Topic: George Strait

Adam Curry describes the elaborate Christmas traditions in Fredericksburg, Texas, including a major parade and tree lighting. He shares a local story about "Bert" from Hill Country Propane, whose college friend's band once auditioned a new singer at a wedding. That singer turned out to be country music legend George Strait, who has since become one of the most successful artists in the world.

An email from a former video director for George Strait alleges that Taylor Swift's father, a high-level Merrill Lynch executive, paid $1 million to secure her spot as an opening act. The hosts argue this is evidence of how wealth is used to "ramrod" untalented artists into popular culture through corporate connections in Nashville.