November 27, 2024

The Appetizer

“I’m not a very superstitious person, but you took it to the next level. Your whole process. All those rituals ... All of it with the highest intensity. Secretly, I kind of loved the whole thing.”

• Tennis legend Roger Federer on fellow legend Rafael Nadal, who just recently retired after a storied career.

Now, on to the numbers. Drum roll, please …

• 13.9 lbs.: The estimated U.S. turkey consumption per capita in 2024.
• 56%: The percentage of Americans that prefer eating sides over turkey.
• 43%: The percentage of Americans between 18 and 25 years old that are likely to participate in a Friendsgiving.
• 2nd place: The popularity of mashed potatoes as a side. It fell from first place status as it was overtaken by stuffing.
• 22: The number of balloons scheduled to be at this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Dig In
Return to Office

Back in March 2023, one in three Americans with jobs that can be done remotely were living the dream, working from home all the time. But is this era winding down? Companies are nudging employees back to their desks and into more lunchroom chats with coworkers. Case in point: In September, Amazon announced a return-to-office (RTO) mandate, joining the likes of Goldman Sachs, Boeing, UPS, and Tesla.

One city in particular is feeling the ripple effects of the RTO comeback: New York City. Surprised? Didn’t think so. So, as you might have guessed, the solution is a Congestion Pricing Program.

NYC is home to 8.1 million residents, including 1.6 million residents in the borough of Manhattan. On an average day, over 700,000 vehicles flood Manhattan’s central business district. Starting in January 2025, drivers will face an extra $9 toll as part of this program aimed at easing traffic, improving air quality, and boosting the city’s public transit. Let’s see what happens to the RTO push.

Weekly Specials

Twenty-three-year-old Jannik Sinner has dominated the ATP tour this past year, raking tops in both wins and earnings. In just the last six weeks, he’s achieved 13 straight victories, earning a staggering $11,981,100 – roughly $922,000 per match.

Who knew saying “I do” could cost so much for everyone involved? Flights, accommodations, and even “tickets” for guests add up. One bridesmaid reportedly spent $8,000. With guests often expected to give gifts as well, it’s no wonder people are feeling the financial strain of being wedding guests.

An air leakage problem in space? It’s been reported that the International Space Station is leaking more than three pounds of air a day. To make matters more interesting, the Russians and Americans can’t seem to agree on the source or severity of the issue, adding a bit of tension to the mix. Let’s hope they patch things up soon – literally!

Corporate Lunch

WeeWooWeeWoo – Regulation Alert! The Department of Justice wants Alphabet to sell its Google Chrome browser, alleging an illegal monopoly in search and advertising.

Tropicana customers don’t like its redesigned bottles that are 12% smaller. BRING BACK THE JUICE BOX!

Delta will serve Shake Shack burgers on select flights starting in December. Say less and take my money.

Microsoft announced an AI interpreter for Teams meetings that can simulate speakers’ voices in nine different languages. Now you can really stretch the truth on your resume.

Instagram announced users will be able to manually reset their recommendations across Explore, Reels, and Feed pages. No more brain rot, lock in everyone, winter arc starts today.

Airbnb wants to hold gladiator battles in the Colosseum. I give this idea a thumbs up.

Customers earning six figures accounted for roughly 75% of Walmart’s market share growth over the past quarter as luxury spending falls. Who doesn’t like a deal?

Tax software stocks H&R Block and Intuit fell after the announcement of a potential free tax-filing app by the Trump administration. I’ve fallen for this “file free” marketing before.

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Past performance is not indicative of future results.