This week we’re podcasting about how it must somehow be bad when something incredibly convenient happens, wondering about why no one ever gets mad at the status quo enthusiasts when the world falls apart, and playing our usual assortment of silly games. Listen, if you must! Has something we said, or failed to say, made you FEEL something? You can tell us all about it on our Substack, leave a comment on the show’s page on our website, or you can send us an email here. Enjoy!

Show Rundown
Open — Fun anecdata about stolen Korean cars, Christmas preparations, and the annual December treat temptation challenge
16:09 — Lassie teaches us a valuable lesson about shipping logistics in the modern age
48:23 — Pop Quiz, Hotshot!
53:05 — Bob vs. the status quo enthusiasts regarding Israel
1:19:42 — Bob vs. the status quo enthusiasts regarding the border
1:32:41 — The Billboard Hot 100 Game: a returning champion meets his destiny
1:44:00 — Wrap-up! The Iron Claw, Zemeckis’s A Christmas Carol

Relevant Linkage

Vice: U.S. Cities Have a Staggering Problem of Kia and Hyundai Thefts. This Data Shows It.

AP: In hypochondria paradox, Swedish study finds a higher death rate in those who fear serious illness

TMP: The Morning Press on Swedish hypochondriacs study

WaPo: Inside the mad dash to buy your Walmart and Amazon returns

NYT: Austin Returns to Israel With a Tougher Message and Lessons Learned

AP: Immigration reform stalled decade after Gang of 8’s big push

Politico: Republicans’ border policy push is getting support from an unexpected corner

AP: The mayors of five big cities seek a meeting with Biden about how to better manage arriving migrants

NYT: In Escalation, Adams Says Migrant Crisis ‘Will Destroy New York City’

NY Post: Gov. Hochul says border ‘is too open’ and demands ‘limit’ on crossings as NY struggles with migrant crisis

Slate: Why Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” Is Finally No. 1 on the Billboard Charts