# Pigs in Space > A royal procession turns deadly in the Netherlands while global health officials trigger pandemic protocols and the White House defends a controversial Manhattan flyover. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 93 - **Published:** 2009-04-30 - **Length:** 1h 13m - **Topics:** Appeldoorn attack, [Swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [Baxter International](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/baxter-international.md), [Cap and trade](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cap-and-trade.md), [Air Force One](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-force-one.md), [Somali pirates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/somali-pirates.md) - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space ## About this episode A tragic car attack in Appeldoorn targeted a royal procession involving Queen Beatrix, resulting in four deaths and twelve injuries near a monument with symbolic Masonic architecture. The incident occurred as the Dutch Royal Family passed on a double-decker bus, sparking immediate speculation regarding the driver's motives and the security of the monarchy. This event follows a chaotic Queens Day in Amsterdam where overcrowding led to a barge sinking in the canals near the Movenpick Hotel. Global health authorities at the WHO have elevated the H1N1 swine flu threat to Level 5, prompting concerns over mandatory vaccination orders and laboratory engineering theories. Baxter International is under scrutiny for its role in vaccine production following past controversies involving live bird flu, while a virus sample container recently exploded on a Swiss train. In the United States, President Barack Obama requested $1.5 billion in emergency funding for vaccinations despite existing stockpiles, as Kaiser Permanente reportedly restricts Tamiflu access to patients. Meanwhile, Al Gore testified before the U.S. Senate on cap and trade legislation, comparing climate change skeptics to moon landing deniers. Technical failures dominated the news cycle as a Boeing 747 flyover of Manhattan caused mass evacuations and a teleprompter glitch left President Obama momentarily speechless. The Canadian Navy is experimenting with polite signage to deter Somali pirates, and Law and Order SVU is broadcasting what critics call vaccine propaganda. Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak navigate these stories across an eight-hour time difference, defending their listener-supported model against critics of the show's entrepreneurial spirit. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/transcript.md. ### 1. Queens Day Celebrations, Amsterdam Canal Boat Accidents (0:02–7:29) Queens Day festivities in Amsterdam involved massive crowds and significant alcohol consumption, particularly among British tourists arriving via EasyJet. Observations from the canals included a specific incident where an overcrowded barge rammed a pier near the Movenpick Hotel and subsequently sank. While no injuries were reported, the event caused significant traffic congestion on the waterways as police boats responded to the scene. Keywords: [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [queens day](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/queens-day.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), canal boats, [easyjet](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/easyjet.md), [british tourists](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/british-tourists.md), boat sinking [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Queen Beatrix Procession, Appeldoorn Car Attack (7:30–9:32) A tragic incident occurred in Appeldoorn during a royal procession where a car careened through a crowd, killing four people and injuring twelve others. The vehicle struck a monument described as having Masonic or New World Order symbolic characteristics while Queen Beatrix and the Royal Family were passing on a double-decker bus. Early reports suggested the driver may have targeted the royals, though the vehicle was a small three-cylinder car. Keywords: [queen beatrix](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/queen-beatrix.md), appeldoorn, [royal family](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/royal-family.md), masonic monument, car attack, [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/2.md) ### 3. France 24 News, Media Presentation Standards (9:34–11:27) The broadcasting style of France 24 is noted for the physical appearance of its news anchors, drawing comparisons to a French version of Fox News. The discussion contrasts European media presentation with American standards, briefly mentioning the persistence of "Naked News" as a niche format. Observations from international hotel television viewing suggest a global trend toward prioritizing aesthetic appeal in news delivery. Keywords: [france 24](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/france-24.md), [katie couric](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/katie-couric.md), [fox news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fox-news.md), [broadcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/broadcasting.md), naked news, media aesthetics [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/3.md) ### 4. Swine Flu Naming Controversy, Dutch Public Sentiment (11:27–14:36) The H1N1 outbreak, commonly referred to as swine flu, has faced calls for a name change to avoid offending religious groups or damaging the pork industry. In Egypt, authorities began culling pig populations despite a lack of evidence that the animals were sick. Meanwhile, public sentiment in the Netherlands remains largely unconcerned about the virus, while simultaneously maintaining a highly favorable view of President Barack Obama. Keywords: [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [h1n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1.md), [pork industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pork-industry.md), [egypt](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/egypt.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Obama 100-Day Press Conference, Media Orchestration (14:36–19:24) President Barack Obama's prime-time press conference marking his first 100 days in office is criticized as a highly orchestrated media event. The New York Times was singled out for asking "enchanting" questions rather than conducting rigorous journalism. Observations of the White House interior noted that the chandeliers appeared to use traditional incandescent bulbs rather than the mercury-filled energy-saving bulbs promoted by environmental policy. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [press conference](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/press-conference.md), [new york times](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-york-times.md), [cnn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnn.md), [white house](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/white-house.md), [energy efficiency](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/energy-efficiency.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/5.md) ### 6. PowerShift 09 Conference, Civil Disobedience Training (19:25–22:55) A BBC Newsnight documentary highlighted the PowerShift 09 conference, a green activism event heavily attended by Obama administration officials and Bill Clinton. The conference reportedly included seminars training youth in civil disobedience, resisting arrest, and passive resistance techniques. These tactics are interpreted as a method for the government to organize harassment against businesses that do not comply with new environmental initiatives. Keywords: powershift 09, [bbc newsnight](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bbc-newsnight.md), [epa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/epa.md), [bill clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-clinton.md), [civil disobedience](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/civil-disobedience.md), [activism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/activism.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Al Gore Testimony, Cap and Trade Legislation (22:55–30:00) Al Gore testified before the U.S. Senate regarding climate change legislation and the proposed cap and trade system. During the hearings, Republicans challenged the scientific consensus on global warming, while Gore compared skeptics to those who believe the moon landing was staged. The discussion highlights potential links between the cap and trade exchange model and the trading systems previously utilized by Ken Lay and Enron. Keywords: [al gore](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-gore.md), [cap and trade](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cap-and-trade.md), [us senate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/us-senate.md), [carbon credits](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carbon-credits.md), [ken lay](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ken-lay.md), [enron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/enron.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/7.md) ### 8. Swine Flu Panic, 1976 Vaccination Precedent (30:02–34:03) Media coverage of the 236 worldwide swine flu cases is characterized as an attempt to incite public panic, with reporters wearing face masks in non-hazardous environments. Congressman Ron Paul noted parallels to the 1976 swine flu scare, where a rushed federal vaccination program resulted in more deaths from the vaccine than from the actual virus. Current statistics show that standard seasonal flu kills significantly more people annually than the current H1N1 strain. Keywords: [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [pandemic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pandemic.md), [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [vaccination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccination.md), [cdc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cdc.md), [face masks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/face-masks.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/8.md) ### 9. WHO Pandemic Levels, Forced Vaccination Concerns (34:04–37:38) The World Health Organization's elevation of the flu threat to Level 5 signals that countries should activate pandemic preparedness programs. This move raises concerns about the potential for mandatory vaccination orders if the situation reaches Level 6. Personal anecdotes illustrate the divide between those who view the virus as a standard flu and those who have been conditioned by the news cycle to accept government medical interventions. Keywords: [world health organization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/world-health-organization.md), pandemic level 5, level 6, [mandatory vaccination](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mandatory-vaccination.md), [family dynamics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/family-dynamics.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Tamiflu Prescription Restrictions, Kaiser Permanente Policy (37:39–38:56) Reports from patients at Kaiser Permanente suggest that doctors are refusing to issue Tamiflu prescriptions for prophylactic use. Some medical staff have claimed that all Tamiflu distributions must now be cleared through the CDC, though this is suspected to be a cost-saving measure by the healthcare provider rather than a formal federal mandate. The high cost of the antiviral drug is cited as a likely reason for the restricted access. Keywords: [tamiflu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tamiflu.md), [cdc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cdc.md), [kaiser permanente](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kaiser-permanente.md), [prescriptions](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prescriptions.md), [antiviral drugs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/antiviral-drugs.md), [healthcare policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/healthcare-policy.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Swine Flu Funding, Laboratory Engineering Theories (38:56–42:49) President Obama requested $1.5 billion in emergency funding for swine flu vaccinations despite existing multi-billion dollar stockpiles. The H1N1 strain is being compared to the 1918 Spanish Flu to increase public anxiety, while some scientists suggest the virus's genetic structure indicates it may have been engineered in a laboratory. The naming controversy continues as officials struggle to find a designation that does not offend specific industries or nations. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), emergency funding, [h1n1](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/h1n1.md), [spanish flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spanish-flu.md), bio-engineering, [media ratings](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-ratings.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Missing Virus Vials, Baxter International Controversy (42:52–44:27) The U.S. Army investigated the disappearance of vials containing Venezuelan equine encephalitis from a lab in Maryland around the same time 21 polo horses died. Additionally, Baxter International, a company previously caught including live bird flu virus in vaccine materials, has been selected to manufacture the new swine flu vaccine. These events are presented as circumstantial evidence of a more complex origin for the current outbreak. Keywords: [baxter international](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/baxter-international.md), [fort detrick](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fort-detrick.md), [encephalitis](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/encephalitis.md), [bird flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bird-flu.md), [vaccine manufacturing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccine-manufacturing.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Swiss Train Explosion, Swine Flu Logistics (44:28–47:51) A container of swine flu virus samples exploded on a train in Switzerland due to a pressure buildup from improperly packed dry ice. In other developments, the World Bank provided Mexico with $200 million for flu response, and Sanofi Aventis announced plans for a new vaccine facility in Mexico prior to the outbreak. The segment also notes that Donald Rumsfeld remains a major shareholder in the company that produces Tamiflu. Keywords: [switzerland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/switzerland.md), [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), dry ice, [donald rumsfeld](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-rumsfeld.md), [world bank](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/world-bank.md), [mexico](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mexico.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Dutch Restaurant Trends, No Agenda Donations (47:53–51:55) High-end restaurants in the Netherlands are criticized for having homogenized decor and presentation styles, possibly due to shared consulting firms. The discussion shifts to the "No Agenda" show's funding model, addressing a listener's complaint that the hosts should not receive donations because they have other jobs. The hosts defend the entrepreneurial effort required to maintain the show and support their staff without government subsidies or tax breaks. Keywords: [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [fine dining](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fine-dining.md), max mara, [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [entrepreneurs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/entrepreneurs.md), [tax breaks](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tax-breaks.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Pledge Drive Ideas, Late Night Host Illnesses (51:55–54:39) A proposed pledge drive for the show involves a lottery for a dinner with the hosts, though logistical challenges remain. In mainstream media, David Letterman performed a show despite losing his voice, leading to speculation about his health. Jay Leno was also recently hospitalized, leading to a monologue joke about his condition and the importance of his new 100 p.m. time slot for NBC's ratings. Keywords: [david letterman](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/david-letterman.md), [jay leno](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jay-leno.md), [nbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nbc.md), [pledge drive](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pledge-drive.md), [lottery](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lottery.md), [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/15.md) ### 16. Law and Order SVU, Vaccine Propaganda (54:39–58:09) An episode of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit featuring Hilary Duff portrayed a mother being indicted for homicide for failing to vaccinate her child. The hosts describe this as propaganda, noting that the NBC website for the show featured CDC advertisements for adult measles vaccines. The segment concludes with skepticism regarding the necessity of various vaccines, including the Hepatitis B shot for low-risk individuals. Keywords: [law and order svu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/law-and-order-svu.md), [hilary duff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hilary-duff.md), [measles vaccine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/measles-vaccine.md), [nbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nbc.md), [cdc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cdc.md), [hepatitis b](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/hepatitis-b.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/16.md) ### 17. Spanish Intelligence, Somali Pirate Tactics (58:10–1:00:47) Spanish military intelligence reportedly believes Al Qaeda is targeting Spain in an attempt to reclaim the territory for a caliphate. Meanwhile, off the coast of Somalia, the Canadian Navy has reportedly adopted a new tactic for dealing with pirates. Instead of direct combat, they fly helicopters near pirate vessels displaying signs that say "Stop" in Somali, which has surprisingly proven effective against the young hijackers. Keywords: [spain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spain.md), [al qaeda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/al-qaeda.md), [somalia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/somalia.md), [pirates](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pirates.md), canadian navy, [helicopters](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/helicopters.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/17.md) ### 18. Turkish Airlines Crash, Altimeter Failure Reports (1:00:48–1:02:22) A preliminary report on the Turkish Airlines crash in Amsterdam indicates that cockpit alarms were sounding well before the impact. The automated voice system warned the crew about faulty altimeter readings, yet the accident still occurred. The lack of a full transcript from the cockpit voice recorder or flight data recorder has led to further questions about the official narrative of the crash. Keywords: [turkish airlines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/turkish-airlines.md), [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [boeing](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boeing.md), [altimeter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/altimeter.md), [flight data recorder](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/flight-data-recorder.md), [aviation safety](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/aviation-safety.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/18.md) ### 19. New York City Flyover, Air Force One Scandal (1:02:22–1:05:52) A low-altitude flyover of Manhattan by a Boeing 747 used as Air Force One caused panic and building evacuations in New York City. While the official explanation was a photo opportunity, the NYPD was reportedly ordered not to warn the public in advance. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs faced difficult questions regarding the event, including whether a second "backup" Air Force One exists and why the mission was authorized. Keywords: [air force one](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-force-one.md), [manhattan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/manhattan.md), [photo op](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/photo-op.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [nypd](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nypd.md), [robert gibbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/robert-gibbs.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Obama Teleprompter Glitch, Professional Broadcasting (1:05:52–1:08:05) President Obama experienced a notable teleprompter failure during a speech, highlighting his reliance on the device. The hosts share personal anecdotes from their careers in television, including instances where teleprompters failed during live broadcasts on Tech TV. They discuss the importance of being able to read from physical cards and the professional standard of maintaining composure when technical equipment malfunctions. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [teleprompter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/teleprompter.md), [cnbc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cnbc.md), [tech tv](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tech-tv.md), [mark haines](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mark-haines.md), [broadcasting](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/broadcasting.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Time Zone Conflicts, Show Outro (1:08:05–1:12:44) The hosts discuss the difficulties of coordinating a podcast across an eight-hour time difference between Amsterdam and San Francisco. They address technical issues caused by "Skypeology" and announce a return to their normal schedule once both are back on the West Coast. The show concludes with a reminder for listeners to support the program through donations at dvorak.org/na before the next scheduled broadcast on Sunday. Keywords: [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), [time zones](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/time-zones.md), [skype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/skype.md), [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md), [sunday show](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sunday-show.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space/chapter/21.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/92-swine-flu-it-s-a-beta.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. Every public page on this site has one: add `.md` to its URL, or request it with `Accept: text/markdown`. - [Site index for agents (llms.txt)](https://search.noagendashow.net/llms.txt) - [Home](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - [Search transcripts](https://search.noagendashow.net/search.md) - [All episodes](https://search.noagendashow.net/episodes.md) - [Topics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topics.md) - [People](https://search.noagendashow.net/people.md)