Topic: The International

A prediction is made that architect Frank Gehry will design a house for Hillary Clinton. The hosts mock Gehry's "gobbledygook" architectural style, referencing his appearance on *The Simpsons* and linking his work to the "new international rules-based order."

John C. Dvorak presents new "ISO" sound clips for the show's soundboard, including snippets from the *Sofia with an F* podcast. The hosts discuss the career of "Ross the Intern" and his current role on the *Drew Barrymore Show*. They select several new clips, including "Astounding" and "So Juicy," for future use in media deconstruction.

Simone Biles withdrew from Olympic competition after experiencing a psychological barrier known as the yips during a vault performance. The situation highlights the extreme pressures placed on athletes by the International Olympic Committee, including restrictive COVID-19 protocols and cardboard beds. Comparisons are drawn between the treatment of Olympic athletes and the high-pressure environment of TED Talk fellows.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce announced that the airline will likely require international travelers to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination. This aligns with the development of "CommonPass" by The Commons Project, a global digital health platform designed to reconcile screening and vaccination data for border crossings. The hosts warn that this system represents a permanent end to travel privacy and must be resisted.

The program opens with a series of historical facts and trivia for March 21st, 2019. Mention is made of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the death of Pocahontas in 1617, and Thomas Jefferson reporting to George Washington as Secretary of State in 1790. The United Nations' establishment of temporary headquarters at Hunter College in 1946 is also noted.

The International Criminal Court in The Hague adjourned the trial of Kenyan Deputy President William Ruto to allow him to return home and manage the Westgate Mall crisis. Ruto is under suspicion for crimes related to 2007 violence. The hosts question the timing of the attack in relation to the legal proceedings and the presence of Israeli advisors on the scene.

A clip from the film The International illustrates the concept that banks use conflict to control the resulting debt rather than weapon profits. The IMF and World Bank are identified as the primary entities controlling global debt. Controlling debt is framed as the ultimate form of geopolitical control.

Glenn Greenwald mentions the involvement of the ACLU and Amnesty International in the Snowden case. The hosts argue that the leaked PRISM slides appear to be internal "bragging" decks for intelligence agencies. They also note that The Guardian consulted with the White House and NSA before publishing the leaks, suggesting a level of controlled disclosure.

John C. Dvorak highlights a report that the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has only issued two verdicts since its formation in 2002. The latest verdict was the acquittal of a Congolese warlord due to insufficient evidence.

The Senate is debating the UN Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST), which critics argue subordinates U.S. sovereignty to international law. Hillary Clinton testified in favor of the treaty, dismissing concerns about UN taxes as "black helicopter" conspiracy theories. Senator Mike Lee of Utah is highlighted as a primary opponent of the agreement.

The UN environmental covenant proposes a one-world economic system where commodity prices reflect social and environmental costs. It suggests that 0.7% of a nation's Gross National Product should be dedicated to official development assistance. Disputes arising from this covenant would be settled by the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

The discussion shifts to the European economic crisis, specifically the opening of a new International Financial Tribunal in The Hague by Dutch Finance Minister Jan Kees de Jager. This court is intended to mediate disputes regarding complex financial products and derivatives. Meanwhile, in Athens, general strikes and protests continue as the Greek government considers further austerity measures to secure a 130 billion euro rescue package.

The hosts briefly discuss their holiday movie viewing, including the first "Iron Man" film. They strongly recommend "The International," a thriller starring Clive Owen that explores international banking corruption. The segment serves as a media recommendation for listeners interested in themes of global financial malfeasance.

Model Naomi Campbell is subpoenaed to testify at the International Criminal Court in The Hague regarding a "blood diamond" allegedly received from former Liberian President Charles Taylor. The hosts discuss the legal implications for Campbell and the role of Mia Farrow in the investigation. They also debate the jurisdiction of international courts over US and British citizens.