edge case stasis

When presented with a range of issues, to be disproportionately focused on a trivial outlier to the extent that one is unable to act on or think about anything else.

With everything going on in the world right now, the media's obsession with Dave Chapelle's Netflix special is a prime example of edge case stasis.

guarding Epstein

To perform a critical task poorly.

e.g. Dad walks in on son playing video game night before book report is due:
"Wow, you're really guarding Epstein with this book report, aren't you?"