robust NATO presence in Eastern Europe. They critique the media's use of "Article 5" (collective defense) as a new propaganda meme and compare the current situation to the 2008 conflict in Georgia and South Ossetia. Keywords: [ukraine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ukraine.md), [nato](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nato.md), [mike rogers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mike-rogers.md), [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [cold war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cold-war.md), [article 5](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/article-5.md), [south ossetia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/south-ossetia.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Geneva Agreement Failure and Ukraine Energy Debts (1:48:10–1:54:39) The April 17th Geneva Agreement intended to stabilize Ukraine is reportedly failing as both sides accuse the other of non-compliance. John Kerry and Sergei Lavrov remain at odds over the disarming of ultra-nationalist groups in Kiev. Meanwhile, the IMF is negotiating a $27 billion bailout for Ukraine, much of which is needed to cover energy debts owed to Russia. Keywords: geneva agreement, [john kerry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-kerry.md), [sergei lavrov](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sergei-lavrov.md), [imf](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/imf.md), [crimea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crimea.md), energy debt [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/17.md) ### 18. State Department Briefing on Crimea and Anti-Semitism Hoax (1:54:40–1:58:00) During a State Department briefing, spokesperson Jen Psaki was questioned about whether the West has effectively "given up" on Crimea. The discussion also covers a controversial pamphlet distributed in Donetsk requiring Jews to register with the government, which John Kerry cited as "grotesque" but was later exposed by various news outlets as a hoax. Keywords: [jen psaki](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jen-psaki.md), [john kerry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-kerry.md), [crimea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crimea.md), [anti-semitism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anti-semitism.md), [donetsk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donetsk.md), [hoax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hoax.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/18.md) ### 19. State Department Photo Evidence and Twitter Intelligence (1:58:01–2:09:18) Associated Press reporter Matt Lee grills Jen Psaki over the State Department's use of "photographic evidence" to prove Russian military presence in Ukraine. Lee points out that the photos were sourced from Twitter and Instagram, and one specific "soldier" identified in the photos appeared to be the same man from the 2008 Georgia conflict, leading to skepticism about the administration's intelligence gathering. Keywords: [jen psaki](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jen-psaki.md), [matt lee](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/matt-lee.md), [state department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/state-department.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [instagram](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/instagram.md), photo evidence [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Professor Stephen Cohen on Ukrainian Civil War Risks (2:09:18–2:17:12) Professor Stephen Cohen warns on CNN that Ukraine is on the cusp of a civil war that could lead to the "balkanization" of the country. He notes that the Obama administration has reportedly adopted a new policy of "containment" toward Russia, signaling a formal return to Cold War-era diplomacy. The hosts argue that breaking Ukraine into smaller micro-states would benefit international arms dealers. Keywords: [stephen cohen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stephen-cohen.md), [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [balkanization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/balkanization.md), [civil war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/civil-war.md), [containment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/containment.md), [new york times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-york-times.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Obama's Asia Tour and the "Asian Crimea" Meme (2:17:13–2:22:02) President Obama's week-long tour of Asia includes stops in Japan and the Philippines to discuss defense alliances. The hosts highlight a new media meme suggesting that Asian nations fear an "Asian equivalent to Crimea" involving Chinese territorial claims. Obama is expected to sign an agreement granting the U.S. military greater access to Filipino bases for the first time in 20 years. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [japan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/japan.md), [philippines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/philippines.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [tpp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tpp.md), subic bay [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Elizabeth Warren's Potential Presidential Run (2:22:03–2:26:02) Adam Curry predicts that Senator Elizabeth Warren will be the Democratic candidate for president in 2016, potentially defeating Hillary Clinton. He plays clips of Warren on "Charlie Rose" discussing the need for "cops on the beat" for Wall Street and her platform on refinancing student loans. The hosts characterize her as "unctuous" and highly scripted. Keywords: [elizabeth warren](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elizabeth-warren.md), [charlie rose](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/charlie-rose.md), [capitalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/capitalism.md), [student loans](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/student-loans.md), [2016 election](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2016-election.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Abacus Bank Prosecution and Matt Taibbi's "The Divide" (2:26:02–2:31:39) Matt Taibbi discusses his book "The Divide," focusing on the prosecution of Abacus Federal Savings Bank in Manhattan's Chinatown. Despite being a small community bank, it was the only financial institution indicted in the wake of the 2008 mortgage crisis. Taibbi argues the case was a "photo op" for District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. while major Wall Street banks avoided criminal charges. Keywords: abacus bank, [matt taibbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/matt-taibbi.md), [cyrus vance jr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cyrus-vance-jr.md), [mortgage fraud](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mortgage-fraud.md), [chinatown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chinatown.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Elizabeth Warren vs. Hillary Clinton Punditry (2:31:40–2:40:14) The hosts compare the political viability of Elizabeth Warren and Hillary Clinton. While Warren publicly denies she is running for president, Mika Brzezinski and other pundits suggest there is significant excitement for her candidacy. Dvorak argues that Clinton's inability to manage personnel effectively makes her vulnerable to a challenge from the left. Keywords: [elizabeth warren](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elizabeth-warren.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [mika brzezinski](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mika-brzezinski.md), [jon stewart](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jon-stewart.md), [2016 election](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2016-election.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Listener Donations and Job Karma Requests (2:40:15–2:53:38) A second round of listener donations is acknowledged, featuring contributors from Israel, Australia, and the Netherlands. The hosts grant "job karma" to several listeners struggling with employment and "birthday karma" to others. The segment includes a story from a listener who mocked a DHS "active shooter" training video at his workplace. Keywords: [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [ann arbor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ann-arbor.md), [israel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/israel.md), [australia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/australia.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/25.md) ### 26. No Agenda Fiction Novel and Final Knighting (2:53:40–3:00:32) Listener Tom Kilbride has published a fictional novel titled "No Agenda: Saving America," featuring Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak as characters recruited by the CIA. The hosts conclude the knighting ceremony for the episode, elevating several producers to the "No Agenda Roundtable" and granting peerage titles to long-time supporters. Keywords: [tom kilbride](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tom-kilbride.md), [amazon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amazon.md), saving america, [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [peerage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/peerage.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Pearson Education Settlement and Common Core Branding (3:00:32–3:07:18) The Pearson Charitable Foundation agreed to a $7.7 million settlement with the New York Attorney General for using its non-profit status to develop commercial Common Core products. Additionally, parents have expressed outrage over prominent brand names like Nike and iPod appearing in standardized tests. A listener provides evidence of Pearson's "barcoded scrap paper" that must be returned to the company after testing. Keywords: [pearson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pearson.md), [common core](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/common-core.md), [eric schneiderman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eric-schneiderman.md), [product placement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/product-placement.md), barcoded paper [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/27.md) ### 28. Haiti Reconstruction Failures and Wyclef Jean Charity (3:07:20–3:09:08) Reports indicate that Wyclef Jean's Haiti charity has closed after millions in donations allegedly went to his family members. Furthermore, a USAID housing program in Haiti has only delivered a quarter of its planned homes at nearly double the estimated cost. The hosts question the disappearance of billions of dollars intended for post-earthquake reconstruction. Keywords: [haiti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haiti.md), [wyclef jean](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wyclef-jean.md), [usaid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/usaid.md), [earthquake](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/earthquake.md), [reconstruction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reconstruction.md), [housing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/housing.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/28.md) ### 29. Portland Reservoir Water Flush Incident (3:09:09–3:11:32) Portland city officials flushed 38 million gallons of treated drinking water after a 19-year-old man was caught urinating into a reservoir. Adam Curry calls the move a "slap in the face" to Californians currently suffering through a severe drought, noting that the water was likely safe despite the incident. Keywords: [portland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/portland.md), [reservoir](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reservoir.md), [water conservation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/water-conservation.md), [california drought](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california-drought.md), [urination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/urination.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/29.md) ### 30. IRS Bonus Audit and Federal Worker Tax Delinquency (3:11:32–3:14:05) An audit of the Internal Revenue Service found that the agency paid $1 million in bonuses to over 1,100 employees who were behind on their own tax payments. The report also revealed bonuses paid to workers facing disciplinary action for misusing government credit cards. The hosts note the irony of the IRS rewarding staff who fail to follow the agency's primary mission. Keywords: [irs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/irs.md), [bonuses](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bonuses.md), tax delinquency, [federal workers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-workers.md), [audit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/audit.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/30.md) ### 31. FCC Net Neutrality Debate and Technical Misconceptions (3:14:06–3:24:15) The FCC is proposing new rules regarding "net neutrality," which the media has characterized using analogies of "fast lanes" and "toll booths." John C. Dvorak argues these analogies are technically inaccurate and that the debate is actually about peering agreements and port fees. He criticizes tech journalists for failing to explain how the internet actually routes data. Keywords: [fcc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fcc.md), [net neutrality](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/net-neutrality.md), [tom wheeler](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tom-wheeler.md), [peering](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/peering.md), [transit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/transit.md), [bandwidth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bandwidth.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/31.md) ### 32. Citizens Broadband Radio Service and Mesh Networks (3:24:15–3:31:48) The FCC has proposed the creation of a new "Citizens Broadband Radio Service" in the 3.5 GHz band. Dvorak explains that this frequency, similar to WiMAX, could allow for the development of true city-wide mesh networks that bypass traditional internet service providers. He expresses excitement about the potential for decentralized data networks in Texas. Keywords: [fcc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fcc.md), 3.5 ghz, [wimax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wimax.md), [mesh networks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mesh-networks.md), [ham radio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ham-radio.md), [broadband](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/broadband.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/32.md) ### 33. Camp Bastion Security Breach and Poppy Cultivation (3:31:50–3:33:25) A British parliamentary committee found that commanders were "complacent" during a 2012 Taliban attack on Camp Bastion in Afghanistan. A BBC report initially mentioned that poppy cultivation was allowed right up to the base's perimeter fence, though this detail was reportedly removed from subsequent broadcasts. Keywords: camp bastion, [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [taliban](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taliban.md), [poppy cultivation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/poppy-cultivation.md), [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/33.md) ### 34. Zohydro FDA Approval and Reverse Native Advertising (3:33:26–3:40:00) The FDA has approved Zohydro, a potent new painkiller that experts warn could be lethal in small doses. Adam Curry presents a theory of "reverse native advertising," suggesting that pharmaceutical companies might pay for news coverage highlighting a drug's danger to ensure it remains a controlled, high-value product on the market. Keywords: [zohydro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zohydro.md), [fda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fda.md), [vicodin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vicodin.md), [richard besser](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/richard-besser.md), [abc news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abc-news.md), [pharmaceutical marketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pharmaceutical-marketing.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/34.md) ### 35. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Climate Change Campaign (3:40:01–3:46:47) Arnold Schwarzenegger is featured in a Showtime series titled "Years of Living Dangerously," where he campaigns for green energy and climate change awareness. The hosts mock his "crusade" and his use of the catchphrase "terminate climate change," while speculating on the high appearance fees involved in such celebrity-driven environmental advocacy. Keywords: [arnold schwarzenegger](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/arnold-schwarzenegger.md), [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md), [showtime](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/showtime.md), [global warming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-warming.md), terminate [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/611-let-s-get-social/chapter/35.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/610-clip-show-iii.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/613-carbon-overload.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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