# No Agenda 009 > A legislative showdown over telecom amnesty coincides with a trillion-dollar Saudi wealth play and a skeptical look at the FBI's massive new biometric database. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 9 - **Published:** 2007-12-22 - **Length:** 1h 4m - **Topics:** FISA Amnesty, Huckabee, Biometric Database, Kissinger, Saudi Wealth, [Bain Capital](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bain-capital.md), [Economic Hitman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economic-hitman.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009 ## About this episode Senator Chris Dodd has stalled the revised FISA Act, effectively blocking a controversial amnesty provision for telecommunications giants like AT&T. This legislative maneuver prevents a legal pardon for companies that participated in warrantless NSA wiretapping and bulk data mining over the last five years. The move highlights a growing rift between government surveillance mandates and corporate legal liability in the digital age. In the Republican primary, Rush Limbaugh has branded Mike Huckabee as The Huckster, signaling a coordinated effort by party leadership to marginalize the candidate. Meanwhile, Mitt Romney faces scrutiny over Bain Capital's bid for Clear Channel Communications, raising questions about a presidential contender owning a massive media conglomerate. Additional reports confirm the FBI is investing $1 billion into a biometric database in Clarksburg, West Virginia, to house facial recognition and iris scan data. Internationally, Henry Kissinger told the BBC that a traditional military victory in Iraq is impossible, while Saudi Arabia prepares a trillion-dollar sovereign wealth fund to recycle petrodollars as oil nears $100 a barrel. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak explore the celebrity information paradox and the bystander effect of link-sharing. Dvorak details his household edict requiring only handmade or used Christmas gifts, leading to a search for Berkeley artisans. The program concludes with a blind taste test between Yorkshire Tea and PG Tips, proving even the most loyal tea drinkers struggle to identify their preferred brand in a vacuum. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/transcript.md. ### 1. Curry Manor, Northern California Time Zone Discrepancies (0:01–2:40) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the program by discussing the time difference between Guilford, United Kingdom, and Northern California. Curry describes the cold weather in the UK and his last-minute Christmas shopping habits. Dvorak notes the early sunset in California and the camaraderie found among men shopping on Christmas Eve. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [curry manor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/curry-manor.md), [guilford](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/guilford.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), christmas shopping [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Berkeley Artisans, Handmade Gift Edicts (2:44–4:23) A household edict in the Dvorak residence has restricted Christmas gifts to only handmade or used items to combat consumerism. The discussion highlights the availability of high-end potters and artisans in the Berkeley area. Mention is made of the eclectic weekend markets on Telegraph Avenue featuring tie-dye and local crafts. Keywords: [berkeley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/berkeley.md), telegraph avenue, handmade gifts, artisans, potters, [consumerism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/consumerism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Stephen Brill, Clear Airport Security Program (4:24–7:39) Stephen Brill, the founder of Brill's Content, is identified as the creator of Verified Identity Pass, the company behind the Clear airport security program. The system utilizes retinal scans and fingerprints to allow travelers access to a dedicated security line, though standard TSA liquid and shoe restrictions still apply. Concerns are raised regarding the efficiency of US border systems and the frequent secondary screenings experienced by travelers. Keywords: stephen brill, [clear](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/clear.md), verified identity pass, [tsa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tsa.md), [retinal scan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/retinal-scan.md), [airport security](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/airport-security.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/3.md) ### 4. John Perkins, Confessions of an Economic Hitman (7:40–9:13) The book "Confessions of an Economic Hitman" by John Perkins is reviewed following a recommendation. The narrative details the exploitation of developing nations through debt and infrastructure projects managed by international corporations. The content has prompted further investigation into independent journalists uncovering global financial manipulation. Keywords: [john perkins](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-perkins.md), [economic hitman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economic-hitman.md), corporatocracy, [audiobook](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/audiobook.md), [journalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/journalism.md), [global finance](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/global-finance.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/4.md) ### 5. 9/11 Truthers, World Trade Center 7 Demolition Claims (9:14–12:18) The "9/11 Truthers" movement is discussed, specifically regarding claims of controlled demolition at World Trade Center 7. Arguments center on the use of thermite and the timing of the building's collapse. Reference is made to Alex Jones and his website InfoWars as a primary source for these theories, despite his reputation as a huckster. Keywords: [9/11 truthers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/9-11-truthers.md), [world trade center 7](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/world-trade-center-7.md), [thermite](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/thermite.md), [alex jones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alex-jones.md), [infowars](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/infowars.md), [controlled demolition](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/controlled-demolition.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Pilots for 9/11 Truth, Pentagon Flight Data Discrepancies (12:18–14:26) The organization Pilots for 9/11 Truth analyzed NTSB black box data obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. Their simulation of the flight path toward the Pentagon suggests the aircraft was at an altitude of 480 feet at the time of the alleged impact, which would have resulted in it flying over the building. Discrepancies in pressure settings and altimeter resets are cited as areas requiring further investigation. Keywords: [pilots for 9/11 truth](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pilots-for-9-11-truth.md), [ntsb](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ntsb.md), [pentagon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pentagon.md), [black box](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/black-box.md), [flight data recorder](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/flight-data-recorder.md), [altimeter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/altimeter.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Jay Orlin Grab, Political Assassination Theories (14:26–17:46) Writer Jay Orlin Grab is recalled for his 1990s essays regarding political assassinations staged as aircraft accidents. The discussion touches on the death of a Democratic National Committee official in Africa and theories about remote-controlled planes on 9/11. It is noted that Grab's original investigative sites have since disappeared or been replaced by unrelated content. Keywords: jay orlin grab, [oklahoma city bombing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oklahoma-city-bombing.md), [political assassination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-assassination.md), remote control planes, internet archives [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Internet Information Overload, Truth vs Disinformation (17:47–20:10) A debate ensues regarding whether the internet helps reveal global secrets or further obscures the truth through information overload. One perspective suggests the internet acts as a filter where the truth eventually bubbles up, while the opposing view argues that the web is an ideal tool for extreme manipulation and the spread of "crazy" disinformation. Keywords: [internet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/internet.md), [disinformation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/disinformation.md), [censorship](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/censorship.md), [mainstream media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mainstream-media.md), information filtering, global scale [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/8.md) ### 9. Mike Huckabee, Rush Limbaugh "Huckster" Campaign (20:11–22:29) Rush Limbaugh has reportedly targeted presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, labeling him "The Huckster" on his national radio program. This is viewed as an opening salvo from the established Republican leadership to marginalize Huckabee's campaign. The history of right-wing talk radio is traced back to the 1987 revocation of the Fairness Doctrine. Keywords: [mike huckabee](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mike-huckabee.md), [rush limbaugh](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rush-limbaugh.md), [republican party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/republican-party.md), [talk radio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/talk-radio.md), huckster, [2008 election](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2008-election.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Mitt Romney, Bain Capital Clear Channel Bid (22:30–23:57) Mitt Romney's background as a businessman is discussed, specifically the bid by his former firm, Bain Capital, to acquire Clear Channel Communications. The potential for a presidential candidate to own a massive media conglomerate is compared to the historical efforts of William Randolph Hearst. Keywords: [mitt romney](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mitt-romney.md), [bain capital](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bain-capital.md), [clear channel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/clear-channel.md), [hedge funds](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hedge-funds.md), [media ownership](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-ownership.md), [treat williams](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/treat-williams.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/10.md) ### 11. John McCain, 2008 Republican Nomination Strategy (23:57–26:54) A theory is proposed that John McCain secured the 2008 Republican nomination through a backroom deal made during the previous election cycle. McCain's relaxed demeanor and frequent appearances on "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart are noted as part of a strategy to appeal to a broader audience while waiting for his promised turn at the presidency. Keywords: [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), [rudy giuliani](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rudy-giuliani.md), [2008 election](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/2008-election.md), backroom deals, [jon stewart](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jon-stewart.md), [republican primary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/republican-primary.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama Democratic Ticket Predictions (26:55–29:12) Predictions are made for a Democratic ticket featuring both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama to maximize demographic appeal. The discussion also covers the impact of fringe candidates like Ron Paul, whose "blimp" and significant fundraising efforts have garnered media attention despite the press becoming bored with the long election cycle. Keywords: [hillary clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hillary-clinton.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [democratic party](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/democratic-party.md), [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [voter turnout](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/voter-turnout.md), fringe candidates [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Chris Dodd, FISA Act Telecom Amnesty Filibuster (29:12–32:41) Senator Chris Dodd is credited with stalling the revised FISA Act, which included controversial amnesty for telecommunications companies that participated in warrantless government wiretapping. The bill would have pardoned companies like AT&T for sharing customer data with the NSA over the previous five years. The debate centers on the legality of bulk data mining without proper warrants. Keywords: [chris dodd](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chris-dodd.md), [fisa act](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fisa-act.md), telecom amnesty, [wiretapping](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wiretapping.md), [at&t](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/at-t.md), [fourth amendment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fourth-amendment.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Celebrity Information Paradox, Link Sharing Etiquette (32:43–36:57) The "million people probably sent this to you" phenomenon is explored, where fans assume a famous person has already seen a news item and therefore stop sending it. This leads to a paradox where celebrities may actually miss important information because everyone assumes someone else has shared it. A parallel is drawn to the bystander effect seen when people witness traffic accidents and assume others have already called emergency services. Keywords: [fame](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fame.md), blog traffic, [information sharing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/information-sharing.md), [bystander effect](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bystander-effect.md), [celebrity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/celebrity.md), email links [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Henry Kissinger, Iraq War Unwinnability Comments (36:58–39:17) Henry Kissinger stated in a BBC interview that a traditional military victory in Iraq is impossible due to the lack of a centralized enemy to sign a surrender. The discussion suggests the continued US presence in Iraq is motivated by a desire to "save face" rather than achievable strategic goals. Keywords: [henry kissinger](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/henry-kissinger.md), [bbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc.md), [iraq war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq-war.md), [civil war](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/civil-war.md), saving face, military victory [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund, Oil Prices (39:18–42:30) Saudi Arabia is reportedly establishing a trillion-dollar sovereign wealth fund to invest in global banks and domestic infrastructure. With oil prices hovering near $100 a barrel, the move is characterized as a way to recycle petrodollars. A cinematic tangent compares the global obsession with oil to the "go juice" in the film Water World. Keywords: [saudi arabia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/saudi-arabia.md), [sovereign wealth fund](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sovereign-wealth-fund.md), [oil prices](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oil-prices.md), water world, go juice, [infrastructure](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/infrastructure.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/16.md) ### 17. HR Training, Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Culture (42:30–46:18) The impact of strict HR policies and sexual harassment training on office culture is examined. It is argued that the fear of litigation has stifled freedom of speech, making even simple compliments potentially actionable. A specific example is cited regarding a book on office romance that major publishers refused to touch due to the legal risks it might pose in future harassment suits. Keywords: hr training, [sexual harassment](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sexual-harassment.md), [age discrimination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/age-discrimination.md), office romance, [freedom of speech](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/freedom-of-speech.md), [litigation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/litigation.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Fred Willard, Fernwood 2Nite Comedy Style (46:19–48:24) The comedic career of Fred Willard is highlighted, particularly his work on the satirical talk show "Fernwood 2Nite" alongside Martin Mull. Willard's style of making absurd, non-sequitur comments is discussed, including a famous bit regarding handicap ramps on sidewalks. Keywords: fred willard, martin mull, fernwood 2nite, [comedy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/comedy.md), [satire](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/satire.md), best in show [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/18.md) ### 19. Cable Ace Awards, Martin Mull Feud (48:26–50:40) An anecdote describes a negative encounter with Martin Mull at the Cable Ace Awards. Mull, acting as the MC, made a disparaging joke about a host's appearance, leading to a confrontation backstage with the host's wife, Patricia. The event is remembered as a "jerk off session" for early cable industry executives. Keywords: martin mull, cable ace awards, [mtv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mtv.md), showbiz feud, patricia curry, cable operators [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Rush Limbaugh, OxyContin Induced Deafness (50:40–55:43) The health issues of radio host Rush Limbaugh are discussed, specifically his loss of hearing attributed to the overuse of OxyContin. The segment explains how his voice modulation changed when he could no longer hear himself through headphones. This leads to a broader conversation about the importance of ear protection at rock concerts and in industrial jobs. Keywords: [rush limbaugh](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rush-limbaugh.md), [oxycontin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oxycontin.md), [deafness](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/deafness.md), cochlear implants, [talk radio](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/talk-radio.md), [ear protection](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ear-protection.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/20.md) ### 21. FBI Biometric Database, Clarksburg West Virginia Facility (55:44–58:23) The FBI is launching a $1 billion project in Clarksburg, West Virginia, to build the world's largest biometric database. The system will store digital images of faces, fingerprints, palm patterns, and iris scans for both domestic and international identification. The facility's location in West Virginia prompts a brief tangent about the West Virginia University (WVU) Mountaineers football team. Keywords: [fbi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fbi.md), [biometrics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/biometrics.md), clarksburg, [west virginia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/west-virginia.md), iris scans, [facial recognition](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/facial-recognition.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/21.md) ### 22. Jamie Lynn Spears, Amy Winehouse Media Coverage (58:23–1:00:53) The media's obsession with celebrity scandals is critiqued, focusing on Jamie Lynn Spears' pregnancy and Amy Winehouse's legal and substance abuse struggles. There is speculation that such scandals are sometimes orchestrated for attention within the "show business machine." Keywords: jamie lynn spears, [amy winehouse](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amy-winehouse.md), celebrity pregnancy, [grammy awards](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/grammy-awards.md), [google news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/google-news.md), [show business](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/show-business.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/22.md) ### 23. Yorkshire Tea, PG Tips Blind Taste Test (1:00:55–1:03:15) A domestic "blind taste test" involving Yorkshire Tea and PG Tips is recounted. Despite initial claims of preference for PG Tips, a family member was unable to distinguish between the brands when served Yorkshire Tea. The segment concludes with a discussion of various British tea brands, including Sainsbury's Red Label and Lifeboat Tea. Keywords: [yorkshire tea](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/yorkshire-tea.md), [pg tips](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pg-tips.md), tea tasting, sainsbury's red label, lifeboat tea, decaf [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/23.md) ### 24. No Agenda Outro, Guilford to California Sign-off (1:03:15–1:04:09) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak conclude the program from their respective locations in Guilford, UK, and Northern California. They announce the show will return the following week, maintaining the "No Agenda" format. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [guilford](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/guilford.md), [northern california](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/northern-california.md), [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [limelight](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/limelight.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/9-no-agenda-009/chapter/24.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/8-no-agenda-008.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/10-no-agenda-010.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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