# Rough Patch > A diplomatic expulsion in Berlin and a data-sharing bill in the Senate highlight a week of crumbling trust and expanding corporate surveillance. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 634 - **Published:** 2014-07-13 - **Length:** 2h 58m - **Topics:** CIA expulsion, [Iron Dome](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iron-dome.md), [Cybersecurity Act](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cybersecurity-act.md), Camel milk, [Hobby Lobby](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hobby-lobby.md), [Common Core](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/common-core.md), Magnetic flip - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch ## About this episode Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak broadcast for the final time from the Travis Heights hideout, reflecting on the history of the podcast since show 100. The duo analyzes the geopolitical fallout of Germany expelling the CIA station chief in Berlin following revelations of U.S. surveillance on Angela Merkel. State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki characterizes the diplomatic rift as a rough patch while internal feuds between the NSA and CIA spill into the public record. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and John Kerry face scrutiny over World Population Day initiatives and the International Conference on Population and Development. In the Middle East, reports from Tel Aviv detail the Iron Dome defense system as a subsidy for American contractors like Raytheon, while Vladimir Putin visits Cuba to forgive $32 billion in Soviet-era debt. Domestic concerns take center stage as the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2014, introduced by Dianne Feinstein, proposes corporate indemnification for sharing private user data with federal intelligence agencies. John C. Dvorak vents about grocery store etiquette and the rise of grimy reusable bags while Adam Curry proposes a billion-dollar plan to gamify amateur radio for the maker generation. The hosts examine the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes on a yacht and the media's fixation on the World Cup final as a tale of two popes. Maxwell Finn is knighted for his contribution as the show transitions to a new legal structure and a new studio location. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/transcript.md. ### 1. Travis Heights Hideout, Podcast History, Show 100 (0:00–4:36) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the episode from the Travis Heights hideout, discussing Curry's upcoming move and the technical setup of the show. They reflect on the history of the podcast, noting that many listeners revisit early episodes starting from show one. The hosts recall show 100 as a pivotal moment when they considered quitting before deciding to continue the program. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [travis heights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/travis-heights.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [podcasting history](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting-history.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/1.md) ### 2. World Population Day, Ban Ki-moon, ICPD Birth Control (4:37–7:44) The hosts critique World Population Day and a memo sent by John Kerry on behalf of President Barack Obama. They analyze statements from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon regarding youth unemployment and dead-end jobs in developing countries. The discussion characterizes the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) as a vehicle for global birth control and population management. Keywords: world population day, [ban ki-moon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ban-ki-moon.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [john kerry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-kerry.md), icpd [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Schlock Parties, Dutch Culture, Personal Sentimentalism (7:45–10:21) Adam Curry recounts a family tradition of "schlock parties" held in the Netherlands, where guests would exchange random junk or prized possessions. He explains the definition of schlock to the audience as figurines, snow globes, or low-quality movies. The conversation shifts briefly to Curry's sentimental mood while being home alone during his house move. Keywords: schlock, [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [collectibles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/collectibles.md), [family traditions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/family-traditions.md), [nostalgia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nostalgia.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Don Lemon, CNN, Cultural Appropriation Debate (10:22–16:07) The hosts review a CNN segment hosted by Don Lemon featuring a debate over an op-ed titled "Dear White Gays: Stop Stealing Black Female Culture." They mock the technical failures of the broadcast, including a guest who had not read the opposing piece and another guest with audio issues. The segment is dismissed as an "epic fail" in cable news journalism. Keywords: [don lemon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/don-lemon.md), [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), sierra manny, h allen scott, [cultural appropriation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cultural-appropriation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Hobby Lobby Ruling, Nancy Pelosi, Supreme Court Criticism (16:08–23:15) The discussion focuses on Democratic reactions to the Supreme Court's Hobby Lobby ruling, specifically criticizing comments by Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi. The hosts argue that the rhetoric regarding "five white guys" on the court is racist and sexist. They specifically mock Pelosi's verbal slips and her misunderstanding of the specific contraceptives involved in the legal case. Keywords: [hobby lobby](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hobby-lobby.md), [supreme court](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/supreme-court.md), [chuck schumer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chuck-schumer.md), [nancy pelosi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nancy-pelosi.md), [religious freedom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/religious-freedom.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Israel-Palestine Conflict, Iron Dome, USAID Funding (23:15–28:14) The hosts examine media coverage of the Gaza conflict, highlighting a CNN clip of a Palestinian baker claiming a flour shortage while standing in front of bags of flour. They share "boots on the ground" reports from listeners in Tel Aviv regarding the effectiveness of the Iron Dome missile defense system. The segment notes that U.S. aid to Israel often functions as a "gift card" for American defense contractors like Raytheon. Keywords: [gaza](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gaza.md), [israel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/israel.md), [hamas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hamas.md), [iron dome](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iron-dome.md), [raytheon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/raytheon.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Albert Pike, Cecil Rhodes, New World Order Conspiracy (28:15–38:51) Adam Curry explores the "Palladian Rite" and a purported 1871 letter from Albert Pike predicting three world wars to establish a New World Order. John C. Dvorak expresses skepticism, pointing out anachronisms like the word "fascist" appearing before its historical coinage. They transition to discussing Cecil Rhodes' will and his vision for a secret society to extend British rule and eliminate national sovereignty. Keywords: [albert pike](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/albert-pike.md), [cecil rhodes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cecil-rhodes.md), [hg wells](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hg-wells.md), [new world order](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-world-order.md), palladian rite [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Eurocorps, European Union Symbols, Official Sashes (38:52–45:05) The hosts discuss the militarization of the European Union, highlighting a ceremony in Strasbourg involving Eurocorps and the EU flag. They listen to head of protocol François Brunagel explain the history of EU symbols like the anthem and the Euro. Dvorak and Curry are particularly fascinated by the official sashes worn by Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), which are available for purchase online. Keywords: eurocorps, [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [strasbourg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/strasbourg.md), françois brunagel, mep sash [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/8.md) ### 9. EU Marketing, Hegelian Dialectic, Act React Impact (45:05–48:50) An analysis of the European Parliament's "Act, React, Impact" promotional campaign leads to a discussion on the Hegelian dialectic of "problem, reaction, solution." The hosts mock the dichotomies presented in EU advertisements, such as "think big, think small." They characterize the EU's centralized governance as a "bloodless coup" against the sovereignty of member nations. Keywords: [european parliament](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-parliament.md), hegelian dialectic, [marketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketing.md), [propaganda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/propaganda.md), [slogans](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/slogans.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Millennial Socialism, Common Core, Outcome-Based Education (48:51–52:25) The hosts discuss a Time Magazine poll suggesting that a majority of millennials favor socialism despite a lack of understanding of the concept. They link Bill Gates' support for Common Core to Karl Marx's theories on outcome-based education and corporate-sponsored charter schools. The segment concludes that modern education is designed to train workers for specific corporate assembly lines rather than fostering independent thought. Keywords: [millennials](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/millennials.md), [socialism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/socialism.md), [common core](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/common-core.md), [bill gates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-gates.md), [karl marx](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karl-marx.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/10.md) ### 11. European Royalty, Power Dynamics, Regimental Ties (52:26–57:58) A discussion on historical paintings in museums leads to a critique of European royalty and the perception that they lack actual political power. The hosts argue that monarchs like the Queen of England retain significant legal authority despite being marketed as tourist attractions. They also discuss social signaling through "regimental ties" and school-specific clothing used by the elite to recognize one another. Keywords: [royalty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/royalty.md), [london](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/london.md), [museums](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/museums.md), class symbols, regimental ties [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Cultural Asides, Ballroom Dancing, Grocery Store Etiquette (57:58–1:03:07) The hosts touch on several cultural grievances, including the introduction of same-sex partners in professional ballroom dancing and the shopping habits of millennials. John C. Dvorak vents about grocery store etiquette, specifically targeting people who use grimy reusable bags, wear large backpacks in aisles, and fail to use card readers efficiently. Keywords: ballroom dancing, [millennials](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/millennials.md), [organic food](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/organic-food.md), [grocery stores](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/grocery-stores.md), [backpacks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/backpacks.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Fictitious Business Names, No Agenda Legal Structure (1:03:08–1:06:25) Adam Curry explains the legal and financial evolution of the No Agenda show, including the necessity of filing "Fictitious Business Name" (DBA) documents. He describes the transition from using personal accounts to establishing a formal business checking account for the podcast. This explanation is prompted by a "Black Knight" donation that came through an old, nearly defunct PayPal link. Keywords: fictitious business name, [dba](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dba.md), [paypal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paypal.md), [banking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/banking.md), legal entities [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Producer Credits, Executive Producer Donations, Karma (1:06:26–1:11:29) The hosts read and acknowledge high-value donations from the "No Agenda" community, including contributions from Grand Duke David Foley and Associate Executive Producer Jason Wall. They discuss the "six-week cycle" analysis and the show's track record for predicting FBI-foiled terror plots. Donors are granted titles and "karma" in exchange for their financial support of the value-for-value model. Keywords: [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [grand duke](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/grand-duke.md), [associate executive producer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/associate-executive-producer.md), [karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karma.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/14.md) ### 15. No Agenda PR, Single Mix, Show Memes (1:11:30–1:14:05) Adam Curry mentions the availability of the "No Agenda Single Mix" on iTunes and reminds listeners that show titles and knighthoods are valid credits. They discuss the origin of various show memes, including the "Putin" shout performed by John Fletcher, which was inspired by a reference to the television show Hogan's Heroes. Keywords: [itunes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/itunes.md), [podcast license](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcast-license.md), [john fletcher](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-fletcher.md), [putin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/putin.md), [memes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/memes.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Camel Milk Superfood, Health Claims, Camel Urine (1:14:06–1:16:26) The hosts discuss the emerging trend of camel milk as a "superfood" with purported cures for autism, cancer, and diabetes. They note the irony of MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) being linked to camels while the milk is marketed for health benefits. The segment also briefly mentions reports from India regarding the medicinal use of camel urine. Keywords: camel milk, [superfood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/superfood.md), [autism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/autism.md), [mers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mers.md), [india](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/india.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Climate Change, Kidney Stones, California Blackouts (1:16:28–1:19:44) A report linking rising temperatures to an increase in kidney stones is dismissed by the hosts as alarmist propaganda. They compare current green energy warnings in Britain to the 2001 California electricity crisis, which they characterize as an Enron-led scam. They recall how rolling blackouts ended abruptly after Governor Gray Davis was recalled and replaced by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Keywords: [global warming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-warming.md), [kidney stones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kidney-stones.md), [enron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/enron.md), [gray davis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gray-davis.md), [rolling blackouts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rolling-blackouts.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Magnetic Field Weakening, Polar Flip, Cosmic Rays (1:19:46–1:22:54) The hosts discuss scientific reports from NASA and NOAA regarding the rapid weakening of Earth's magnetic field in the Western Hemisphere. They explore the possibility of a magnetic pole flip, which occurs roughly every 300,000 years. While the flip may not be harmful to life, the hosts note it could disrupt power grids and communication satellites due to increased exposure to cosmic rays. Keywords: [magnetic field](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/magnetic-field.md), [nasa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nasa.md), [noaa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/noaa.md), polar flip, [aurora borealis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aurora-borealis.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act, Corporate Indemnification (1:22:55–1:31:30) Adam Curry analyzes Senate Bill 2588, the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2014, introduced by Dianne Feinstein. He highlights provisions that indemnify private companies for sharing user data with the federal government under the guise of "cyber threat indicators." The hosts warn that this creates a profit center for corporations to spy on customers and share "exfiltrated" information with intelligence agencies. Keywords: [dianne feinstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dianne-feinstein.md), [cisa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cisa.md), [cybersecurity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cybersecurity.md), [indemnification](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/indemnification.md), [privacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/privacy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Democracy Now, Israeli Propaganda, Nora Erekat (1:31:31–1:37:44) The hosts critique a debate on "Democracy Now!" regarding the conflict in Gaza. They analyze the arguments of an Israeli representative and Palestinian scholar Nora Erekat, whom they suspect of being a "plant" due to her perceived weak arguments. They specifically mock Erekat's claim that Israel is the "fourth largest nuclear power in the world." Keywords: [democracy now](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/democracy-now.md), [amy goodman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amy-goodman.md), nora erekat, [gaza](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gaza.md), [nuclear power](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nuclear-power.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Social Media Journalism, CIA Twitter Account, ISIS (1:37:44–1:43:59) The hosts criticize the media's reliance on Twitter as a primary news source, specifically regarding Benjamin Netanyahu's tweets and ISIS social media campaigns. They review the newly launched CIA Twitter account, describing its attempts at humor regarding Tupac and passwords as "insulting" and "arrogant." They argue that social media metrics are easily manipulated and should not be treated as legitimate journalism. Keywords: [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [isis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/isis.md), [benjamin netanyahu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/benjamin-netanyahu.md), [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/21.md) ### 22. US-Germany Spying Scandal, CIA Station Chief (1:44:00–1:47:53) Germany's decision to expel the CIA station chief in Berlin following a spying scandal is discussed. The hosts analyze media reports characterizing the relationship as being at an "all-time low," noting the historical inaccuracy of such claims given the World Wars. They suggest the expulsion is a significant diplomatic message following revelations that the U.S. tapped Angela Merkel's phone. Keywords: [germany](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/germany.md), [angela merkel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/angela-merkel.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [espionage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/espionage.md), diplomatic rift [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/22.md) ### 23. German Public Opinion, Stasi Comparisons, NPR Coverage (1:47:54–1:51:39) The hosts review an NPR interview with a German editor who compares U.S. mass surveillance to the tactics of the Stasi and Nazi Germany. The editor argues that comprehensive surveillance destroys social trust and solidarity. The hosts question the German plea for "trust" given the history of terrorist cells operating within Germany prior to the September 11 attacks. Keywords: [npr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/npr.md), [stasi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stasi.md), [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md), [angela merkel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/angela-merkel.md), [espionage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/espionage.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/23.md) ### 24. State Department Rhetoric, CIA vs NSA Feud (1:51:39–1:58:50) State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki's description of the U.S.-Germany rift as a "rough patch" is mocked by the hosts. They theorize that the outing of the CIA station chief may be a result of an internal feud between the NSA and CIA over budget and influence. They suggest the NSA may be "cozying up" with the FBI while the CIA remains aligned with the State Department. Keywords: [jen psaki](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jen-psaki.md), [state department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/state-department.md), [nsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nsa.md), [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Edward Snowden's Lawyers, Ursula von der Leyen (1:58:50–2:03:02) The hosts discuss comments from Edward Snowden's legal team regarding the German spying investigation. They also introduce Ursula von der Leyen, the German Defense Minister, as a rising political figure and potential future Chancellor. They describe her as a "slick" and "badass" politician in the mold of Christine Lagarde. Keywords: [edward snowden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/edward-snowden.md), [jesslyn raddick](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jesslyn-raddick.md), [ursula von der leyen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ursula-von-der-leyen.md), [germany](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/germany.md), defense minister [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/25.md) ### 26. Listener Birthdays, Lake Travis Photo, Newsletter Lures (2:03:02–2:10:11) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak discuss a controversial photo of Curry and his wife Mickey on a boat in Lake Travis that was used in the show's newsletter. Curry clarifies that the photo was not photoshopped and describes a day spent with "Russian spies" on the lake. Dvorak admits to using the photo as a "lure" to increase newsletter open rates, leading Curry to consider managing his own mailing list. Keywords: [lake travis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lake-travis.md), [newsletter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/newsletter.md), [mailchimp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mailchimp.md), [photography](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/photography.md), [spies](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spies.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Holland vs Netherlands, Donation Acknowledgments (2:10:12–2:14:35) A debate ensues over the proper name for the Netherlands versus Holland, with Dvorak citing a government website and Curry relying on his experience living there. They continue reading listener donations, highlighting regular contributors like Alan Bean, who has sent a $50 check every month for two years. Keywords: [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [holland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/holland.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [checks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/checks.md), [listeners](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/listeners.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/27.md) ### 28. Black Knight Ceremony, Maxwell Finn, Opera Sashes (2:14:35–2:17:30) The hosts perform a "Black Knight" knighthood ceremony for Maxwell Finn for his $1,000 contribution. They revisit the idea of wearing official EU sashes to formal events like the opera to command respect. Curry suggests that his wife Mickey could make custom sashes for the show's knights. Keywords: [black knight](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/black-knight.md), maxwell finn, [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), sash, [opera](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opera.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/28.md) ### 29. Iraq Dirty Bomb, Calculus Meme, Snowden Documents (2:17:30–2:21:09) The hosts debunk a news story about ISIS acquiring "dirty bomb" materials, noting that the materials were low-grade medical supplies. They mock the media's repetitive use of the word "calculus" as a synonym for strategy. Additionally, they discuss declassified documents showing the Obama administration knew about the British government's plan to destroy The Guardian's hard drives containing Snowden's leaks. Keywords: [iraq](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq.md), [isis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/isis.md), [dirty bomb](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dirty-bomb.md), [calculus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/calculus.md), [edward snowden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/edward-snowden.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/29.md) ### 30. Ukraine Privatization, Putin in Cuba, Debt Forgiveness (2:21:10–2:24:44) The discussion turns to the rapid privatization of state assets in Ukraine following an IMF loan. Meanwhile, Vladimir Putin's visit to Cuba is highlighted, where Russia wrote off 90% of Cuba's Soviet-era debt ($32 billion) in exchange for oil drilling rights and the potential reopening of a signals intelligence base. Keywords: [ukraine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ukraine.md), [imf](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/imf.md), [vladimir putin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vladimir-putin.md), [cuba](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cuba.md), [gazprom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gazprom.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/30.md) ### 31. Afghanistan Election Audit, Cholera in South Sudan (2:24:44–2:29:20) John Kerry's trip to Kabul to mediate an election audit between Ashraf Ghani and Abdullah Abdullah is analyzed as a move to protect U.S. interests. The hosts also report on a cholera outbreak in South Sudan, noting the presence of UN "Blue Helmets" and drawing parallels to the UN-linked cholera outbreak in Haiti. Keywords: [john kerry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-kerry.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [ashraf ghani](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ashraf-ghani.md), [south sudan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/south-sudan.md), [cholera](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cholera.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/31.md) ### 32. Airport Security Drills, Electronic Device Power-Up (2:29:19–2:31:43) The hosts discuss new TSA rules requiring passengers on international flights to power up electronic devices to prove they are not disguised explosives. They mock the logic of the rule, suggesting it puts security agents at risk if a device actually is a bomb. John C. Dvorak shares a "gag" idea involving lead foil cutouts of handguns placed in books to trigger x-ray alarms. Keywords: [tsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsa.md), [airport security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/airport-security.md), bombs, [laptops](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/laptops.md), [pranks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pranks.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/32.md) ### 33. Silicon Valley Interns, Tech Industry Hookers (2:31:44–2:35:52) A report on high-paid Silicon Valley interns making $7,000 a month is linked to a CNN Money segment about a "cottage sex industry" in San Jose. The hosts mock the "tech expert" coverage of hookers charging $500 an hour to wealthy programmers and app developers. They characterize the segment as a desperate attempt to create tech news in the absence of new product releases. Keywords: [palantir](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/palantir.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [interns](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/interns.md), [sex workers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sex-workers.md), cnn money [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/33.md) ### 34. Google Executive Heroin Death, Alex Tichelman (2:35:52–2:40:10) The hosts discuss the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes, who overdosed on heroin on his yacht in the presence of sex worker Alex Tichelman. They critique the media's focus on the yacht being for sale and the "secretive" nature of Google's internal culture. The segment highlights the bizarre details of the case, including Tichelman's past and the executive's involvement with Google Glass. Keywords: [google glass](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google-glass.md), [heroin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/heroin.md), alex tichelman, forrest hayes, [yacht](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yacht.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/34.md) ### 35. Gamifying Amateur Radio, Ham Radio Apps (2:40:12–2:48:27) Adam Curry proposes a "billion-dollar idea" to gamify amateur radio by creating modern, game-like interfaces for digital communication modes. He argues that ham radio has languished since the 1950s and needs to be rebranded for the "maker" generation using Arduinos and Raspberry Pis. Curry envisions a system where users "shoot down" signals or interact with satellites through a World of Warcraft-style interface. Keywords: [ham radio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ham-radio.md), [amateur radio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amateur-radio.md), [arduino](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/arduino.md), [raspberry pi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/raspberry-pi.md), [gamification](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gamification.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/35.md) ### 36. History of Radio, FCC Regulations, Digital Innovation (2:48:27–2:52:19) The hosts compare the current "Golden Age of the Internet" to the early days of radio in the 1920s before heavy regulation took hold. They lament the restrictive nature of modern amateur radio, which prohibits business talk and music, and the "stool pigeon" culture of operators reporting violations. Curry insists that digital innovation could allow for "under the radar" communication networks that the FCC would struggle to stop. Keywords: [fcc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fcc.md), [radio history](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/radio-history.md), golden age of internet, [bandwidth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bandwidth.md), [innovation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/innovation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/36.md) ### 37. World Cup Finals, Geopolitical Predictions, Two Popes (2:52:20–2:54:51) The hosts discuss the World Cup final between Argentina and Germany, framed by the media as a "tale of two popes" (Francis and Benedict). Dvorak predicts a German victory for geopolitical reasons, suggesting it will solidify German power on the world stage. They dismiss the sport as an "opiate for the masses" but acknowledge its massive viewership in America. Keywords: [world cup](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/world-cup.md), [argentina](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/argentina.md), [germany](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/germany.md), [pope francis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pope-francis.md), pope benedict [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/37.md) ### 38. Show Outro, Moving Logistics, Final Sign-off (2:54:52–2:58:13) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak conclude the episode by discussing the logistics of Curry's move and the difficulty of scheduling Time Warner cable installations. They promote the show's search engine and show notes before signing off for the final time from the Travis Heights hideout. The episode ends with a recurring clip about being a "rule follower." Keywords: [time warner](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/time-warner.md), [moving](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/moving.md), [show notes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/show-notes.md), [search engine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/search-engine.md), [sign-off](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sign-off.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/634-rough-patch/chapter/38.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/633-reverse-the-curse.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/636-appification-generation.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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