12 chapters across the catalog
Platypus Handgun Malfunction, Directed Energy Weapons
A malfunction with a new Platypus 1911 handgun is attributed to "weak-wristing" or a stiff spring. The conversation shifts to "LOCUST," a 20-kilowatt directed energy weapon used to shoot down balloons. The hosts debate the definition of a directed energy weapon, with one arguing that a laser is simply a light beam rather than an "invisible wave."
Erratic Weather History and Raining Frogs
The conversation shifts to the historical frequency of erratic weather events in the United States, challenging the idea that current volatility is unprecedented. References are made to 19th-century New York Times reports of "raining frogs" and the Mormon locust plague in Utah. Recent snowfall in Las Vegas is presented as part of a long-standing pattern of unpredictable meteorological events.
East Africa Locust Infestation, Food Security Crisis
A massive locust infestation, with swarms the size of Manhattan, is threatening food supplies across Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia. The UN warns that the population of these insects could grow 500 times larger by June, leading to severe food insecurity. The hosts note the lack of mainstream media coverage on this environmental crisis compared to the singular focus on COVID-19.
No Agenda Value for Value and Artwork Contributions
The No Agenda show continues its "Value for Value" model, relying on listener contributions of time, talent, and treasure rather than corporate advertising. Producer Mike Riley provided the artwork for episode 1224, featuring a "kosher locust" theme in reference to recent news from Israel. The hosts highlighted the No Agenda Art Generator as a unique industry standard where album art changes for every episode based on community submissions.
East Africa Locust Infestation and Biblical Comparisons
East Africa is facing its worst locust infestation in 70 years, with swarms stretching 3,500 miles from Saudi Arabia across Kenya. The proliferation was triggered by unseasonable rains and cyclones in the Arabian Peninsula's "Empty Quarter" in 2018. Farmers in the region report losing over half of their harvests as the insects consume their body weight in crops daily, threatening the food security of millions.
A massive locust upsurge threatens East Africa, with swarms in South Sudan, Uganda, and Kenya expected to grow 500-fold if not contained. The insects are destroying crops and livestock feed, though a lighthearted note mentions that some in Israel consider them a "crunchy kosher snack."
A massive locust infestation in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, Somalia, and Ethiopia, is threatening the food security of 19 million people. The UN's Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) warned that the locust population could explode 500-fold by June if left unchecked. Despite the severity of the crisis, international donors have only pledged a fraction of the 138 million dollars needed for pesticide spraying.
A prank is played where a host pretends to eat a deep-fried locust received in the mail from an "Eat The Bugs" program in Berkeley. The sound effects of the crunching are revealed to be the host eating Corn Nuts rather than an actual insect.
John C. Dvorak opens the program by claiming he is about to eat a deep-fried giant locust sent from Berkeley under an "Eat The Bugs" program. After audible crunching sounds, he reveals the stunt was a prank and he was actually eating corn nuts. The hosts transition into news coverage regarding recent explosions in the New York area.
Locust Plague, Libya Post-Gaddafi Environmental Crisis
Reports indicate a massive desert locust outbreak in Libya following the collapse of the Gaddafi regime's management programs. The infestation threatens agricultural stability across North Africa. The hosts discuss the visual impact of the locust swarms and the historical context of pest control in the region.
The show wraps up with a news item about a massive locust plague in Madagascar and a critique of a terrorism-themed line from the show "NCIS: LA." The hosts invite listeners to the 500th episode on Easter Sunday and sign off from Austin and Silicon Valley. The episode ends with a final reminder of the show's website and donation portal.
The "Brood 19" cicadas are expected to emerge in the Southern United States for the first time since 1998. These insects emerge on a 13-year cycle by the billions, causing significant noise and stripping vegetation. The hosts discuss the nuisance caused by the dead insects and the 85-decibel noise levels they produce.
