# Factivist > A Dutch media experiment reveals the fragility of modern journalism as global powers clash over Syrian pipelines and the rise of government-mandated disinformation centers. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 890 - **Published:** 2016-12-29 - **Length:** 3h 21m - **Topics:** [Fake News](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fake-news.md), [Rosneft](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rosneft.md), [Ministry of Truth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ministry-of-truth.md), [Atrazine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/atrazine.md), UN Resolution 2334, Rogue One - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist ## About this episode Adam Curry exposes a Dutch media experiment where he successfully tricked mainstream outlets into reporting a fake third marriage using a photo of magnetic loop antennas. The incident highlights the collapse of verification standards as news organizations prioritized social media rumors over direct confirmation. Meanwhile, the Mother Jones report by David Corn regarding Russian cultivation of Donald Trump faces scrutiny as a potential intelligence plant designed to delegitimize the incoming administration. International tensions escalate as Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham demand aggressive sanctions following the expulsion of 35 Russian operatives by the Obama administration. In Germany, the government proposes a Ministry of Truth to levy 500,000-euro fines against social media platforms for disinformation. These geopolitical maneuvers coincide with a ceasefire in Syria linked to a massive gas field deal between Eni and Rosneft, suggesting the conflict remains a proxy war over European energy pipelines. Cultural shifts take center stage as Camille Paglia critiques the rise of transgenderism as a symptom of late-stage societal unraveling. John Dvorak recounts a logistical nightmare at a capacity-crowd Disneyland and reviews the CGI resurrection of actors in Rogue One. The program concludes with a look at the Internet of Things, where a Bentonville murder case reveals how smart water meters and Amazon Echo devices are becoming the primary witnesses in modern criminal investigations. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/transcript.md. ### 1. Technical Difficulties and Audio Technica AT2020U Microphone Setup (0:00–3:38) The program opens with a discussion regarding technical audio issues as one host inadvertently spoke into the back of an Audio Technica AT2020U microphone. They address the challenges of routing USB microphones through Skype and the necessity of replacing failed audio hardware. The hosts joke about their "award-winning" sound quality despite the initial tunnel-like acoustics. Keywords: audio technica, at2020u, [skype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skype.md), microphone setup, [technical glitch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/technical-glitch.md), [silicon valley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/silicon-valley.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Adam Curry Engagement Rumors and Fake News Experiment (3:38–10:23) Adam Curry clarifies rumors regarding his marital status after a social media post featuring wedding-style rings went viral. He explains that the rings are actually replicas of magnetic loop antennas and the post was a deliberate experiment to see how mainstream media in the Netherlands would report unverified information. The experiment resulted in several news outlets incorrectly reporting that he had married for the third time without contacting him for confirmation. Keywords: [tina](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tina.md), [engagement rings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/engagement-rings.md), [fake news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fake-news.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [social media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-media.md), magnetic loop antenna [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Celebrity Deaths of 2016 and Social Media Hypocrisy (10:25–15:57) The hosts critique the public obsession with celebrity deaths at the end of 2016, specifically mentioning Debbie Reynolds, George Michael, and Carrie Fisher. They argue that social media tributes are often performative and hypocritical, noting that many people posting about George Michael ignored his struggles with drug addiction while he was alive. A contrast is drawn between the massive coverage of entertainers and the lack of attention given to figures like playwright Edward Albee or author Richard Adams. Keywords: debbie reynolds, [george michael](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-michael.md), [carrie fisher](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carrie-fisher.md), [status quo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/status-quo.md), [facebook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/facebook.md), 2016 deaths [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Trump Inauguration and Celebrity Boycott Concerts (15:58–22:38) Discussion focuses on the difficulty the Trump transition team faced in booking A-list celebrities for the inauguration. The hosts review clips from MSNBC featuring Liz Winstead and Joy Reid discussing a potential counter-concert organized by Mark Ross. They analyze the media narrative that suggests a president's legitimacy is tied to celebrity endorsements and the backlash faced by performers like Elton John or Kanye West for interacting with conservative figures. Keywords: [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [inauguration](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/inauguration.md), liz winstead, [joy reid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joy-reid.md), [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md), [elton john](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/elton-john.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Kanye West and Black Lives Matter Criticism on MSNBC (22:39–25:31) The hosts analyze a segment from MSNBC's "AM Joy" where Jason Johnson, political editor of The Root, labels Kanye West a "loser" of 2016. The critique centers on West's meeting with Donald Trump and his comments regarding Black Lives Matter and racism. The discussion highlights the media's expectation that hip-hop artists must align with progressive political movements. Keywords: [kanye west](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kanye-west.md), [black lives matter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/black-lives-matter.md), [jason johnson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jason-johnson.md), [the root](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-root.md), [msnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/msnbc.md), [racism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/racism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Mother Jones Report on Russian Cultivation of Donald Trump (25:32–32:36) A report by David Corn in Mother Jones is deconstructed, which claims a former senior intelligence officer provided the FBI with evidence of a long-term Russian operation to cultivate Donald Trump. The hosts express skepticism regarding the "spy" source and the validity of the memos mentioned in the article. They characterize the reporting as sensationalist and question the logistics of a foreign intelligence officer leaking classified memos to a journalist. Keywords: [mother jones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mother-jones.md), [david corn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-corn.md), [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), [kremlin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kremlin.md), [russian intelligence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/russian-intelligence.md), [counterintelligence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/counterintelligence.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Putin on the Ritz Parody Song by Secret Agent Paul (32:37–34:07) The show features a musical parody titled "Putin on the Ritz" performed by Secret Agent Paul. The lyrics mock the prevailing media narrative regarding Russian interference, fake news, and John Podesta. The hosts praise the creative quality and vocal "chops" of the producer, noting his history of creating topical jingles for the program. Keywords: [secret agent paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/secret-agent-paul.md), [putin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/putin.md), [john podesta](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-podesta.md), [parody](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/parody.md), [fake news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fake-news.md), ritz [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Rosneft Oil Deals and Syrian Ceasefire Agreements (34:08–35:51) Vladimir Putin's announcement of a ceasefire in Syria is linked to international energy maneuvers, including a deal between Italian oil company Eni and Russia's Rosneft. The hosts discuss the 30% stake in Egypt's Zor gas field and reiterate their theory that the Syrian conflict is fundamentally a war over competing natural gas pipeline routes to Europe. Keywords: [rosneft](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rosneft.md), eni, [syria](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/syria.md), [vladimir putin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vladimir-putin.md), zor gas field, [egypt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/egypt.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/8.md) ### 9. McCain and Graham Push for Russian Sanctions (35:53–38:53) Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham are criticized for their aggressive stance on Russian election interference. The hosts argue that the DNC data was likely an internal leak rather than a hack, referencing the death of Seth Rich. They suggest that the "Russia hacked the election" narrative is being used by both parties to protect the interests of the military-industrial complex. Keywords: [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [lindsey graham](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lindsey-graham.md), russian sanctions, [dnc hack](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dnc-hack.md), [wikileaks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wikileaks.md), [seth rich](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/seth-rich.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Correction on John McCain's Military Service Record (38:53–40:38) The hosts issue a correction regarding a previous statement that misidentified John McCain as a prisoner of war in Korea instead of Vietnam. They address negative feedback from listeners on Reddit and email, defending the error as a minor slip while maintaining their broader analysis of the Vietnam War as a proxy conflict involving Russian support. Keywords: [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [pow](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pow.md), [vietnam war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vietnam-war.md), [reddit](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/reddit.md), [correction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/correction.md), [proxy war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/proxy-war.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Germany's Proposed Ministry of Truth and Fake News Fines (40:39–43:11) Germany announces plans to establish a defense center against disinformation ahead of the 2017 Bundestag elections. The hosts compare this to Orwell's "Ministry of Truth" and discuss proposed fines of 500,000 euros per fake news item. The narrative in Europe is shifting to equate "fake news" specifically with Russian propaganda. Keywords: [germany](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/germany.md), [bundestag](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bundestag.md), [fake news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fake-news.md), [ministry of truth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ministry-of-truth.md), [disinformation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/disinformation.md), 2017 election [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Silicon Valley Media Liability and Uber's Regulatory Hubris (43:13–47:38) The discussion turns to the legal risks faced by social media companies like Twitter and Facebook as they begin to act as editors rather than common carriers. By editorializing content, they may lose "safe harbor" protections under the DMCA. The hosts also mock Uber's refusal to obtain autonomous vehicle permits in California and note the AP Stylebook's new requirement to call these companies "ride-hailing" rather than "ride-sharing" services. Keywords: [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [facebook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/facebook.md), [safe harbor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/safe-harbor.md), [uber](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/uber.md), ridesharing, ap stylebook [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Obama's DNC Fundraising and Factivist Ruse (47:38–49:23) An email from President Obama's list is described as a "ruse" to solicit donations for the DNC. The host explains how an offer for a "handwritten thank-you note" and an invitation to become a "factivist" both led directly to payment screens. The segment critiques the aggressive digital marketing tactics used by political organizations. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [dnc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dnc.md), factivist, [fundraising](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fundraising.md), [email marketing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/email-marketing.md), [democrat](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/democrat.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/13.md) ### 14. National Association of Broadcasters 2013 PSA on Trust (49:24–51:06) A 2013 public service announcement from the National Association of Broadcasters is replayed to highlight the industry's self-promotion as the "most trusted source" for news. The hosts find the messaging ironic in the current climate of "fake news" accusations and declining trust in traditional media institutions. Keywords: [nab](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nab.md), [psa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/psa.md), [broadcast news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/broadcast-news.md), [trust](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trust.md), [2013](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2013.md), [media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Christmas at Disneyland and The Blue Bayou Experience (51:08–56:02) John Dvorak recounts his Christmas visit to Disneyland, noting the extreme crowds and the holiday-themed overlays for rides like the Haunted Mansion and "It's a Small World." He describes the logistical challenges of the park reaching capacity and provides a negative review of The Blue Bayou restaurant, citing poor lighting and lack of privacy from passing ride boats. Keywords: [disneyland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/disneyland.md), [christmas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/christmas.md), [haunted mansion](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/haunted-mansion.md), it's a small world, blue bayou, [club 33](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/club-33.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Rogue One Film Review and Woody Allen's Cafe Society (56:03–1:01:54) The hosts review "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story," focusing on the use of CGI to recreate deceased or aged actors like Peter Cushing and Carrie Fisher. While praising the action, they express fatigue with the Star Wars franchise. They also briefly discuss Woody Allen's "Cafe Society" on Amazon, criticizing its ending. Keywords: rogue one, [star wars](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/star-wars.md), el capitan, [cgi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cgi.md), [carrie fisher](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carrie-fisher.md), cafe society [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Donation Segment and Knighting Ceremony for Episode 890 (1:01:54–1:28:17) In the primary donation segment, the hosts thank executive and associate executive producers for their financial support. They announce a planned trip to New Zealand and Australia in April/May 2017. Several listeners are granted "karma" and "knighthood" for their contributions, including Sir Marshall of Henderson and Sir AJ Anonymous. Keywords: [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [karma](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/karma.md), australia trip, [producer credits](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/producer-credits.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Trump Administration Memos and Media Alarmism (1:28:17–1:33:10) The hosts analyze media reports regarding the Trump transition team's requests for documents on federal programs related to gender equality and climate change. They argue that CBS News and other outlets are engaging in alarmism by comparing standard administrative inquiries to "enemies lists" and "political witch hunts." Keywords: [trump transition](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/trump-transition.md), [lgbtq](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lgbtq.md), [state department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/state-department.md), [climate change](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/climate-change.md), [cbs news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cbs-news.md), [mccarthyism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mccarthyism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Boycouts of America Transgender Membership Controversy (1:33:11–1:37:45) The removal of 8-year-old Joe Maldonado from a New Jersey Cub Scout pack due to his gender identity is discussed. The hosts note that the current president of the Boy Scouts is Rex Tillerson, Trump's Secretary of State nominee. They critique the media's framing of the story and the parents' role in the child's public transition. Keywords: [boy scouts](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boy-scouts.md), joe maldonado, [transgender](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/transgender.md), [new jersey](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-jersey.md), [rex tillerson](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rex-tillerson.md), cub scouts [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Camille Paglia on Transgenderism and Cultural Collapse (1:37:45–1:48:48) The hosts play clips of social critic Camille Paglia discussing the rise of transgenderism as a "fashion" and a sign of late-stage cultural unraveling. Paglia argues that the movement is part of an assault on masculinity and expresses concern over the "bureaucratic machinery" making permanent medical changes easier for young people. The hosts relate this to the historical decline of the Greek and Roman empires. Keywords: [camille paglia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/camille-paglia.md), [androgyny](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/androgyny.md), [masculinity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/masculinity.md), sexual personae, cultural decay, [gender reassignment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gender-reassignment.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Atrazine Chemical Exposure and Environmental Feminization (1:48:49–1:56:32) The discussion shifts to the environmental impact of the chemical Atrazine. Referencing the work of scientist Tyrone Hayes, the hosts discuss how the herbicide has been shown to turn male frogs into females. They speculate on the potential feminizing effects of such chemicals on the human population and criticize the EPA for failing to regulate these toxins effectively. Keywords: [atrazine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/atrazine.md), [epa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/epa.md), [herbicide](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/herbicide.md), [feminization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/feminization.md), [frogs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/frogs.md), [tyrone hayes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tyrone-hayes.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Obama Administration Expels 35 Russian Operatives (1:56:32–1:58:14) The Obama administration announces the expulsion of 35 Russian intelligence operatives and the imposition of sanctions on Russian agencies in response to alleged election hacking. The hosts review the New York Times report on the "sweeping" actions and the upcoming release of a joint analytic report from the FBI and DHS, which they dismiss as lacking concrete evidence. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), russian operatives, [sanctions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sanctions.md), [dnc hack](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dnc-hack.md), [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), [dhs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dhs.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Post-Christmas Mall Riots and Social Media Coordination (1:58:13–2:06:54) A series of coordinated brawls and riots at shopping malls across the United States on the day after Christmas is examined. While mainstream reports blame "social media hysteria," the hosts cite RT's reporting that specific Facebook posts invited people to watch fights at set times. They discuss the potential for these incidents to be used to justify increased surveillance or to damage the retail economy. Keywords: mall brawls, [aurora](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aurora.md), [social media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-media.md), [facebook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/facebook.md), [flash mobs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/flash-mobs.md), [chaos](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chaos.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/23.md) ### 24. No Agenda Meetup at Citizen in Beverly Hills (2:06:54–2:14:27) John Dvorak reports on a successful No Agenda meetup held at "Citizen" in Beverly Hills. He describes the diverse group of attendees, including a defense attorney and a Delta flight attendant. The event featured a special drink menu with titles like "Blame Russia" and "No Agenda," and the hosts emphasize the open, non-argumentative nature of the community. Keywords: [beverly hills](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/beverly-hills.md), citizen, mixology, thomas keller, bouchon, [meetup](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/meetup.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/24.md) ### 25. Final Donation Round and Knighting Ceremony (2:14:29–2:25:30) The hosts complete the donation list for the episode, including international contributions from Taiwan, Slovenia, and Canada. They perform a formal knighting ceremony for three producers, including "Sir Pat the Overtaxed," who donated before a new carbon tax took effect in Alberta. The segment concludes with the traditional "hookers and blow" proclamation. Keywords: [knighthood](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knighthood.md), [carbon tax](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carbon-tax.md), [taiwan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taiwan.md), [slovenia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/slovenia.md), [value for value](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/value-for-value.md), ring ceremony [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/25.md) ### 26. The Pin Jacket for Homeless Payments in Amsterdam (2:25:30–2:31:36) The city of Amsterdam introduces "Pin Jackets" for homeless individuals, allowing passersby to donate one euro via contactless RFID cards. The hosts criticize this as a step toward a total cashless society that allows the government to track and control all financial transactions. Adam Curry shares a personal story of having his bank accounts frozen in the Netherlands as a warning against digital-only currency. Keywords: [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [cashless society](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cashless-society.md), [rfid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rfid.md), [homeless](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/homeless.md), pin jacket, [digital currency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/digital-currency.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/26.md) ### 27. Identity Theft Risks in Used Smartphones and Laptops (2:31:36–2:36:00) An NBC "Rossen Reports" segment warns consumers about the dangers of selling used electronics without properly wiping data. The report demonstrates how easily social security numbers, bank details, and private photos can be recovered from devices. The hosts provide additional advice, such as physically drilling through old hard drives to ensure data destruction. Keywords: jeff rossen, [nbc news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nbc-news.md), [identity theft](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/identity-theft.md), factory reset, [hard drive](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hard-drive.md), [data security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/data-security.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/27.md) ### 28. Amazon Echo Privacy and Smart Meter Evidence in Murder Case (2:36:02–2:39:50) A murder investigation in Bentonville, Arkansas, involves a search warrant for Amazon Echo (Alexa) audio data. While Amazon initially resisted the warrant, the hosts point out that the real evidence came from a "smart" water meter, which showed high water usage during the time of the crime. They warn that the "Internet of Things" creates a digital trail that can be used by law enforcement for automated fines and surveillance. Keywords: [alexa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alexa.md), [amazon echo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amazon-echo.md), [bentonville](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bentonville.md), smart meter, [privacy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/privacy.md), [search warrant](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/search-warrant.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/28.md) ### 29. Twitter Verification Issues and Apple iOS 10 Bugs (2:39:51–2:45:24) The hosts discuss the lack of credibility in Twitter's verification system, citing the account of 7-year-old Bana Alabed in Aleppo. They also vent frustrations with Apple's recent software quality, specifically a bug in iOS 10's auto-capitalization that conflicts with third-party apps like WhatsApp, and battery life issues with the new MacBook Pro. Keywords: [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [bana alabed](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bana-alabed.md), [apple](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/apple.md), ios 10, auto-capitalization, [macbook pro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/macbook-pro.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/29.md) ### 30. Air Traffic Control Humor and Trump Force One (2:45:25–2:47:52) The show plays a recording of air traffic controllers in Palm Beach discussing "Trump Force One" (N757AF). The controllers joke about making "ATC great again" and taking photos of the plane. The hosts enjoy the "pilot humor" and the casual nature of the interaction. Keywords: [air traffic control](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-traffic-control.md), trump force one, n757af, [palm beach](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/palm-beach.md), [aviation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aviation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/30.md) ### 31. Global Cooling and Winter Blizzard Survival Stories (2:47:54–2:49:32) A weather report details a relentless Christmas blizzard in the Midwest and a survival story from the Grand Canyon. The hosts use the extreme cold and snow as a counter-narrative to global warming, jokingly referring to it as a "global cooling report." Keywords: [global cooling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-cooling.md), [blizzard](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/blizzard.md), dakota, [grand canyon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/grand-canyon.md), [gabe gutierrez](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gabe-gutierrez.md), [weather](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/weather.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/31.md) ### 32. UN Resolution 2334 and Israeli Settlement Conflict (2:49:34–2:59:00) The hosts deconstruct the fallout from UN Resolution 2334, which condemned Israeli settlements. They feature analysis from John Bolton and Charles Krauthammer, suggesting the Obama administration orchestrated the move to "box in" Donald Trump. The segment highlights the "tell" in John Kerry's speech and the proposal by some conservatives to turn the UN headquarters into condos. Keywords: [united nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-nations.md), resolution 2334, [israel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/israel.md), [john kerry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-kerry.md), [benjamin netanyahu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/benjamin-netanyahu.md), [charles krauthammer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/charles-krauthammer.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/32.md) ### 33. Obama's Claim of Beating Trump in a Third Term (2:59:01–3:02:54) On David Axelrod's podcast, President Obama suggests he could have won a third term if he had been allowed to run. The hosts play the clip and contrast it with an RT report detailing the massive loss of seats the Democratic Party suffered during Obama's tenure. They conclude that the American people were largely fed up with his policies. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [david axelrod](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-axelrod.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [2016 election](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2016-election.md), [dnc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dnc.md), [rt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rt.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/33.md) ### 34. The 57 State Strategy and Islamic OIC Code (3:02:54–3:10:23) The hosts revisit Obama's famous "57 states" gaffe after Congressman Keith Ellison uses the same number when discussing a DNC strategy. They speculate that "57" might be a code referring to the 57 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). John Dvorak shares a childhood story about being punished in a Dutch school for correctly stating there are 50 US states. Keywords: 57 states, [keith ellison](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/keith-ellison.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), oic, muslim world, [conspiracy theory](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conspiracy-theory.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/34.md) ### 35. NCAA Ethics and Tiger Woods' Arnold Palmer Anecdote (3:10:23–3:13:04) Tiger Woods tells a story on Charlie Rose about being declared ineligible by the NCAA because Arnold Palmer paid for his steak dinner while Woods was a student at Stanford. To regain eligibility, Woods had to write Palmer a $25 check and have it faxed to the NCAA. The hosts use this to illustrate the absurdity of rigid institutional ethics rules. Keywords: [tiger woods](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tiger-woods.md), [arnold palmer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/arnold-palmer.md), [ncaa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ncaa.md), [ethics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ethics.md), amateur athletics, [charlie rose](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/charlie-rose.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/35.md) ### 36. HGTV Ratings Success and Show Sign-off (3:13:07–3:20:54) The episode concludes with a note that HGTV has surpassed CNN in viewership ratings, which the hosts attribute to people being exhausted by the news. They play a final "fake news" clip regarding the Netherlands and Gert Wilders before signing off with a New Year's greeting and a reminder for the upcoming Sunday show. Keywords: [hgtv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hgtv.md), [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [ratings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ratings.md), [bill weir](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-weir.md), gert wilders, [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [fake news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fake-news.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/890-factivist/chapter/36.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/889-the-christmas-special.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/891-bug-juice.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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