6 chapters across the catalog
Concerns are raised regarding the presence of ethylene oxide, a known carcinogen, on COVID-19 testing swabs manufactured in China. A PBS news wrap-up is also discussed, covering the reopening of the Taj Mahal in India and food shortages in North Korea reported by Kim Jong-un.
Mainstream Media Trust Deficit, Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Errors
The hosts discuss the declining trustworthiness of mainstream media, which polls show is below 20%. They cite specific reporting errors by Amy Goodman on Democracy Now!, such as misidentifying the owner of the Taj Mahal casino and confusing the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 with the Galaxy S7. They argue that even "alternative" outlets like Democracy Now! are failing in basic accuracy.
A social media dispute involving a Stanford University professor centered on an article from The Economist regarding Donald Trump's business dealings at the Taj Mahal. The professor characterized Trump as a "certifiable con man" based on a $200,000 payment dispute with a contractor. The disagreement escalated into a broader debate about the definition of a confidence trick and the professional integrity of scientists versus entertainers.
Authorities in India are implementing a 10-year plan to clean the Taj Mahal, which is being discolored by air pollution from Agra. Measures include banning the burning of cow dung for fuel. Adam Curry shares an anecdote from a 1990 documentary in Jamaica where he was told that hemp burns hotter than coal, a claim John C. Dvorak views with skepticism.
Obama's India Trip, Mumbai Business Summit
President Obama's trip to India is scrutinized for its high cost and focus on corporate interests. He is scheduled to stay at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, the site of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, and speak at a business summit sponsored by the US-India Business Council (USIBC). The trip includes 215 CEOs, leading to claims that the visit is essentially a high-priced "speaking gig" for corporate interests.
Curry Family Home Movies and Media Preservation
A collection of Curry family home movies from 1967 to 1975 was recently transferred from Super 8 millimeter film to DVD. The footage includes historical scenes from Africa, the Taj Mahal, and the Three Sisters Inn in Kyoto, Japan. The discussion emphasizes the importance of digitizing old film and negatives before the physical media degrades or is lost to time.
