Sunday in a sip

Welcome to Sunday in a Sip. It's January 12th, 2025 (National Pharmacist Day) ; this week’s more than a free-for-all. It’s an Electoral Vote Certification madhouse, where the only thing more chaotic than Washington D.C. is finding parking in New York City above 60th Street. Grab your Sunday in a Sip mug (don’t tell me you don’t have one!) and stay in bed because you know you don’t want to go out and shovel. D.C.’s absurdity is on full display, with fiery debates, awkward fist bumps, and drama spicier than a chili bowl. This week, I’m serving up the most absurd, chaotic, and downright entertaining moments you didn’t know you needed. Let’s take a sip and say.. ahhh.

January 6th is now LOVE DAY. Remember, you have the right to be present during the Electoral Vote Certification. Did you know it’s a public event? In-person attendance in the gallery is possible, but seating is limited. Americans have the right to peacefully protest or voice their opinions outside the Capitol, within the bounds of the law and local regulations. 312 votes went to Donald Trump and JD Vance, certifying that they were elected the 47th President and Vice President of the United States. Sending much love, America.

The D.C. Snowball Fight Association has organized the "Great Meridian Chill Battle of 2025" at Meridian Hill Park (also known as Malcolm X Park). The snowball fight coincided with a major winter storm that brought up to a foot of snow to the D.C. area and closed school for three days. Participants are encouraged to practice safe snowball throwing, avoid throwing ice, and some even wear costumes to add to the festive atmosphere. Sounds like a riot.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, still trying to strut in his shiny shoes, keeps tripping over his own image. What’s the deal with this guy? Canadians are fed up with what they see as his deep disconnect from the average citizen. From his privileged upbringing to his polished, picture-perfect persona, Trudeau often seemed to be playing dress-up in a world with real issues.

We have seen him deal with soaring costs, stifling restrictions, and broken promises, and these are at the forefront. A man with an image so carefully crafted, you’d think he was auditioning for a role as a “woke” superhero rather than running a country. And let’s not forget about the infamous Freedom Convoy of 2022. You remember this one—the trucker protest that captured national attention and left Trudeau looking like a deer in headlights. Fed up with vaccine mandates and pandemic restrictions, truckers rolled across the country, stopping in Ottawa and staying put for months, creating a total circus. Thousands of Canadians—mainly from the working class—rallied behind the cause. However, Trudeau, dismissing the convoy as a "small fringe minority" holding "unacceptable views," managed to make enemies across the board.

The protest didn’t end with just noise and honking. No, no, no. Trudeau went full authoritarian by invoking the Emergencies Act, granting the government sweeping powers. Trudeau deepened the divide between himself and a significant portion of the public. It’s about freedom. Out of touch? He is too busy in his bubble of privilege to truly understand the frustration of those who work for a living. The trucker protests might have faded, but Trudeau announced his resignation, effectively ending nine years of power. Since December, calls for Trudeau to step aside have been growing faster than the price of a loaf of bread. Polls show his Liberal Party getting stomped in the next election, thanks to voters who are fed up with prices through the roof and a housing crisis that’s turning every Canadian into a “dreamer”... just not the kind who can afford a home.

During his press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday, President-elect Donald Trump declared his intention to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." Trump described the proposed name as having a "beautiful ring to it" and stated that it would be "appropriate" given the United States' prominence in the region. Names of natural features are governed by the U.S. Board of Geographic Names, a division of the U.S. Geological Survey, and the International Hydrographic Organization is responsible for ensuring consistent naming of the world's seas, oceans, and navigable waters. Well, why not? Next, he'll rename the Atlantic Ocean the 'Washington Bathtub'—because it's huge and only he can drain it.

I have had the pleasure of knowing maestro Yarrow. I even carried his guitar a few times, hugged him, and sang with him in my head. He helped introduce Bob Dylan to the world and was the founding member of the folk group Peter, Paul, and Mary.

Peter died of bladder cancer at age 86 this week in his home.

He loved to sing and bring people together. A selfless man and a champion for justice. Known for his unwavering dedication to peace, civil rights, and equality, Yarrow fought tirelessly against the "dragons" of oppression and prejudice. His music inspired a generation, his activism changed lives, and his compassion knew no bounds. A true troubadour of the people, Yarrow's voice carried the hopes of millions, proving that kindness and courage are genuine ways of reshaping the world. I will forever remember my days with Peter. Let’s sing…. Smile for me, and tell me that you'll wait for me. Hold me like you'll never let me go. 'Cause I'm leavin' on a jet plane. Don't know when …

"Our fearless dragon is tired and has entered the last chapter of his magnificent life. The world knows Peter Yarrow, the iconic folk activist, but the human being behind the legend is every bit as generous, creative, passionate, playful, and wise as his lyrics suggest."- Bethany Yarrow.

Our Sunday in a sip photo is specially dedicated to Peter. Puff the Magic Dragon, that mighty dragon, he ceased his fearless roar… Dragons do live forever❤️.

Three significant fires blazed across the Los Angeles area, stretching from the Pacific Coast all the way to Pasadena, home of the iconic Rose Parade. Thousands of brave firefighters have been fighting the fight on the front lines, risking their lives for 8 million dollar homes, and the Los Angeles Fire Department has called off-duty firefighters to join the battle. Thousands have fled, leaving cars stranded on the roads, making it impossible for emergency trucks to get through, and leaving others stuck in a parking lot as wildfires burn out of control around them. Destroying homes in California’s glitziest zip codes, where the rich and famous sip their martinis and count their Golden Globe awards, but this is one hell of an after-party nobody invited them to. Our prayers go out to all affected and to those working to save lives and property.

Here are some facts:

This month’s full moon is called the Wolf Moon and will arrive on Jan. 13, 2025, at 05:27 p.m. ET, according to NASA. The moon will appear full for about three days around this time, from Sunday evening into Wednesday morning. Get your Free Video Moon Reading. This video will really make your day. Check it out today. Click this button below.

Inflation remains slightly elevated at 3.3%

Job Boom and Fed Moves Spark Economic Buzz

What It Means for You

In a week of economic surprises, the December jobs report shattered expectations, sending shockwaves through Wall Street and Main Street alike. With a jaw-dropping 256,000 jobs added last month, the labor market flexed its muscles, defying economists’ forecasts and reaffirming its resilience. The unemployment rate followed suit, dropping to an impressive 4.2% and catching even the most optimistic analysts off guard. The message is clear: the job market is tighter than ever.

“This level of job growth signals not just recovery but strength,” said one analyst, pointing to the broader implications for wages and consumer spending in the months ahead.

But the good news didn’t stop there. Productivity growth in the United States also maintained a robust pace, with output rising 3.5% while hours worked inched up by just 1.2%. This efficiency boost is a welcome counterweight to rising wages, helping to keep inflationary pressures in check—at least for now.

Speaking of inflation, the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers revealed a year-over-year rise of 2.6% in October, up from 2.4% in September. While these figures remain close to the Federal Reserve’s 2% target, core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, ticked up to 3.3%. It’s a reminder that price pressures are lurking, even as the broader economy roars ahead.

Taken together, these developments paint a complex picture of the U.S. economy. Strong job creation, rising productivity, and cautious monetary policy are balancing out inflationary concerns, setting the stage for a dynamic—and potentially volatile—2025. For consumers, businesses, and investors, the question now is: can this momentum last, or is a cooldown lurking around the corner?

Stay tuned, America. The economic ride is far from over.

Pour Over Life is a new section of Sunday in a Sip designed to help you, our cherished sippers, navigate the complexities of life with a sense of calm, clarity, and purpose. Each week, we’ll explore thoughts and insights to inspire acceptance, encourage self-discovery, and cultivate the reassuring belief that life can feel “just right.” Let this be your moment to pause, reflect, and pour a little peace into your day.

Today, I want to share my curiosity and how it can give your life more purpose. I am a lifelong learner, driven by an insatiable curiosity that fuels my passion for exploring the world in all its complexity. Whether it's diving into the intricate rhythms of music as a drummer and composer, delving into the nuances of marketing strategies, or crafting compelling stories for podcasts and YouTube channels, I thrive on the thrill of discovery. To me, curiosity is more important than knowledge because it keeps the mind open, creative, and ever-evolving. Knowledge is finite, but curiosity sparks the questions that lead to innovation, connection, and a deeper understanding of life. It's the engine behind my projects, from empowering business owners with sustainable solutions to inspiring audiences through art, music, and storytelling. Reflect on yourself and your motivations. Instead of second-guessing them, focus on uncovering fresh insights and deeper understanding. Ask yourself "how" and "why" with a sense of wonder, diving into self-exploration. This journey fosters greater self-awareness, empowering you to grow and thrive. Now go out and look at your world, and tell me what makes you curious.

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Thank you for letting me be a part of your day today. Now, go ahead and pretend to be productive for the rest of the day. I won’t tell anyone.

Join me in powering Sunday in a Sip—with your favorite hot beverage in hand, of course. Your support, in any amount, is the steady breath that keeps inspiration alive each week. Let’s send Sundays soaring into the stratosphere with calm determination—together, we’ll make it happen.

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