# Dvorak Wears Prada > A secret Manhattan flyover sparks panic while the CDC monitors pharmacy sales and Ron Paul gathers momentum for a historic audit of the Federal Reserve. - **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md) - **Episode:** 94 - **Published:** 2009-05-03 - **Length:** 1h 19m - **Topics:** [Air Force One](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-force-one.md), [Swine Flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [Audit the Fed](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/audit-the-fed.md), [Chemtrails](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chemtrails.md), [Wind Power](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wind-power.md), CDC Tracking - **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada ## About this episode John C. Dvorak and Adam Curry analyze the 2009 Air Force One photo op over New York City, criticizing the military's decision to fly low-altitude missions for secret photography. The incident caused widespread panic across Manhattan as residents mistook the unannounced flight for a security threat. Reports indicate military photographers were positioned on rooftops to capture images that could have been easily generated through digital manipulation. Media outlets utilized the swine flu outbreak to drive ratings during television sweeps week, while the CDC implemented real-time monitoring of Imodium sales at pharmacies to track biological threats. In the Netherlands, an attack on Queen Beatrix during Queen's Day serves as a catalyst for increased surveillance. Meanwhile, Congressman Ron Paul gains 120 co-sponsors for his resolution to audit the Federal Reserve, challenging the legal indemnity of central banks. Energy discussions highlight a massive natural gas discovery in Louisiana and the tax-advantaged windmill farms near Amsterdam that reportedly prioritize investor returns over power generation. Musician Prince appeared on the Tavis Smiley show to discuss chemtrails and industry grievances, adding a surreal layer to the cultural landscape. John C. Dvorak recounts his tour of fourteen Dutch high-end restaurants, lamenting the identical Villeroy & Boch tableware and the lack of local cheeses. The session concludes with a breakdown of the Pepsi Throwback campaign and the sociological impact of graphic tobacco warnings in Europe. ## Chapters Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/transcript.md. ### 1. Gitmo Nation Northwest, San Francisco Weather and Return (0:01–2:09) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the session from San Francisco, California, referring to the region as Gitmo Nation Northwest. Dvorak returns to the local time zone following an extensive trip to the Netherlands. The hosts establish the rainy and gloomy atmosphere of Northern California before beginning the program. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), gitmo nation northwest, [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/1.md) ### 2. Dutch High-End Restaurants, Cookie Cutter Formula Criticism (2:09–7:11) John C. Dvorak recounts his experience dining at approximately 14 high-end restaurants across the Netherlands, criticizing a perceived lack of variety in decor and service. He notes that most establishments utilized identical Villeroy & Boch tableware and crumb scrapers, suggesting a dominant industry consultancy. The critique extends to the food presentation, which he describes as dated vertical Nouvelle cuisine featuring French cheeses rather than local Dutch varieties. Keywords: [holland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/holland.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), villeroy & boch, nouvelle cuisine, [restaurant review](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/restaurant-review.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/2.md) ### 3. Wind Power Scams, Dutch Windmill Farms and Energy (7:12–9:32) A discussion regarding wind energy in the Netherlands focuses on the aesthetic and financial impact of large-scale windmill farms near Lelystad and Amsterdam. Claims are made that these third-generation windmills often serve as tax-advantaged investment vehicles for members of parliament rather than efficient energy producers. The conversation also addresses the environmental impact on bird populations, contrasting windmill-related deaths with those caused by domestic cats. Keywords: lelystad, [amsterdam](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amsterdam.md), [wind power](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wind-power.md), [renewable energy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/renewable-energy.md), bird conservation [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/3.md) ### 4. North Dakota Wind Potential, Louisiana Natural Gas Discovery (9:33–12:03) The focus shifts to American energy resources, citing a Wall Street Journal report on a massive natural gas discovery in northern Louisiana. This field is estimated to contain 200 trillion cubic feet of gas, potentially providing 18 years of domestic oil production equivalent. Additionally, the hosts discuss the potential for North Dakota to power the U.S. grid via wind energy, referencing claims made by T. Boone Pickens. Keywords: boone pickens, [north dakota](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/north-dakota.md), [louisiana](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/louisiana.md), [wall street journal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wall-street-journal.md), [natural gas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/natural-gas.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/4.md) ### 5. Television Sweeps Week, Swine Flu Media Coverage (12:03–13:36) The prevalence of swine flu reporting is attributed to television "sweeps week," suggesting that media outlets inflated the health crisis to boost ratings. Observations from international travel through Hong Kong, Munich, and New York highlight the widespread use of surgical masks and the implementation of hotel quarantines. The hosts suggest the public reaction serves as a dry run for future pandemic scenarios. Keywords: [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [pandemic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pandemic.md), television sweeps, [media hype](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-hype.md), [quarantine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/quarantine.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/5.md) ### 6. Air Force One, New York City Photo Op Controversy (13:38–18:23) The 2009 Air Force One low-flying photo op over New York City is analyzed, with reports indicating that military photographers were stationed on rooftops with long lenses. The hosts criticize the decision to keep the flight secret from the public and the NYPD, which resulted in widespread panic. They argue the $350,000 mission was a missed opportunity for a patriotic event and could have been easily achieved through digital manipulation. Keywords: [air force one](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/air-force-one.md), [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [new york city](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/new-york-city.md), [statue of liberty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/statue-of-liberty.md), [boeing 747](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/boeing-747.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/6.md) ### 7. Barack Obama, Joe Biden Political Strategy (18:23–19:05) A theory is presented regarding the political dynamic between President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. The hosts suggest that Biden is often deployed to make outrageous statements or "set the stage," allowing Obama to later intervene as a moderating or decisive force. This pattern is identified as a recurring tactical move within the administration's media management. Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [joe biden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/joe-biden.md), [political theater](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/political-theater.md), [media strategy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/media-strategy.md), [white house](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/white-house.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/7.md) ### 8. ACORN, 2010 Census GPS Mapping Concerns (19:07–24:29) Concerns are raised regarding the 2010 U.S. Census being supervised by the White House rather than the Department of Commerce. Reports indicate that members of the community organization ACORN have been seen using handheld GPS devices to map specific dwelling coordinates. The hosts question the necessity of this granular data collection given that registration data is already public. Keywords: [acorn](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/acorn.md), 2010 census, [gps](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gps.md), [white house](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/white-house.md), [department of commerce](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/department-of-commerce.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/8.md) ### 9. CDC Medication Monitoring, Imodium Sales Tracking (24:30–26:49) A report describes a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) program that monitors real-time sales of over-the-counter medications like Imodium at pharmacies. Spikes in anti-diarrheal sales serve as an early warning system for localized food poisoning outbreaks or biological threats. The data is reportedly collected through point-of-sale systems and analyzed against regional baselines to trigger medical investigations. Keywords: [cdc](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cdc.md), [fda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fda.md), imodium, pharmaceutical monitoring, [food poisoning](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/food-poisoning.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/9.md) ### 10. Tamiflu Scarcity, Personal Health Anecdotes (26:50–31:22) The hosts discuss the difficulty of obtaining Tamiflu during the swine flu scare, particularly within the UK's National Health Service. One host expresses concern for family members in Holland and England, seeking a prescription as a precautionary measure. The conversation touches on the ethics of stockpiling antivirals for travel and the potential for doctors to over-prescribe medications for financial gain. Keywords: [tamiflu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tamiflu.md), [influenza](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/influenza.md), [prescription drugs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prescription-drugs.md), [socialized medicine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/socialized-medicine.md), [placebo effect](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/placebo-effect.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/10.md) ### 11. Prince Interview, Tavis Smiley Chemtrail Discussion (31:23–35:36) The musician Prince appeared on the Tavis Smiley show on PBS to discuss his grievances with the mainstream music industry and the sales of "Purple Rain." During the interview, Prince spoke about observing "chemtrails" in the sky and their alleged effect on neighborhood behavior. The hosts discuss the validity of these claims and the existence of government documents regarding atmospheric saturation. Keywords: [prince](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/prince.md), [tavis smiley](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tavis-smiley.md), [pbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pbs.md), [chemtrails](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chemtrails.md), [music industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/music-industry.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/11.md) ### 12. Dutch Food Traditions, Hagelslag and Rusks (35:38–38:51) John C. Dvorak describes unique Dutch culinary habits, specifically the consumption of "hagelslag" (chocolate sprinkles) on buttered bread for breakfast. He also details the tradition of serving "muisjes" (anise seeds) on rusks to celebrate the birth of a child, with colors indicating the baby's gender. The hosts joke about the European Union potentially standardizing or banning these traditional food items. Keywords: hagelslag, rusks, [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), chocolate sprinkles, [european union](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-union.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/12.md) ### 13. Roadside Games, Dutch Trash Collection Hoops (38:52–40:55) A roadside innovation in the Netherlands is described featuring large vertical nets designed for drivers to throw cans and bottles into while moving. This "game-ified" approach to litter reduction is compared to a childhood anecdote from the Curry family. In that story, children were encouraged to eat apples during road trips so they could throw the cores at stop signs as a reward. Keywords: [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [recycling](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/recycling.md), roadside litter, apple cores, childhood anecdotes [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/13.md) ### 14. Queen's Day Attack, Dutch Police State Observations (40:57–46:41) The hosts analyze the 2009 attack on the Dutch Royal Family during Queen's Day, where a driver crashed a Suzuki Swift into a crowd. They suggest the event is being used as a "9/11 moment" for the Netherlands to justify increased surveillance and the erosion of civil liberties. The discussion also touches on the wealth of Queen Beatrix and her significant holdings in Royal Dutch Shell. Keywords: [queen beatrix](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/queen-beatrix.md), [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), suzuki swift, [royal family](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/royal-family.md), [police state](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/police-state.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/14.md) ### 15. Ron Paul, Audit the Fed Legislation (46:42–50:40) Congressman Ron Paul's House resolution to audit the Federal Reserve has gained 120 co-sponsors, nearing the 218 required for a majority. The hosts discuss the likelihood of the bill passing and the potential for the Federal Reserve to obstruct the process through legal delays. They compare the situation to historical corporate litigation tactics used by companies like Intel to avoid transparency. Keywords: [ron paul](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ron-paul.md), [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), house resolution, [audit the fed](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/audit-the-fed.md), [campaign for liberty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/campaign-for-liberty.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/15.md) ### 16. European Central Bank Sovereignty, Lincoln Statue (50:41–56:25) The Lisbon Treaty is criticized for granting the European Central Bank and its employees total legal indemnity and sovereign status, preventing audits or inspections. This lack of transparency is compared to the Federal Reserve's control over U.S. gold reserves. The segment concludes with a transition to a discussion about a life-sized statue of Abraham Lincoln located near San Francisco City Hall. Keywords: [european central bank](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/european-central-bank.md), [lisbon treaty](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/lisbon-treaty.md), [federal reserve](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/federal-reserve.md), [abraham lincoln](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/abraham-lincoln.md), [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/16.md) ### 17. No Agenda Armory, Donation Meaning Analysis (56:26–1:05:06) The hosts acknowledge donations to the No Agenda Armory, interpreting the symbolic meanings behind specific amounts. A $7.17 donation is noted for netting exactly $6.66 after PayPal fees, while a $22.22 donation is identified as a reference to "two to the head" in hitman slang. Other amounts are linked to historical dates like the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 and the launch of the original Macintosh in 1984. Keywords: [paypal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/paypal.md), [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), 22 caliber, federal reserve act, no agenda armory [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/17.md) ### 18. High Fructose Corn Syrup, Pepsi Throwback Campaign (1:05:07–1:09:56) A New York Times article regarding the health risks of high fructose corn syrup prompts a discussion on the "Pepsi Throwback" marketing campaign, which uses real sugar. The hosts examine the decline in milk consumption among American youth since 1996, replaced by soda intake. They argue that the phosphorus and caffeine in soft drinks are contributing to decreased bone density and rising obesity rates in the United States. Keywords: pepsi throwback, [high fructose corn syrup](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/high-fructose-corn-syrup.md), [obesity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/obesity.md), bone density, soft drinks [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/18.md) ### 19. European Tobacco Warnings, Neural Marketing (1:09:57–1:12:25) The hosts discuss the graphic health warnings required on tobacco products in Europe, including images depicting impotence and cancer. They reference "neural marketing" studies suggesting that "this product will kill you" labels may actually trigger a purchase response in some consumers. The conversation highlights the irony of increasingly large and explicit warnings having a potentially counter-intuitive effect on smokers. Keywords: [tobacco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tobacco.md), neural marketing, health warnings, [europe](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/europe.md), [impotence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/impotence.md) [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/19.md) ### 20. Wendy van Dijk, Dutch Celebrity Media Sociology (1:12:26–1:17:09) The career of Dutch television presenter Wendy van Dijk is examined as a case study in media sociology. The hosts discuss her origins in "Borat-style" prank journalism and her subsequent rise to hosting "X-Factor." They detail the public fallout of her relationship with a rock star named Sander and how the Dutch tabloid press manages celebrity narratives through vilification and redemption arcs. Keywords: wendy van dijk, [netherlands](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/netherlands.md), [x-factor](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/x-factor.md), [celebrity culture](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/celebrity-culture.md), media sociology [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/20.md) ### 21. Show Wrap-Up, Gitmo Nation Sign-Off (1:17:10–1:18:47) Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak conclude the episode, emphasizing their goal of keeping the show under 80 minutes for CD burning compatibility. They reiterate their commitment to analyzing sociology through news events and encourage listener support to increase show frequency. The hosts sign off from their respective locations in the San Francisco Bay Area, promising a return on Thursday. Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c. dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [no agenda](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/no-agenda.md), [podcast](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/podcast.md), silicon alley [Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/94-dvorak-wears-prada/chapter/21.md) - [Previous episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/93-pigs-in-space.md) - [Next episode](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/95-we-re-all-terrorists-now.md) --- This is the markdown version of a page on The No Agenda Show for AI agents. 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