# Droves of Jihadis > Global power shifts as the Kremlin pivots toward Beijing while domestic agencies manufacture new terror narratives to justify intervention in the Syrian conflict. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 619 - **Published:** 2014-05-26 - **Length:** 2h 48m - **Topics:** Siberian Pipeline, Syria Diaspora, Patent Trolls, Robot Bar, STEM Shortage, Soberlink, Euroskepticism - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis ## About this episode FBI Director James Comey testified before the Senate this week, warning of a virulent terrorist diaspora as Al-Qaeda affiliates establish a safe haven in Syria. The bureau simultaneously executed a high-profile multi-agency terror drill at the Southland Mall in Hayward, California, involving SWAT teams and simulated casualties. These domestic maneuvers coincide with new court filings in the Boston Marathon bombing case that attempt to link the Tsarnaev brothers to Al-Qaeda’s Inspire Magazine despite discrepancies in the technical bomb-making instructions. International relations shifted as Russia and China finalized a landmark $400 billion natural gas pipeline deal, a strategic move by Vladimir Putin to bypass the U.S. petrodollar. Attorney General Eric Holder countered by indicting five Chinese military officers for cyber espionage against American firms like US Steel and Alcoa. In Europe, Marine Le Pen and the National Front lead a surge of Euroskepticism in the Parliamentary elections. Meanwhile, Adam Carolla faces criticism over his Fund Anything campaign against Personal Audio, as evidence suggests Apple’s prior $8 million settlement may already protect the podcasting medium from patent litigation. Technical glitches in Tokyo turned Google Maps upside down while Paul McCartney’s norovirus diagnosis forced a sudden tour cancellation in Japan. Adam Curry narrowly avoided a ham radio citation in Empress Park, not for illegal broadcasting, but for his disrespectful sitting posture. Producers Sir Mark and Dame Astrid joined the final night of the Hot Pocket Wasabi Tour to witness the neon-soaked chaos of the Shinjuku Robot Bar. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/transcript.md. ### 1. Hot Pocket Wasabi Tour Final Broadcast from Tokyo (0:00–1:44) Adam Curry broadcasts from Tokyo, Japan, marking the final night of the Hot Pocket Wasabi Tour before returning to Texas. John C. Dvorak joins from Ypsilanti, Michigan, where he is utilizing a high-speed fiber connection provided by Merit Networks. The hosts coordinate across different time zones to begin Episode 619-ER of the No Agenda show. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [tokyo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tokyo.md), ypsilanti, hot pocket wasabi tour, merit networks [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Merit Network Conference and Censorship Resistance Movement (1:44–7:27) John C. Dvorak describes his experience speaking at a Merit Network conference in Michigan attended by school district and college IT professionals. He highlights a presentation by Professor Haldeman from the University of Michigan regarding the "censorship resistance movement." The discussion covers new protocols designed to bypass government censorship in countries like China and Saudi Arabia using encrypted headers rather than traditional proxies. Keywords: merit network, [university of michigan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/university-of-michigan.md), haldeman, [censorship](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/censorship.md), [proxies](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/proxies.md), [cyber security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cyber-security.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Detroit Urban Decay and Ruination Photography (7:28–15:56) John C. Dvorak recounts his tour of Detroit's outskirts, describing the city as a "ghost town" filled with abandoned 1920s-era apartment buildings and industrial ruins. He details a visit to the derelict Packard car factory, which has been decaying since 1958. The conversation touches on the local economy, noting that the family owning Little Caesars pizza owns much of downtown, and compares the atmosphere to the themes of Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged. Keywords: [detroit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/detroit.md), ruination photography, packard factory, little caesars, urban blight, [ayn rand](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ayn-rand.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Tokyo Robot Bar Experience (15:57–19:25) Adam Curry describes a visit to the famous Robot Bar in Tokyo, characterizing the experience as a high-fidelity, low-tech "acid trip" involving boxing robots and elaborate performances. Accompanied by producers Sir Mark and Dame Astrid, Curry explains the difficulty of capturing the atmosphere through photography. He likens the venue to a modern-day circus that requires physical presence to fully comprehend. Keywords: [tokyo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tokyo.md), robot bar, shinjuku, [mark and astrid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mark-and-astrid.md), [performance art](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/performance-art.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/4.md) ### 5. European Union Parliamentary Elections and Political Parties (19:25–20:11) The hosts discuss the commencement of the three-day European Union Parliamentary vote. They mention the rise of right-wing and Euroskeptic parties, including UKIP in the United Kingdom, the Freedom Party in Holland, and Marine Le Pen's National Front in France. The segment briefly touches on the distinction between the European Council and the Council of Europe. Keywords: [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [ukip](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ukip.md), [marine le pen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marine-le-pen.md), [freedom party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/freedom-party.md), [elections](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elections.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Law Enforcement Alcohol Monitoring Technology (20:12–22:59) John C. Dvorak reports on a law enforcement trade show featuring the Soberlink SL2, a mobile alcohol monitoring device. The unit utilizes deep lung breath samples, fuel cell technology, and adaptive facial recognition to ensure the correct "client" is testing. The devices are often mandated by organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and require monthly service fees paid by the offender. Keywords: soberlink sl2, [alcohol monitoring](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alcohol-monitoring.md), [facial recognition](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/facial-recognition.md), [madd](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/madd.md), [verizon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/verizon.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Autonomous Vehicles and Municipal Revenue Loss (23:00–25:16) A discussion of the Google self-driving car's 700,000-mile record without a traffic violation leads to a theory about the future of law enforcement. The hosts argue that autonomous vehicles could cripple municipal budgets that rely heavily on revenue from traffic tickets. They suggest that cities may resist the adoption of driverless technology to protect these financial interests. Keywords: [google car](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google-car.md), [self-driving cars](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/self-driving-cars.md), [traffic violations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/traffic-violations.md), [law enforcement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/law-enforcement.md), municipal budgets [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Google Glass Users in Tokyo (25:16–25:58) Adam Curry recounts spotting a "glasshole" wearing Google Glass on Takashita Street in Tokyo. He expresses suspicion that the individuals, who later appeared at the Robot Bar, might be American journalists or documentary filmmakers. The hosts joke about the social awkwardness and potential surveillance implications of the wearable technology. Keywords: [google glass](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google-glass.md), glasshole, [tokyo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tokyo.md), takashita street, [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Paul McCartney Norovirus Cancellation in Japan (25:59–27:38) Paul McCartney canceled his scheduled performances in Tokyo after contracting norovirus. Adam Curry critiques the singer's public relations handling of the illness, suggesting that "pooping and puking" is a poor image for a former Beatle. The hosts compare McCartney's last-minute arrival to the Rolling Stones' practice of arriving early to acclimate to new environments. Keywords: [paul mccartney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paul-mccartney.md), [norovirus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/norovirus.md), [tokyo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tokyo.md), [rolling stones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rolling-stones.md), concert cancellation [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Japanese Mobile App Trends and Map Glitches (27:39–29:36) Adam Curry notes a recurring glitch where Google Maps and Apple Maps appear "upside down" when used in Tokyo. He also highlights the popularity of the messaging app Line in Asia, noting its dominance over WhatsApp in the region. Curry mentions that installing the app resulted in his contact list being automatically messaged. Keywords: [google maps](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google-maps.md), line app, [tokyo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tokyo.md), [whatsapp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/whatsapp.md), mobile software [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Amateur Radio and Social Etiquette in Japan (29:37–31:53) Adam Curry describes operating a mobile ham radio rig in Tokyo's Empress Park without official permits. While transmitting, he was approached by a police officer who was not concerned with the illegal radio activity but rather with Curry's "disrespectful" sitting posture on a park ledge. The segment explores Japanese social norms regarding walking while eating and loud cell phone usage. Keywords: [ham radio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ham-radio.md), kx-3, akihabara, empress park, [social etiquette](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-etiquette.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Japanese Work Culture and Productivity Myths (31:53–34:04) The hosts analyze the Japanese "salaryman" culture, where employees frequently stay at the office until midnight to avoid the social humiliation of returning home early. Despite the long hours, John C. Dvorak argues that American productivity remains higher per capita. They discuss the phenomenon of workers staying out late for drinks with colleagues until the final trains depart at midnight. Keywords: [tokyo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tokyo.md), [work ethic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/work-ethic.md), [productivity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/productivity.md), salarymen, [social pressure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-pressure.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Japan's Dual Electricity Grids and Regional Rivalries (34:05–36:58) Adam Curry explains that Japan operates on two incompatible electricity networks: a 50 Hertz system in the northeast built by AEG and a 60 Hertz system in the southwest built by GE. This technical divide prevented the transfer of power from the south to the north during the Fukushima nuclear crisis. The hosts also note regional differences in subway etiquette between Tokyo and Osaka. Keywords: [fukushima](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fukushima.md), [ge](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ge.md), aeg, [hertz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hertz.md), [tokyo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tokyo.md), [osaka](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/osaka.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Tokyo Economy and 2020 Olympic Preparations (37:00–39:26) Adam Curry observes that Tokyo has become more affordable than Austin, Texas, partly due to the lack of a tipping culture. The hosts discuss the economic impact of the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics, noting that real estate prices are rising while the government prepares to build new facilities rather than reusing the 1964 Olympic Stadium. Keywords: [tokyo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tokyo.md), [2020 olympics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2020-olympics.md), tipping culture, [economy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economy.md), [real estate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/real-estate.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/14.md) ### 15. FBI Southland Mall Terror Drill in Hayward (39:27–41:53) A news clip details a "top secret" multi-agency terror drill conducted by the FBI at the Southland Mall in Hayward, California. The exercise involved SWAT vehicles, paramedics, and actors playing roles in a simulated mall shooting. The hosts question the timing and purpose of such high-profile domestic drills. Keywords: [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), [hayward](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hayward.md), southland mall, [terror drill](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/terror-drill.md), [swat](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swat.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/15.md) ### 16. FBI Director Comey and the Syria Safe Haven Narrative (41:54–50:13) FBI Director James Comey testified before the Senate regarding the "virulent" threat of Al-Qaeda affiliates establishing a "safe haven" in Syria. Comey warned of a "terrorist diaspora" where Americans fighting in Syria could return to carry out "future 9/11s." The hosts analyze this as a propaganda narrative designed to justify military intervention and bombing campaigns in Syria. Keywords: [james comey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/james-comey.md), [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), [al-qaeda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-qaeda.md), [safe haven](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/safe-haven.md), [terrorism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/terrorism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Boston Bombing Court Filings and Inspire Magazine (50:13–55:49) New court filings regarding the Boston Marathon bombing suggest the Tsarnaev brothers used recipes from Al-Qaeda's Inspire Magazine. Adam Curry disputes this, noting that the 2010 "Make a Bomb in the Kitchen of Your Mom" article does not mention pressure cookers or fireworks. The hosts suggest the government is attempting to link "lone wolf" actors to international terror groups to justify domestic surveillance. Keywords: [dzhokhar tsarnaev](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dzhokhar-tsarnaev.md), [boston marathon bombing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boston-marathon-bombing.md), [inspire magazine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/inspire-magazine.md), [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), [pressure cooker](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pressure-cooker.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/17.md) ### 18. NSA and FBI Inter-Agency Conflict Theory (55:49–59:51) The hosts roleplay a hypothetical meeting between the NSA and FBI, suggesting the agencies are in conflict over botched operations like the Boston bombing. They reference Michael Hayden's "cowboy" analogy from a Frontline documentary, where a sheriff is run out of town after cleaning it up. The theory posits that the NSA may allow or facilitate a "horrible event" to prove its necessity to a skeptical public. Keywords: [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), [michael hayden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michael-hayden.md), [blackmail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blackmail.md), [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Edward Snowden and the CIA-NSA Feud (59:52–1:03:08) Adam Curry highlights a detail from Glenn Greenwald's book stating that Edward Snowden provided a CIA identification number rather than an NSA ID. This supports the show's ongoing theory of a deep-seated feud between the CIA and NSA. They also discuss Snowden's interview in Russia where he referred to his leaks as a "mission accomplished." Keywords: [edward snowden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/edward-snowden.md), [glenn greenwald](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/glenn-greenwald.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), barton gellman [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Glenn Greenwald and the Bahamas Cell Phone Intercepts (1:03:09–1:05:42) The Intercept reported that the NSA has been recording nearly every cell phone call in the Bahamas. The hosts critique Glenn Greenwald's ego and his reaction to a scathing New York Times review by Michael Kinsley. They question the significance of the Bahamas revelations compared to previous surveillance leaks. Keywords: [glenn greenwald](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/glenn-greenwald.md), [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), the bahamas, michael kinsley, [new york times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-york-times.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Listener Feedback and Net Neutrality Skepticism (1:05:43–1:08:19) A producer's email credits the show with changing his mind on global warming and net neutrality. John C. Dvorak recounts his speech to IT professionals where he argued against net neutrality, using the example of a remote surgeon needing packet priority. He notes that despite the controversial stance, the high-level IT audience did not push back. Keywords: [net neutrality](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/net-neutrality.md), [larry lessig](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/larry-lessig.md), [global warming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-warming.md), [value-for-value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Executive Producer Donations and Knighting Ceremony (1:08:20–1:15:51) The hosts acknowledge significant donations from producers, including "stonations" of $420.33. They discuss various requests for audio clips, including Al Sharpton and Charlie Rose. A donation of $333.33 is recognized toward a "Damehood" for a producer named Alicia in Ann Arbor. Keywords: [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [knighting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighting.md), [al sharpton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-sharpton.md), [charlie rose](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/charlie-rose.md), [stonation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stonation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/22.md) ### 23. No Agenda Road Show and Future Travel Plans (1:15:51–1:18:57) Adam Curry expresses a desire to take the No Agenda show on the road more frequently, mentioning potential invites to Australia, Singapore, and Shanghai. John C. Dvorak plans to attend HamCom in Dallas in June. They thank their hosts in Tokyo and encourage listeners to continue the "value-for-value" support model. Keywords: [australia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/australia.md), [singapore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/singapore.md), [shanghai](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shanghai.md), [hamcom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hamcom.md), [dallas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dallas.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Tech Freedom and the Net Neutrality "Hoax" (1:18:58–1:25:25) John C. Dvorak discusses a debate on the "This Week in Law" podcast featuring Berin Szoka of Tech Freedom and Nilay Patel of The Verge. Szoka characterized the net neutrality debate as a "hoax." Dvorak investigates Tech Freedom's funding, noting its status as a small non-profit likely supported by Google's "Big Tent" initiative. Keywords: tech freedom, berin szoka, [nilay patel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nilay-patel.md), [the verge](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-verge.md), [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Comcast-Time Warner Merger and Netflix Traffic Feud (1:25:26–1:38:25) The hosts theorize that the net neutrality fervor was manufactured following Comcast's bid to acquire Time Warner Cable. They argue that being designated a "common carrier" utility actually benefits monopolies like Comcast by discouraging new competitors. The segment suggests that Netflix and Comcast may have collaborated to stir up public outrage over "slowdowns" to force regulatory changes that favor established players. Keywords: [comcast](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/comcast.md), [time warner cable](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/time-warner-cable.md), [netflix](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netflix.md), [reed hastings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reed-hastings.md), [common carrier](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/common-carrier.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/25.md) ### 26. Google Fiber and Local Loop Unbundling (1:38:26–1:44:10) The discussion shifts to the lack of ISP competition in the U.S. due to municipal "kickbacks" and high costs of pole rentals. Adam Curry points to Austin, Texas, as a rare example of a competitive market with Google Fiber, AT&T, and Time Warner. He warns that treating broadband as a utility would end such private competition and lead to government-controlled "content blocking" similar to the UK. Keywords: [google fiber](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google-fiber.md), [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), local loop unbundling, [at&t](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/at-t.md), [competition](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/competition.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Adam Carolla's Patent Troll Legal Battle (1:44:10–1:46:39) Adam Curry criticizes Adam Carolla for his "Fund Anything" campaign to fight a patent troll. Carolla claims that if his network loses the lawsuit, all of podcasting will be destroyed. Curry disputes this narrative, calling it a lie and noting that he and Dave Winer have a more significant claim to the medium's origins than Carolla. Keywords: [adam carolla](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-carolla.md), [patent troll](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/patent-troll.md), [personal audio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/personal-audio.md), [crowdfunding](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crowdfunding.md), [litigation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/litigation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/27.md) ### 28. Personal Audio 506 Patent and Apple's Settlement (1:46:40–1:53:23) The hosts examine the technical specifics of Personal Audio's "506" podcasting patent. Adam Curry reveals that Apple already paid an $8 million settlement to Personal Audio for a playlist patent, which reportedly covers future iterations including the podcasting technology. This suggests that podcasts distributed via iTunes may already be legally protected, contradicting Carolla's fundraising claims. Keywords: [personal audio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/personal-audio.md), 506 patent, [apple](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple.md), [eff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eff.md), [podcasting patent](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting-patent.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/28.md) ### 29. Technical Glitch and the Occult Bookstore Firing (1:53:23–2:03:46) After a recording glitch, the hosts recount a story from a producer named Scott in Ann Arbor. Scott was reportedly fired from a job at an occult bookstore after mentioning he listened to the No Agenda show. The bookstore owner allegedly recognized the show as being hosted by "that guy with the earthquake machine" and terminated Scott two days later. Keywords: [technical glitch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/technical-glitch.md), zingerman's, occult bookstore, [earthquake machine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/earthquake-machine.md), [ann arbor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ann-arbor.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/29.md) ### 30. Value-for-Value Model and Suntory Whiskey (2:03:48–2:07:50) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak discuss the "value-for-value" model, noting that listeners often find the show more beneficial than traditional healthcare or education. Curry praises Suntory whiskey for its smoothness while Dvorak reads final donor credits. They emphasize that the show is produced without pharmaceutical influence or government funding. Keywords: [value-for-value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [homeschooling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/homeschooling.md), suntory whiskey, [bill gates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-gates.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/30.md) ### 31. Russia-China $400 Billion Gas Pipeline Deal (2:07:50–2:11:19) Russia and China signed a landmark $400 billion deal for a natural gas pipeline from Siberia. The hosts interpret this as a strategic move to bypass the U.S. petrodollar and strengthen the BRICS economic bloc. They suggest the timing of the deal was a deliberate message to the United States government following tensions in Ukraine. Keywords: [vladimir putin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vladimir-putin.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [gas deal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gas-deal.md), [petrodollar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/petrodollar.md), [siberia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/siberia.md), [gazprom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gazprom.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/31.md) ### 32. DOJ Indictment of Chinese Military Officers for Hacking (2:11:20–2:19:17) Attorney General Eric Holder announced the first-ever criminal charges against state actors for cyber espionage, indicting five Chinese military officers. The officers are accused of hacking into U.S. companies like US Steel and Alcoa to steal trade secrets. The hosts and AP reporter Matt Lee question the "epic fuck up" in timing, as the announcement occurred while Putin was in China, potentially driving the two nations closer together. Keywords: [eric holder](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eric-holder.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [hacking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hacking.md), [cyber espionage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cyber-espionage.md), [pittsburgh](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pittsburgh.md), [us steel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/us-steel.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/32.md) ### 33. Ukraine-Russia Military Industry Interdependence (2:19:18–2:24:47) A report details the deep interdependence between the Russian and Ukrainian military-industrial complexes, noting that 400 Russian defense companies rely on Ukrainian parts. The hosts discuss the upcoming Ukrainian presidential election on May 25th, which will be observed by a team led by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and her consulting firm, the Albright Stonebridge Group. Keywords: [ukraine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ukraine.md), [russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md), motor sich, [madeline albright](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/madeline-albright.md), military industry [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/33.md) ### 34. STEM Worker Shortage and Walton Family Foundation (2:24:49–2:30:36) The hosts cite reports from the RAND Corporation and Economic Policy Institute suggesting there is no actual shortage of STEM workers in the U.S. They argue that the corporate push for STEM education and Common Core is a strategy for wage suppression. A promotional video from the Walton Family Foundation is analyzed as a tool for promoting charter schools and low-wage labor. Keywords: [stem](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stem.md), [common core](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/common-core.md), [rand corporation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rand-corporation.md), walton family foundation, wage suppression [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/34.md) ### 35. 9/11 Museum Controversy and "Truther" Discrediting (2:30:37–2:36:31) The opening of the 9/11 Memorial Museum in New York sparked controversy over its gift shop, which sold items like "burning building" snow globes. CNN's Don Lemon and Jake Tapper are critiqued for shifting the focus away from the gift shop controversy toward discrediting "truthers." The hosts defend the legitimacy of groups like Architects and Engineers for 9/11 Truth against media labels of "conspiracy theorists." Keywords: 9/11 museum, [gift shop](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gift-shop.md), [don lemon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/don-lemon.md), [jake tapper](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jake-tapper.md), [architects and engineers for 9/11 truth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/architects-and-engineers-for-9-11-truth.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/35.md) ### 36. Slate Magazine's Analysis of Conspiracy Theories (2:36:31–2:45:22) Emily Bazelon of Slate Magazine appeared on CNN to discuss the persistence of 9/11 conspiracy theories. She argued that the theories are driven by anti-government sentiment and "virulent" right-wing talk. The hosts mock her suggestion that believing the government is "monstrous" would lead people to stop paying their taxes. Keywords: slate magazine, emily bazelon, [9/11](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/9-11.md), [conspiracy theories](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conspiracy-theories.md), [taxes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taxes.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/36.md) ### 37. General Wesley Clark and the Seven Countries Memo (2:45:23–2:48:23) The hosts play a classic clip of General Wesley Clark describing a 2001 Pentagon memo detailing plans to "take out seven countries in five years," including Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Iran. This is contrasted with recent UN statements about "loving and admiring" Syria. The show concludes with the hosts preparing for their return flights from Tokyo and Michigan. Keywords: [wesley clark](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wesley-clark.md), [pentagon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pentagon.md), [iraq](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq.md), [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), [libya](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/libya.md), [regime change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/regime-change.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/619-droves-of-jihadis/chapter/37.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/620-dead-man-cuffed.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/618-binge-watch.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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