We extol the virtues of the mighty, but unassuming, river just minutes from Grand Central Terminal, as we embark on the Hudson River Line. And we propose, but are fervently against instituting, a Solemn Car on trains, for quiet, mournful reflection only, that goes beyond the requirements of just the Quiet Car.

When Tom moves The Great Bookshelf and several works of art into his formerly bare walled minimalist apartment, it’s not just a move, it’s a movement, as he creates a library/museum/living space lodging. Now Scott must decide if he should eschew his own minimalist decor and follow Tom’s lead.

Scott’s no Mr. Fix It, but when he figures out, thanks to Google, how to reset a wall outlet, he becomes a bonafide member of DIY Nation. Plus, why taking candy from a baby is a good thing. And an exclusive first look at where disasters waiting to happen hang out.

We introduce another idea that will appear in the New York Times Style section three weeks from now. To celebrate your birthday with friends the day before and after, and spend the actual birthday alone doing whatever you choose. It worked for Tommy this past weekend, and it can work for you!

It’s our annual friendly reminder, not the other unfriendly kind, that even in the depths of winter, the days are actually getting longer! That’s at least two minutes more per day of daylight that will make getting through winter a little easier. And no, we’re not winter deniers. We just believe in pre-spring.

As Scott begins to read The Power Broker, Tom and Scott propose that the world prioritize essential workers, like delivery people, servers and baristas, over run of the mill hedge fund managers. And reverse their pay scale accordingly. Because at the outset of the pandemic as well as today, who would you really need to show up at your door?

Scott returns from his nephew’s wedding in Miami, where, among other fun adventures, he danced with a belly dancer. Which of course leads us to a discussion of TV dinners, three second movies, and how using the term, “Pardon me”, can empower someone else to be King or Queen for Three Seconds.

One reason Scott hasn’t run for office, is answering the inevitable question, “What books are on your nightstand?, since he hasn’t read any books in a few years. That’s all about to change as Scott is gifted The Power Broker, and his New Year’s resolution is to read that 900 page book in 45 days!

Tommy has a Christmas miracle as his arduous two day ordeal traveling upstate ends happily, just in time for Christmas Eve. Scott avoids travel woes by staying in the city, and watching Holiday Inn, which leads to a shocking discovery!

Listening to this episode about making lists should be on your to do list. And after you listen, it can go on our patented Have Done list, which brings you the satisfaction you deserve. And yes, “Get up” should be on your to do list, because if you don’t accomplish that task, the rest of the list will most likely not get done.