# Throne Sniffing > A diplomatic phone call to Taiwan upends decades of State Department policy while corporate titans and military generals prepare to take the reins of the federal government. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 883 - **Published:** 2016-12-04 - **Length:** 2h 48m - **Topics:** Taiwan Protocol, [Voter ID](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/voter-id.md), IBM Registry, [Bohemian Grove](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bohemian-grove.md), [White Helmets](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/white-helmets.md), Madam President, [God Gene](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/god-gene.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing ## About this episode President-elect Donald Trump shattered decades of diplomatic protocol by accepting a ten-minute phone call from Taiwan’s President, sparking a media firestorm over the long-standing One China policy. While NBC and PBS pundits reacted with alarm, the transition team also faced scrutiny for a reported conversation with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte regarding his controversial anti-drug campaign. These geopolitical shifts coincide with the appointments of General James Mattis as Secretary of Defense and ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson as a potential Secretary of State, signaling a massive realignment of American power. Domestic tensions flare as former FEC Commissioner Hans von Spakovsky warns of systemic vulnerabilities in U.S. voter registration, citing a lack of citizenship verification. Meanwhile, IBM CEO Ginni Rometty faces backlash after offering services to the incoming administration, reviving historical concerns about the company’s role in tracking populations during World War II. At a heated Harvard post-mortem, Kellyanne Conway clashed with Clinton aides Jennifer Palmieri and Mark Shields over the Democratic Party’s focus on cultural liberalism versus the working-class voters who secured the Electoral College for Trump. John Dvorak recounts his visit to the exclusive Bohemian Grove, debunking myths about the giant owl statue while describing the potent Nembutal cocktails served to the global elite. The program also explores the bizarre internet theory regarding Justin Trudeau’s parentage and the Newsweek error that saw thousands of Madam President magazines shipped to newsstands prematurely. Adam Curry and Dvorak close with a look at the White Helmets’ funding in Syria and the UN’s formal apology for the cholera outbreak in Haiti. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/transcript.md. ### 1. Introduction, Plato Quotes and Nazi Jokes (0:00–1:36) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the program from Austin, Texas, and Northern Silicon Valley. The hosts exchange humorous quotes attributed to Plato and discuss the quality of information being sent in by the audience. Dvorak notes that some listeners are sending in dated news items that are several years old. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [austin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/austin.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [plato](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/plato.md), messerschmitt [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/1.md) ### 2. VMAT2 God Gene, Pentagon Vaccine Hypothesis (1:38–7:17) A video circulating online suggests the Pentagon investigated using a vaccine to suppress the VMAT2 "God gene" in religious fanatics to eliminate extremist behavior. The discussion explores the use of fMRI scans to detect gene expression and touches on historical theories regarding the origins of AIDS and Ebola at Fort Detrick. Mention is made of a new HIV vaccine entering phase two human clinical trials at Western University. Keywords: vmat2, [god gene](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/god-gene.md), [pentagon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pentagon.md), [gene therapy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gene-therapy.md), fmri, [ebola](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ebola.md), [aids](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aids.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Donald Trump, Taiwan Phone Call Controversy (7:18–14:02) President-elect Donald Trump broke decades of diplomatic protocol by accepting a ten-minute congratulatory phone call from the President of Taiwan. Media coverage from NBC and PBS is contrasted, highlighting the hysterical reaction of some pundits compared to more sober reporting. The history of the "One China" policy is traced back to the Nixon administration and the formal break in ties under Jimmy Carter in 1979. Keywords: [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [taiwan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taiwan.md), [china](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china.md), [nixon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nixon.md), [jimmy carter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jimmy-carter.md), [nbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nbc.md), [pbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pbs.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Rodrigo Duterte, Philippines Anti-Drug Program (14:03–18:05) Reports indicate that during a phone call with Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, Donald Trump allegedly praised the country's controversial anti-drug campaign. The program has been condemned by the United Nations and the U.S. State Department due to the high number of police killings. The hosts question the validity of the reports and the necessity of maintaining strict diplomatic protocols. Keywords: [rodrigo duterte](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rodrigo-duterte.md), [philippines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/philippines.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), anti-drug program, [united nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-nations.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Illegal Voting Claims, CNN Voter Interview (18:07–23:41) A CNN segment featuring Trump voters claiming millions of undocumented immigrants voted in California is deconstructed. The discussion focuses on a clip of President Barack Obama that was allegedly edited by Fox Business to suggest he encouraged non-citizens to vote. The hosts examine the actual transcript of the interview to determine if the President's words were intentionally misleading or simply misinterpreted. Keywords: [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [voter fraud](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/voter-fraud.md), [california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/california.md), [fox business](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox-business.md), [illegal immigration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/illegal-immigration.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Voter ID Laws, Hans von Spakovsky Interview (23:41–29:54) Former FEC Commissioner Hans von Spakovsky discusses the lack of systematic citizenship verification in the U.S. voter registration process. He cites surveys suggesting that a significant percentage of non-citizens may be registered to vote, potentially impacting election outcomes. The conversation covers the "honor system" used in many states and the Obama administration's efforts to block citizenship verification lists. Keywords: hans von spakovsky, [voter id](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/voter-id.md), [fec](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fec.md), [kansas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kansas.md), [department of homeland security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-homeland-security.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Roe v. Wade, State Abortion Regulations (29:55–33:26) A legal analysis provided by a listener clarifies the constitutional standing of abortion laws following Roe v. Wade. The summary explains that while the first trimester is protected by privacy rights, states have the authority to regulate or criminalize abortion in the second and third trimesters. Recent Texas regulations regarding the burial of fetal remains and hospital privileges for doctors are cited as examples of state-level restrictions. Keywords: [roe v. wade](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/roe-v-wade.md), [supreme court](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/supreme-court.md), [abortion](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abortion.md), [texas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/texas.md), [constitutional law](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/constitutional-law.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Rex Tillerson, ExxonMobil Secretary of State Rumors (33:29–35:24) Amy Goodman of Democracy Now reports that Donald Trump is considering ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson and former CEO Lee Raymond for Secretary of State. The report highlights ExxonMobil's history of allegedly covering up climate change research. The hosts express skepticism about these picks, characterizing the media coverage as "fake news" and nonsense. Keywords: [rex tillerson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rex-tillerson.md), lee raymond, [exxonmobil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/exxonmobil.md), [amy goodman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amy-goodman.md), [secretary of state](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/secretary-of-state.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/8.md) ### 9. James Mattis, Secretary of Defense Appointment (35:24–39:43) General James "Mad Dog" Mattis is discussed following his appointment as Secretary of Defense. The hosts analyze his reputation for bluntness, his "linear" thinking style attributed to being a voracious reader, and past controversies involving a rescue mission in Afghanistan. Concerns are raised about his potential friction with Trump's stance on Vladimir Putin and his 44-year tenure in the Marine Corps. Keywords: [james mattis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/james-mattis.md), mad dog, [marine corps](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marine-corps.md), [pentagon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pentagon.md), [putin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/putin.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Steven Mnuchin, Treasury Secretary and Regulatory Experience (39:45–44:11) The appointment of Steven Mnuchin as Treasury Secretary is analyzed, with a focus on his background at Goldman Sachs. One host shares a personal anecdote about working as an air pollution inspector at an oil refinery to argue that industry insiders often make the most effective regulators because they cannot be easily deceived by corporate tactics. Keywords: [steven mnuchin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steven-mnuchin.md), [goldman sachs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/goldman-sachs.md), [treasury department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/treasury-department.md), [hedge funds](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hedge-funds.md), [air pollution](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-pollution.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/10.md) ### 11. IBM, Muslim Registry Database Controversy (44:12–46:47) The Intercept reports that IBM CEO Ginni Rometty offered the company's services to the Trump administration, sparking fears of a potential Muslim registry. The discussion references Edwin Black's research into IBM's historical involvement with the Nazi regime during World War II, specifically the use of Hollerith punch card machines to track populations. Keywords: ginni rometty, [ibm](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ibm.md), muslim registry, [the intercept](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-intercept.md), [edwin black](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/edwin-black.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Harvard Post-Mortem, Kellyanne Conway vs. Clinton Campaign (46:48–58:24) A heated post-election forum at Harvard University featured clashes between Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway and Clinton aides like Jennifer Palmieri. The Clinton team accused the Trump campaign of providing a platform for white supremacy and the alt-right. Conway defended the campaign's strategy, focusing on the Electoral College and connecting with working-class voters in counties previously won by Obama. Keywords: [kellyanne conway](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kellyanne-conway.md), [harvard university](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/harvard-university.md), [jennifer palmieri](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jennifer-palmieri.md), [steve bannon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/steve-bannon.md), [alt-right](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alt-right.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Hillary Clinton, Gender and Cultural Liberalism (58:25–1:01:00) Media analysts Andrea Mitchell and Mark Shields discuss why Hillary Clinton failed to connect with voters. Mitchell notes focus group data suggesting voters viewed Clinton as a "commander in chief" but lacked a sense of her humanity. Shields argues that the Democratic Party has become too focused on cultural liberalism and LGBTQ issues at the expense of the working class. Keywords: [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [andrea mitchell](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/andrea-mitchell.md), [mark shields](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mark-shields.md), [nancy pelosi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nancy-pelosi.md), [lgbtq](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lgbtq.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/13.md) ### 14. The View, Jeff Sessions and "Electile Dysfunction" (1:01:02–1:10:15) The hosts deconstruct a segment from The View regarding the appointment of Jeff Sessions as Attorney General and his alleged history of bigotry. The discussion turns to "electile dysfunction," a theory presented on the show that women are losing their sex drive or rushing to get IUDs due to fears that the Trump administration will revoke access to birth control. Keywords: [the view](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-view.md), [jeff sessions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jeff-sessions.md), [whoopi goldberg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/whoopi-goldberg.md), iud, [birth control](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/birth-control.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Media Bias, Trump's "140 Characters" Narrative (1:10:16–1:13:43) The hosts critique the media's obsession with Donald Trump's use of Twitter, noting the constant repetition of the "140 characters" phrase. They also discuss the demand from pundits that Trump show a more "visceral reaction" to white supremacy and acknowledge James Comey's role in the election outcome. Keywords: [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [james comey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/james-comey.md), [media narrative](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-narrative.md), [racism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/racism.md), visceral reaction [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Joy Reid, Trump's Military Sacrifice Claims (1:13:43–1:17:09) MSNBC host Joy Reid criticizes Donald Trump for his lack of military service and his five draft deferments during the Vietnam War. She claims Trump compared avoiding venereal disease to his own "personal Vietnam." The hosts also mention receiving a book by William Engdahl titled "The Lost Hegemon" regarding pipeline theory. Keywords: [joy reid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joy-reid.md), [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md), [vietnam war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vietnam-war.md), draft deferments, [william engdahl](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/william-engdahl.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Ham Radio 360, Beanie Gift and Airstream (1:17:10–1:18:51) Kale Nelson from the Ham Radio 360 podcast sends a beanie to the show as a "value for value" gift. The hosts joke about the utility of a beanie in California versus its necessity during long operating nights in an Airstream trailer. Keywords: ham radio 360, kale nelson, beanie, [airstream](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/airstream.md), winter field day [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Justin Trudeau, Fidel Castro Parentage Theory (1:18:52–1:22:02) A popular internet meme suggesting Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is the biological son of Fidel Castro is discussed. The hosts examine the timeline of Margaret Trudeau's 1976 visit to Cuba compared to Justin's birth in 1971, while noting the striking physical resemblance between the two men. Keywords: [justin trudeau](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/justin-trudeau.md), [fidel castro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fidel-castro.md), [margaret trudeau](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/margaret-trudeau.md), [cuba](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cuba.md), [chelsea clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chelsea-clinton.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/18.md) ### 19. John Dvorak, New York Times Retirement Event (1:22:03–1:27:49) John Dvorak recounts attending a retirement event for New York Times journalist John Markoff. He describes the atmosphere of the event, which featured robots, and his experience introducing himself as a "podcaster" to a crowd of traditional media elites. Dvorak also mentions a brief discussion with attendees about the popular vote in California. Keywords: [john markoff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-markoff.md), [new york times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-york-times.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md), [podcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcasting.md), [robots](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/robots.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Producer Credits, Donations and Karma (1:27:50–1:33:39) The hosts read through the list of Executive and Associate Executive Producers for Episode 883. Major donors include Sir Dwayne Melanson, Sir David Killian, and Sean Dolan. A request for "jobs karma" is fulfilled, and the hosts send well-wishes to those affected by Hurricane Otto in Costa Rica. Keywords: [dwayne melanson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dwayne-melanson.md), david killian, hurricane otto, [costa rica](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/costa-rica.md), [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Electoral College, Death Threats and TV Parallels (1:34:04–1:36:45) Reports emerge of presidential electors in Michigan receiving death threats and intense pressure to change their votes before the December 19th deadline. The hosts note that recent storylines in television shows like Veep and Madam Secretary have mirrored this exact scenario, questioning if the media is priming the public for a contested election in the House of Representatives. Keywords: [electoral college](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/electoral-college.md), [death threats](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/death-threats.md), [michigan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/michigan.md), [veep](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/veep.md), [madam secretary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/madam-secretary.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Last Man Standing, Microaggressions and Yoga (1:36:45–1:39:25) A clip from the sitcom Last Man Standing featuring Tim Allen mocking "microaggressions" is compared to real-world events. The hosts discuss the University of Ottawa canceling yoga classes due to concerns over "cultural appropriation" and "cultural genocide," highlighting the rise of social justice warrior culture in academia. Keywords: [tim allen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tim-allen.md), [microaggressions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/microaggressions.md), university of ottawa, [cultural appropriation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cultural-appropriation.md), [yoga](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yoga.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Redefining Racism, Craig Ferguson and Linguistic Trends (1:39:26–1:42:14) The hosts discuss the perceived redefinition of the word "racist" by the millennial generation, noting that it is often used to describe things unrelated to race. They recall comedian Craig Ferguson's routine of calling people racist for humor and discuss the linguistic trend of "dropping the T" in certain words. Keywords: [racism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/racism.md), craig ferguson, [linguistics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/linguistics.md), [social justice](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-justice.md), [urban dictionary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/urban-dictionary.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/23.md) ### 24. Newsweek, Madam President Magazine Error (1:42:15–1:46:50) Newsweek editor Matthew Cooper explains how the "Madam President" commemorative issue was mistakenly distributed before the election results were finalized. He reveals that these special issues are often subcontracted to outside firms and are not reviewed by the actual Newsweek editorial staff, leading to what the hosts call "throne sniffing" content. Keywords: [newsweek](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/newsweek.md), madam president, matthew cooper, advertorial, commemorative issue [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Max Keiser, RT and Russian Disinformation (1:46:50–1:50:06) The hosts discuss a report on RT regarding allegations of Russian disinformation influencing the U.S. election and the Brexit vote. Adam Curry mentions an upcoming interview with Max Keiser and Stacey Herbert in Austin, leading to a humorous exchange about their personal relationship and Keiser's interest in becoming a "knight" of the show. Keywords: [max keiser](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/max-keiser.md), stacey herbert, [rt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rt.md), [brexit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brexit.md), [russian disinformation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russian-disinformation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/25.md) ### 26. Pizzagate, David Icke and Global Pedophilia Rings (1:50:07–2:02:02) The "Pizzagate" controversy and broader allegations of global pedophilia rings are examined. The hosts contrast the internet research into John Podesta's art with a real-world pedophile ring bust in Norway involving 175 terabytes of data. David Icke's theories regarding reptilian DNA and "energy-sucking" elites are discussed as a potential "why" behind these crimes, alongside the use of pedophilia as a blackmail mechanism in government. Keywords: [pizzagate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pizzagate.md), [david icke](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-icke.md), [john podesta](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-podesta.md), [norway](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/norway.md), [blackmail](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blackmail.md), reptilian dna [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Bohemian Grove, The Owl and Specialty Drinks (2:02:03–2:06:56) John Dvorak describes his visit to Bohemian Grove, debunking claims by Alex Jones and David Icke about a giant, active "Moloch" owl statue. He characterizes the site as a "drinking club" for old men and describes a potent specialty drink called the "Nembutal" made with 150-proof rum. Keywords: [bohemian grove](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bohemian-grove.md), [moloch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/moloch.md), [alex jones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alex-jones.md), nembutal, 150 rum [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/27.md) ### 28. Final Donations, Birthday Announcements and Baronets (2:06:57–2:18:16) The show concludes with a final round of donor thank-yous and birthday announcements. The hosts discuss technical issues with PayPal subscriptions and congratulate Kyle Kinzel on his new title of Baronet. They reiterate their "value for value" model and offer a final "jobs karma" blessing. Keywords: [paypal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paypal.md), kyle kinzel, [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [birthday](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/birthday.md), [jobs karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jobs-karma.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/28.md) ### 29. Standing Rock, Pipeline Protests and Warren Buffett (2:18:16–2:20:47) The protests at Standing Rock against the Dakota Access Pipeline are analyzed. The hosts suggest the protests may be covertly supported to protect Warren Buffett's interests in the Burlington Northern railroad, which currently transports oil. They criticize the Obama administration's lack of direct involvement, noting they have only sent "monitors" to the site. Keywords: [standing rock](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/standing-rock.md), [north dakota](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/north-dakota.md), [dakota access pipeline](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dakota-access-pipeline.md), [warren buffett](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/warren-buffett.md), [burlington northern](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/burlington-northern.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/29.md) ### 30. United Nations, Haiti Cholera Apology (2:20:48–2:23:46) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon issues a formal apology to the people of Haiti for the organization's role in the 2010 cholera outbreak. The disease was introduced by UN peacekeepers (Blue Helmets), leading to thousands of deaths. The hosts discuss the "blemish" this has left on the UN's reputation. Keywords: [ban ki-moon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ban-ki-moon.md), [united nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-nations.md), [haiti](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haiti.md), [cholera](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cholera.md), [blue helmets](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blue-helmets.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/30.md) ### 31. White Helmets, Syrian Civil Defense Funding (2:23:46–2:28:26) The funding and legitimacy of the Syrian Civil Defense, known as the White Helmets, are questioned during a conference in Sweden. It is revealed that the group has received $23 million from USAID and $29 million from the British Foreign Service. The hosts also mention the "mannequin challenge" video produced by the group, which they claim proves the staged nature of some of their rescue footage. Keywords: [white helmets](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/white-helmets.md), [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), [usaid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/usaid.md), [mannequin challenge](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mannequin-challenge.md), [regime change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/regime-change.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/31.md) ### 32. Psilocybin Research, Magic Mushrooms and Cancer (2:28:27–2:33:32) NBC reports on new studies showing that psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, significantly reduces anxiety and depression in cancer patients. The FDA has also approved large-scale trials for MDMA (ecstasy) to treat PTSD. The hosts discuss the potential for pharmaceutical companies to monetize these substances as they move toward legalization. Keywords: [psilocybin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/psilocybin.md), [magic mushrooms](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/magic-mushrooms.md), [nbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nbc.md), [cancer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cancer.md), [ptsd](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ptsd.md), [fda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fda.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/32.md) ### 33. Sponsor segment: Native Ads, Big Mac and Hatchimals (2:33:33–2:36:44) The hosts identify several "native ads" in mainstream news broadcasts, including a report on the death of the Big Mac inventor and a segment on the "Hatchimals" toy craze. They point out how the Hatchimals report serves as a covert advertisement for Target, encouraging shoppers to call the store overnight for new shipments. Keywords: [big mac](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/big-mac.md), [mcdonald's](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mcdonald-s.md), hatchimals, [target](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/target.md), toys r us [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/33.md) ### 34. Howard Schultz, Starbucks CEO Resignation (2:36:44–2:40:05) The resignation of Howard Schultz as CEO of Starbucks is discussed. The hosts question why this is treated as major national news, suggesting it is either a result of effective PR or a native advertisement intended to "stroke" corporate partners. Keywords: [howard schultz](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/howard-schultz.md), [starbucks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/starbucks.md), [ceo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ceo.md), [native ad](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/native-ad.md), corporate news [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/34.md) ### 35. Europol, Terrorism Warnings and Dutch Discrimination (2:40:05–2:43:30) Europol warns of potential ISIS sleeper cell attacks in Europe during the Christmas season. Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, a government-funded organization (MIND) has reportedly stated that religious speech by Muslims against homosexuality does not constitute illegal discrimination, a move the hosts find highly problematic. Keywords: [europol](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/europol.md), [isis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/isis.md), [copenhagen](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/copenhagen.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [discrimination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/discrimination.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/35.md) ### 36. Outro, Sign-off and Altitude Sickness (2:43:34–2:48:03) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak sign off for the day, promising to return on Thursday. The final segments include a strange, looped clip of a conversation regarding "lawn clippings" and chewing coca leaves for altitude sickness in Peru, followed by the show's signature "Adios Mofos" exit. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [adios mofos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adios-mofos.md), [altitude sickness](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/altitude-sickness.md), cocaine leaves [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/883-throne-sniffing/chapter/36.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/882-fact-check-false.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/884-lane-splitter.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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