[00:04.030 --> 00:05.490]  But I won't say WBAI.
[00:05.510 --> 00:06.650]  I like BAI.
[00:06.750 --> 00:08.050]  The Great Studs Terkel.
[00:08.290 --> 00:13.530]  I know it's known as a kooky, goofy station, and yet it's so exciting for that very reason.
[00:14.110 --> 00:15.450]  I like BAI.
[00:15.610 --> 00:23.210]  I wish there were more stations, like there are a number, but more like this, with the outsider's views expressed often and frequently.
[00:31.200 --> 00:34.880]  And you are listening to radio station WBAI New York.
[00:35.100 --> 00:37.080]  The time is 8 o'clock.
[00:37.990 --> 00:40.300]  Time once again for another edition of Off the Hook.
[01:04.670 --> 01:10.030]  And a very
[02:34.330 --> 02:35.130]  good evening to everybody.
[02:35.190 --> 02:36.170]  The program is Off the Hook.
[02:36.170 --> 02:40.290]  Emanuel Goldstein here with you on this exciting Wednesday evening.
[02:41.250 --> 02:43.990]  We're here tonight with Kyle.
[02:44.330 --> 02:45.270]  Oh, yes.
[02:45.450 --> 02:45.670]  Hello.
[02:45.870 --> 02:46.330]  Hi, Emanuel.
[02:47.090 --> 02:47.450]  Good evening.
[02:47.570 --> 02:48.370]  And Rob T.
[02:48.450 --> 02:48.890]  Firefly there.
[02:49.070 --> 02:49.630]  Good evening.
[02:49.950 --> 02:50.150]  Wow.
[02:50.810 --> 02:54.630]  You all make it okay through the first ever wireless emergency alert?
[02:55.690 --> 02:56.830]  We're all still here.
[02:57.390 --> 02:57.910]  Barely.
[02:58.090 --> 02:58.830]  I don't know.
[02:59.090 --> 03:00.950]  A lot of mayhem and pandemonium.
[03:00.950 --> 03:03.710]  I still hear phones chiming and things beeping.
[03:04.190 --> 03:06.550]  People running around the studios here and screaming.
[03:06.910 --> 03:09.030]  Yeah, some people are still getting... they just got their message.
[03:09.290 --> 03:11.990]  I got mine actually right when it was sent.
[03:12.210 --> 03:12.410]  All right.
[03:12.450 --> 03:13.430]  Let me tell you what I got.
[03:13.550 --> 03:17.150]  I got a phone that I can't use right now because it says on it, emergency alert.
[03:17.470 --> 03:20.510]  This is a test of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System.
[03:20.510 --> 03:21.610]  No action is needed.
[03:21.850 --> 03:23.650]  Type, colon, presidential alert.
[03:23.790 --> 03:25.190]  And then there's a little thing that says okay.
[03:25.890 --> 03:29.490]  I'm supposed to press okay, and I'm not going to because I don't think it's okay.
[03:30.570 --> 03:38.290]  And my phone and I have been in a standoff now for about six hours where, you know, it rings, I get messages, but I can't really see them.
[03:38.370 --> 03:39.370]  They disappear very quickly.
[03:39.510 --> 03:41.490]  It won't let me do anything unless I hit okay.
[03:41.550 --> 03:42.670]  And I'm just not going to do it.
[03:42.730 --> 03:43.430]  I'm not going to.
[03:43.970 --> 03:46.990]  And you should tell the listeners what happens when you get a phone call.
[03:47.130 --> 03:47.930]  This is what we tested.
[03:48.210 --> 03:48.970]  Look, I don't know what this is.
[03:48.970 --> 03:50.490]  This is a message I'm getting from somebody.
[03:50.710 --> 03:51.510]  I can't read it.
[03:52.070 --> 03:52.930]  It's not showing me.
[03:53.150 --> 03:53.290]  Yeah.
[03:53.490 --> 03:55.110]  Well, go back to my question.
[03:55.270 --> 03:55.370]  Yes.
[03:55.370 --> 03:56.510]  You got distracted there.
[03:56.610 --> 03:56.970]  I'm sorry.
[03:57.070 --> 03:58.430]  I'm going to continue being distracted.
[03:58.450 --> 04:01.090]  I think you should describe what happens when you get phone calls.
[04:01.890 --> 04:02.850]  Well, different things.
[04:02.970 --> 04:05.950]  Well, actually, we have some live audio when that was unfolding.
[04:06.090 --> 04:06.350]  Oh, good.
[04:06.510 --> 04:07.790]  And we have all kinds of...
[04:07.790 --> 04:08.690]  We had our event.
[04:08.690 --> 04:12.850]  We had our event at about 2, actually exactly 2.18 p.m.
[04:12.850 --> 04:15.590]  Actually, does anybody know why 2.18 p.m.
[04:15.630 --> 04:17.030]  was chosen as the time?
[04:17.130 --> 04:18.230]  I've been trying to find that out.
[04:18.290 --> 04:18.890]  No one seems to know.
[04:19.930 --> 04:25.570]  Originally, it was supposed to be in September on, I think, a different day of the week.
[04:25.570 --> 04:26.190]  I think a Thursday.
[04:26.670 --> 04:29.130]  But it was also scheduled for 2.18 p.m.
[04:29.150 --> 04:32.750]  So when they rescheduled for October 3rd, they kept that time.
[04:32.890 --> 04:35.390]  So that time must mean something to somebody.
[04:35.630 --> 04:46.090]  So if anyone can either write to us, OTH at 2600.com, or call us, 347-335-0818 when we take phone calls a little bit later on and let us know, we'd be thrilled.
[04:46.090 --> 04:52.270]  Well, I've heard this explained is that, you know, if you add up the numbers, it adds up to 11.
[04:52.810 --> 04:54.570]  And that's Donald Trump's favorite number.
[04:55.530 --> 04:55.890]  Okay.
[04:55.950 --> 04:56.890]  Yeah, I know that's not true.
[04:56.910 --> 04:57.910]  I know that's not true.
[04:58.290 --> 04:59.970]  This is not a time for levity, Alex.
[05:00.250 --> 05:01.470]  This is a serious thing.
[05:01.650 --> 05:02.450]  I am very serious.
[05:02.850 --> 05:04.410]  In military time, that would be 14.18.
[05:04.670 --> 05:04.890]  All right.
[05:05.050 --> 05:06.570]  I don't know if there's any significance there.
[05:06.570 --> 05:09.270]  If there's any breaks on this right now, we don't know.
[05:09.410 --> 05:10.990]  We don't know what 218 means.
[05:11.090 --> 05:12.070]  It means something to somebody.
[05:12.250 --> 05:16.470]  Oh, and also, two minutes after that, we didn't know this, actually, last time we talked about it.
[05:16.570 --> 05:22.810]  There was a nationwide emergency alert system test, which went to all TV and radio stations.
[05:22.810 --> 05:24.390]  I'm not sure about cable networks.
[05:24.690 --> 05:26.630]  Maybe people can report to us on that.
[05:28.110 --> 05:33.130]  But we've only had two of those nationwide alerts where every single station was alerted at the same time.
[05:33.130 --> 05:38.090]  So it was a real day of emergency and panic, and that's going to be our theme tonight, emergency and panic.
[05:38.290 --> 05:42.470]  We'd like people to chime in whenever possible.
[05:43.810 --> 05:48.090]  Let's go back in history a little bit, because these things have roots.
[05:48.950 --> 05:56.470]  And back in the 1950s and the 1960s, many of us were convinced that we were all going to be annihilated in nuclear war.
[05:57.030 --> 06:05.610]  And when you are preparing for such a future, there are certain things that you have to put in place, and broadcasting is one of those things.
[06:06.550 --> 06:09.050]  There was a system known as Conorad.
[06:09.310 --> 06:10.830]  Anybody out there remember Conorad?
[06:10.930 --> 06:12.170]  You guys know what Conorad is?
[06:12.490 --> 06:13.510]  Nobody blank stares?
[06:13.670 --> 06:14.190]  Never heard of it.
[06:14.190 --> 06:14.870]  Never heard of it, Kyle?
[06:15.110 --> 06:15.290]  No?
[06:15.550 --> 06:15.750]  No.
[06:15.950 --> 06:17.630]  I was very, very small.
[06:18.150 --> 06:18.370]  Rob?
[06:18.750 --> 06:20.710]  Isn't that what the communists call one another?
[06:21.110 --> 06:22.130]  Anybody in the hallway?
[06:22.330 --> 06:23.430]  Anybody here of Conorad?
[06:23.830 --> 06:24.270]  Conorad.
[06:24.570 --> 06:26.630]  Does Conorad work here?
[06:26.670 --> 06:27.070]  They're answering.
[06:27.170 --> 06:27.530]  My God.
[06:29.030 --> 06:31.390]  We will get that soundproofing installed, I promise.
[06:32.390 --> 06:33.110]  Okay, Conorad.
[06:33.970 --> 06:36.050]  No, we were wondering if you might have heard of Conorad.
[06:36.430 --> 06:37.690]  Reggie, have you heard of Conorad?
[06:38.130 --> 06:38.950]  No, I haven't.
[06:39.110 --> 06:39.450]  Oh, okay.
[06:39.610 --> 06:41.930]  Well, listen to our radio, we will tell you.
[06:42.190 --> 06:42.750]  Oh, okay.
[06:43.070 --> 06:45.170]  When's the soundproofing going to be installed in our studios?
[06:45.450 --> 06:46.730]  I was working on it, I helped.
[06:47.530 --> 06:47.830]  No.
[06:48.190 --> 06:50.430]  This inter-studio communication is great, but...
[06:50.430 --> 06:51.530]  Maybe within a month.
[06:51.670 --> 06:52.150]  Oh, how?
[06:52.370 --> 06:53.050]  Okay, don't laugh.
[06:53.310 --> 06:53.610]  Hopefully.
[06:53.790 --> 06:54.530]  I'm going to miss this.
[06:54.650 --> 06:57.270]  This is just how outstanding Reggie is as far as engineering.
[06:57.650 --> 06:58.630]  That's how on the spot...
[06:58.630 --> 06:59.170]  He's right here.
[06:59.350 --> 07:00.470]  He thought there was an emergency.
[07:00.470 --> 07:01.730]  Well, we scream often.
[07:02.250 --> 07:04.010]  It's good when someone comes running.
[07:04.170 --> 07:04.370]  Oh, yeah.
[07:04.690 --> 07:06.030]  Next time, though, it won't be a test.
[07:06.710 --> 07:08.610]  Oh, thank you for the warning.
[07:09.410 --> 07:14.970]  Again, our theme is panic, pandemonium, emergency, all kinds of things like that.
[07:15.310 --> 07:19.970]  Anyway, getting back to Conorad, since no one apparently knows what that is, and how quickly people forget.
[07:20.190 --> 07:25.730]  It stands for, and you have to choose your letters here, Control of Electromagnetic Radiation.
[07:26.530 --> 07:28.010]  That's not what I would have guessed.
[07:28.150 --> 07:30.690]  No, because, yeah, it's weird.
[07:30.950 --> 07:37.930]  It was a method of emergency broadcasting to the public of the United States in the event of enemy attack during the Cold War.
[07:37.930 --> 07:40.510]  It was intended to allow continuous...
[07:40.510 --> 07:41.130]  Ignore that.
[07:41.650 --> 07:57.510]  It was intended to allow continuous broadcast of civil defense information to the public using radio stations while rapidly switching the transmitter stations to make the broadcast unsuitable for Soviet bombers that might attempt to home in on the signals,
[07:57.550 --> 08:03.790]  as was done during World War II when German radio stations based in or near cities were used as beacons by pilots of bombers.
[08:04.670 --> 08:05.090]  Yeah.
[08:05.450 --> 08:07.250]  So it was a frequency hopping?
[08:07.490 --> 08:09.250]  Well, basically, there were two frequencies.
[08:09.470 --> 08:14.190]  There was 620 AM and... I'm sorry, 640 AM and 1240 AM.
[08:14.390 --> 08:24.310]  If you look at old AM radios, you will see little arrows, two arrows on the dial, basically pointing to that particular... those particular frequencies.
[08:24.450 --> 08:30.270]  And in the event of an emergency, all radio stations were supposed to sign off the air and only two stations.
[08:30.270 --> 08:34.990]  I'm not sure where they were based, if they were based in existing stations or at special facilities.
[08:35.230 --> 08:39.010]  Those are the only two frequencies that could broadcast nationwide.
[08:39.370 --> 08:40.970]  Can you explain the second part again?
[08:41.150 --> 08:45.570]  It's something about... so that would not be something that could be honed in on.
[08:45.890 --> 08:52.030]  Does that mean you'd try to obfuscate where the official transmissions are coming from?
[08:52.250 --> 08:52.430]  Apparently.
[08:52.570 --> 09:00.810]  Well, since it's using the same frequency nationwide, the source of the frequency was never really established.
[09:01.170 --> 09:03.910]  For instance, okay, there's an emergency.
[09:04.090 --> 09:05.090]  All stations sign off.
[09:05.230 --> 09:07.830]  Only 640 and 1240 AM are allowed to broadcast.
[09:08.310 --> 09:10.450]  We're broadcasting from the Empire State Building now.
[09:11.130 --> 09:14.810]  Now we're broadcasting from juniors in Brooklyn, you know?
[09:15.670 --> 09:18.830]  And after that, you know, Shopsons in Manhattan.
[09:19.050 --> 09:19.350]  Who knows?
[09:19.470 --> 09:24.690]  All kinds of places that we could go to with transmitters that are already outfitted.
[09:25.730 --> 09:27.930]  And you couldn't home in on the signals that way.
[09:28.170 --> 09:28.270]  Yeah.
[09:28.470 --> 09:41.490]  So the homogeneity of the signals being from disparate places, but all producing the same content would make it very difficult in any one location to determine, go that way for the transmitter or that way.
[09:41.570 --> 09:47.850]  Because all transmitters and the only transmissions were all this broadcast and coming from all directions because they're the only thing on the air.
[09:47.850 --> 09:52.090]  It's kind of funny because it's the same technique that pirate radio broadcasters use.
[09:52.230 --> 09:52.510]  I see.
[09:52.650 --> 09:55.790]  To try and hide so that they can't be found by the authorities.
[09:56.170 --> 09:56.350]  Okay.
[09:56.490 --> 09:58.710]  Usually though, it's the source.
[09:59.050 --> 10:03.650]  The transmitter is something that's, you know, in one place and the source keeps moving around.
[10:03.850 --> 10:05.530]  But you can easily move the transmitter around too.
[10:05.590 --> 10:06.450]  You can have different locations.
[10:06.590 --> 10:19.050]  So the network of stations that respond and produce the content, they themselves would be, at any one point, either broadcasting or not based on how the network was obscuring it, but the frequency would always have content.
[10:19.210 --> 10:19.870]  That makes sense.
[10:20.010 --> 10:32.530]  So they would have a variability in where they could transmit the signal from to make it appear as though no one transmitter is required to actually continue to broadcast.
[10:32.650 --> 10:33.390]  I think John F.
[10:33.450 --> 10:35.290]  Kennedy can probably say it better.
[10:35.450 --> 10:46.450]  Let's listen in 1961 to, it was a three-day event actually where they had all kinds of tests and fake emergencies and things like that.
[10:46.830 --> 10:50.690]  And I believe he mentions the Conorad system on April 25th, 1961.
[10:53.090 --> 10:55.630]  Unfortunately, I seem to have the wrong thing up.
[10:56.190 --> 10:57.070]  Why isn't that working?
[10:57.150 --> 10:57.670]  That should be worked.
[10:57.730 --> 10:58.790]  Did somebody press the wrong button again?
[10:58.890 --> 10:59.490]  They did, didn't they?
[11:00.250 --> 11:00.610]  Okay.
[11:00.950 --> 11:02.070]  Thank you very much for that.
[11:03.870 --> 11:06.910]  Let's press that button and hopefully it'll work this time.
[11:08.210 --> 11:08.690]  No, it's still not.
[11:08.690 --> 11:19.010]  The President's message for the Office of Civilian Defense Mobilization for broadcast over Conorad stations from the President's office, April 25th, 1961.
[11:19.910 --> 11:29.910]  The annual civil defense exercise of which this broadcast is a part is a test of our program of peaceful preparedness.
[11:30.510 --> 11:32.450]  We do not expect war.
[11:33.190 --> 11:50.430]  However, common prudence demands that we take all necessary measures to protect our homes, our institutions, and our way of life so that they can survive should an enemy thrust war upon us.
[11:50.430 --> 12:04.450]  Should the United States ever be subjected to direct enemy attack, Conorad and the National Emergency Broadcasting System will be vital to our defense.
[12:05.310 --> 12:18.290]  This carefully planned program would prevent an enemy from using our radio stations to assist him and yet permits emergency broadcasting such as you now hear.
[12:19.110 --> 12:33.290]  The voluntary participation of the radio and television broadcasters of the nation, at their own expense, is a commendable example of individual responsibility which is so essential to the survival of this nation.
[12:34.050 --> 12:38.150]  In the whole area of civil defense, there is the same requirement.
[12:38.690 --> 12:47.130]  It is true that your government, too, must fulfill its responsibility in civil defense with vigorous leadership.
[12:48.030 --> 12:53.850]  To this end, I have directed an intensive study of the whole subject of emergency planning.
[12:54.590 --> 13:06.550]  It is also true, however, that individual preparedness, which is beyond the province of government, is essential to an effective civil defense.
[13:06.550 --> 13:20.150]  For unless individual Americans plan to protect their own families, the most ambitious and carefully organized activities of government will prove inadequate.
[13:21.790 --> 13:27.070]  We are a people of strong faith in ourselves and in our institutions.
[13:27.070 --> 13:31.550]  We believe that our freedom and our liberty are worth protecting.
[13:32.770 --> 13:38.010]  Therefore, I ask you to support civil emergency planning in your local communities.
[13:39.770 --> 13:52.650]  To those participating in this three-day exercise, I express my appreciation for your active response to the obligations of citizenship in a free country.
[13:55.430 --> 14:01.650]  Okay, and that was from 1961, part of a three-day exercise of emergency alerts.
[14:02.810 --> 14:09.810]  So we got kind of lucky today with the one message that came through to all of our cell phones.
[14:09.890 --> 14:11.430]  And not all of our cell phones got them.
[14:12.690 --> 14:25.470]  We had some exceptions, and I've noticed that people using microcells, people using Wi-Fi, people with no SIMs in their phones, tend to be the first ones not to have gotten the messages.
[14:26.350 --> 14:27.810]  So there were exceptions.
[14:28.190 --> 14:35.170]  I've heard people with Wi-Fi that have gotten the messages or message, and people with no SIM as well in some cases.
[14:35.510 --> 14:38.770]  But that seems to be something somewhat of a weak point.
[14:39.430 --> 14:44.630]  Yeah, I mean, I'm running a sort of stock Android phone and received nothing.
[14:44.630 --> 14:46.310]  It was on and had a good signal the whole time.
[14:46.670 --> 14:51.870]  And there I was, you know, waiting by the phone, waiting for my ping from the president, and it just didn't show up.
[14:51.930 --> 14:53.230]  And I feel a little...
[14:53.230 --> 14:53.730]  What were you...
[14:53.730 --> 14:54.950]  You were using a regular phone.
[14:55.150 --> 14:57.470]  Yep, normal smartphone, slightly old.
[14:57.730 --> 14:57.990]  Okay.
[14:58.970 --> 15:01.070]  And was it connected to Wi-Fi?
[15:01.070 --> 15:02.810]  Was it connected to a cell phone signal?
[15:02.970 --> 15:03.910]  It was connected to both.
[15:04.450 --> 15:07.430]  Okay, but you don't know for sure which it was using at the time.
[15:07.430 --> 15:09.330]  And they could have been using Wi-Fi, maybe.
[15:09.770 --> 15:11.450]  And were you inside a building?
[15:11.570 --> 15:12.430]  Were you deep inside a building?
[15:12.590 --> 15:14.330]  I was not deep enough to affect a signal.
[15:14.470 --> 15:17.090]  I could still get a phone call if one happened.
[15:17.390 --> 15:17.630]  Okay.
[15:18.250 --> 15:22.410]  Alex, I know you were with us downstairs at the event, which we're going to play an excerpt of in a moment.
[15:22.570 --> 15:24.430]  But did you get the message?
[15:24.570 --> 15:25.230]  I did, indeed.
[15:25.490 --> 15:26.050]  I did, indeed.
[15:26.110 --> 15:26.570]  I was there.
[15:26.690 --> 15:32.630]  I put my phone out for the newscasters to video, along with a table full of phones.
[15:32.630 --> 15:34.270]  And my phone went off.
[15:34.430 --> 15:51.050]  And, in fact, as I was heading back to Manhattan on the Q train, I don't know, it was maybe a half hour, 40 minutes after the 218 alert had occurred, I was actually on the train and hearing other people's phones still going off, literally while we were in the subway.
[15:51.850 --> 15:52.370]  Interesting.
[15:52.490 --> 15:54.370]  So that was a good, what, hour afterwards?
[15:54.730 --> 15:55.470]  At least, yeah.
[15:55.470 --> 15:56.790]  It was probably about an hour.
[15:57.830 --> 16:07.190]  And then, as we were heading over the Manhattan Bridge, back into Manhattan, I had actually called my wife to check to see if she got the presidential alert.
[16:07.470 --> 16:12.790]  We're on the same plan with T-Mobile, and she had informed me that she, in fact, did not receive the alert.
[16:13.230 --> 16:13.550]  Interesting.
[16:13.810 --> 16:17.810]  It's like this is the beginning of an episode of The Leftovers or something like that, right?
[16:18.010 --> 16:18.270]  Yeah.
[16:18.470 --> 16:20.570]  Who was chosen and who was not chosen?
[16:20.570 --> 16:22.070]  I don't know, but this definitely means something.
[16:22.590 --> 16:23.870]  Definitely means something.
[16:24.310 --> 16:24.690]  Okay.
[16:24.910 --> 16:25.090]  All right.
[16:25.090 --> 16:32.810]  But I think, you know, this shows that, you know, this nationwide broadcast system was, I think, spotty at best, right?
[16:32.870 --> 16:36.810]  I mean, if Rob didn't receive it, if my wife didn't receive it, they're not the same person, by the way.
[16:36.950 --> 16:37.110]  No.
[16:37.590 --> 16:42.470]  There are tons of people that did not receive these alerts, and this is supposed to be a nationwide test.
[16:42.650 --> 16:47.990]  Well, as I've already said, I received the alert, but I didn't acknowledge it, and apparently that makes me the enemy.
[16:49.070 --> 16:50.810]  So we're going to see how that turns out.
[16:50.970 --> 16:54.250]  But while I was busy not receiving the alert, there were a lot of people around me.
[16:54.250 --> 16:57.990]  I was in a populated building, and others were receiving their alerts.
[16:58.090 --> 16:58.730]  I could hear theirs.
[16:58.830 --> 17:01.430]  Did you have to calm them down because you knew what was going on and they didn't?
[17:01.590 --> 17:01.830]  Yeah.
[17:01.910 --> 17:02.850]  There was a degree of...
[17:02.850 --> 17:04.210]  There might have been some crying, actually.
[17:05.090 --> 17:05.350]  Okay.
[17:05.570 --> 17:10.510]  And, Carl, now you have a BlackBerry, so did you receive it okay on that device?
[17:10.510 --> 17:16.910]  I understand it's always the cause of problems and excuses for things not working, but it seems pretty solid to me.
[17:16.910 --> 17:18.090]  Oh, yeah.
[17:18.350 --> 17:19.830]  I got mine loud and clear.
[17:20.190 --> 17:28.410]  And anybody who still uses the BlackBerry 10 operating system, you would have what's called a hub.
[17:28.530 --> 17:36.810]  And basically, it's all your messages in one organized way with different designations for the type of message it is.
[17:37.850 --> 17:46.090]  And this particular one, like the weather alerts I had talked about previously, those are sort of a different class of alert.
[17:46.330 --> 17:55.730]  But the distinction with this alert, or what made it different from that class of weather and other kind of disaster alerts, was it has a star.
[17:55.970 --> 17:58.410]  There's a big star next to it.
[17:58.590 --> 17:59.710]  You got a star?
[17:59.710 --> 18:04.270]  Yeah, it's like, you know, a presidential star.
[18:04.270 --> 18:04.930]  I don't know.
[18:05.110 --> 18:10.910]  It just, it has this authoritative graphic that none of the other alerts had.
[18:11.050 --> 18:12.190]  So that was kind of interesting.
[18:12.410 --> 18:18.670]  But other than that, yeah, I just, I got it immediately, along with a lot of other people that were with us.
[18:18.950 --> 18:24.870]  And we did, just to add, somebody there did have a phone with NoSim, and they eventually did get an alert.
[18:24.870 --> 18:27.530]  The people who came, and you know, I know it's hard.
[18:27.530 --> 18:32.430]  In the middle of the day, people at work, people are, you know, in school, and things like that.
[18:32.530 --> 18:33.310]  It's hard to get people to show up.
[18:33.370 --> 18:37.670]  But a good group did show up, and they showed up armed with all kinds of phones.
[18:37.930 --> 18:39.610]  So I think it was worth it.
[18:39.670 --> 18:42.590]  I think it was very much an educational experience.
[18:42.590 --> 18:45.010]  We're going to be analyzing what we learned from that.
[18:45.170 --> 18:47.630]  We got some nice sounds, some nice footage from it as well.
[18:47.690 --> 18:49.130]  So thanks to those people for showing up.
[18:49.590 --> 18:52.850]  Yeah, the variety of devices was spectacular.
[18:52.910 --> 18:55.090]  People had all kinds of different stuff.
[18:56.370 --> 19:01.270]  Hotspots, like you mentioned, these like MiFi things that are cellular-based, but provide Wi-Fi.
[19:01.490 --> 19:06.210]  Some of them get text messages, but maybe didn't get an alert.
[19:06.330 --> 19:14.650]  There's all this variability, and we really appreciate everyone who brought devices, and anybody who has shared what they're doing on social media and everywhere.
[19:14.870 --> 19:16.310]  This is invaluable information.
[19:16.310 --> 19:25.610]  And I can't help but think that we're doing a lot more than other official agencies as far as researching how this went.
[19:25.810 --> 19:30.130]  I'm sure they're able to see and get some kind of response in collecting that.
[19:30.330 --> 19:31.570]  But we're hackers, for God's sake.
[19:31.650 --> 19:32.170]  We have to.
[19:32.350 --> 19:34.270]  We have to experiment and play with this.
[19:34.350 --> 19:34.970]  I'm blown away.
[19:34.970 --> 19:45.610]  And it's just really a great thing to see, the participation from everyone and enthusiasm for something that, yeah, it's kind of serious, but it can also be fun, and it can be something we explore.
[19:46.270 --> 19:46.750]  All right.
[19:46.910 --> 19:52.790]  Let's listen to a little bit of the event downstairs that took place earlier this afternoon.
[19:53.570 --> 20:03.750]  This is from the Commons Cafe shortly before the wireless emergency alert was sent over today.
[20:04.270 --> 20:04.710]  Okay.
[20:04.770 --> 20:14.290]  We are nine minutes away from the test, the presidential alert test, wireless emergency alert is the official name of this.
[20:14.890 --> 20:15.850]  It's 2.09 p.m.
[20:15.910 --> 20:16.370]  right now.
[20:16.630 --> 20:19.090]  2.18 is when this is supposed to happen.
[20:19.250 --> 20:20.350]  This is Emmanuel here with Kyle.
[20:20.870 --> 20:20.990]  Hi.
[20:21.070 --> 20:21.430]  How's it going?
[20:21.910 --> 20:23.030]  Well, it's pretty good.
[20:23.110 --> 20:26.210]  We've got a little crowd here at the Commons Cafe here in Brooklyn.
[20:26.910 --> 20:31.790]  I know it's kind of hard for people to get away from school and from work and from sleep and various other things are involved in right now.
[20:32.670 --> 20:35.910]  But in a few minutes, nationwide, you can't get out of it.
[20:36.770 --> 20:39.550]  Phones are going to start going off, making horrible sounds.
[20:40.330 --> 20:40.870]  That's right.
[20:40.870 --> 20:43.510]  And I've turned my phone up as loud as it goes.
[20:43.750 --> 20:44.630]  I'm checking...
[20:44.630 --> 20:45.030]  Oh, thank you for that.
[20:45.130 --> 20:45.290]  Yeah.
[20:45.370 --> 20:46.730]  No, I want to make sure it's dramatic.
[20:46.730 --> 20:49.730]  I want as much of this alert as possible.
[20:49.970 --> 20:53.050]  It's, as you said, only going to happen one time.
[20:53.350 --> 20:54.790]  So this is our chance.
[20:55.070 --> 20:56.270]  We've got a lot of phones here.
[20:56.330 --> 20:58.630]  There's really a great selection.
[20:58.790 --> 21:00.350]  Some people brought phones without SIMs.
[21:00.810 --> 21:02.250]  A really interesting array.
[21:02.450 --> 21:03.730]  Yeah, we're going to talk to some of those people.
[21:03.830 --> 21:05.710]  But I just wanted to correct you on one thing.
[21:05.750 --> 21:07.150]  You said this is a one-time thing.
[21:07.150 --> 21:12.410]  May I remind you, who is in the White House right now, and he has just learned how to do this.
[21:12.410 --> 21:13.890]  This could happen every day.
[21:14.210 --> 21:15.230]  There's no stopping it.
[21:15.230 --> 21:16.130]  You can't get out of it.
[21:16.210 --> 21:17.070]  You can't spring this on me.
[21:17.250 --> 21:19.570]  You're telling me that this is going to happen more times?
[21:19.570 --> 21:24.090]  I thought this was just, okay, the alert happens now, and then we're done.
[21:24.290 --> 21:25.910]  This is the test to make sure it works.
[21:26.110 --> 21:33.370]  Now that Trump knows how to do it, you know, every time he doesn't like an NBA player, you might get an alert on your phone.
[21:34.070 --> 21:36.830]  But that's just something we're going to have to live with and adjust our lives.
[21:36.830 --> 21:38.490]  I'm going to talk to some of the people over here.
[21:39.350 --> 21:41.530]  Now, we have a whole bunch of cell phones.
[21:42.550 --> 21:43.850]  Anybody want to be on the radio?
[21:44.790 --> 21:45.150]  No?
[21:45.470 --> 21:45.690]  Okay.
[21:45.930 --> 21:46.490]  Over here?
[21:47.810 --> 21:48.510]  What do you got here?
[21:48.570 --> 21:49.330]  You got a bunch of phones.
[21:49.530 --> 21:51.090]  Yeah, I've got a large...
[21:51.090 --> 21:51.730]  Who are you, first of all?
[21:52.030 --> 21:53.570]  First of all, I'm Tyler True.
[21:53.830 --> 21:56.890]  I'm actually a member of DEFCON 201 in New Jersey.
[21:56.890 --> 22:03.750]  We're a hacker group that meets up every third Friday of the month at Journal Square, right by the pass station.
[22:04.110 --> 22:11.970]  So what I have here are a number of devices, some video game systems, they shouldn't get the alert, hopefully.
[22:12.910 --> 22:16.610]  A Samsung Galaxy Note 4 on Verizon, no SIM card.
[22:17.150 --> 22:20.830]  A Samsung Galaxy Nexus, also no SIM card.
[22:21.150 --> 22:22.650]  The Note 4 is on the latest firmware.
[22:22.790 --> 22:27.070]  The Nexus is actually on custom firmware on 4.4.4 Android.
[22:27.990 --> 22:33.110]  I have here a Chinese phone that's like a no-name that's on GSM.
[22:33.290 --> 22:34.050]  It has a dual SIM.
[22:34.250 --> 22:35.930]  It might get the alert twice.
[22:36.710 --> 22:44.870]  I also have my main phone, which is an HTC One M9 running Lineage OS 15, which is a custom Android distribution.
[22:45.370 --> 22:50.570]  And it's on Android 8.1 Oreo, which is close to the latest one.
[22:50.730 --> 22:51.790]  Pi is actually the newest.
[22:51.790 --> 22:57.870]  But it should be stable, and it has service, so it should be receiving the alert.
[22:58.190 --> 23:00.530]  Well, we only have six minutes left, but let me ask you this question.
[23:00.530 --> 23:06.430]  With all these phones on the desk next to you right now, how are you going to be able to tell which one goes off and which one doesn't?
[23:07.090 --> 23:08.250]  They should light up.
[23:09.470 --> 23:21.230]  Whenever I get an EWS alert, emergency, or EAS rather, for like a flood or something, the screen lights up, it makes a harsh noise.
[23:21.230 --> 23:22.390]  You know, the usual thing.
[23:22.690 --> 23:37.870]  We have people all over the country who are experimenting in different ways with phones in airplane mode, phones vibrate mode, silent mode, phones that are turned off, foreign phones that are in the U.S., foreign countries that are currently housing U.S.
[23:37.970 --> 23:38.270]  citizens.
[23:38.430 --> 23:49.110]  Everyone is testing this, and hopefully they will all get back to us by either writing to us, OTH at 2600.com, or calling into our show, which is taking place this same evening.
[23:49.110 --> 24:02.790]  So, with only five minutes to go before panic sets in across the nation, we have a growing crowd here in the Commons Cafe, and it'll be interesting to see just what happens.
[24:03.190 --> 24:05.690]  Does anyone else have any words for us?
[24:06.530 --> 24:06.890]  No?
[24:07.070 --> 24:07.190]  Okay.
[24:07.330 --> 24:09.230]  Well, then we will check back in in a couple of minutes.
[24:09.790 --> 24:16.230]  Yeah, it was a shy crowd, but it's a good crowd of people experimenting with phones earlier.
[24:16.350 --> 24:18.670]  And we're going to play a little bit more of that in just a minute.
[24:19.410 --> 24:23.510]  We also will start taking phone calls, 347-335-0818.
[24:23.590 --> 24:28.690]  I should also point out today's a fundraiser, so please give a call to 516-620-3602.
[24:28.690 --> 24:33.850]  If you are getting something out of what you are listening to right now, please call and pledge.
[24:35.190 --> 24:44.170]  We are basically offering the generic WBAI premiums tonight, and the people on the other end of the phone can tell you all about that.
[24:44.270 --> 24:47.390]  You can also go to give2wbai.org.
[24:47.390 --> 24:49.550]  That's give, the number 2, WBAI.org.
[24:49.550 --> 24:53.210]  You'll see all kinds of premiums there in exchange for your pledge.
[24:53.210 --> 24:57.130]  And, yeah, it's something that keeps us going.
[24:57.130 --> 24:59.810]  And where else will you have conversations like this?
[24:59.890 --> 25:01.950]  516-620-3602.
[25:02.050 --> 25:03.790]  Please call and support WBAI.
[25:03.950 --> 25:17.430]  The other two things I want to mention regarding pledging is texting WBAI to the short code 41444, and you'll be sent a link that directs you to a donation page, has all the information there.
[25:17.430 --> 25:41.870]  And lastly, the WBAI buddy program, we would be really neglecting to, not mentioning it would be neglecting the station and the powerful, the impact, the incredible contributions from individuals every single month that that program allows and enables so much to happen.
[25:42.030 --> 25:43.730]  It allows us to add soundproofing.
[25:43.850 --> 25:45.250]  And I was actually in there today.
[25:45.390 --> 25:47.130]  There's a lot of progress on the new studios.
[25:47.130 --> 25:57.010]  The BAI buddy system, that's where you say, you know what, I'm going to give the price of a cup of coffee once a week or once a month to WBAI, and at the end of the year, wow, look how much I've contributed.
[25:57.290 --> 25:57.470]  Yeah.
[25:57.830 --> 25:58.950]  How do people do that?
[25:59.250 --> 26:05.050]  It's the website...
[26:05.050 --> 26:06.170]  Sorry, I thought you had the info right.
[26:08.690 --> 26:18.910]  The website is give2wbai.org, that's give the numeral to WBAI, or you can call our pledge line at 516-620-3602 and ask about the BAI buddy program.
[26:19.110 --> 26:24.930]  Or if you're looking at the website, don't ask the screen, that would be weird, but look for the bit that says WBAI buddy program.
[26:25.150 --> 26:35.370]  And because that's where you can sign up and it's got all the info for you, you can set whatever donation amount you want to be a recurring donation as, you know, whatever you can afford, and that really helps us a lot.
[26:36.030 --> 26:40.070]  Or just back an armored truck full of cash in front of the building, we'll take that too.
[26:40.230 --> 26:42.130]  Yeah, but after 5 p.m., please.
[26:42.310 --> 26:43.330]  All right, let's take a phone call.
[26:43.410 --> 26:43.710]  Good evening.
[26:43.870 --> 26:44.410]  You're on Off the Hook.
[26:44.690 --> 26:45.410]  Oh, hi.
[26:45.490 --> 26:51.690]  I wanted to relay my non-experience and introduce another conspiracy theory.
[26:51.870 --> 26:53.310]  Oh, you're calling from a landline, aren't you?
[26:53.510 --> 26:54.170]  I am.
[26:54.430 --> 26:54.930]  Thank you.
[26:55.070 --> 26:57.250]  But I also have a cell phone.
[26:57.450 --> 26:58.750]  It's a pretty dumb phone.
[26:58.770 --> 27:03.410]  I like to say that I'm the smart one in my family, a one, not the phone.
[27:04.010 --> 27:05.650]  And it's an Obama phone.
[27:06.010 --> 27:15.570]  It's a phone that I got because my health care provider, thank you, Barack, has offered it to me.
[27:16.490 --> 27:26.150]  So I don't know if other Obama phones, recipients, who have a dumb phone that they don't pay for, as is my case, were also left out.
[27:26.150 --> 27:36.250]  But as we know, the bent of this administration towards the needy and the poor and all the people that are less privileged...
[27:36.250 --> 27:39.390]  Okay, well, we're going to have to move a little faster than this, just because we have a lot to get to.
[27:39.590 --> 27:40.290]  That's about it.
[27:40.410 --> 27:53.170]  You know, I wonder if other people who are on Obamacare and have Obama phones also were left out of this national alert, you know, and in case we get bombarded or whatever, we won't be told.
[27:53.470 --> 27:54.010]  That's all.
[27:54.250 --> 27:54.770]  Thank you.
[27:54.950 --> 27:55.390]  I'll listen.
[27:55.950 --> 27:56.210]  All right.
[27:56.230 --> 27:56.990]  Thanks for the call.
[27:57.070 --> 27:57.410]  Go ahead, Carl.
[27:58.610 --> 28:00.250]  Yeah, I had a question for the caller.
[28:00.470 --> 28:00.670]  Okay.
[28:00.670 --> 28:01.870]  Well, I'm sorry.
[28:01.890 --> 28:03.410]  He had to hang up.
[28:03.510 --> 28:04.830]  But what would you have asked him?
[28:04.990 --> 28:07.590]  What carrier does your Obama phone use?
[28:07.670 --> 28:10.670]  Okay, well, maybe the next Obama phone caller can tell us that.
[28:11.330 --> 28:16.970]  I understand that there's been an increase in the crisis situation back in 1961.
[28:18.010 --> 28:25.650]  And that means that we're going to have to listen to a message where an attack is probable.
[28:26.010 --> 28:28.990]  A probable attack is on the way.
[28:29.070 --> 28:33.810]  This is what you would have heard over the Conorad radio stations back in 1961.
[28:34.830 --> 28:37.750]  Here is a special and urgent message for you.
[28:37.850 --> 28:40.450]  This is Howard Viken, your official civil defense announcer.
[28:41.210 --> 28:46.270]  Civil defense authorities have determined that it is advisable for all persons to leave the city.
[28:46.970 --> 28:51.430]  Your safety and perhaps your life depends on remaining calm and following these instructions.
[28:52.090 --> 28:54.190]  Do not attempt to cross town.
[28:54.650 --> 28:57.290]  Leave the city immediately by the shortest route.
[28:57.990 --> 29:01.290]  Absent members of the family will rejoin the family after they leave the city.
[29:02.150 --> 29:05.910]  Federal authorities have indicated an enemy air attack is probable.
[29:06.370 --> 29:11.690]  We are not certain that it definitely will come here, but there is a chance that we will be attacked.
[29:12.170 --> 29:13.410]  Follow these instructions.
[29:14.190 --> 29:20.930]  Put your emergency supply of food, clothing, bottled water, medicines, and first aid supplies in your car.
[29:21.490 --> 29:26.410]  Load all the members of the family that are at home now into the car and leave the area.
[29:26.410 --> 29:28.970]  Don't try to telephone anyone.
[29:29.530 --> 29:33.030]  Drive on the shortest possible route to get outside the city.
[29:33.470 --> 29:37.970]  Travel at least, I repeat, at least 50 miles from the city.
[29:38.330 --> 29:43.670]  Do not attempt to cross town or drive across roads being used by others as they leave town.
[29:44.250 --> 29:46.970]  Follow civil defense road signs and directions.
[29:46.970 --> 29:53.230]  Your car radio should be tuned to 640 or 1240 for official instructions.
[29:54.210 --> 29:59.010]  Remain calm and give everybody else the same chance you want for yourself to leave town.
[29:59.290 --> 30:02.450]  We can all get to safe areas if we act calmly.
[30:03.310 --> 30:11.570]  If your car is disabled on the highway and cannot be repaired immediately, push it to the side of the road and ride with someone else.
[30:11.570 --> 30:16.890]  By the same token, if your car is not full, pick up people walking along the road or street.
[30:17.450 --> 30:20.170]  Obey civil defense police and wardens.
[30:20.490 --> 30:23.590]  Stay in traffic lanes and stay in your place.
[30:23.930 --> 30:27.450]  If you try to pass other cars, you'll only cause traffic jams.
[30:27.870 --> 30:30.610]  Do not try to cross evacuation routes.
[30:31.150 --> 30:33.070]  Avoid main bridges if possible.
[30:33.850 --> 30:41.350]  If you have a place of refuge far enough away, go there and remain until we give you information that will permit your return.
[30:42.030 --> 30:47.590]  If you do not have a place prepared for yourself, drive at least 50 miles from the target area.
[30:48.150 --> 30:50.170]  Civil defense will instruct you there.
[30:51.110 --> 30:54.230]  Cooperate with civil defense workers and they will help you.
[30:54.770 --> 30:56.310]  Do not listen to rumors.
[30:56.690 --> 30:58.290]  And above all, keep calm.
[30:58.550 --> 31:00.050]  Your life depends on it.
[31:00.830 --> 31:04.870]  Keep tuned to this station for further information and tell your neighbors to tune in also.
[31:05.450 --> 31:08.610]  This is your official civil defense broadcaster, Howard Viken.
[31:09.230 --> 31:10.330]  Okay, thank you, Howard.
[31:10.330 --> 31:12.530]  And, folks, first of all, don't panic.
[31:12.710 --> 31:13.950]  That was from 1961.
[31:14.830 --> 31:20.350]  But do keep your dial set to 99.5 FM because you will be happier and safer that way.
[31:21.330 --> 31:23.190]  Yeah, is that enough of a disclaimer?
[31:23.330 --> 31:27.010]  You guys were thinking we should let people know this really isn't happening?
[31:27.230 --> 31:30.530]  Well, all I know is I'm really anxious now and I know that's from long ago.
[31:30.530 --> 31:35.170]  And still, I kind of want to load my family in the car that I don't have and leave the city.
[31:35.650 --> 31:37.410]  Well, that brings up two points to me.
[31:37.490 --> 31:41.610]  The more he tells you to stay calm, the more freaked out I was getting just listening to that.
[31:41.870 --> 31:49.950]  But, you know, to what city would this reasonably ever apply where they're operating under this assumption that everybody has a car?
[31:50.610 --> 31:51.870]  What if you don't have a car?
[31:52.110 --> 31:54.370]  They didn't talk about buses or walking over...
[31:54.370 --> 31:55.810]  It was 1961, Alex.
[31:55.810 --> 31:58.050]  Well, even in Manhattan in 1961.
[31:58.110 --> 32:12.650]  I mean, I guess on the other hand, to be fair to Howard, Mr. Viken, in 1961 and in 2018, do not attempt to cross the city is probably good advice, even on just a normal day without any kind of emergency.
[32:13.130 --> 32:16.010]  It's very hard to get across the city at any particular time.
[32:16.070 --> 32:16.870]  That is true.
[32:17.030 --> 32:17.470]  That is true.
[32:17.610 --> 32:18.450]  But it really is.
[32:18.550 --> 32:22.250]  I mean, it does seem to assume that everybody has their own vehicle.
[32:23.590 --> 32:28.170]  Or you're just going to be a hitchhiker that Howard instructs you to kind of pick up.
[32:28.270 --> 32:32.110]  And also, wouldn't you be directed to like a fallout shelter if you were going to stay in place?
[32:32.390 --> 32:33.150]  Oh, it gets better.
[32:33.310 --> 32:36.230]  It gets better because that was only a probable attack.
[32:37.110 --> 32:38.850]  There are higher levels than this.
[32:39.030 --> 32:41.210]  And somehow these recordings have been obtained.
[32:41.430 --> 32:44.770]  They sound great, but it's modulated in such a spooky way.
[32:44.930 --> 32:48.110]  There's something, like there's two frequencies of his voice there.
[32:48.250 --> 32:49.250]  Something in the background.
[32:49.470 --> 32:50.390]  No, that was the 1960s.
[32:50.390 --> 32:51.370]  Everything sounded like that.
[32:51.370 --> 32:53.770]  Yeah, the idea of Twilight Zone, you're out of limits, lost in space.
[32:53.910 --> 32:55.730]  It was all creepy and scary.
[32:55.750 --> 32:57.530]  There's something demonic in that.
[32:57.690 --> 32:58.290]  Like, I don't know.
[32:58.350 --> 33:00.090]  The way it sounds.
[33:00.430 --> 33:01.090]  Uh-huh.
[33:01.270 --> 33:02.070]  Yeah, absolutely.
[33:02.490 --> 33:03.410]  David Lynch would understand.
[33:03.930 --> 33:07.050]  Our phone number again, 347-335-0818.
[33:07.050 --> 33:21.010]  If you have experiences from today's wireless emergency alert, we're going to play another clip from today's event downstairs at the Commons Cafe, which I believe is the clip where everything happened.
[33:21.530 --> 33:31.910]  So this is what it sounded like downstairs at the moment of the alert being sent out to cell phones all over the country.
[33:31.910 --> 33:32.450]  Let's listen.
[33:33.410 --> 33:33.890]  Okay, folks.
[33:34.010 --> 33:35.910]  Again, gather as close as possible.
[33:36.070 --> 33:39.130]  Take your seats and have your phones out.
[33:41.950 --> 33:43.390]  I believe we're...
[33:45.670 --> 33:46.870]  We're one minute away?
[33:47.110 --> 33:48.110]  Okay, put the phone there.
[33:50.710 --> 33:53.490]  I'm going to move this microphone to capture the sound of the room.
[33:59.590 --> 34:04.670]  I remember this is happening across the entire nation at the same time.
[34:04.750 --> 34:05.490]  Ten seconds, I'm told.
[34:06.890 --> 34:07.970]  Everyone stay calm.
[34:11.890 --> 34:13.870]  And remember, this may not work.
[34:21.540 --> 34:22.980]  Okay, nothing's happening.
[34:23.980 --> 34:26.620]  We have a whole minute, so 2.18 p.m.
[34:27.660 --> 34:29.180]  Oh, there it goes.
[34:56.940 --> 35:01.940]  Okay, and on the phone, this is a test of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System.
[35:01.960 --> 35:04.320]  No action is needed, except you do need to take action.
[35:04.390 --> 35:07.100]  You have to hit okay on your phone, otherwise that message won't go away.
[35:07.100 --> 35:10.220]  Okay, so the test has been sent out.
[35:10.520 --> 35:12.200]  I see there's people panicking in the streets.
[35:12.820 --> 35:15.100]  We are calm in this room, hopefully, still.
[35:15.320 --> 35:15.560]  Good.
[35:16.180 --> 35:19.100]  Anyone have any surprising results?
[35:19.100 --> 35:22.360]  Any phones that didn't go off or anything, any strange messages?
[35:22.720 --> 35:24.520]  Yeah, I had a couple that didn't go off.
[35:25.100 --> 35:27.100]  Okay, what phones didn't go off?
[35:27.580 --> 35:29.660]  All the ones that didn't have sent to me.
[35:30.770 --> 35:32.180]  We're getting a second round now.
[35:33.120 --> 35:33.600]  Interesting.
[35:36.040 --> 35:36.520]  Interesting.
[35:40.310 --> 35:43.130]  Is this the second round or could this be the real thing?
[35:46.880 --> 35:48.480]  Okay, it does say it's a test again.
[35:49.280 --> 35:52.740]  But, okay, this has now supposedly happened throughout the country.
[35:52.740 --> 35:55.020]  We'll find out soon enough if, in fact, it has.
[35:56.160 --> 36:06.880]  And, actually, in just about a minute, every radio and TV station in the country is going to be receiving an emergency alert signal as another test.
[36:07.060 --> 36:08.640]  We call it an afternoon of panic.
[36:09.760 --> 36:12.440]  and we're enjoying it here in Brooklyn.
[36:14.800 --> 36:15.680]  What didn't...
[36:15.680 --> 36:16.620]  What didn't...
[36:16.620 --> 36:19.000]  But it gets the text message but it didn't get the alert.
[36:19.100 --> 36:19.900]  Didn't get the alert.
[36:20.060 --> 36:20.220]  Okay.
[36:20.640 --> 36:22.820]  So, we need to log all the things that didn't get the alert.
[36:23.140 --> 36:25.820]  And, maybe next time.
[36:27.620 --> 36:28.100]  All right.
[36:28.180 --> 36:29.400]  Well, I want to thank everybody for coming down.
[36:29.640 --> 36:31.580]  This was fun and educational.
[36:32.100 --> 36:44.340]  We'll be collating the results that we're getting from listeners around the country and learning a lot about how this system works, how the system doesn't work, how it can be abused or defeated or all sorts of fun things like that.
[36:44.480 --> 36:46.220]  But this was an historical event.
[36:46.380 --> 36:49.560]  The first ever test of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System.
[36:49.900 --> 36:55.180]  And again, no action is needed except hit okay if you ever want to use your phone again.
[37:01.830 --> 37:02.350]  Okay.
[37:02.610 --> 37:15.490]  And that's what it sounded like downstairs at the Commons Cafe here in Brooklyn at the moment 2.18pm when cell phones all over the country were hit with a test for the first time ever.
[37:16.310 --> 37:20.410]  Now, we've been getting lots of emails and tweets from people.
[37:21.190 --> 37:27.350]  I know, Rob, you got a tweet just now on our Hacker Radio Show Twitter account concerning the timing.
[37:27.350 --> 37:29.590]  We were wondering why it was 2.18pm.
[37:29.830 --> 37:30.430]  Yes, indeed.
[37:30.530 --> 37:40.410]  A listener called Joe says that I heard that 2.20pm was requested by radio stations for least disruption to their programming so they went with 2.18pm because it's a two-minute alert.
[37:41.190 --> 37:44.530]  Yeah, but why is 2.20pm the least disruptive time for radio?
[37:44.870 --> 37:45.690]  I don't know.
[37:45.850 --> 37:52.690]  I mean, maybe not as many people are listening or maybe radio stations put their boring stuff on in the 2.18pm slot.
[37:52.770 --> 37:53.090]  I don't know.
[37:53.290 --> 37:58.850]  It's not the top of the hour or half past the hour.
[37:59.030 --> 38:08.030]  Top of the hour would be like station IDs and so on and so forth and then 2.30pm would also be maybe a transition between some programming if it's only airing on that.
[38:08.170 --> 38:17.570]  That's also and just a theory of mine is that the top of the hour or on the quarter hour would probably be easier to mistake for a normal alarm that someone might have going because that's when people tend to set those.
[38:17.730 --> 38:22.790]  See, if it was me at 3 in the morning seems like a time when less people are listening to the radio would be less disruptive then.
[38:22.810 --> 38:24.690]  And they would all be woken up and complain.
[38:25.030 --> 38:25.630]  Oh yes.
[38:25.950 --> 38:27.650]  This is why I don't plan these things.
[38:28.290 --> 38:29.170]  Or sleep then.
[38:29.630 --> 38:30.170]  That's true.
[38:30.310 --> 38:31.470]  I'm wide awake at 3 in the morning.
[38:31.470 --> 38:44.670]  We also got some email several bits of email and a bunch of tweets concerning an OS known as Lineage OS which is basically for Android phones.
[38:45.570 --> 38:52.170]  And apparently there is an option there that I did not know about where you can turn the presidential alert off.
[38:52.370 --> 38:57.370]  This is like Winston Smith finding out that he can turn the radio off in 1984.
[38:57.810 --> 39:05.350]  But basically if you go to settings, advanced alerts, press the three dots in the upper right-hand corner for the settings menu for alerts.
[39:05.470 --> 39:08.070]  Presidential is the first checkbox and you can uncheck it.
[39:08.510 --> 39:10.030]  Thank you Red Herring for sending that in.
[39:11.250 --> 39:13.750]  We've heard people say they did that and it worked.
[39:13.930 --> 39:21.770]  So if that's the case, Lineage OS is the OS of choice for people who don't want to be disturbed by these wireless emergency alerts.
[39:21.850 --> 39:22.970]  But is it legal?
[39:23.210 --> 39:25.750]  Because isn't it mandated that you can turn it off?
[39:25.870 --> 39:26.910]  Isn't that part of the whole thing?
[39:26.910 --> 39:27.730]  I don't know.
[39:27.810 --> 39:37.910]  I mean, Lineage OS is an open-source OS for Android-based phones, which means that it's not a company that can be told, hey, you have to put this capability in your system.
[39:39.010 --> 39:45.950]  It's people all over the world collaborating on this and I guess they've come to the conclusion that maybe people should have the ability to switch these off.
[39:45.950 --> 40:04.830]  Yeah, wouldn't it be like I think the carriers they have the mandate from the federal government to implement the E911 or whatever kinds of emergency systems and schemes that the government is trying to implement and then the carriers basically push it through the software that they include with most devices and then,
[40:04.950 --> 40:15.370]  of course, if you're modifying a device you're not bound or receiving the same packages and mandated code that's in everybody else's phone?
[40:15.370 --> 40:18.330]  It's funny because they always say it's voluntary.
[40:18.670 --> 40:20.790]  Voluntary participation of radio stations.
[40:21.010 --> 40:22.650]  They did that back in the Conorad days.
[40:22.670 --> 40:34.730]  They did that back in EBS and now EAS but every station always does it exactly like they're supposed to and I imagine cell phone companies are also voluntarily doing it but if they know what's good for them they do exactly what they're told.
[40:35.290 --> 40:39.710]  So, you know, this kind of thing is interesting when you have an OS that supposedly can get around it.
[40:40.170 --> 40:44.450]  Maybe some cell phone companies also are doing things that allow you to opt out of this.
[40:44.590 --> 40:56.190]  I guess I'm not clear though like just of us like if you're trying to opt out of it like what scenario when this system is actually being used would you not want to know about it?
[40:56.330 --> 41:09.290]  Well, if Trump got a hold of it and was abusing it which is entirely possible now they say that won't happen but you know what he is the only person authorized to do this and how many other things have gone crazy because of that?
[41:09.490 --> 41:33.210]  I feel like that stuff just goes to his social media accounts but this particular system like I'm trying to put weight on what this is for why would you not want to know about what's coming even if he's the one writing the messages or it's from his administration still like to know you know well yeah I mean you know how about if they tested once a week you still want to know then?
[41:33.650 --> 41:53.770]  You know there's all kinds of ways they can annoy you maybe they'll send you know a presidential alert every time you know somebody goes missing someplace because well we should all be concerned there's all sorts of reasons why their reasoning for sending it out might not coincide with our reasoning for wanting to hear about it you know if an attack is imminent well okay I guess we should know
[41:53.770 --> 41:58.590]  about that some people will say you know what I don't want to know if an attack is imminent I think it should be a choice.
[41:58.790 --> 42:01.630]  Back in the Conrad days, you could turn on your radio, you could turn it off.
[42:02.010 --> 42:05.230]  Of course, you can do the same thing for your phone, but it's a lot more insidious.
[42:05.370 --> 42:10.170]  It's a lot more something that you are not likely to be able to avoid.
[42:10.570 --> 42:14.790]  Well, I mean, think about the amber alerts that people get these days.
[42:15.110 --> 42:20.810]  You know, sometimes you don't necessarily want to get them because they just keep coming and coming and coming.
[42:20.810 --> 42:29.870]  I mean, I remember getting an amber alert for a car for which the police were searching in New York when I was in Pennsylvania.
[42:30.270 --> 42:33.970]  And the amber alert just didn't stop for about 24 hours.
[42:34.170 --> 42:37.510]  You know, every 15 minutes or 20 minutes or so, getting another amber alert.
[42:37.690 --> 42:44.050]  And when I researched this, it turns out that the car was actually found about 12 hours before the amber alert stopped.
[42:44.150 --> 42:45.990]  And it was incredibly annoying.
[42:46.390 --> 42:46.530]  Yeah.
[42:46.530 --> 42:46.550]  Yeah.
[42:46.950 --> 42:50.670]  You know, and we have kids that are trying to sleep and the phones are constantly going off.
[42:50.790 --> 42:53.350]  It was a total disaster because of these amber alerts.
[42:53.570 --> 42:57.350]  Well, those kids should realize they could be the next amber alert and they should be happy to be woken up.
[42:57.430 --> 43:01.810]  So you like kids if they're trying to sleep, but you could give a damn about the other kids out there.
[43:02.030 --> 43:03.010]  OK, I get it.
[43:03.090 --> 43:03.770]  That's about right.
[43:03.890 --> 43:04.130]  Wow.
[43:04.310 --> 43:10.450]  You know, the latest the latest amber alerts, though, they make you call something or go to a website.
[43:10.450 --> 43:11.970]  They don't even tell you the details.
[43:12.190 --> 43:13.390]  You have to do the work.
[43:13.390 --> 43:17.330]  You know, they're just saying there's an amber alert and here's how to find out more information about it.
[43:17.370 --> 43:17.450]  Are you kidding?
[43:17.730 --> 43:23.730]  If you're going to go to the trouble of sending a text to my phone or putting a big sign up on the expressway, give the details.
[43:23.810 --> 43:26.130]  Because, you know, I'm not a detective here.
[43:26.210 --> 43:28.510]  And then you'll probably have to log in and create a username.
[43:28.510 --> 43:29.090]  All sorts of things.
[43:29.670 --> 43:30.770]  And then they know you did that.
[43:30.770 --> 43:31.990]  They're keeping track of you now.
[43:31.990 --> 43:34.270]  Why did you take such an interest in this case, et cetera, et cetera.
[43:35.170 --> 43:43.590]  But with the Amber Alerts, we as individuals each know whether or not we're going to be in much of a position to do anything about an Amber Alert.
[43:43.770 --> 43:46.190]  Like about 100 years ago, I was in the arcade business.
[43:46.350 --> 43:51.210]  And then it was before we had Amber Alerts, but I was subscribed to every local missing child thing because that makes sense.
[43:51.210 --> 43:56.070]  If you're in that kind of context, if you're running that kind of business, you want to maybe keep an eye out.
[43:56.070 --> 44:11.150]  But if you're, like I am now, you're working in a place full of adults, you don't have much truck with children anymore, you don't get out much, you're kind of a recluse, you don't experience children in the wild all that much.
[44:11.210 --> 44:12.690]  Like, what are you going to do with Amber Alerts?
[44:12.690 --> 44:18.510]  I'm sorry, Rob, I have to interrupt you now because there have been further developments back in 1961 with our Conorad Broadcasting.
[44:18.890 --> 44:20.190]  Here's some more information right now.
[44:20.410 --> 44:23.210]  This is Howard Viken, your official civil defense announcer.
[44:23.210 --> 44:26.030]  Here are more instructions for your safety.
[44:26.810 --> 44:29.550]  If you have livestock, get the animals undercover.
[44:30.370 --> 44:35.790]  Be sure you have supplies of food, clothing, water, and medical equipment gathered together and ready.
[44:36.410 --> 44:40.410]  Don't use the telephone, and don't drive toward the larger cities.
[44:41.050 --> 44:44.010]  Civil defense personnel, report to your duty stations.
[44:44.690 --> 44:48.750]  Don't listen to rumors, and don't spread any rumors you have heard.
[44:49.150 --> 44:51.670]  Keep tuned to this station for further information.
[44:51.670 --> 44:58.530]  Remember, you can get official civil defense programs only at 640 and 1240 on your dial.
[44:59.090 --> 45:02.510]  Any other programs during the radio alert are unofficial.
[45:02.930 --> 45:03.970]  Beware of them.
[45:04.270 --> 45:08.190]  The enemy may attempt to confuse you by using unauthorized stations.
[45:09.010 --> 45:11.110]  Do not listen or start rumors.
[45:11.550 --> 45:12.870]  They can cause panic.
[45:13.590 --> 45:19.970]  This station, the station you are listening to, will continue to give you all authentic information and instruction.
[45:20.550 --> 45:23.650]  This is Howard Viken, your official civil defense announcer.
[45:24.030 --> 45:25.170]  Thank you again, Howard.
[45:25.370 --> 45:27.030]  And yes, unauthorized stations.
[45:27.030 --> 45:28.350]  They'll try to confuse you.
[45:28.610 --> 45:31.290]  Keep your dial set here at 99.5.
[45:31.710 --> 45:33.670]  Back then, it was 640 a.m.
[45:33.690 --> 45:37.510]  and 1240 a.m., the Conrad frequencies, but we've updated things since.
[45:37.810 --> 45:45.050]  Well, this was the early days, I guess, were the nascent idea of fake news that Howard Viken was talking about here.
[45:45.050 --> 45:47.330]  Yeah, propaganda, you know, all sorts of things like that.
[45:47.490 --> 45:51.310]  By the way, the Conrad system lasted another couple of years.
[45:51.390 --> 45:54.730]  In 1963, it was done, replaced with the emergency broadcast system.
[45:55.030 --> 45:56.370]  That lasted until 1997.
[45:56.770 --> 46:09.350]  And then we have what we have now, the emergency alert system, which, you know, if you're watching TV or listening to the radio earlier today at about 220, you would have heard some nice alert tones and all kinds of fun things as a result of that.
[46:09.490 --> 46:10.190]  Hey, we have another phone call.
[46:10.270 --> 46:10.530]  Good evening.
[46:10.650 --> 46:11.110]  You're on Off the Hook.
[46:11.210 --> 46:11.450]  Go ahead.
[46:11.930 --> 46:12.350]  Hi, Greg.
[46:12.490 --> 46:13.010]  Hey, good evening.
[46:13.010 --> 46:13.930]  Thank you for having me on.
[46:14.230 --> 46:26.610]  So, when you talk about emergency alerts and how you can have, like, misinformation that can be produced, there's one program that's out there that has had a number of false alerts, about 140 of them, regarding bioterrorism.
[46:26.750 --> 46:28.070]  You talk about BioWatch.
[46:28.070 --> 46:31.010]  What happens if this program has a false alert?
[46:31.590 --> 46:38.030]  And I believe that 2600 actually has documentation regarding how that program was mismanaged.
[46:38.850 --> 46:42.010]  So, Alex, I know you hear my voice.
[46:43.010 --> 46:43.990]  Let's make the 14th happen.
[46:45.410 --> 46:45.770]  Okay.
[46:46.030 --> 46:46.350]  All right.
[46:46.710 --> 46:47.790]  What was that last bit?
[46:47.910 --> 46:49.510]  He said, let's make the 14th happen.
[46:49.530 --> 46:49.810]  The 14th.
[46:49.930 --> 46:50.290]  14th.
[46:50.350 --> 46:52.130]  Are you guys coming down to Bethesda?
[46:52.310 --> 46:52.770]  The 14th.
[46:52.830 --> 46:54.210]  Are we coming to Bethesda on the 14th?
[46:54.290 --> 46:54.530]  Oh.
[46:54.770 --> 46:56.610]  I'll leave you guys to chat about this.
[46:56.610 --> 46:59.010]  This is getting a little too specific for listeners.
[46:59.390 --> 47:00.010]  This is the good doctor.
[47:00.150 --> 47:00.330]  Yeah.
[47:00.370 --> 47:01.030]  This is the good doctor.
[47:01.110 --> 47:01.690]  But thank you.
[47:01.850 --> 47:06.690]  And, yeah, we have all kinds of things going on, messages being passed back and forth.
[47:06.870 --> 47:09.890]  But we can follow up on this.
[47:09.970 --> 47:10.170]  Yes.
[47:10.170 --> 47:11.910]  I got your messages and we will get back to you.
[47:11.910 --> 47:12.230]  Just not over the airwaves.
[47:12.370 --> 47:12.930]  Thanks for calling.
[47:13.690 --> 47:18.590]  We have an update from downstairs from earlier in the afternoon.
[47:18.730 --> 47:23.330]  I have to race through these because we're running out of time and there's so much material to broadcast here.
[47:23.330 --> 47:26.530]  This is shortly after the alerts were received.
[47:28.190 --> 47:28.650]  Okay.
[47:28.810 --> 47:30.030]  It's a few minutes past.
[47:30.250 --> 47:31.750]  It's actually 24 past two.
[47:31.890 --> 47:33.370]  We're starting to discover some interesting things here.
[47:33.850 --> 47:36.470]  I've kept my phone untouched.
[47:36.550 --> 47:37.810]  So it still says emergency alert.
[47:38.170 --> 47:42.290]  This is a test, all caps, of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System.
[47:42.290 --> 47:43.190]  No action is needed.
[47:43.750 --> 47:46.290]  Type, colon, presidential alert, and then OK button.
[47:46.350 --> 47:47.370]  You're supposed to hit the OK button.
[47:47.470 --> 47:51.250]  And apparently your phone isn't good for anything until you do that.
[47:51.250 --> 47:53.370]  Alex, we just tried an experiment.
[47:53.510 --> 47:53.950]  Why don't you try it again?
[47:54.050 --> 47:56.990]  Give me a call on your phone, which you've already hit the OK for.
[47:57.490 --> 48:00.230]  And we'll see what happens when my phone rings.
[48:04.800 --> 48:05.740]  That's my ringtone.
[48:08.020 --> 48:12.400]  But what's interesting, apart from the ringtone, is the fact that my screen is completely blank.
[48:12.520 --> 48:15.020]  Look, there's nothing at all on it.
[48:15.500 --> 48:16.100]  Oh, wait.
[48:16.200 --> 48:17.520]  Now I flipped it around.
[48:17.760 --> 48:23.700]  And now I do see your name in very tiny print underneath emergency alerts.
[48:24.580 --> 48:26.280]  So, I guess I can pick it up.
[48:26.380 --> 48:27.080]  Let's try it again.
[48:27.620 --> 48:28.460]  Yeah, let's try it again.
[48:28.560 --> 48:30.600]  See if, um, see what stays on my screen.
[48:31.000 --> 48:32.500]  Yeah, it goes back to emergency alert.
[48:32.640 --> 48:33.180]  This is a test.
[48:34.220 --> 48:35.160]  Okay, you're calling again.
[48:35.340 --> 48:36.520]  This time I'm going to try and pick it up.
[48:38.080 --> 48:39.620]  Okay, I got my clock back.
[48:39.980 --> 48:43.020]  And now, now I see a full screen with your name.
[48:43.420 --> 48:46.120]  So, it takes three attempts before your phone goes back to normal.
[48:46.220 --> 48:49.760]  Now, if you hang up, uh, let's see if I get my, my clock back.
[48:49.760 --> 48:51.960]  Now, I have the emergency alert back on my screen.
[48:53.200 --> 48:53.740]  Try again.
[48:54.960 --> 48:56.880]  Yeah, this time I'm going to try and pick up and see what happens.
[48:58.360 --> 49:00.780]  And, uh, see if I get my phone back in normal mode.
[49:01.760 --> 49:04.320]  Again, a blank screen when you're calling in.
[49:05.220 --> 49:10.760]  I think what I have to do is I have to actually move the phone to get it to, uh, to display who's calling.
[49:10.760 --> 49:11.520]  So, let me do that.
[49:13.680 --> 49:17.840]  Actually, you know, my phone is flaky because I'm moving it all over the place and it's still blank.
[49:20.400 --> 49:24.960]  And, look, I'm weaving it in the air and it's like it's, it's been bricked.
[49:25.440 --> 49:26.360]  That's what it looks like.
[49:27.060 --> 49:27.240]  Um.
[49:28.900 --> 49:32.440]  So, yeah, if you don't hit okay, if you refuse to hit okay, you might be in some trouble there.
[49:33.240 --> 49:35.420]  I'm going to go through the entire day without hitting okay.
[49:35.440 --> 49:36.300]  I don't care.
[49:36.300 --> 49:38.380]  This is my, my act of civil disobedience here.
[49:38.380 --> 49:40.800]  I don't even know, is that you calling me, Alex, or somebody else is calling me?
[49:40.900 --> 49:42.120]  I don't know who's calling me now.
[49:43.160 --> 49:43.480]  Wow.
[49:44.140 --> 49:48.220]  Well, if you're calling me, uh, and I'm not picking up, it's because I'm not getting the information.
[49:48.240 --> 49:52.940]  It's being withheld from me because I refuse to acknowledge the presidential alert on my phone.
[49:55.180 --> 49:57.780]  We'll, uh, keep checking in with more updates as we get them.
[49:58.000 --> 50:00.680]  And we do have an update on that, which we'll get to in just a moment.
[50:00.880 --> 50:02.940]  But first, we have another update from 1961.
[50:03.200 --> 50:04.900]  This is our, our final update.
[50:05.060 --> 50:07.520]  And this is the most serious of the messages.
[50:07.520 --> 50:09.220]  Your attention, please.
[50:09.620 --> 50:15.000]  This is Dick Chapman, one of your official civil defense broadcasters with a special message.
[50:15.460 --> 50:21.240]  Military authorities have advised us that an enemy attack by air is imminent.
[50:21.560 --> 50:23.840]  This is a red alert.
[50:24.380 --> 50:28.420]  You are advised to go to your nearest shelter area immediately.
[50:28.800 --> 50:29.900]  Find shelter.
[50:30.260 --> 50:32.340]  There is not time to leave the city.
[50:32.340 --> 50:37.100]  Your state civil defense director has just issued the following instructions.
[50:37.440 --> 50:38.860]  Please remain calm.
[50:39.120 --> 50:41.920]  Every precaution will be taken for your protection.
[50:42.260 --> 50:47.700]  Keep your radio tuned to this place on the dial throughout the alert period for information.
[50:48.300 --> 50:56.380]  Telephone service to your home may be cut off to permit military and civil defense authorities to carry out vital operations.
[50:56.380 --> 51:01.480]  Do not attempt to join your family or your children if they are now separated.
[51:01.780 --> 51:04.060]  They will be cared for where they are.
[51:04.740 --> 51:08.560]  Obey your civil defense warden and find shelter now.
[51:09.120 --> 51:13.040]  Take shelter in your basement or in your nearest shelter area.
[51:13.340 --> 51:16.980]  If you can plug in your radio in the basement, take it with you.
[51:17.200 --> 51:20.020]  Use a portable radio set if you have one.
[51:20.020 --> 51:25.600]  Otherwise, turn up the volume of your radio so that you can hear it in the basement.
[51:25.920 --> 51:26.880]  Keep calm.
[51:27.080 --> 51:28.220]  Don't lose your head.
[51:28.440 --> 51:31.880]  If you are at work, obey your civil defense authorities.
[51:32.220 --> 51:35.460]  Go quickly and calmly to your designated shelter.
[51:35.720 --> 51:40.500]  If your children are at school, they are being directed to shelter by their teachers.
[51:40.800 --> 51:47.680]  If you are in an automobile, pull over to the curb and then go immediately to the nearest shelter area.
[51:47.680 --> 51:50.900]  Do not leave your car where it will block traffic.
[51:51.600 --> 51:59.720]  This station will continue to stay on the air throughout the alert period to bring you authentic information and official instructions.
[52:00.080 --> 52:06.980]  Stay tuned to 640 or 1240 kilocycles on your radio for official information.
[52:07.360 --> 52:11.440]  Refuse to listen to unauthorized rumors or broadcasts.
[52:11.520 --> 52:14.700]  This is your official civil defense broadcast.
[52:14.700 --> 52:24.340]  In accordance with the authority vested in me, I hereby declare a civil defense emergency to exist in the state of Minnesota.
[52:24.700 --> 52:29.320]  This will put into effect emergency plans for your welfare.
[52:29.700 --> 52:40.780]  Minnesota civil defense organizations, including those of counties and municipalities, are directed to mobilize and act in accordance with approved plans.
[52:40.780 --> 52:51.320]  I am also calling a special session of both houses of the legislature to convene at a place and time I will designate in a later announcement.
[52:51.680 --> 52:55.960]  I ask that you cooperate with your civil defense officials.
[52:56.340 --> 52:59.920]  You will be advised of further developments by radio.
[53:00.540 --> 53:02.940]  Stay tuned for further information.
[53:03.300 --> 53:05.840]  This is Governor Elmer L.
[53:06.040 --> 53:06.400]  Anderson.
[53:08.980 --> 53:10.780]  My phone's making noise again.
[53:13.700 --> 53:24.460]  So apparently, in addition to my phone being blanked, having a blank screen, if I don't hit the OK button, it will keep sending the alert.
[53:24.680 --> 53:26.360]  So I just got another alert.
[53:26.360 --> 53:28.600]  It's 27 minutes after 2.
[53:29.320 --> 53:32.200]  The test was supposed to take place 9 minutes ago.
[53:33.400 --> 53:34.760]  And I haven't hit OK.
[53:34.880 --> 53:36.620]  So I guess this is something else.
[53:36.680 --> 53:39.840]  If you don't acknowledge, your phone will continuously make this noise.
[53:40.160 --> 53:43.560]  And again, I am not hitting OK because I don't think it's OK.
[53:44.220 --> 53:50.940]  And we're going to see if my phone is just going to be a perpetual brick that makes emergency alert tones constantly.
[53:51.600 --> 53:53.620]  This is going to be an interesting standoff.
[53:56.740 --> 53:59.100]  Well, that's where we stand right now.
[53:59.280 --> 54:05.320]  And of course, I imagine everybody heard it was a civil defense emergency in the state of Minnesota.
[54:05.880 --> 54:07.360]  This is my phone ringing live now.
[54:08.780 --> 54:10.740]  I'm going to repower it in just a second.
[54:10.860 --> 54:16.420]  But I assume when people heard that it was Minnesota, that they didn't stop panicking.
[54:16.680 --> 54:17.580]  But no, none of that was happening.
[54:17.580 --> 54:18.320]  That was from 1961.
[54:18.380 --> 54:21.160]  It was a message that never actually went across.
[54:21.740 --> 54:23.780]  And I'm going to repower my phone right now.
[54:23.880 --> 54:27.380]  I'm going to cycle it so that I can see if the message goes away.
[54:27.560 --> 54:28.240]  I'm going to hit restart.
[54:29.640 --> 54:32.040]  And we're going to take one more phone call.
[54:32.380 --> 54:32.980]  Good evening.
[54:33.140 --> 54:33.860]  You're on the air.
[54:33.940 --> 54:34.200]  Go ahead.
[54:34.960 --> 54:36.260]  Oh, thanks for taking my call.
[54:36.360 --> 54:38.360]  I just had this great thought that I want to share.
[54:38.700 --> 54:39.100]  Go ahead.
[54:39.180 --> 54:40.480]  Think about this.
[54:41.260 --> 54:48.500]  It's basically they're jamming your phone up unless someone physically has to take their finger and press the OK button.
[54:48.560 --> 54:49.460]  And then it's gone.
[54:49.660 --> 54:52.260]  And they can do this later on.
[54:52.320 --> 54:53.340]  They could do it the next day.
[54:53.520 --> 54:57.900]  So let's say, I don't know, just for argument's sake, there's a solar flare.
[54:58.080 --> 54:59.720]  Or a meteor hits the planet.
[54:59.840 --> 55:00.040]  Right.
[55:00.040 --> 55:04.280]  And you got 300 million phones and there's blackout.
[55:04.460 --> 55:06.320]  And then they finally get things going again.
[55:06.320 --> 55:07.820]  They do the emergency signal.
[55:08.020 --> 55:10.740]  And then you have to physically hit the button.
[55:10.740 --> 55:13.820]  And that's how they get to, oh, we got 200 million people alive.
[55:14.020 --> 55:15.760]  100 million people we're not getting an answer from.
[55:16.580 --> 55:19.200]  That's if it sends an answer, yes.
[55:19.660 --> 55:20.140]  Yes.
[55:20.320 --> 55:23.460]  So they could use this as kind of using technology.
[55:23.720 --> 55:26.240]  Back in those days, they had the emergency system.
[55:26.240 --> 55:31.020]  But it took a long time to get a head count, if anything ever happened.
[55:31.140 --> 55:34.340]  But now it's just, oh, I've got to turn my phone on.
[55:34.640 --> 55:36.220]  The world's going crazy.
[55:36.500 --> 55:38.880]  And then, oh, I've got to press OK.
[55:39.160 --> 55:40.600]  And then all of a sudden they get a head count.
[55:40.820 --> 55:48.600]  That's a great theory as far as telemetry, being able to make an alert that responds or gives you kind of information.
[55:48.600 --> 55:56.000]  And that data could be organized and looked at and analyzed after the fact, even regionally.
[55:56.160 --> 55:58.540]  You know, what regions have the least response?
[55:58.700 --> 56:00.460]  You know, where are these different things affected people?
[56:00.720 --> 56:05.440]  I couldn't figure out why is this thing jamming my phone, even like years back?
[56:05.460 --> 56:13.540]  And not until this moment, and I'm glad you guys picked up, that it came to me that said, it's a head count, it's a monitoring system.
[56:13.540 --> 56:16.180]  It's to see how many people are alive out there.
[56:16.600 --> 56:16.940]  All right.
[56:17.020 --> 56:17.480]  Thanks, guys.
[56:17.480 --> 56:18.680]  Okay, thank you.
[56:18.860 --> 56:21.180]  And I'm happy to say my phone is back.
[56:21.960 --> 56:23.100]  I've booted it up.
[56:23.280 --> 56:28.360]  And yeah, it looks like I can get in.
[56:28.860 --> 56:30.100]  There's no message there anymore.
[56:30.300 --> 56:30.960]  There's no message.
[56:31.060 --> 56:31.600]  But you know what?
[56:32.340 --> 56:33.260]  There's no message.
[56:33.500 --> 56:33.920]  Oh, there it is.
[56:34.020 --> 56:34.700]  Okay, emergency alert.
[56:34.840 --> 56:35.760]  There is a record of it.
[56:36.460 --> 56:40.900]  So I can at least click on it and see the message, but I don't have to hit OK anymore.
[56:42.440 --> 56:44.280]  So, wow, a little bit of history there.
[56:44.840 --> 56:46.080]  Two observations I had.
[56:46.080 --> 56:50.200]  And those old civil defense broadcast recordings.
[56:50.440 --> 56:52.780]  One was the conversation of the enemy.
[56:53.000 --> 56:53.620]  I love that.
[56:53.820 --> 56:55.020]  It was so clear cut.
[56:55.020 --> 56:56.400]  We knew the enemy.
[56:56.640 --> 56:57.800]  Everybody knew what that meant.
[56:58.540 --> 57:05.440]  Now, it's broken down into like specific events and alerts and really, who's the enemy?
[57:06.000 --> 57:06.480]  Martians.
[57:06.700 --> 57:07.580]  Who is the enemy?
[57:07.780 --> 57:07.920]  Yeah.
[57:08.040 --> 57:11.280]  I mean, it's just it's kind of a quandary if you really think about that.
[57:11.280 --> 57:15.580]  I like the part about don't listen to unauthorized broadcasters who are trying to fool you.
[57:15.760 --> 57:15.860]  Yeah.
[57:16.560 --> 57:17.420]  Stick to the station.
[57:17.600 --> 57:18.800]  A question occurred to me.
[57:19.240 --> 57:25.360]  You know, I guess the parallel the civil defense would be would be the same as DHS is today.
[57:25.600 --> 57:34.940]  And so the the civil defense warden in your business or your work that you would answer to or their off the officer is basically the person in your office that went to the DHS training on the weekend.
[57:34.940 --> 57:36.880]  And, you know, knows what to do or whatever.
[57:37.200 --> 57:38.800]  We have one more call in only a few seconds.
[57:38.900 --> 57:39.140]  Go ahead.
[57:40.440 --> 57:40.800]  Hi.
[57:41.060 --> 57:41.280]  Hi.
[57:41.280 --> 57:41.740]  What's on your mind?
[57:41.860 --> 57:41.960]  Hi.
[57:42.200 --> 57:42.500]  Hi.
[57:42.580 --> 57:42.800]  Okay.
[57:42.800 --> 57:44.100]  I have a little clip phone.
[57:44.460 --> 57:47.100]  Verizon is the carrier.
[57:47.660 --> 57:47.920]  Okay.
[57:47.920 --> 57:48.700]  I never pressed.
[57:48.760 --> 57:49.420]  I never pressed.
[57:49.580 --> 57:49.720]  Okay.
[57:50.040 --> 57:50.780]  You never pressed.
[57:50.960 --> 57:51.060]  Okay.
[57:51.780 --> 57:51.980]  No.
[57:52.200 --> 57:53.000]  Did you get the message?
[57:53.500 --> 57:54.380]  Yeah, I got the message.
[57:54.540 --> 57:54.720]  Okay.
[57:54.780 --> 57:55.760]  It's still there.
[57:56.000 --> 57:56.220]  Okay.
[57:56.360 --> 57:58.820]  But I've been able to make calls back and forth.
[57:59.120 --> 58:00.660]  You're able to make calls without hitting.
[58:00.820 --> 58:00.920]  Okay.
[58:01.740 --> 58:02.080]  Wow.
[58:02.360 --> 58:03.420]  Well, you're smarter than I.
[58:03.500 --> 58:04.820]  Well, I don't know how you're able to do that.
[58:04.820 --> 58:05.860]  I wasn't able to get past that.
[58:06.580 --> 58:08.520]  And I never got a blank screen.
[58:09.080 --> 58:09.440]  Okay.
[58:09.520 --> 58:09.600]  Yeah.
[58:09.660 --> 58:10.760]  Well, that just might be my phone.
[58:11.020 --> 58:12.540]  I've dropped it a whole bunch of times.
[58:13.140 --> 58:14.540]  And one lady called.
[58:14.740 --> 58:15.860]  She's a T-Mobile person.
[58:16.040 --> 58:17.220]  And she didn't get the alert.
[58:17.740 --> 58:18.120]  Yeah.
[58:18.280 --> 58:20.740]  There are a lot of people who did not get the alerts.
[58:20.740 --> 58:29.120]  We're going to be sorting through the many, many responses that we've been getting through email, through Twitter, and trying to figure out where the failures were.
[58:29.300 --> 58:29.580]  Yeah.
[58:29.640 --> 58:33.900]  A lot of older flip phones, more simple designs would definitely get it.
[58:33.900 --> 58:36.820]  In some cases, some cases, the smarter phones wouldn't.
[58:37.260 --> 58:41.320]  Or some configuration or combination of carrier and device.
[58:41.600 --> 58:42.980]  All of it is fascinating.
[58:42.980 --> 58:45.320]  And it is really cool to have done this.
[58:45.400 --> 58:46.860]  And for everyone who participated.
[58:47.120 --> 58:52.100]  Thanks to all those people who showed up and helped us have fun with this.
[58:52.180 --> 58:54.960]  Because every event is meant to be fun.
[58:55.060 --> 58:58.100]  And we can experiment with it and learn things about it.
[58:58.100 --> 58:59.360]  Consider yourselves ready.
[58:59.820 --> 59:00.200]  Exactly.
[59:00.460 --> 59:14.820]  And if you're ready to call us and donate to the radio station to keep the radio station going so we can have fun days like this where we can't stop it, we can't do anything about it, but we can at least have fun with it and play with it and learn and share information,
[59:15.500 --> 59:20.600]  please consider donating to WBAI 516-620-3602.
[59:21.040 --> 59:24.040]  Or you can go to the website, give2wbai.org.
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[59:26.360 --> 59:27.540]  Become a WBAI buddy.
[59:28.160 --> 59:29.380]  Details are on the website.
[59:29.460 --> 59:32.280]  Or you can text to 41444.
[59:32.280 --> 59:35.060]  The letter's W-B-A-I.
[59:35.380 --> 59:38.140]  Write to us, O-T-H at 2600.com with your experiences.
[59:38.300 --> 59:39.000]  We will see you next week.
[59:39.060 --> 59:39.300]  Good night.
[01:00:19.750 --> 01:00:22.730]  What do I want?
[01:00:23.070 --> 01:00:23.910]  What do I need?
[01:00:24.150 --> 01:00:25.230]  Why do I want it?
[01:00:25.270 --> 01:00:26.330]  What's in it for me?
[01:00:26.330 --> 01:00:31.190]  It's the imagery, the technology, and what you get, and what you see.
[01:00:31.370 --> 01:00:33.610]  Know what will your mind, and when you give it your best.
[01:00:33.810 --> 01:00:36.030]  1-2-1-2, this is just a test.
[01:00:36.190 --> 01:00:38.530]  1-2-1-2, this is just a test.
[01:00:38.710 --> 01:00:41.770]  1-2-1-2, this is just a test.