Topic: Pins

Following a major heart procedure, a new tier of peerage called the "Red Knight" or "Order of the Heart" is proposed to celebrate survivors of similar surgeries. The concept includes a distinctive red lapel pin, modeled after the Order of Canada, to serve as a visible identifier for members. The discussion touches on the experience of hospital support groups and the "zipper" scars common to open-heart surgery patients.

In "Mimi's Tip of the Day," Mimi Smith-Dvorak stresses the critical importance of writing down computer PINs and passwords, sharing her struggle to access John's files during his hospitalization. She recommends using password managers like Bitwarden and ensuring spouses have a durable power of attorney. Adam Curry notes that even "operational security" experts like his wife Tina keep a physical backup of essential credentials.

The "unofficial sport" of Olympic pin trading is discussed. A tip is provided for collectors to buy pins in bulk on eBay before attending the games to avoid high retail prices at the venue.

John C. Dvorak expressed intense frustration with the USB-C standard, calling it "garbage" and a form of "planned obsolescence." He criticized the design for having 24 microscopic pins in a small space, which he claims leads to "crunching" and hardware failure. Dvorak argued that the industry should have stuck with the more robust four-pin USB design rather than prioritizing the ability to flip the connector.

The hosts discussed logistical challenges with the Austin PO Box, citing long lines and poor service at the local post office. Despite these issues, they received several notable items, including custom "33" American flag pins from George Gaspar and "Hit in the Mouth" coffee blends. The pins were praised for their high quality and potential as future show merchandise.

The logistics of purchasing marijuana in Dutch "coffee shops" are explained, noting that while many shops in Amsterdam are moving away from cash, credit cards are legally prohibited for purchasing cannabis ("geen wiet op krediet"). The process involves swiping government IDs to enter modern, high-tech interiors. The segment clarifies that marijuana is "permitted" but not strictly legal in the Netherlands.

The 2016 safety pin movement emerged in the UK following the Brexit vote as a way for individuals to signal they were not "racist" or "hating" immigrants. Critics like Katie Hopkins argued the movement was a form of virtue signaling by the Remain campaign to disparage those who voted to leave the European Union.

A host recounts a "misery" story involving a Chrysler Town & Country where a dead battery caused the ignition to lock the key and eventually required a forgotten PIN to restart. This is compared to the Toyota Prius, which lacks a mechanical trunk release, requiring a complex "blind" maneuver over the seats if the battery dies.

A YouTube clip by Shelly Carradine explains the "Safety Pin Movement" as a way to show support for women, people of color, and the LGBT community. The hosts discuss the potential psychological impact of social justice messaging on young white males in the education system.

Turkish hacker Ercan Findikoglu is sentenced to eight years for masterminding a global ATM looting scheme that stole $40 million in a single 10-hour window. The Secret Service describes the operation as one of the most sophisticated in history. The hosts use the story to discuss the "war on cash" and the inherent insecurity of the U.S. "chip and sign" credit card system.

The city of Amsterdam introduces "Pin Jackets" for homeless individuals, allowing passersby to donate one euro via contactless RFID cards. The hosts criticize this as a step toward a total cashless society that allows the government to track and control all financial transactions. Adam Curry shares a personal story of having his bank accounts frozen in the Netherlands as a warning against digital-only currency.

A listener requested "Maximum Karma" for a friend paralyzed in an accident, while another sent a gag gift involving a box of safety pins. The safety pins are a reference to the "safe space" movement following the 2016 election. The hosts reiterated their value-for-value model, which relies on listener donations rather than traditional advertising.

John C. Dvorak discusses a Facebook announcement regarding a new addition to his household, which turns out to be a poodle rather than a child. The conversation shifts to millennial culture and the use of safety pins as a political symbol. The safety pin, originally patented in the 1870s, is ironically linked to its 20th-century use for pinning diapers.

The hosts discuss the theory that George Soros is orchestrating a "Purple Revolution" in the United States, similar to color revolutions in Georgia and Ukraine. They examine the use of safety pins as a solidarity signal and suggest the protests are part of a coordinated effort to destabilize the incoming administration.

Sir Scott Hamilton is thanked as the Executive Producer for the episode. He recommended the film "Primary Colors" and an SNL skit as accurate portrayals of the Clintons. The hosts demonstrate "laughing pins" for both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump sent by producers. Sir Edward Sheets is elevated to "Baron of the Cuban Leaf" for his expertise in New York construction law and Trump's business reputation.

LBC host Katie Hopkins criticized a post-Brexit trend where people wear safety pins to signal they are a "safe person" for minorities. Hopkins mocked the movement as a creation of the "Remain" campaign intended to paint "Leave" voters as hateful.

The Netherlands is aggressively promoting a cashless society, with campaigns targeting children to use bank cards instead of physical currency. Producer Ancilla van de Leest authored an article regarding the Dutch royal family's promotion of credit over cash. The hosts express skepticism regarding the security of the "chip and signature" cards issued by American banks.

American credit cards equipped with chips are failing to utilize the standard PIN security protocol in Europe, instead defaulting to a signature-based system. Furthermore, European point-of-sale terminals are offering dynamic currency conversion that applies unfavorable exchange rates to unsuspecting American travelers.

A technician involved in point-of-sale terminal upgrades predicts a major data breach at Walmart within the next four to six months. The prediction is based on the timeline of previous breaches at Target and Home Depot following similar "chip-and-pin" hardware integrations. The segment suggests such an event would likely occur after the upcoming elections to avoid political fallout for the administration.

President Obama signed an executive order to improve the security of consumer financial transactions, which the hosts interpret as a government-funded bailout for banks. The order mandates a transition to "chip and pin" technology for government payment terminals, including the 44 million EBT cards processed by major banks like JPMorgan Chase.