Topic: Gift

A host describes receiving a piggy bank from the CIA gift shop in Virginia, which features the agency's logo and contained a twenty-dollar bill. They point out the irony that the official CIA merchandise is manufactured in China rather than the United States.

The hosts discuss holiday safety, specifically the risk of hoverboards catching fire when parked under Christmas trees. They also reference a news report from Seattle regarding the popularity of marijuana as a stocking stuffer, including an $80 "comically large joint" that has become a top seller at local dispensaries.

Adam Curry describes the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas, noting the character's thin appearance and red robes compared to the American Santa Claus. He explains the custom of drawing names for a gift exchange where presents are hidden in elaborate "surprises" (such as boxes of wood chips) and accompanied by anonymous poems. The segment also touches on neighborhood "house wars" involving competitive Christmas light displays.

An archival clip from the 1980s show *Computer Chronicles* features John C. Dvorak recommending Christmas gifts for tech enthusiasts. His suggestions include a cooling fan for the Macintosh called the "Fanny Mac" and a computer toolkit for straightening pins and pulling chips. The hosts laugh at the dated nature of the recommendations from 42 years ago.

A personal anecdote regarding a grandson's birthday leads to a historical look at Mattel's 1950 hit, the Magic 8-Ball. The conversation covers the purchase of Minecraft-themed toys and the family tradition of delayed celebrations.

A host discusses pre-ordering the Light Phone 3, a simplified device with a camera and navigation but no web browser, as a way to reduce smartphone dependency. This leads to a creative proposal for a "No Agenda Guide to Getting Rid of Your Phone Addiction," which would be a hollowed-out book designed to store a phone on a bookshelf. The hosts brainstorm the feasibility of mass-producing such a gift in the U.S.

The 97th Academy Awards are set to feature a tribute to those affected by the Los Angeles fires and a "dead segment" honoring industry figures like Gene Hackman. The segment highlights the extreme value of the "Go Bags" given to nominees, which are estimated to be worth $250,000 each. The hosts contrast this Hollywood opulence with the ongoing economic struggles of the general public.

In the "Tip of the Day," Adam Curry suggests the "Laptop from Hell" book as a humorous gag gift. John C. Dvorak provides a controversial tip regarding TruePeopleSearch.com, a site that reveals personal addresses, phone numbers, and family connections for free. He explains a technique for isolating a person's active email address using blind carbon copies, which Curry describes as "horrific" and "dangerous."

The segment lists Associate Producers who contributed $50 or more to the episode. The hosts also thank listeners for physical gifts sent to the PO box, including a handmade walnut cross from Sir Aaron Dardarian and "Goldback" currency notes.

The show reviews new album art submissions and discusses the technical update to Apple Podcasts regarding per-episode art. A "boots on the ground" story from an Alabama lawyer details how an elderly woman lost $40,000 to gift card scammers, while another local report describes a "grandma scam" involving AI-generated voices of relatives in distress.

A whistleblower from the Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois alleges the severe mishandling of donated bodies. Claims include dismembered heads being left on desks as intimidation and rats chewing through body bags, leading to an investigation by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Appalachian Power is offering customers a $50 gift card to enroll in the "Take Charge" program, which allows the utility to remotely adjust home thermostats during peak demand periods. Participants receive an additional $25 annually for remaining in the program.

The hosts acknowledge various gifts received at their PO Box, including port-infused tea from the No Agenda Tea Club and spirits from listeners. A "rain stick" incident is mentioned, where the device fell over, prompting jokes about weather manipulation. These interactions emphasize the personal connection between the hosts and their "producers" (listeners).

Salt Lake City Mayor Aaron Mendenhall announced a gun buyback program where citizens can exchange firearms for $50 gift cards with no ID required. The program is intended to reduce gun violence, though critics argue the compensation is insufficient for high-value firearms like AR-15s. Utah lawmakers are also proposing bills to raise the legal age for firearm purchases from 18 to 21.

The hosts list various physical gifts received from producers at the Charleston meetup, including a "holo book," silver coins, and custom T-shirts. One T-shirt features a "flat earth" design with the slogan "Firmament First." These items are presented as tokens of appreciation from the show's dedicated audience.

Nicholas Young, a 13-year veteran of the DC Transit Police, was arrested for attempting to provide material support to ISIS. The "support" consisted of $245 in gift cards purchased at the suggestion of an undercover FBI informant. While Young had previously traveled to Libya and collected Nazi memorabilia, the case is scrutinized as a potential instance of FBI entrapment.

Health officials in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, are hosting "Shots for Santa" events, offering $100 gift cards to children and adults who receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The state has seen a large increase in pediatric vaccinations following these large-scale weekend events at retail locations like Perkins Rowe.

John C. Dvorak and his wife Mimi celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary at a listener meetup in Healdsburg, California. The event featured an $8,000 selection of wine and a commemorative birthday cake. Dvorak mentions receiving several gifts at the event, including one specific item he intends to reveal once he masters its use.

Michigan State University issued an apology after a gift shop display featured historical black figures, including Michael Jackson, hanging by ropes from a tree-like structure. While the school removed the display following public outcry, some students argued the apology was insufficient for the "painful reminder" of lynching.

The hosts read through a list of $50 donors from various locations, including New York City, Oklahoma, and the Netherlands. They acknowledge that some mail remains at the post office due to holiday closures but will be retrieved for the next show.