6 chapters across the catalog
Two deadly shootouts occurred in Istanbul, Turkey, targeting the city's police headquarters and a top prosecutor. The reporting on these events by international outlets was noted for a specific "NPR-style" cadence, which some find comical or overly stylized. Despite the violence, the incidents were presented as somewhat routine within the context of Turkish political unrest.
A producer named Don Tommaso from Toronto donated $3,141.59 (representing the mathematical constant Pi) after a series of "karma" events. He recounted a story of being inadvertently guided by Google Maps to CIA headquarters in Langley, where he was questioned for an hour before being allowed to leave.
McDonald's, Minimum Wage Protests and Media Suppression
Protests at McDonald's headquarters regarding a $15 minimum wage are discussed as an example of a story suppressed by mainstream media due to the company's status as a major advertiser. The hosts note that fast-food jobs are no longer just "stepping stone" positions for many workers.
NPR moves into a new 400,000-square-foot facility in Washington D.C. costing $201 million. While critics point to taxpayer funding, NPR clarifies the building was paid for through bonds, grants, and private donations. The hosts mock the lavishness of the facility, including its "LED gold" certification and 800-person central staff.
Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open the show from separate locations, with Curry reporting from a mobile RV setup in the woods near NSA headquarters in Virginia. They describe the logistical challenges of their recent travel from a Jersey City meetup and the severe bandwidth limitations of their current 3G connection. The hosts warn listeners of a significant audio lag and potential synchronization issues throughout the episode.
IBM Headquarters Location and Cold War Nuclear Strategy
The International Business Machines (IBM) headquarters is located in Armonk, New York, due to strategic decisions made during the 1950s and 60s. A historical study suggested moving the headquarters out of Manhattan to protect the company from a potential nuclear strike. The hosts debate whether the location would actually remain safe from survivors fleeing a destroyed New York City.
