* On 12/30/2019 — in a desperate and futile display of optimism — M.L. Elrick (@elrick), Marc Fellhauer (@MarcFell) and Shawn Windsor (@ShawnWindsor) convene Once Upon a Time in Ferndale to record their second show since the podcast came “off pause.” Due to contractual matters, it would not post for another week. ((Sigh))* THE STRAIGHT DOPE:  After days … and DAYS  … AND DAYS of giving ML s*** for failing to file story notes for the triumphant return of the podcast (the “Lost Episode,” recorded 12/18/2019), Marc reveals that he now understands that the delay was due to ML’s protracted separation from Fox 2. ML confesses that he intentionally did not file story notes on a timely basis because he was afraid Marc might post the show before he concluded his business with Fox 2. In the end, the damn show didn’t post until more than two weeks after the tardy story notes were filed. (The “Lost Episode” was finally released on 1/6/2020.) SHEESH!!! A discussion of why it took so long to officially cut ties to Fox 2 ensues.* Shawn weighs in to disclose that he is an experienced dubie roller and to take a gratuitous shot at whisker-challenged ML.. Marc chimes in with unkind words for ML’s super groovy Christmas cap. ML again wonders why he gave up a successful TV career to take such abuse…* The conversation turns to a typically genius line from staff of the defunct Orbit magazine during their takeover of the Metro Times.* The boys reminisce about the days when having a pierced ear made a young man “edgy.” This leads to a roll call to determine whether any of them have a tattoo.* The next stop on the trip down memory lane includes a take on the depleted state of modern newsrooms and ML’s unfounded concern that sensitivity training at Local 4 would prove effective for more than 45 seconds.* Keeping things light (yeah, right!), Marc leads a discussion of whether sensitivity training has gone too far.* Marc shows some aptitude for investigative reporting, revealing that ML’s departure from Fox 2 did not go as planned.* THE GREAT DEBATE: Do Detroit Lions fans bear the greatest responsibility for the team’s enduring failure to succeed? One righteous, insightful cat says “Yea!” Two Motor City Kitties say “Nay!” Find out what the wrong guys said. * GEEK OF THE WEEK: A nation that doesn’t often come to mind as a tourist destination (even though it really does have some lovely places to visit) has created one of the worst museums ever conceived in an apparent effort to lure visitors. Find out where you shouldn’t go so you don’t have to visit something that never should have been created.* ROOM 7609: You’ve probably never heard of Visage. And you’ve probably never heard of their biggest hit, “Fade to Gray.” But you’ve almost certainly seen or heard some of the members of this surprisingly influential New Romantic band.* HARD OUT: Please be sure to let our sponsors know you heard them on the podcast! We can’t go on without continued sponsor support, and they really do keep track of referrals from loyal listeners. So if you need a mortgage,