# Shunt Unit > A high-stakes clash over Republican identity unfolds as global markets face an oil-driven correction and the International Space Station battles a critical hardware failure. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 791 - **Published:** 2016-01-17 - **Length:** 2h 56m - **Topics:** [New York Values](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-york-values.md), Oil Collapse, Yosemite Trademark, [Cricket Protein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cricket-protein.md), [Goldman Sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), [Space Station](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/space-station.md), [Migrant Crisis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/migrant-crisis.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit ## About this episode Donald Trump and Ted Cruz ignited a rhetorical firestorm over New York values during the latest Republican primary debate, while Trump simultaneously weaponized constitutional eligibility questions against the Canadian-born Senator. The exchange, analyzed as a masterclass in media manipulation, saw Trump successfully pivot from Cruz's socially liberal characterizations to a defense of the city's post-9/11 resilience. Meanwhile, the New York Daily News responded to the controversy with a scathing cover, further fueling the national divide over the GOP nomination path. Economic indicators point toward a global correction as oil prices plummet below $30 per barrel, driven by Saudi Arabian market share strategies and the re-entry of Iran into the energy sector. In the United States, Tavis Smiley reported on C-SPAN that black Americans have lost economic ground across all major categories over the last decade, while healthcare premiums under the Affordable Care Act have surged by 20% for many families. Additional reports highlight a million-dollar undisclosed loan from Goldman Sachs to the Cruz campaign, challenging his populist image. In Europe, Angela Merkel faces internal party revolts as borders close in Macedonia and Greece, signaling a breakdown in the migrant 'welcome' policy. Technical glitches defined the week as Tim Peake's historic spacewalk was aborted due to a water leak in Tim Kopra's helmet, and Donald Trump threatened to stiff a microphone technician during a rally. The hosts also explore the psychological warfare of leaving ant carcasses on kitchen counters to deter infestations and the strange rise of cricket-protein milkshakes at Wayback Burgers. The episode concludes with a look at the Yosemite trademark dispute where corporate concessionaires are forcing the renaming of the historic Curry Village. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/transcript.md. ### 1. Argentinian Ant Infestations and Psychological Warfare Tactics (0:00–4:56) A discussion regarding an ant infestation at a West Coast studio leads to a detailed explanation of a unique pest control method. The strategy involves using a long-reach lighter to torch scout ants on kitchen counters while leaving the carcasses behind to "send a message" to the rest of the colony. This psychological approach to pest management is presented as an alternative to standard cleaning or chemical baits. Keywords: [ants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ants.md), [west coast](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/west-coast.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [pest control](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pest-control.md), [psychological warfare](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/psychological-warfare.md), [argentinian ants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/argentinian-ants.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Academy Awards Diversity Controversy and Chris Rock Hosting (4:57–15:31) The 2016 Academy Awards face significant backlash and a "Oscars So White" social media campaign due to a lack of diverse acting nominations. Analysis suggests the controversy serves as a promotional tool for the telecast, noting that host Chris Rock is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the racial tension. The voting process is scrutinized, highlighting the roles of actors like Ed Begley Jr. and Annette Bening in the Academy's secret membership structure. Keywords: [oscars](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oscars.md), [academy awards](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/academy-awards.md), [chris rock](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chris-rock.md), [diversity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/diversity.md), [hollywood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hollywood.md), [racism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/racism.md), ed begley jr [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/2.md) ### 3. MSNBC Racial Slur Allegations and Republican Debate Rhetoric (15:31–20:08) Commentators on MSNBC, including Melissa Harris-Perry, characterize Governor Chris Christie's description of President Obama as a "petulant child" as a racist dog whistle. The analysis explores the claim that calling a black man a "child" is a coded reference to the historical slur "boy." This interpretation is contrasted with the view that such rhetoric is standard political criticism rather than racial signaling. Keywords: [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md), [melissa harris-perry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/melissa-harris-perry.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [chris christie](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chris-christie.md), [dog whistle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dog-whistle.md), [racism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/racism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Tavis Smiley on Black Economic Progress and Obamacare (20:09–26:35) Tavis Smiley reports on C-SPAN that black Americans have lost economic ground in every major category over the last decade. Smiley expresses skepticism regarding the effectiveness of the Affordable Care Act in addressing health disparities, specifically noting that key provisions like pre-existing condition protections are being bypassed by insurance companies through tiered medication pricing. Keywords: [tavis smiley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tavis-smiley.md), [obamacare](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/obamacare.md), [affordable care act](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/affordable-care-act.md), black americans, health disparities, [c-span](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/c-span.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Healthcare Premium Increases and International Insurance Models (26:38–29:59) A comparison of the U.S. healthcare system and the Dutch model reveals rising costs and high co-pays in both regions. Despite President Obama's promises of lower premiums, costs have increased by 10% to 20% for many families. The discussion posits that the insurance industry, supported by figures like Warren Buffett, prioritizes financial profit over public health outcomes, suggesting a move toward single-payer is inevitable. Keywords: [healthcare](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/healthcare.md), [premiums](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/premiums.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [single-payer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/single-payer.md), [insurance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/insurance.md), [warren buffett](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/warren-buffett.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Ted Cruz and Donald Trump New York Values Debate (29:59–36:03) During a Republican primary debate, Ted Cruz attacks Donald Trump by invoking "New York values," which he defines as socially liberal and media-focused. Trump counters by praising the resilience of New Yorkers following the September 11 attacks, a move that is widely viewed as a successful rhetorical reversal. The New York Daily News responds to Cruz's comments with a "Drop Dead, Ted" cover. Keywords: [ted cruz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ted-cruz.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [new york values](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-york-values.md), [republican debate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/republican-debate.md), daily news, [south carolina](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/south-carolina.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Glenn Beck and Fox News Strategy Against Trump (36:03–38:29) Glenn Beck appears on Bill O'Reilly's program to argue that Donald Trump is not a true conservative. Beck posits that Trump's primary complaint is not the size of the government, but rather the competence of its leaders. This analysis suggests Fox News uses Beck as a proxy to criticize Trump without alienating their own pro-Trump audience. Keywords: [glenn beck](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/glenn-beck.md), [fox news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox-news.md), [bill o'reilly](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-o-reilly.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [conservatism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conservatism.md), government size [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Generational Social Media Shifts and Facebook Political Echo Chambers (38:30–39:51) Observations on social media usage highlight a generational shift from Facebook to Instagram among younger users. Facebook is characterized as a platform for political vitriol and a congregation point for Democrats, whereas Instagram is preferred for its visual nature and simplified "double-tap" interaction. Keywords: [facebook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/facebook.md), [instagram](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/instagram.md), [millennials](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/millennials.md), [social media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-media.md), [algorithms](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/algorithms.md), [political divide](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-divide.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Ted Cruz Eligibility and Trump's Vice Presidential Trolling (39:51–45:12) Donald Trump raises questions regarding Ted Cruz's eligibility for the presidency due to his birth in Canada, citing constitutional scholar Lawrence Tribe. Trump masterfully uses the "birther" issue to create doubt among voters while simultaneously demeaning Cruz by suggesting he could serve as a Vice Presidential candidate. The exchange is analyzed as a high-level display of media manipulation and crowd control. Keywords: [ted cruz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ted-cruz.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [birtherism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/birtherism.md), [eligibility](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eligibility.md), lawrence tribe, [vice president](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vice-president.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Goldman Sachs Loan Controversy and Ted Cruz Populism (45:13–47:57) Reports surface that Ted Cruz failed to properly disclose a million-dollar loan from Goldman Sachs used to finance his Senate run. While the media frames this as a blow to his anti-Wall Street populist image, the discussion suggests that average voters may care less about the financial relationship than the news networks imply. Keywords: [ted cruz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ted-cruz.md), [goldman sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), [wall street](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wall-street.md), [campaign finance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/campaign-finance.md), [news media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/news-media.md), [populism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/populism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/10.md) ### 11. David Brooks on Republican Party Panic and Trump (47:58–51:19) Columnist David Brooks expresses concern on PBS regarding the Republican Party's potential "suicide" if Donald Trump or Ted Cruz wins the nomination. Brooks suggests a "smoke-filled room" approach where donors and party leaders winnow the field to support a candidate like Marco Rubio. His credibility is questioned due to his repeated failed predictions of Trump's political demise. Keywords: [david brooks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-brooks.md), [pbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pbs.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [republican party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/republican-party.md), [marco rubio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marco-rubio.md), [chris christie](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chris-christie.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Neoliberalism and the Lack of Public Interest Lawmaking (51:20–54:38) The political landscape is described as a shift toward neoliberalism, where both parties prioritize business interests over the public good. Using the Netherlands as an example, the discussion explores how socialist policies and high taxes create a "free money" mentality, specifically regarding disability benefits for conditions like autism. Keywords: [neoliberalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/neoliberalism.md), [bill clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-clinton.md), [bernie sanders](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bernie-sanders.md), [elizabeth warren](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elizabeth-warren.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [autism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/autism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Ben Carson on American Divisiveness and Secular Progressivism (54:38–57:56) Ben Carson laments the loss of Judeo-Christian values in America, citing the vitriol found in internet comment sections as evidence of a "war on everything." Carson argues that secular progressives are driving traditional values out of public life and that Christians are being unfairly shamed and belittled in modern society. Keywords: [ben carson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ben-carson.md), secular progressivism, [christianity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/christianity.md), religious war, internet comments, divisiveness [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/13.md) ### 14. No Agenda Art Gallery and PewDiePie Influence (58:06–1:01:02) The hosts review the listener-submitted artwork for Episode 791, titled "Climate Disobedience," featuring Hillary Clinton. They discuss the current state of the "No Agenda Art" community, noting a temporary dip in quality and jokingly blaming the influence of the YouTuber PewDiePie for distracting key artists. Keywords: [podcast art](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcast-art.md), [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [pewdiepie](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pewdiepie.md), nick durat, [digital art](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/digital-art.md), creative process [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Executive Producer Donations and Human Resource Karma (1:01:02–1:06:08) A segment dedicated to acknowledging high-tier donors includes a $800 contribution from Timothy Crow and a $500 donation from Sir James Brown. The hosts grant "karma" for various life events, including a healthy pregnancy for a listener's fifth "human resource" and professional success for a nurse. Keywords: [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [crowdfunding](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crowdfunding.md), [karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karma.md), [pregnancy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pregnancy.md), [nfl](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nfl.md), [climate gate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-gate.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Vienna Meetup and the Knight of the Non-Hipster Man Beard (1:06:10–1:10:21) Yael Ossowski, a journalist based in Vienna, is knighted as the "Knight of the Non-Hipster Man Beard" after reaching the $1,000 donation threshold. Ossowski proposes a No Agenda meetup in Vienna involving schnitzels and beer, highlighting the show's international reach among "millennial slaves." Keywords: [vienna](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vienna.md), [austria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austria.md), [meetup](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/meetup.md), [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [millennials](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/millennials.md), man beard, [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Anchorage Donations and No Agenda Jingles App Update (1:10:22–1:14:53) Eric Scheer from Anchorage, Alaska, contributes $200, prompting a reflection on the show's former "Minuteman Club." The hosts also announce an update to the No Agenda Jingles app for iOS, which allows users to create custom jingle sequences and request them during the live broadcast. Keywords: [anchorage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anchorage.md), [alaska](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alaska.md), minuteman club, [ios app](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ios-app.md), [jingles](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jingles.md), [value-for-value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Obama's California Smog Claims and Technical Difficulties (1:14:59–1:22:28) President Obama's claims about 1970s California air pollution are scrutinized for historical accuracy. While Obama claimed the smog was as bad as modern Beijing during Ronald Reagan's governorship, records show Reagan left office in 1975, years before Obama arrived at Occidental College in 1979. A brief technical pause occurs to replace a battery during the fact-checking process. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [ronald reagan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ronald-reagan.md), [smog](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/smog.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [occidental college](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/occidental-college.md), [air pollution](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-pollution.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Scientific Deconstruction of Lead in Gasoline and Violence Rates (1:22:28–1:31:48) An in-depth technical discussion explains the transition from leaded to unleaded gasoline and the implementation of catalytic converters. The analysis highlights the toxic effects of tetraethyl lead and presents the theory that the removal of lead from the environment correlates with the significant drop in violent crime rates since the 1970s. Keywords: tetraethyl lead, [gasoline](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gasoline.md), [air pollution](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-pollution.md), violence rates, [catalytic converters](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/catalytic-converters.md), [detroit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/detroit.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Obama on Michelle Obama's Presidential Prospects (1:31:49–1:34:33) President Obama dismisses suggestions that First Lady Michelle Obama should run for president, stating she would "kill him" if he sought a third term or if she entered politics. The hosts critique the President's phrasing as "misogynistic" and "unlovable," noting his informal use of the phrase "because the Constitution." Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [michelle obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michelle-obama.md), [constitution](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/constitution.md), [misogyny](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/misogyny.md), [2016 election](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2016-election.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Donald Trump Rally Music and Microphone Malfunctions (1:34:33–1:36:55) A viral clip of the "Freedom Girls" performing at a Donald Trump rally is presented as prime material for a musical remix. Additionally, Trump is heard complaining about a faulty microphone during a speech, threatening not to pay the technician—a sentiment the hosts find relatable given their own technical standards. Keywords: [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), freedom girls, [remix](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/remix.md), [microphone](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/microphone.md), [audio quality](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/audio-quality.md), [political rallies](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-rallies.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Congressional Authority in Presidential Eligibility Disputes (1:36:56–1:39:34) Research into the Michigan Law Review suggests that Congress, rather than the Supreme Court, may have the final authority to decide a candidate's eligibility for the presidency. This process would occur during the formal counting of electoral votes, potentially creating a final hurdle for Ted Cruz. Keywords: [congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md), [ted cruz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ted-cruz.md), [eligibility](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eligibility.md), [supreme court](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/supreme-court.md), electoral votes, jurisprudence [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Knighting Ceremony and Yosemite Trademark Dispute (1:39:39–1:48:21) The hosts perform a knighting ceremony for Timothy Crow and Yael Ossowski. The discussion then shifts to a controversial trademark dispute where the National Park Service is being forced to rename iconic Yosemite landmarks like Curry Village and the Ahwahnee Hotel due to a $54 million legal battle with a private concessionaire. Keywords: [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [yosemite](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yosemite.md), [curry village](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/curry-village.md), [trademark](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trademark.md), [national park service](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/national-park-service.md), ahwahnee hotel [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/23.md) ### 24. The History of Curry Village and Firefalls (1:48:23–1:52:50) A personal connection to Yosemite's Curry Village is revealed, as the landmark was founded by the speaker's ancestors, Margaret and David Curry. The segment recounts the history of "Firefalls," a nightly event where a bonfire was pushed off a cliff, and expresses outrage that the "Curry" name is being removed due to corporate greed. Keywords: [curry village](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/curry-village.md), [yosemite](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yosemite.md), camp curry, firefalls, [family history](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/family-history.md), [national parks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/national-parks.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/24.md) ### 25. European Migrant Crisis and Angela Merkel's Political Pressure (1:52:51–2:01:18) The migrant crisis in Europe intensifies as borders in Macedonia and Greece close, leaving UN facilities empty. Chancellor Angela Merkel faces unprecedented pressure from within her own party to reverse her "welcome" policy, though analysts suggest she is too closely identified with the position to change course without losing all credibility. Keywords: [angela merkel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/angela-merkel.md), [germany](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/germany.md), [migrants](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/migrants.md), [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md), [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), [macedonia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/macedonia.md), [integration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/integration.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/25.md) ### 26. Victoria Nuland's Diplomatic Travels and Market Volatility (2:01:18–2:05:14) Diplomat Victoria Nuland is reported to be traveling for closed-door talks near Kaliningrad and Davos. Simultaneously, the global stock market experiences a significant correction, though financial analysts from Charles Schwab suggest it is a standard market movement rather than the start of a permanent bear market. Keywords: [victoria nuland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/victoria-nuland.md), [russia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russia.md), [switzerland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/switzerland.md), [stock market](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stock-market.md), [bear market](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bear-market.md), [correction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/correction.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Global Economic Headwinds and Chinese Financial Transparency (2:05:16–2:14:17) The volatility in U.S. markets is attributed to economic weakness in China and uncertainty regarding Federal Reserve interest rate hikes. The discussion highlights China's lack of financial transparency and compares the current "Great Recession" psyche to the previous dot-com and housing market collapses. Keywords: [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), shanghai composite, [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), [great recession](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/great-recession.md), [y2k](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/y2k.md), [dot-com bubble](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dot-com-bubble.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/27.md) ### 28. Oil Price Collapse and Saudi Arabian Market Share (2:14:18–2:20:08) Oil prices drop below $30 per barrel, driven by oversupply from U.S. shale and the re-entry of Iran into the market. Saudi Arabia's refusal to cut production is explained as a strategic move to protect market share, a lesson learned from their failed attempts to fix prices in the 1970s. Keywords: [oil prices](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oil-prices.md), [saudi arabia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/saudi-arabia.md), [opec](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opec.md), [iran](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iran.md), [fracking](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fracking.md), wti crude, [brent crude](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brent-crude.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/28.md) ### 29. Oil Price Predictions and the 2017 Economic Forecast (2:20:09–2:25:18) The hosts place "Red Book" bets on the bottom of the oil market, with predictions ranging from $13.50 to $24.00 per barrel. They warn that while the current situation is a correction, a much larger and more "frightening" economic event is forecasted for 2017. Keywords: [oil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oil.md), [wti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wti.md), brent, economic forecast, [investment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/investment.md), [2017](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2017.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/29.md) ### 30. Superfood Trends and Waste-Based Dining (2:25:29–2:29:35) A critique of the "superfood" industry focuses on the 2016 trends emerging from fancy food shows. The list includes "waste-based food," popularized by New York chef Dan Barber, which utilizes vegetable pulp and scraps, as well as the rising popularity of kelp as a sustainable seaweed option. Keywords: [kale](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kale.md), [superfoods](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/superfoods.md), dan barber, kelp, [food waste](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/food-waste.md), [new york city](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-york-city.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/30.md) ### 31. Quinoa Exploitation and the Benefits of Lifeway Kefir (2:29:37–2:34:02) The discussion covers the environmental and social impact of quinoa consumption on indigenous South Americans. It also highlights "teff" as a new ancient grain and provides a strong endorsement for Lifeway brand Kefir as a superior probiotic compared to inconsistent products like kombucha. Keywords: [quinoa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/quinoa.md), teff, kefir, lifeway, [probiotics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/probiotics.md), [kombucha](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kombucha.md), [indigenous people](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/indigenous-people.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/31.md) ### 32. Crickets as the Number One Climate-Friendly Superfood (2:34:03–2:39:50) Crickets are identified as the top superfood to watch in 2016 due to their high protein content and low environmental footprint. While the idea of eating insects is still met with resistance in the U.S., mainstream chains like Wayback Burgers have already experimented with cricket-protein milkshakes. Keywords: [crickets](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crickets.md), [entomophagy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/entomophagy.md), [protein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/protein.md), [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md), wayback burgers, amaranth [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/32.md) ### 33. French Drug Trial Disaster and Lab Dosage Errors (2:39:51–2:44:35) A clinical drug trial in Rennes, France, results in one person being declared brain dead and five others hospitalized. The drug, intended to target the endocannabinoid system for pain management, likely caused the neurological damage due to a massive dosage error or "hot dose" during the testing phase. Keywords: [france](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/france.md), drug trial, brain dead, endocannabinoid, bial, biotrial, dosage error [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/33.md) ### 34. Tim Peake's Spacewalk and the Water Bubble Incident (2:44:36–2:51:14) British astronaut Tim Peake's historic spacewalk is cut short after a water bubble is discovered in his colleague Tim Kopra's helmet. The incident sparks a discussion on the constant need for repairs on the International Space Station and mentions conspiracy theories regarding the authenticity of space footage. Keywords: tim peake, [iss](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iss.md), [spacewalk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spacewalk.md), [nasa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nasa.md), water bubble, [conspiracy theory](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conspiracy-theory.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/34.md) ### 35. Jerry Hall and Rupert Murdoch Engagement Hypocrisy (2:51:14–2:56:43) The engagement of Jerry Hall and Rupert Murdoch is used to highlight perceived hypocrisy on social media. The analysis suggests that those who champion the right to marry whomever one loves often abandon that principle when faced with a significant age gap in a high-profile relationship. The show concludes with the "Gitmo Nation National Anthem." Keywords: jerry hall, [rupert murdoch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rupert-murdoch.md), [marriage equality](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marriage-equality.md), [hypocrisy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hypocrisy.md), [social media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-media.md), [engagement](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/engagement.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/791-shunt-unit/chapter/35.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/790-climate-disobedience.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/792-buffoonery.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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