Welcome to The New York Times' podcast, your yellow vane found not so of music, news, and criticism. I am your host, John Caramonica.

The year, it's over. It's done. I see you, Karen. I see you. It is attempt three to record the male

podcast. We have been defied and violently manhandled at every turn by Joe's Wi-Fi, even though he denies it.

But we are here to cradle you, to swaddle you in your year and quiet moments. I have to say, I hope

you are enjoying some time off. I hope you're with loved ones and I mean people who are not simply us

because we are beloved. We know the whole gang is back and we have overcome a number of tribulations

to be here today. Karen recently on vacation, back on the couch, back with Richard, her cat.

Thank you for clarifying. Yeah, don't nobody, don't get it twisted. Don't get it twisted.

Karen does not live with a man named Richard. No, he not. Don't confuse the masses.

Absolutely. Karen, how is your trip? It was great. You know, I love to see my parents.

Eli and Geraldine. That is correct. I know. Do you Eli and Geraldine, do they listen to

pop cast? They listen to pop cast when I am a guest on pop cast. That is a choice. That's certainly

a choice. They did create. Well, if they're listening to this episode, we say hi. We wish you well.

And also we'd like to say the pop cast has lots of offer, even when Karen's not on pop cast.

So feel free to join us at any other time. I know they're close readers of the section, even if

they're not close listeners. That is accurate. I see the notes. I see them. Yeah, we really appreciate

their continued clicks and support. Absolutely. But also feel free to listen to us,

even when Karen is elsewhere, where we remain here. So shout out to Del Bogebista. Joe,

Joe, what happened to you overcome to be here today? I was sick when we first started trying

to record this podcast. Now I feel much better, but I was going to do the mailbag no matter what.

And my speeds, my wifi speeds at home are fire, according to speed tests. And yet, you know,

blocked. So when we did speed test, when we remained baffled about what was happening,

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