Topic: South Austin

Several producers received official title changes, including "Survivor of Aneurysm" for a producer who recently overcame a life-altering medical event. Another producer was dubbed "Baron of South Austin" after reaching a significant donation threshold. The hosts also discussed the process for replacing lost "Knight rings" through the show's staff.

The BRICS summit in Russia leads to the coining of the term "The Krinks" to describe the alliance between Russia, Iran, and North Korea. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirms that North Korean troops are training in Russia, with reports suggesting up to 10,000 soldiers may be deployed to Ukraine. The hosts remain skeptical, characterizing the reports as military-industrial complex propaganda.

Over 60 bands boycotted the South by Southwest festival in Austin due to its sponsorship by the U.S. military and defense contractors. Governor Greg Abbott told the boycotting artists not to return to Texas, while the festival organizers defended their commitment to human rights. The hosts recall the festival's role in the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns.

Adam Curry reports from Montego Bay, Jamaica, after taking a direct flight from Austin to avoid further vacation cancellations. He describes a lengthy TSA inspection at the airport where security agents spent fifteen minutes scrutinizing his studio equipment and microphones. The delay occurred during the final weekend of the South by Southwest festival.

The U.S. reaffirms its defense commitment to the Philippines after a Chinese ship allegedly directed a military-grade laser at a Philippine vessel. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discussed joint patrols to ensure a "free and open Indo-Pacific."

The United States and the Philippines announced an agreement granting the US military access to four additional military sites, bringing the total to nine. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin finalized the deal to counter Chinese aggression in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. Strategic locations in northern Luzon place US assets within range of shore-based missiles near Taiwan.

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem touted her state's 9.9% GDP growth and lack of corporate or personal income taxes at a recent convention. In contrast, the hosts discuss the logistical challenges in Austin, Texas, where newcomers are reportedly "gaming" restaurant reservation systems. They suggest that restaurants should implement credit card deposits to prevent mass cancellations.

Mayor Steve Adler cancels the 34th annual South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, following a local disaster declaration. Despite previous statements from health officials that canceling the event would not stop the spread of COVID-19, the city reversed its position to mitigate the risk of person-to-person transmission. The decision comes as numerous high-profile tech companies and performers had already withdrawn from the festival.

The coronavirus outbreak has led to the cancellation of major tech and entertainment events, including Google I/O and various conferences in San Francisco. While Austin Mayor Steve Adler initially resisted canceling South by Southwest, major participants like Netflix began withdrawing from the festival. The Federal Reserve responded to market volatility with an emergency interest rate cut as global travel and hospitality sectors faced mounting losses.

A fatal stabbing at a Freebirds burrito joint on South Congress in Austin sparked a feud between Governor Greg Abbott and Mayor Steve Adler. While the Mayor initially criticized the assumption that the suspect was homeless, police later confirmed the individual was indeed part of the transient population, fueling a debate over the city's public safety and camping policies.

Austin city leaders approved an $8.5 million purchase of an office building on Ben White Boulevard to convert into a homeless shelter, sparking a petition with over 5,700 signatures from local residents. Additionally, a Salvation Army facility on Tannehill Lane remains unoccupied due to funding and certification delays. The city also announced plans to purchase 300 affordable homes, with a portion reserved for individuals with disabilities or critical needs.

The South by Southwest festival in Austin has become a major stop for 2020 political candidates, including Bernie Sanders and Kamala Harris. Foursquare launched a new "Hyper-trending" feature at the event, raising concerns about real-time surveillance and data privacy.

A donor is damed as "Dame Pill Pusher of South Texas." Another donor from Pflugerville discusses the "smoke and mirrors" of Agile methodology in his new job. The segment concludes with thanks to Austin Beerworks and the various volunteers who organized the local event.

A major No Agenda meetup is announced for March 2nd at Austin Beer Works. Ross Reynolds, the brewery's ambassador and a listener of the show, is helping organize the event, which has a 250-person capacity. The hosts encourage listeners from surrounding states to attend the gathering, which takes place just before the South by Southwest festival.

Beto O'Rourke's political style is compared to that of Barack Obama, with some observers labeling him a "white Obama" or "Wobama." Despite losing his Senate race, O'Rourke maintains high visibility with yard signs remaining common in areas like South Austin. The discussion briefly tangents into the career of Pia Zadora and the influence of wealthy spouses in political and entertainment promotion.

A series of package bombs in Austin, Texas, has resulted in two deaths, including 17-year-old Draylon Mason. Investigators are searching for a suspected serial bomber as anxiety increases during the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. Police are investigating potential hate crime motives as several victims were African American, while the hosts criticize media coverage for not linking the events more directly to the festival's timing.

Austin, Texas experiences its annual rainfall coinciding with the South by Southwest festival. The city's status as a sanctuary city has sparked local protests and a standoff with the Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, who opposes the designation.

The South by Southwest 2016 festival concludes in Austin, Texas, with reports of heavy traffic and "mayhem" during the final weekend. Observations indicate a shift in the festival's layout, with more events moving into new hotels and permanent buildings rather than temporary outdoor parking lot stages. A brief anecdote mentions Jason Calacanis reaching out for a meeting at the famous Franklin's Barbecue, highlighting the long wait times associated with the venue.

The hosts discuss the freedom of the value-for-value model compared to the commercial constraints of mainstream media. Adam Curry provides observations from Austin, Texas, during the South by Southwest festival, noting the prevalence of "cookie-cutter" hipster aesthetics. The segment reinforces the show's mission to deconstruct media narratives without the influence of corporate advertisers.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak conclude Episode 808 with a final sign-off from Austin and Northern Silicon Valley. Curry promises further updates from the South by Southwest festival, while Dvorak notes the presence of idle oil tank cars near his location. The show ends with a montage of Joe Biden clips and the traditional "In the Morning" greeting.