# Brain Damage

> A surge in pharmaceutical liquidations and new surveillance tactics in the UK highlight a week of shifting global power dynamics and executive tension.

- **Show:** [The No Agenda Show](https://search.noagendashow.net/index.md)
- **Episode:** 97
- **Published:** 2009-05-14
- **Length:** 1h 25m
- **Topics:** [Tamiflu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tamiflu.md), [Bilderberg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bilderberg.md), [Twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), [TARP](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tarp.md), [Taliban](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taliban.md), [Eurovision](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eurovision.md), [Cognac](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cognac.md)
- **Web page:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage

## About this episode

President Barack Obama faced scrutiny following a commencement address at Arizona State University where his interactions with students and a public interruption by Speaker Nancy Pelosi sparked debate over executive authority. The administration's focus on energy independence through natural gas and wind power remains a central pillar of the White House platform, even as Pelosi’s effusive praise in the Rose Garden appeared to undermine the President’s standing. Tensions between the executive branch and the House leadership suggest a burgeoning power struggle over foreign policy and the influence of the Israeli lobby.

Pharmaceutical giant Roche is reportedly liquidating short-dated Tamiflu stockpiles as generic manufacturer Cipla prepares to flood the market with affordable alternatives. In the United Kingdom, the Too Much Bling campaign in Gloucestershire encourages citizens to report neighbors with unexplained wealth, a move critics compare to communist-era surveillance. Meanwhile, the House Judiciary Committee passed legislation to levy new performance fees on local radio stations, potentially funneling millions to international record labels. In the Middle East, President Asif Ali Zardari claimed the CIA and ISI were instrumental in the creation of the Taliban, while General Stanley McChrystal replaced David McKiernan to lead operations in Afghanistan.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak dissect the absurdity of a jackhammer-related fatality and the cultural impact of the Eurovision Song Contest. Author David Seaman argues that Twitter’s 140-character limit is causing literal brain damage by simplifying human thought, while Dvorak offers a high-end review of Park Cognac as a remedy for the digital age.

## Chapters

Each chapter's transcript is at its own link. The whole transcript is at https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/transcript.md.

### 1. No Agenda Introduction, Mistress Metaphor, Daily Source Code (0:03–1:17)

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the bi-weekly publication from the Crackpot Command Center in the United Kingdom and Northern Silicon Valley. Curry addresses listener requests for the return of the Daily Source Code, metaphorically describing the project as a mistress that requires a different type of respect. The hosts establish their locations within Gitmo Nation East and West.

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), [daily source code](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/daily-source-code.md), [gitmo nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gitmo-nation.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/1.md)

### 2. Barack Obama, Arizona State University Commencement, Party School Reputation (1:20–3:03)

President Barack Obama delivered a commencement address at Arizona State University, a location noted by the hosts for its reputation as a party school and its proximity to John McCain's home. The discussion touches on the "big three" pillars of Obama's platform: education, healthcare, and energy. Dvorak expresses skepticism regarding the choice of venue for a presidential address.

Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), arizona state university, [john mccain](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-mccain.md), commencement address, party school

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/2.md)

### 3. Obama Eyeballing Student, Nancy Pelosi Press Conference Behavior (3:03–5:27)

Observations of President Obama at the Arizona State commencement suggest he was staring intensely at a student on stage in a manner described as creepy. A separate incident in the Rose Garden involved Speaker Nancy Pelosi interrupting the President to offer effusive praise for his healthcare leadership. The hosts interpret Pelosi's actions as undermining the President's authority and note his apparent displeasure.

Keywords: [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [nancy pelosi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nancy-pelosi.md), arizona state university, [rose garden](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/rose-garden.md), healthcare legislation

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/3.md)

### 4. Energy Independence, Natural Gas, Wind Power Potential (5:27–7:21)

The conversation shifts to the administration's focus on reducing dependence on foreign oil through domestic resources. Mention is made of untapped natural gas reserves and the potential for wind power in the United States. The hosts argue that the country possesses sufficient internal energy resources to achieve independence if managed correctly.

Keywords: [energy independence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/energy-independence.md), [natural gas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/natural-gas.md), [wind power](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wind-power.md), [foreign oil](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/foreign-oil.md), reserves

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/4.md)

### 5. San Francisco Shoeshine, Oversized Children, Stroller Trends (7:23–10:31)

An anecdote from a shoeshine stand at Second and Market in San Francisco highlights a trend of older, larger children being pushed in robust, all-terrain strollers. The shoeshine operator, a long-time resident originally from New Orleans, observed that children who are capable of walking are being coddled. The hosts agree that this trend toward "lazy kids" is visible in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

Keywords: [san francisco](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/san-francisco.md), shoeshine joe, strollers, [childhood obesity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/childhood-obesity.md), parenting trends

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/5.md)

### 6. Tamiflu Stockpiles, Pharmacist Observations, Expiration Dates (10:34–13:12)

A pharmacist from New York City reports a massive surge in Tamiflu sales following the announcement of a potential swine flu pandemic. The report claims that current Tamiflu supplies are "short-dated" and likely represent old stockpiles from the previous avian flu scare that Roche needed to liquidate. The pharmacist notes that many patients seeking the drug actually have seasonal allergies rather than the flu.

Keywords: [tamiflu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tamiflu.md), [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [roche](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/roche.md), [avian flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/avian-flu.md), [antibiotics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/antibiotics.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/6.md)

### 7. Chinese Zodiac Coincidences, Animal Flu Outbreaks (13:13–14:15)

A listener email suggests a correlation between the Chinese Zodiac and global flu outbreaks, noting the Year of the Chicken coincided with bird flu and the Year of the Pig with swine flu. The hosts humorously speculate on the implications for the upcoming Year of the Cock in 2010.

Keywords: [chinese zodiac](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/chinese-zodiac.md), [bird flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bird-flu.md), equine influenza, [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), year of the pig

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/7.md)

### 8. Swine Flu Skepticism, Marketing Ploys, Conspiracy vs Strategy (14:17–15:57)

The hosts analyze the swine flu outbreak as a potential marketing ploy rather than a government conspiracy. They discuss reports from Mexico suggesting that many victims did not exhibit standard flu symptoms like fever. The segment emphasizes that corporate PR strategies to move inventory can often be mistaken for deeper conspiracies.

Keywords: [swine flu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/swine-flu.md), [marketing strategy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/marketing-strategy.md), [conspiracy theory](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/conspiracy-theory.md), [mexico](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mexico.md), [public relations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/public-relations.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/8.md)

### 9. Generic Tamiflu, Indian Pharmaceutical Patents, Drug Advertising (15:58–18:29)

An Indian company, Cipla, is reportedly preparing to flood the market with generic Tamiflu, which may explain Roche's urgency in selling existing stock. The hosts discuss the complexities of pharmaceutical patents and the practice of drug companies marketing against generic alternatives as the patent expiration date approaches.

Keywords: cipla, [tamiflu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tamiflu.md), [patents](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/patents.md), [generic drugs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/generic-drugs.md), [gilead sciences](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gilead-sciences.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/9.md)

### 10. Performance Rights Act, Radio Fees, House Judiciary Committee (18:30–20:12)

The House Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would levy new fees on local radio stations for airing music. If enacted, half of these fees would go to major record labels, most of which are based outside the United States. The hosts suggest this move could be the "final neck chop" for traditional music radio, leading to an increase in talk radio.

Keywords: [house judiciary committee](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/house-judiciary-committee.md), [radio stations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/radio-stations.md), performance rights, [record labels](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/record-labels.md), [music industry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/music-industry.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/10.md)

### 11. Gilead Sciences, Roche Agreement, Virus Creation Theories (20:14–22:35)

Gilead Sciences, the developer of Tamiflu, reportedly terminated its agreement with Roche regarding marketing rights. The hosts also discuss blog reports claiming the swine flu virus shows signs of being engineered. They draw a parallel between biological viruses and the computer antivirus industry, suggesting companies may create problems to sell solutions.

Keywords: [gilead sciences](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gilead-sciences.md), [roche](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/roche.md), [tamiflu](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tamiflu.md), computer viruses, [symantec](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/symantec.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/11.md)

### 12. Eurovision Song Contest, Terry Wogan, Blasphemy Day (22:36–26:28)

The Eurovision Song Contest is highlighted as a major cultural event in Europe, with the hosts explaining its significance to an American audience. They discuss the retirement of commentator Sir Terry Wogan, known for his humorous and biting critiques of the contestants. Additionally, a listener notes that it is "Blasphemy Day" in Ireland.

Keywords: [eurovision](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/eurovision.md), [terry wogan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/terry-wogan.md), [united kingdom](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-kingdom.md), [ireland](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ireland.md), blasphemy day

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/12.md)

### 13. Twitter Brain Damage, David Seaman, Social Media Simplification (26:29–28:09)

Author David Seaman claims that frequent Twitter use causes the equivalent of brain damage by encouraging overly simplistic thinking and emotional behavior. Seaman argues that the 140-character limit boils down complex ideas into meaningless sound bites. The hosts mock the assertion while acknowledging the platform's limitations.

Keywords: [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), david seaman, [brain damage](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brain-damage.md), [social media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-media.md), [sound bites](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sound-bites.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/13.md)

### 14. Tourette Syndrome Research, Brain Mapping, Frontostriatal Circuitry (28:09–29:46)

Neuroscientists using magnetic transfer imaging (MTI) believe they have identified the part of the brain responsible for Tourette Syndrome. The research focuses on alterations in the frontostriatal circuitry and the prefrontal area. The hosts struggle with the medical terminology while discussing the potential for "hacking" the brain to treat tics.

Keywords: [tourette syndrome](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tourette-syndrome.md), [neuroscience](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/neuroscience.md), mti, [brain surgery](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/brain-surgery.md), prefrontal cortex

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/14.md)

### 15. Clean Water Restoration Act, UN Human Rights, Government Ownership (29:46–31:23)

A listener raises concerns about the Clean Water Restoration Act, noting that the UN Declaration of Human Rights does not explicitly list water as a fundamental right. The discussion explores the legal theory that if Congress claims ownership of all water in the U.S., and the human body is 50% water, the government effectively owns half of every citizen.

Keywords: clean water restoration act, [united nations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/united-nations.md), [human rights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/human-rights.md), [congress](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/congress.md), [water rights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/water-rights.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/15.md)

### 16. Behind Closed Doors, Stalin and Churchill, Bernie Madoff Frontline (31:24–33:01)

The PBS documentary series "Behind Closed Doors" is recommended for its unique blend of dramatic interpretation and historical evidence regarding Stalin and Churchill. The hosts also mention a "Frontline" episode on Bernie Madoff, which features interviews with victims who lost their life savings in the Ponzi scheme.

Keywords: [pbs](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pbs.md), behind closed doors, [stalin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stalin.md), [churchill](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/churchill.md), [bernie madoff](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bernie-madoff.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/16.md)

### 17. Homeowner Hope Program, Lend America Investigation, Loan Failure (33:02–35:55)

A Forbes report reveals that the government's "Homeowner Hope" program has only facilitated 51 loans despite hundreds of millions in funding. Of those 51 loans, 50 were made by a single company, Lend America, and are currently under federal investigation. The hosts characterize the program as a massive failure.

Keywords: homeowner hope program, lend america, [forbes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/forbes.md), mortgage crisis, [bailout](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bailout.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/17.md)

### 18. Pakistan Instability, Taliban Drug Deals, Save Page As Technique (35:56–39:05)

Chaos in Pakistan and Afghanistan is discussed, with reports of the U.S. military negotiating drug deals with the Taliban. Dvorak provides a technical tip on using the "Save Page As" function in web browsers to archive controversial news articles before they are removed or altered by mainstream media outlets.

Keywords: [pakistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/pakistan.md), [taliban](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taliban.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [drug trade](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drug-trade.md), internet archiving

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/18.md)

### 19. CIA and ISI, Taliban Creation, Asif Ali Zardari Interview (39:05–40:53)

Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari reportedly told NBC News that the CIA and Pakistan's ISI worked together to create the Taliban. The hosts discuss this historical context, linking it to the book "Legacy of Ashes," which documents the history of CIA blunders and covert operations.

Keywords: asif ali zardari, [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [isi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/isi.md), [taliban](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taliban.md), [legacy of ashes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/legacy-of-ashes.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/19.md)

### 20. General David McKiernan, Stanley McChrystal, Camp Liberty Shooting (40:54–43:49)

General David McKiernan was relieved of command in Iraq and replaced by Special Forces Lieutenant General Stanley McChrystal. The hosts discuss a shooting at Camp Liberty that killed five U.S. soldiers, questioning the official narrative of a "stressed" soldier and suggesting a possible connection to Nancy Pelosi's surprise visit to the Green Zone.

Keywords: david mckiernan, [stanley mcchrystal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/stanley-mcchrystal.md), camp liberty, [nancy pelosi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nancy-pelosi.md), [iraq](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/20.md)

### 21. Roxana Saberi Release, Kurdistan Conflict, Iranian Influence (43:50–46:09)

The release of U.S.-Iranian journalist Roxana Saberi is linked to broader geopolitical shifts and secret agreements by the Obama administration. The hosts also note a lack of media coverage regarding Iranian attacks on the Kurdistan region of Iraq and the resulting tension with Israel.

Keywords: roxana saberi, [kurdistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/kurdistan.md), [iran](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iran.md), [israel](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/israel.md), [iraq](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/iraq.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/21.md)

### 22. Israeli Lobby, Obama Foreign Policy, Nancy Pelosi Power Dynamics (46:09–49:45)

An article suggests President Obama is launching an assault against the Israeli lobby to reshape American foreign policy. The hosts discuss the internal power struggle between the executive branch and Speaker Nancy Pelosi, suggesting she is acting as a "second government" and may be overstepping her authority.

Keywords: israeli lobby, [barack obama](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/barack-obama.md), [nancy pelosi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nancy-pelosi.md), boston review, [foreign policy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/foreign-policy.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/22.md)

### 23. CIA Congressional Briefings, Waterboarding Documents, Bush-Clinton Control (49:45–53:14)

Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi and Carl Levin, accuse the CIA of releasing documents about interrogation briefings to deflect blame for waterboarding. The hosts argue that the CIA remains under the influence of the Bush and Clinton families, and that Obama's decision to stop releasing detainee abuse photos indicates he has been "brought into the fold."

Keywords: [cia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cia.md), [waterboarding](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/waterboarding.md), [nancy pelosi](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nancy-pelosi.md), [carl levin](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/carl-levin.md), [george h.w. bush](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/george-h-w-bush.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/23.md)

### 24. Jackhammer Sex Toy Fatality (53:15–54:12)

A brief news item reports on a woman who died after attempting to use a jackhammer as a sexual device. The hosts discuss the absurdity of the headline and the lack of necessary further detail.

Keywords: jackhammer, sex toy, accidental death, johnny green, news oddity

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/24.md)

### 25. Katie Price Split, Too Much Bling Campaign, UK Policing (54:13–57:50)

The high-profile split of UK celebrities Katie Price (Jordan) and Peter Andre is mentioned as major news in Britain. This is followed by a discussion of the "Too Much Bling, Give Us A Ring" campaign in Gloucestershire, where citizens are encouraged to report neighbors who appear to have jewelry or lifestyles beyond their visible means.

Keywords: katie price, peter andre, gloucestershire, crime stoppers, bling

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/25.md)

### 26. Neighbor Spying, Commie Comparisons, No Agenda Merchandise (57:50–59:24)

The hosts compare the UK's "Bling" reporting campaign to the neighborhood spying tactics used in communist Cuba. The segment devolves into a humorous discussion about potential No Agenda branded merchandise, including jockstraps and codpieces.

Keywords: [cuba](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cuba.md), [communism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/communism.md), [spying](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/spying.md), codpieces, jockstraps

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/26.md)

### 27. Mexico Drug Decriminalization, Portugal Model, Money Laundering (59:26–1:02:18)

Mexico's Senate approved a bill decriminalizing small amounts of narcotics for personal use to focus resources on cartels. The hosts discuss the success of a similar model in Portugal and argue that the U.S. financial system and Wall Street are heavily dependent on the laundering of drug money.

Keywords: [mexico](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mexico.md), [portugal](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/portugal.md), [drug decriminalization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/drug-decriminalization.md), [felipe calderon](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/felipe-calderon.md), [money laundering](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/money-laundering.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/27.md)

### 28. Mena Arkansas, American Gangster, Casino Money Laundering (1:02:17–1:05:31)

The hosts discuss historical allegations of drug smuggling in Mena, Arkansas, during the Clinton administration. They compare these operations to the film "American Gangster" and suggest that high-level politicians benefit from the drug trade. Dvorak also shares observations about the "high roller" rooms in Las Vegas casinos as potential venues for massive money laundering.

Keywords: [mena arkansas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mena-arkansas.md), [bill clinton](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bill-clinton.md), [american gangster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/american-gangster.md), [las vegas](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/las-vegas.md), [money laundering](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/money-laundering.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/28.md)

### 29. Opium Economics, Afghanistan Production, Taliban Disguises (1:05:31–1:08:38)

The discussion focuses on Afghanistan's role as the producer of 90% of the world's opiates. The hosts argue that the U.S. government resists drug legalization because it would crash the price of a controlled cash crop. They joke about retiring to an opium farm in Afghanistan and the difficulty of Curry or Dvorak passing for Taliban members.

Keywords: [opium](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/opium.md), [afghanistan](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/afghanistan.md), [taliban](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/taliban.md), [decriminalization](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/decriminalization.md), [economics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/economics.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/29.md)

### 30. Coca-Cola Cocaine History, Jean-Michel Jarre Death Hoax (1:08:39–1:11:26)

A listener provides details on the Stepan Company in New Jersey, which is licensed to import coca leaves for Coca-Cola. The hosts then correct a previous error regarding the death of musician Jean-Michel Jarre; it was his father, Maurice Jarre, who passed away. They acknowledge how easily Wikipedia hoaxes can spread through the media.

Keywords: [coca-cola](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/coca-cola.md), [cocaine](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cocaine.md), stepan company, jean-michel jarre, [wikipedia](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/wikipedia.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/30.md)

### 31. Twitter Feature Changes, Identica, Celebrity Social Media (1:11:28–1:13:03)

Twitter users are reportedly upset over changes to the "replies" and "following" features. The hosts predict the rise of Twitter clones like Identica and the eventual fragmentation of the service into specialized networks for geeks, celebrities, and other niches.

Keywords: [twitter](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/twitter.md), identica, [social media](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/social-media.md), [followers](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/followers.md), microblogging

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/31.md)

### 32. Bilderberg Meeting, Park Cognac Review, Dominic Park (1:13:04–1:15:35)

The annual Bilderberg meeting has reportedly begun in Athens, Greece. Shifting to "Wine and Food News," Dvorak provides a glowing review of Park Cognac, an XO cognac produced by Dominic Park. He recommends it as a high-quality, affordable alternative to more expensive brands.

Keywords: [bilderberg](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bilderberg.md), [athens](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/athens.md), park cognac, dominic park, xo cognac

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/32.md)

### 33. Judicial Watch, TARP Contracts, Bank Coercion (1:15:36–1:18:44)

Judicial Watch obtained documents through FOIA requests showing that the Obama administration forced major banks to accept TARP bailout funds. The hosts discuss the specific four-point contracts bank CEOs were required to sign, characterizing the government's coercion of private financial institutions as a form of fascism.

Keywords: [judicial watch](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/judicial-watch.md), [tarp](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/tarp.md), [bank bailout](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/bank-bailout.md), [treasury department](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/treasury-department.md), [fascism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fascism.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/33.md)

### 34. Producer Donations, Knighting Ceremony, Star Trek Numerology (1:18:45–1:22:55)

The hosts conduct the "Knighting Ceremony" for producers who donated $50 or more, including John Kilburn, Joshua Brickner, and Elaine Hengem. They analyze various odd donation amounts, identifying "1701" as a reference to the USS Enterprise's registry number and discussing other numerological contributions.

Keywords: [donations](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donations.md), [knights](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/knights.md), [star trek](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/star-trek.md), 1701, [numerology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/numerology.md)

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/34.md)

### 35. No Agenda Outro, Layaway Program, Sunday Show Preview (1:22:56–1:24:56)

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak conclude the episode by discussing a potential "layaway" donation program for listeners. They preview upcoming topics for the Sunday show, including the "Clean Plate" anecdotes and the Buffalo plane crash tapes. The hosts sign off from their respective Gitmo Nation locations.

Keywords: [adam curry](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/adam-curry.md), [john c dvorak](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/john-c-dvorak.md), [layaway](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/layaway.md), buffalo pilot, moon rising

[Chapter transcript](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/97-brain-damage/chapter/35.md)

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