Topic: John Hancock

New York City prepares for two million spectators to watch fireworks while the annual Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest remains a focal point of holiday media coverage. Historical facts regarding the 56 signatures on the Declaration of Independence and the 1931 official adoption of the National Anthem are reviewed. The physical toll and odors associated with competitive eating are noted with skepticism.

John Hancock, a major life insurer, announces it will stop selling traditional policies in favor of "interactive" ones that require customers to wear fitness trackers. Premiums will be tied to data from devices like the Apple Watch or Fitbit. This shift is criticized as a move toward a "slavish" relationship where insurance companies monitor every aspect of a customer's health.

John Hancock Financial announced it will stop selling traditional life insurance in favor of "interactive" policies that track fitness data via wearables. This "Vitality" program incentivizes healthy behavior but raises concerns about future rate hikes for non-participants. The hosts compare this to automotive "black boxes" used by governments and insurers to monitor driving habits for tax and penalty purposes.