Topic: Remote Control

Dana Brunetti provides a "tip of the day" for testing infrared remote control batteries using a smartphone camera. By pointing the remote at the camera lens and pressing a button, users can see the infrared light on their screen, confirming if the batteries are functional. This simple technical hack is presented as a useful tool for troubleshooting home electronics without specialized equipment.

Vladimir Putin's favorite official driver was killed in a head-on collision in Moscow when a Mercedes crossed a lane barrier and struck the presidential BMW. Video footage of the incident has sparked conspiracy theories, with some suggesting the crash appeared too precise to be an accident, potentially involving remote control. The driver was a veteran with over 40 years of experience in the Russian government's transport service.

The discussion of remote-controlled aircraft extends to the disappearances and crashes of Malaysia Airlines flights MH370 and MH17. Theories suggest a pattern of technological intervention that bypasses pilot control. The presence of French Mirage jets near the Germanwings crash site is also noted as a detail that disappeared from mainstream reporting.

The search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 continues with frequent media appearances by Sarah Bajc, the partner of a passenger on the plane. Bajc's use of technical jargon like "leverage of assets" has led to speculation that she may be an intelligence asset. Discussion also touches on theories that the Boeing 777's fly-by-wire system could have been taken over via remote control using classified patents.

Former NTSB Chair James Hall appeared on news programs suggesting that Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 may have been subject to cyber warfare. Hall questioned whether the aircraft was being remotely controlled, drawing comparisons to theories regarding the September 11 attacks.

The hosts reminisce about building plastic model airplane kits during childhood, specifically recalling the distinct aroma of Testers Dope paint and alcohol-based engine fuel. They contrast the physical tethered-string flying models of the past with modern remote-controlled versions that require less mechanical maintenance. The discussion touches on the health effects of inhaling aromatics like toluene found in model glue.

The history of television is marked by the transition from limited black-and-white broadcasts to the 500-channel era enabled by the remote control. Early television sets required significant warm-up times and manual channel switching, which limited viewer choice. The introduction of the remote control is credited with fundamentally changing how audiences interact with the medium and allowing for the proliferation of cable networks.

C Chase McCarthy is knighted following a $1,000 donation. The hosts then transition to a report from Wired regarding DARPA research into remote brain stimulation systems designed to help soldiers ignore extreme heat or stress by manipulating neural circuits.

A 2010 Toyota Prius advertisement highlights "Lane Keep Assist" technology, which uses cameras to detect road lines and applies torque to the steering wheel to prevent drifting. The hosts express concern that this technology is a step toward remote government control of private vehicles.

Modern aircraft flight systems are increasingly automated and connected, leading to concerns about the potential for remote interference. The discussion explores whether incorrect data could be sent to a plane's glide slope or throttle controls, effectively allowing an external party to take control of an Airbus or Boeing jet.

The history of MTV's programming shift is traced back to the need for higher ratings and advertiser interest from brands like Budweiser. Shows like "Remote Control" proved that low-budget original programming could outperform music videos. This led to the current era of 30-minute reality shows, which are cheaper to produce and more profitable for Viacom.

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.