9 chapters across the catalog
A linguistic observation suggests that the specific pronunciation of Vladimir Putin's name by certain news anchors is intended to create a subconscious association with the historical "evil" figure Rasputin. This associative thinking is described as a subtle form of psychological framing in media reporting.
Associated Press Style Guide, Undocumented Citizens Terminology
The Associated Press and certain political figures like Rahm Emanuel have begun using the term "undocumented citizens" to describe illegal immigrants. The hosts argue this is a factually incorrect use of the word "citizen" and represents a propaganda effort to normalize the lack of national borders. They note that while the official AP style guide may not have changed, the practical usage in reporting has shifted.
The Associated Press reportedly produces the Max Keiser Report and Larry King's programming before selling the content to Russia Today (RT). This syndication model raises questions about the involvement of Western news agencies in distributing state-sponsored media. Additional discussion covers the hiring biases against journalists with resumes from RT or Sputnik.
Smart Colorado and Alleged Marijuana Cookie Media Plant
An Associated Press report regarding a two-year-old girl in Longmont, Colorado, who allegedly ingested a marijuana cookie is analyzed as a potential media plant. The organization Smart Colorado, a 501c4 non-profit formed in March 2013, is identified as the likely source of the story intended to create public alarm following retail marijuana legalization. Comparisons are drawn to the 1990 Iraqi incubator baby PR campaign used to influence public opinion.
Associative Propaganda, Texas Creationists, Global Cooling
The hosts define "associative propaganda," where factual statements about the Earth's age or evolution are bundled with claims about man-made climate change to make the latter seem indisputable. They discuss the ongoing battle over science education in Texas and express their personal preference for the "global cooling" theories of the 1970s.
White House Press Secretary Jay Carney held a restricted "background briefing" for 14 selected news organizations, excluding the Associated Press. The move is characterized as a search for leaks and a method for distributing "deep background" propaganda under the guise of transparency.
Libya Rape Allegations, Michelle Faul, and AP Credibility
Reports claiming Muammar Gaddafi's troops are using Viagra to commit mass rapes are scrutinized for potential propaganda similarities to the 1990 incubator baby story. The source of the data, a survey by Dr. Siham Serjawah reported by Michelle Faul of the Associated Press, is questioned due to the high response rate and the difficulty in verifying the identities of the doctor and reporter.
NASA Climate Kids, 1922 Arctic Warming Report
NASA's "Climate Kids" website features animated polar bears to teach children about habitat loss, which the hosts characterize as blatant propaganda. To counter the narrative of unprecedented warming, they read an Associated Press report from 1922 describing identical radical changes in the Arctic climate. They conclude that the current climate alarmism is a "monstrous scam."
Neurolinguistic Programming, Political Word Association
During a lunch with colleagues, the host observed how political "word association" and neurolinguistic programming (NLP) affect public perception. He cites the use of terms like "hardline," "coctopus," and "astroturf" as tools to create negative connotations. He specifically addresses the false association being created between the Koch brothers and the "Swift Boat" campaign against John Kerry.
