Sunday in a sip

Welcome to Sunday in a Sip. It’s December 22nd, 2024, oh, lordy, do I have a week’s worth of news to unload on you. It’s like the universe decided to throw a party, and everyone showed up with their own drama. So, grab your go-to coffee mug (bonus points if it’s already stained with regret), wrap yourself in a blanket burrito, and let’s sift through the chaos together.

I wish you all a holiday season filled with joy, warmth, and cherished moments while sipping. Thank you for being part of this journey—may your days be merry, your sips cozy, and your hearts full.

Well, well, well. Neither snow, nor rain, nor gloom of night may stop the mail, but privatization? Now that might. President-elect Donald Trump, never one to shy away from a headline or a big idea—no matter how seismic—is floating the possibility of privatizing the good old U.S. Postal Service. Yep. The USPS, that stamp-licking, letter-sorting, holiday-rushing institution that Ben Franklin kicked off way back when George Washington still had his teeth.

Privatizing the post office could send shockwaves far and wide—from Amazon’s doorstep to every back road in rural America. After all, it’s the “last mile” delivery service that keeps e-commerce running like clockwork, not to mention the hundreds of thousands of postal employees whose livelihoods hang in the balance.

It is costing us, even Ben would have to agree because the USPS is losing money big time, they reported a $9.5 billion loss last year. Trump called privatization “not the worst idea I’ve ever heard.” his team, including commerce secretary nominee Howard Lutnick—Wall Street, baby—are looking into it. Hey, did you send your holiday card out this year at 73 cents a pop? Translation? Stay tuned.

The jolly green giant of delivery, Amazon, has hit a teeny-tiny snag in its holiday hustle. A strike, yes, a strike, has erupted, thanks to our friends at the Teamsters union. They’re throwing a Grinch-worthy wrench into the works in hotspots like NYC, Atlanta, San Fran, SoCal, and even good ol’ Skokie, Illinois. Skokie! Who knew?

The union, claiming to represent nearly 10,000 Amazon workers, calls this the biggest strike in U.S. history. Their demands? Oh, just a little list: higher wages, better benefits, and a workplace that doesn’t feel like boot camp. I mean, who doesn’t want that? But Amazon? They are not having it. They say most of these strikers are “outsiders,” not even part of the Amazon fam. Meanwhile, they’re keeping a stiff upper lip, swearing on Alexa’s life that your dancing sugar plums don’t get dried up.

Holiday gifts will still fall right under the tree.

Though strikers may rally and unions may fight,

Santa got reindeer and magic, and he surely will be there Christmas night

So, dearest readers, keep your fingers crossed and your elves on standby. If your package is late, don’t blame Santa—blame Skokie.

By the way, do you want a mug? Do you need a gift idea? Give our LIMITED EDITION mug as a gift, or share a cup with a friend. This mug is only available for the next 30 days. I am calling it the “Ocean calm and sunny breeze.” Start collecting and be the first to get this LIMITED EDITION mug.

The Supreme Court—the biggest courtroom in the land, ya know—has decided to take on this humdinger! Next month, they’re gonna argue about whether Uncle Sam’s got the chops to shut down TikTok! That’s right if its Chinese parent company doesn’t sell it, poof! Buh-bye, TikTok!

The law, enacted in April, set a Jan. 19 deadline for TikTok to be sold or else face a ban in the United States. The popular social media platform has more than 170 million users in the U.S. Can you believe it? All those kids dancin’ and lip-synchin’—“Hey, mom, look at me, I’m famous!”—might have to find a new place to go viral. Oy vey, what a pickle, what a pickle. This case is like a comedy of errors, I tell ya. On one side, you’ve got free speech—“Say whatever you want, do a little cha-cha-cha on TikTok!”—and on the other, the big, scary government going, “No, no, no, we’ve gotta protect national security” Bam! They’re dukin’ it out! And don’t forget, folks, this isn’t just any old case—oh no. It’s bringing up all these fancy-schmancy new questions about social media platforms. Who knew a dancing app could cause so much tsuris? Unbelievable.

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter point. It published a forecast suggesting there may only be two rate cuts next year instead of the four rate cuts they previously stated because inflation is still on the high side, sending stock prices plummeting on the worst day for the market in four months.

The Druzhba Pipeline Halted Again. Russia's creaky old oil pipeline to Europe has hit the mute button, leaving Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic without regular crude oil caffeine shots. It looks like the pipeline needed a nap, and now these countries are running on fumes and hoping for a quick wake-up call, losing 2 million barrels pumped daily. Meanwhile, US oil prices hover around $70 a barrel.

What a way to end the week. Funding the government before midnight. With a government shutdown breathing down their necks, the Senate kicked into high gear early Saturday, hustling to approve a bipartisan plan that throws some cash at federal operations and disaster aid—because nothing says "crisis management" like a last-minute scramble. Doesn’t feel like the political equivalent of a re-gifted fruitcake. You get something you didn’t ask for, given in a rush, and unlikely to last. With temporary funding, it’s more of a holiday placeholder than a real solution. It’s Washington's way of saying, “Merry Christmas! Here’s just enough to tide you over until the next round of chaos.

Join me in powering Sunday in a Sip—with your favorite hot beverage in hand, of course. Your support, in any amount, helps keep the inspiration flowing each week. Let’s launch Sundays into the stratosphere together.

Sunday in a Sip is more than just a newsletter. My passion poured out weekly, one thoughtful word at a time. Each issue is crafted to inspire, connect, and spark meaningful moments for you, the reader. It’s my way of inviting you to pause and savor life, one “sip” of reflection at a time.

Your support isn’t just about funding a newsletter—it’s about fueling the connection between us. Every donation helps me dedicate the time and resources to make Sunday in a Sip the best possible, ensuring every piece is meaningful and resonates with you.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas first aired on December 18, 1966. This week marks 58 years since the debut of the beloved animated TV special based on Dr. Seuss's classic holiday book. It was directed by Chuck Jones, a legendary animator best known for his work on Looney Tunes. Jones was a close friend of Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel), and the two collaborated to bring the story to life. Boris Karloff narrated it. The story follows the Grinch, a bitter creature who despises Christmas, and the Whos of Whoville. The green grump Grinch devises a plan to steal Christmas by taking all the Whos' decorations, presents, and food. However, the Whos joyfully sing when Christmas morning arrives, showing that Christmas is about more than material possessions. Moved by their spirit, the Grinch’s heart grows three sizes, and he returns the stolen items, joining the Whos in their celebration. The special featured the iconic song "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and has become a timeless holiday tradition sung by Thurl Ravenscroft.

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Merry Christmas, Hanukkah Sameach, and Happy Holidays to you all.Much Peace and Love,Marcel