Topic: Paul Allen

A technical error occurred where the "Mo' Facts with Adam Curry" feed was accidentally published to the No Agenda RSS feed, causing confusion for some subscribers. Listeners are advised to unsubscribe and resubscribe if their podcast apps are still showing the incorrect episodes. The mistake is jokingly compared to Bill Gates' historical attempts to consolidate power within Microsoft.

Federal investigators granted immunity to Trump Organization bookkeeper Allen Weisselberg to understand the company's financial flows. The discussion compares high-end real estate practices to Yakuza-run golf courses in Japan, where exorbitant membership fees are used as a form of tribute or money laundering. Analysts suggest that investigators like Robert Mueller are scrutinizing Trump's international deals for similar patterns of illicit finance.

A detailed breakdown of the Ebola funding PDF reveals significant pledge deficits from countries like the UK, France, and Germany, as well as private entities like the Silicon Valley Foundation. The hosts argue that the Zika emergency is being used to fill these gaps. They highlight large sums of money directed toward the US and Dutch Departments of Defense and various UN agencies.

A theory is proposed that a Seattle Seahawks victory would serve to boost morale in Washington following a contentious contract dispute between Boeing and the machinists union. The hosts discuss the importance of the aerospace industry to the region and the symbolic power of Paul Allen's custom-painted "12th Man" Boeing 747. They suggest the elite may use the game to pacify a depressed workforce.

Plans for a virtual podcasting school involve resurrecting an unfinished book project and bundling it with essential gear like microphones and mixers. The curriculum would focus on practical broadcasting skills, drawing from experiences at the Paul Allen School of Broadcasting and TechTV. The project aims to integrate streaming and hosting services, potentially partnering with existing providers to offer a complete "home kit" for aspiring creators.

Joe Biden's explanation of "fighting seasons" in Afghanistan is analyzed for its grammatical oddities and strategic implications. The hosts also discuss Biden's physical demeanor during the debate, describing his constant smiling and grimacing as "creepy" and distracting.

In an "Ask Adam" segment, the hosts debate why billionaires like Paul Allen or Larry Ellison do not purchase retired Concorde jets for private use. Adam explains the logistical hurdles, including the need for a five-person crew and the political optics of such high-fuel consumption. The conversation shifts to the massive super yachts owned by tech moguls and the specific maintenance they require.

A court dismissed Paul Allen's patent infringement lawsuits against several major tech companies, excluding Microsoft. The conversation transitions to Oprah Winfrey's launch of her new cable channel, "OWN," noting her previous involvement with the Oxygen network.

The hosts conclude the episode by discussing Adam Curry's upcoming appearance on "This Week in Tech" (TWiT) with Leo Laporte and Kevin Rose. They debate whether Curry should share his "contrarian" views on the Paul Allen lawsuit on another platform. The show ends with a final call for listener support and a sign-off from both hosts.

Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich hosted a $5 million New Year's Eve party in St. Barts featuring performances by Beyonce, Prince, and Gwen Stefani. The hosts detail Abramovich's immense wealth, including his 517-foot yacht Eclipse and his private Boeing 767 known as "The Bandit." They contrast this extreme opulence with the modest lives of their listeners and the "public service" nature of the podcast.

Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen is identified as a major beneficiary of the stimulus bill through his stake in Charter Communications. The cable provider's $8 billion debt forgiveness during Chapter 11 bankruptcy is reportedly eligible for tax deferment until 2014 under the new legislation. This is characterized as a significant tax break for the wealthy.

John C. Dvorak recounts returning from Las Vegas on a Hawker 800 private jet. The hosts discuss the logistics of corporate aviation, noting that most private jets are now shared through services like NetJets rather than being individually owned. They list various tech billionaires who own aircraft, including Paul Allen and the founders of Google and eBay.