# Ketchup is Hard to Make > Global leaders navigate a $5 trillion recovery plan in London while security networks go dark and the White House dictates the future of General Motors. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 85 - **Published:** 2009-04-02 - **Length:** 1h 36m - **Topics:** [G20 Summit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/g20-summit.md), CCTV Shutdown, GM Bailout, Conficker Worm, SDRs, [Ted Stevens](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ted-stevens.md), [PETA](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/peta.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make ## About this episode The G20 summit in London faces massive disruption as hundreds of thousands of CCTV cameras are deactivated following a legal ruling on resolution standards. While world leaders like Barack Obama and Gordon Brown negotiate a $5 trillion global recovery plan, protesters dressed as zombie bankers clash with police in the financial district. The summit atmosphere shifts from policy to protocol as the British press erupts over First Lady Michelle Obama’s physical contact with Queen Elizabeth II. French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel break with the US-UK stimulus strategy, demanding stricter global financial regulation instead of further cash injections. In the United States, the Obama administration forces the resignation of General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner, while the Department of Justice drops all charges against former Senator Ted Stevens due to prosecutorial misconduct. Meanwhile, a Campaign for Liberty activist is detained by TSA agents for carrying legal currency, and NASA reports record-low solar activity that challenges prevailing climate change narratives. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak dissect the absurdity of the news cycle, from the Guardian’s suspicious transition to a Twitter-only format to the strange irony of a plane crash at a Montana cemetery. Dvorak rants about grocery store etiquette in Berkeley while Curry reveals the technical hurdles of building a new music request application for the No Agenda stream. The duo also exposes the high-kill rates at PETA shelters and the hidden corn syrup found in commercial honey. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/transcript.md. ### 1. No Agenda Episode 84 Introduction, Crackpot and Buzzkill (0:03–1:51) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open episode 84 of the No Agenda podcast on April 2, 2009. The hosts exchange banter regarding the show's creative opening and Dvorak's perceived rudeness before transitioning into the day's news cycle. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [crackpot command center](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/crackpot-command-center.md), [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md), [london](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/london.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/1.md) ### 2. London CCTV Network Shutdown, Resolution Standards Legal Ruling (1:51–3:33) Hundreds of thousands of CCTV cameras in London were reportedly turned off during the G20 summit due to a specific legal ruling regarding resolution standards. While official statements claimed the network did not meet required standards, the hosts speculate whether the resolution was actually too high for public disclosure or if the grainy footage is preferred for media consumption. Keywords: [cctv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cctv.md), [london](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/london.md), [surveillance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/surveillance.md), legal ruling, resolution standards, [privacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/privacy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/2.md) ### 3. G20 Summit Protests, Financial District Demonstrations (3:34–7:47) World leaders and central bankers convened in London's Docklands for the G20 summit, drawing tens of thousands of protesters to the financial district. Demonstrators dressed as "zombie bankers" and wearing V for Vendetta masks clashed with police, resulting in the trashing of an RBS bank branch and one reported death. Keywords: [g20 summit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/g20-summit.md), [london](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/london.md), [protests](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/protests.md), [royal bank of scotland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/royal-bank-of-scotland.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [gordon brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-brown.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/3.md) ### 4. The Guardian Twitter Publishing, April Fool's Day Hoaxes (7:49–10:11) The Guardian announced a transition to publishing news exclusively via Twitter, a move the hosts suspect is an April Fool's Day prank. The discussion covers various corporate hoaxes from April 1st, including Google's "autopilot" artificial intelligence gag and Dvorak's own history in the "Hoax Hall of Fame." Keywords: [the guardian](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-guardian.md), [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [april fool's day](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/april-fool-s-day.md), [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md), [hoaxes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hoaxes.md), [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Conficker Worm Status, Microsoft Private Clouds (10:14–11:48) The Conficker computer worm failed to cause the massive disruption predicted for April 1st, leading to its characterization as a "dead worm" floating through networks. Additional tech news items from the Wall Street Journal regarding Google software on laptops and Microsoft private clouds are scrutinized for potential April Fool's influence. Keywords: conficker worm, [microsoft](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/microsoft.md), [google](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google.md), windows server, [malware](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/malware.md), [cybersecurity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cybersecurity.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/5.md) ### 6. UK Copyright Extension, Cliff Richard Lobbying (11:49–12:41) Musicians including Cliff Richard, Billy Bragg, and Robin Gibb successfully lobbied the British government to extend music copyright protections beyond the previous 50-year limit. The legislative change prevents early hits from the 1950s and 60s from entering the public domain, mirroring the Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act in the United States. Keywords: [cliff richard](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cliff-richard.md), [copyright law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/copyright-law.md), [united kingdom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-kingdom.md), [sonny bono](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sonny-bono.md), [disney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/disney.md), [music industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/music-industry.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Michelle Obama and Queen Elizabeth II, London Media Frenzy (12:42–14:49) The British press focused heavily on First Lady Michelle Obama's visit to Buckingham Palace, specifically highlighting a perceived breach of protocol when she placed her arm around Queen Elizabeth II. Media coverage in both the US and UK shifted from the G20 policy discussions to "Michelle-mania" and the physical height difference between the Obamas and the Royals. Keywords: [michelle obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michelle-obama.md), [queen elizabeth ii](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/queen-elizabeth-ii.md), [buckingham palace](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/buckingham-palace.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [protocol](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/protocol.md), [london](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/london.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Mainstream Media Redundancy, Foreign Correspondent Waste (14:50–18:14) The hosts criticize major news networks for sending high-profile anchors like Katie Couric to London for the G20 summit instead of utilizing local stringers. They argue that having multiple crews film the same stand-up shots in front of Westminster Abbey is a waste of resources and contributes to the decline of traditional news media. Keywords: [katie couric](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/katie-couric.md), [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), [pbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pbs.md), [news hour](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/news-hour.md), [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md), foreign correspondents, [london](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/london.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Barack Obama Press Conference, British Media Interaction (18:14–19:56) During a joint press conference with Gordon Brown, President Barack Obama engaged in a pointed exchange with Nick Robinson of the BBC. The hosts analyze Obama's speaking style without a teleprompter and the "community theater" aesthetic of alternative press briefings held by other European leaders. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), nick robinson, [press conference](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/press-conference.md), [g20](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/g20.md), [gordon brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-brown.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/9.md) ### 10. European Economic Regulation, Sarkozy and Merkel vs Stimulus (19:57–22:42) French President Nicolas Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed strong opposition to further economic stimulus, favoring increased regulation instead. This created a rift at the G20 summit between the US-UK "stimulus" camp and the continental European "regulation" camp, which some critics view as a form of hidden protectionism. Keywords: [nicolas sarkozy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nicolas-sarkozy.md), [angela merkel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/angela-merkel.md), [stimulus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stimulus.md), [regulation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/regulation.md), [protectionism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/protectionism.md), [g20](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/g20.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Global Economic Recovery Plan, IMF Special Drawing Rights (22:42–25:12) Prime Minister Gordon Brown announced a global plan for economic recovery involving a $5 trillion injection into the world economy. The UK pledged $1 trillion in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) to the IMF, though the hosts remain skeptical of the long-term efficacy of these massive financial guarantees. Keywords: [gordon brown](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gordon-brown.md), [imf](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/imf.md), [special drawing rights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/special-drawing-rights.md), [stimulus](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stimulus.md), [economic recovery](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economic-recovery.md), [g20](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/g20.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Jim Clark Marriage, Netscape Founder and Christy Hinze (25:13–27:54) Netscape founder Jim Clark, age 67, married 21-year-old swimsuit model Christy Hinze, sparking media commentary on the couple's age gap and Clark's wealth. The hosts discuss Clark's history with high-tech yachts and the public perception of the marriage as reported by the New York Post. Keywords: jim clark, [netscape](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netscape.md), christy hinze, [marriage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marriage.md), [billionaire](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/billionaire.md), [yacht](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yacht.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Miss Universe Guantanamo Bay Visit, Diana Mendoza (27:54–28:36) Miss Universe Diana Mendoza visited the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and described the experience as "relaxing and calm." Her comments regarding the beauty of the water and the facility's atmosphere were criticized as a public relations effort to soften the image of the controversial military prison. Keywords: [miss universe](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/miss-universe.md), diana mendoza, [guantanamo bay](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/guantanamo-bay.md), [gitmo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo.md), [venezuela](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/venezuela.md), [human rights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/human-rights.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Berkeley Grocery Store Etiquette, Canvas Bag Rant (28:37–33:42) John Dvorak recounts an experience at Monterey Foods in Berkeley where a customer held up the checkout line to demand her vegetables be repacked into her own canvas bags. The anecdote serves as a critique of performative environmentalism and the "grimy" nature of reusable bags compared to standard paper options. Keywords: [berkeley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/berkeley.md), [monterey foods](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monterey-foods.md), canvas bags, [environmentalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/environmentalism.md), [grocery shopping](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/grocery-shopping.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Pilatus PC-12 Crash, Montana Cemetery Incident (33:46–36:17) A Pilatus PC-12 aircraft carrying 14 passengers crashed into the Holy Cross Cemetery in Butte, Montana, directly hitting a memorial known as the "Tomb of the Unborn." The hosts note the irony that two daughters of Irving Budd Felkamp, an owner of several abortion clinics, were among the victims of the crash. Keywords: pilatus pc-12, [plane crash](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/plane-crash.md), [montana](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/montana.md), tomb of the unborn, irving budd felkamp [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Kathleen Sebelius Tax Errors, IRS Enforcement Power (36:17–39:14) Health and Human Services nominee Kathleen Sebelius corrected three years of tax returns and paid $7,000 in back taxes due to "unintentional errors." The hosts discuss the immense power of the IRS, including its ability to seize bank accounts and the requirement for citizens to prove their innocence during audits. Keywords: [kathleen sebelius](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kathleen-sebelius.md), [irs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/irs.md), [taxes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taxes.md), [department of health and human services](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-health-and-human-services.md), [audit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/audit.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Ted Stevens Case Dismissal, Prosecutorial Misconduct (39:15–42:28) The Department of Justice dropped all charges against former Senator Ted Stevens following revelations of significant prosecutorial misconduct and the withholding of exculpatory evidence. Attorney General Eric Holder moved to dismiss the case, leading the hosts to speculate on the political motivations behind the original prosecution and its sudden end. Keywords: [ted stevens](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ted-stevens.md), [eric holder](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eric-holder.md), [department of justice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-justice.md), [alaska](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alaska.md), prosecutorial abuse [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/17.md) ### 18. TSA Detention of Campaign for Liberty Activist (42:29–50:47) A 25-year-old activist returning from a Ron Paul "Campaign for Liberty" event was detained by TSA agents for carrying $4,700 in cash. Audio of the encounter reveals agents threatening the man with DEA and FBI involvement for refusing to explain the source of his legal currency, highlighting concerns over police state tactics at airports. Keywords: [tsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsa.md), [campaign for liberty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/campaign-for-liberty.md), [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [fourth amendment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fourth-amendment.md), [civil liberties](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/civil-liberties.md), [airport security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/airport-security.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Twitter Music Application Development, Noel Coward (50:49–53:15) Adam Curry describes the development of a new Twitter-based application ("twap") for the No Agenda stream that allows users to request music via direct messages. The system automates the search for tracks across the internet, though Curry notes the challenges of metadata accuracy and mislabeled files. Keywords: [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [api](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/api.md), [music streaming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/music-streaming.md), [no agenda stream](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda-stream.md), [automation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/automation.md), noel coward [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Hummingbird Behavior and Urban Wildlife (53:18–54:41) The hosts discuss the aggressive and territorial behavior of hummingbirds, noting their incredible speed and hovering capabilities. Curry shares observations of the diverse bird population in London during his late-night editing sessions. Keywords: hummingbirds, [london](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/london.md), [wildlife](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wildlife.md), [nature](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nature.md), bird watching [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/20.md) ### 21. High Fructose Corn Syrup in Honey, Ketchup Production (54:41–1:01:01) Reports indicate that some commercial honey is being adulterated with high fructose corn syrup, which can be identified when the substances begin to separate. Dvorak shares an anecdote about inspecting a Del Monte ketchup factory and discusses the health risks associated with corn syrup, including its potential link to adult-onset diabetes. Keywords: [high fructose corn syrup](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-fructose-corn-syrup.md), [honey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/honey.md), heinz ketchup, [food regulation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/food-regulation.md), [mercury](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mercury.md), [diabetes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/diabetes.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/21.md) ### 22. FDA Sugar Recommendations, Portland Punch Formula Change (1:01:02–1:04:07) The CEO of Portland Punch reportedly claimed the FDA recommends switching from sugar to high fructose corn syrup, a statement the hosts label as a lie. They discuss how food producers change long-standing formulas to use cheaper, subsidized corn-based sweeteners without passing the savings on to consumers. Keywords: [fda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fda.md), portland punch, [sugar](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sugar.md), [high fructose corn syrup](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-fructose-corn-syrup.md), mimi buzzkill [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Nanotechnology in Food, Monsanto Crop Failures (1:04:07–1:06:50) Major food producers like Unilever and Nestle are under scrutiny for the potential use of unlabelled nanoparticles in food products and packaging. Meanwhile, in South Africa, 82,000 hectares of Monsanto's genetically modified corn failed to produce seeds, leading to massive financial losses and reported suicides among farmers. Keywords: [nanotechnology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nanotechnology.md), [monsanto](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/monsanto.md), [gmo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gmo.md), [south africa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/south-africa.md), [unilever](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/unilever.md), [kraft](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kraft.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Larry Silverstein Financial Aid Request, World Trade Center (1:06:51–1:08:28) Developer Larry Silverstein is seeking financial assistance to complete the construction of the new World Trade Center towers. The hosts revisit the history of Silverstein's purchase of the original complex just weeks before the September 11 attacks and his subsequent insurance payouts. Keywords: [larry silverstein](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/larry-silverstein.md), [world trade center](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/world-trade-center.md), [9/11](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/9-11.md), [insurance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/insurance.md), [real estate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/real-estate.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Sponsor segment: No Agenda Donation Segment, Chinese Lucky Numbers (1:08:29–1:10:04) The hosts solicit donations to keep the show running, suggesting various contribution levels including "lucky" Chinese numbers like $8.88 or $888.88. They acknowledge recent donors and explain the "value-for-value" model of the podcast. Keywords: [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [dvorak.org](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dvorak-org.md), [value-for-value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), 888, lucky numbers [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/25.md) ### 26. Pronunciation Pet Peeves, Library and Zoologist (1:10:05–1:11:03) Dvorak and Curry discuss common mispronunciations, specifically targeting the words "library" and "zoologist." They mock the tendency of people, including public figures like Bill Gates, to drop syllables or add sounds where they don't belong. Keywords: [pronunciation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pronunciation.md), [linguistics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/linguistics.md), [library](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/library.md), zoologist, [bill gates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-gates.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Natural Resource Defense Council Toilet Paper Campaign (1:11:04–1:13:43) The Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC) issued a report claiming that the American preference for soft, multi-ply toilet paper is destroying old-growth forests in Canada. The hosts mock the environmentalist push for recycled paper, leading to a historical tangent about the "Groom of the Stool" in the British Royal Court. Keywords: [nrdc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nrdc.md), [toilet paper](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/toilet-paper.md), [environment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/environment.md), old-growth forests, [queen elizabeth ii](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/queen-elizabeth-ii.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/27.md) ### 28. NASA Solar Activity Report, Global Warming Skepticism (1:13:43–1:15:54) NASA research indicates that solar activity is currently at an all-time low, which the hosts argue complicates the narrative of man-made global warming. They suggest that fluctuations in the sunspot cycle are the primary driver of Earth's temperature changes rather than carbon emissions. Keywords: [nasa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nasa.md), [sunspots](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sunspots.md), [solar cycle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/solar-cycle.md), [global warming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-warming.md), [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/28.md) ### 29. Rahm Emanuel and Universal Civil Defense Training (1:15:56–1:20:04) Audio surfaces of Rahm Emanuel discussing a proposal for "Universal Civil Defense Training," which would require young adults between ages 18 and 25 to undergo three months of service. The hosts compare the plan to a form of mandatory national service or barracks-style training for the youth. Keywords: [rahm emanuel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rahm-emanuel.md), universal service, the plan, [civil defense](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/civil-defense.md), [conscription](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conscription.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/29.md) ### 30. Eurovision Song Contest and BBC Budget Issues (1:20:06–1:21:01) The BBC reportedly hoped its entry for the Eurovision Song Contest would lose because the network cannot afford the costs associated with hosting the following year's event. The hosts also note that long-time commentator Terry Wogan will not be participating in the broadcast this year. Keywords: [eurovision](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eurovision.md), [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), [terry wogan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/terry-wogan.md), [song contest](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/song-contest.md), [budget cuts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/budget-cuts.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/30.md) ### 31. Rick Wagoner Firing, General Motors CEO Ouster (1:21:02–1:22:58) The Obama administration forced the resignation of General Motors CEO Rick Wagoner as a condition for further government bailouts. The hosts question the legality and precedent of the federal government firing the head of a private corporation, despite the billions of taxpayer dollars invested in the company. Keywords: rick wagoner, [general motors](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/general-motors.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [rahm emanuel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rahm-emanuel.md), [auto bailout](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/auto-bailout.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/31.md) ### 32. Huffington Post Investigative Fund, Arianna Huffington (1:22:58–1:23:53) The Huffington Post launched a $1.75 million fund for investigative journalism in partnership with the Atlantic Philanthropies. The hosts express skepticism about the project's goals and criticize Arianna Huffington's political shifts and public persona. Keywords: [arianna huffington](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/arianna-huffington.md), [huffington post](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/huffington-post.md), [investigative journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/investigative-journalism.md), [jay rosen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jay-rosen.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/32.md) ### 33. Salma Hayek's Husband Held Hostage, French Protests (1:23:54–1:25:25) Francois-Henri Pinault, the billionaire CEO of PPR and husband of actress Salma Hayek, was briefly held hostage in his car by employees protesting job cuts and wages in France. The hosts note that the story only gained significant traction in the US media due to the celebrity connection to Hayek. Keywords: salma hayek, francois-henri pinault, ppr, hostage, [france](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/france.md), credit crunch [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/33.md) ### 34. PETA Animal Slaughterhouse Allegations (1:25:26–1:27:27) Reports resurfaced alleging that PETA operates a high-kill shelter at its headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia, euthanizing a vast majority of the animals it takes in. The hosts credit Penn & Teller's "Bullshit!" program for originally exposing the hypocrisy of the animal rights organization years prior. Keywords: [peta](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/peta.md), penn and teller, [animal rights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/animal-rights.md), [norfolk](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/norfolk.md), [virginia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/virginia.md), slaughterhouse [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/34.md) ### 35. Latvia Marijuana Rumors, Silicon Valley Venture Capital (1:27:27–1:31:33) A story from Latvia suggests the government may sell confiscated marijuana in drugstores, though the hosts suspect it is an April Fool's prank. This leads to a discussion on the "Silicon Valley syndrome," where venture capitalists refuse to invest in talented international software teams unless there is a direct flight to their location. Keywords: [latvia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/latvia.md), [marijuana](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marijuana.md), [venture capital](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/venture-capital.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [software development](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/software-development.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/35.md) ### 36. Federal Reserve Audit Bill, Ron Paul HR 1207 (1:31:33–1:33:24) Congressman Ron Paul's bill to audit the Federal Reserve (HR 1207) has gained 50 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives. The hosts discuss Paul's role as a "kook" in the political landscape and Dvorak's humorous "crush" on Representative Michele Bachmann. Keywords: [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), [hr 1207](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hr-1207.md), [audit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/audit.md), [congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md), [michele bachmann](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michele-bachmann.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/36.md) ### 37. No Agenda Outro, Episode 84 Sign-off (1:33:25–1:36:26) Adam Curry and John Dvorak conclude the episode with a discussion on the complexities of computer programming and the "rude" nature of the phrase "whatever you say." They promote the No Agenda stream and confirm the next broadcast for Sunday. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [no agenda stream](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda-stream.md), [programming](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/programming.md), [sign-off](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sign-off.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/85-ketchup-is-hard-to-make/chapter/37.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/84-jobs-justice-and-climate.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/86-fat-chicks-from-toronto.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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