12 chapters across the catalog
During Donald Trump's visit to the border wall in Alamo, Texas, media outlets revisited unverified claims regarding his demands for the barrier. These included reports that the President requested an alligator-filled moat, deadly spikes, and black paint designed to burn the hands of climbers.
Mutant Virus Strains, Los Alamos National Laboratory Study
CBS News anchor Nora O'Donnell reported on a "more powerful mutant strain" of the coronavirus, which the hosts criticize as sensationalist fear-mongering. A study from the Los Alamos National Laboratory suggests a mutation that emerged in Europe may be more contagious than the original strain from China. The findings, which have not been peer-reviewed, were released early to assist vaccine developers in tracking the virus's evolution.
No Agenda Art, Darren O'Neill, Phil Collins Anecdote
The show's artwork for episode 1182, created by Darren O'Neill, is reviewed, featuring a "Breakup with Big Tech" theme. An alternative piece featuring the Alamo was rejected because the hosts felt modern audiences might not recognize the landmark. This leads to an anecdote about musician Phil Collins being a major collector of Alamo artifacts and a personal story about a past encounter with Collins at MTV.
The current intelligence climate is compared to the 1950 conviction of Klaus Fuchs, a physicist who supplied Manhattan Project secrets to the Soviet Union. The discussion references the Venona project, which intercepted communications between Moscow and the United States during World War II.
State Department Lies Regarding North Korean Diplomacy
A PBS NewsHour segment featuring a former State Department official is criticized for claiming North Korea refuses to engage in diplomacy. This is contrasted with statements from a Los Alamos scientist who notes that North Korea views its nuclear program as a deterrent against U.S. "hostile policies." The U.S. government is accused of lying about diplomatic efforts to justify weapons sales in the region.
Phil Collins, Alamo Memorabilia Collection
Musician Phil Collins is noted for owning an extensive collection of Alamo memorabilia, which he has donated or loaned to the historic site in San Antonio, Texas. The anecdote highlights Collins' unexpected fascination with Texas history and the Battle of the Alamo.
Energy Markets, The Alamo History Lesson
A listener's note regarding the export of liquid natural gas (LNG) tankers leads to a discussion on the historical accuracy of the Battle of the Alamo. The hosts debate the role of Disney movies in shaping public memory of the event, noting that many famous figures like Davy Crockett were popularized through 20th-century media.
Movie Theater Experiences, Screeners and Industry Trends
The decline of the traditional movie theater experience is discussed, citing high costs, poor etiquette, and the convenience of home viewing via screeners or premium cable. Comparisons are made between standard theaters and high-end venues like the Alamo Drafthouse, which enforces strict rules against phone usage. The discussion also touches on the film Argo and its perceived role in shaping public narratives.
Listener Donations, The Bogatives Band, Birthday Karma
The hosts read letters from donors across North America, including a postal worker from Vancouver who named his cover band "The Bogatives." Other contributions came from Medford, Oregon, and Alamo, California, with many requesting "karma" for birthdays or new business ventures. The "Sirs" of the No Agenda Roundtable are credited with sustaining the show through the holiday season.
The hosts read birthday wishes for listeners and offer "karma" to those facing personal challenges, such as eye surgery or job loss. One listener, Dame Lena, lost her job after 17 years, prompting a discussion about the "job sharing" ideas previously mentioned by Richard Branson.
Los Alamos National Laboratory, Venezuelan Nuclear Indictment Propaganda
A former Los Alamos National Laboratory scientist and his wife face federal indictment for allegedly attempting to sell nuclear secrets to a person they believed was a Venezuelan official. The hosts characterize the Washington Times report by Jerry Seeper as a planted piece of propaganda designed to associate Hugo Chavez with nuclear threats. They compare the media tactics to those used against Iraq and Iran, noting that Venezuela is likely being targeted for its oil interests.
Terahertz Radiation, DNA Damage, and ANSI Standards
Research from Los Alamos National Laboratory suggests that terahertz radiation used in airport scanners may cause damage to human DNA. The hosts highlight the lack of long-term health studies on millimeter-wave technology and the difficulty in accessing ANSI safety standards. They note that existing safety guidelines often focus on the operators of the machinery rather than the passengers being scanned.
