The GrayVine Newsletter Friday 11.28.2025

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Friday Edition - January 9, 2026

Good morning, Member

Happy Friday! Pull up a chair, my friends—I’m settling in with you for our favorite morning visit. You know, I was humming an old jingle while making breakfast earlier (without even realizing it!), and it made me laugh. Isn’t it funny how certain commercials from way back when can still pop into our heads, clear as day? Some of them really knew how to stick. That left me wondering: What old commercial do you remember until now, and what makes it iconic for you? I’d love to hear your picks in the forum. I’ll share mine, too!

Now, let’s reveal the answer to yesterday’s riddle: I glow with warmth when I awake. I help your meals rise and crisp. I hum with heat when food draws near. What am I that kitchens keep so dear?

If you guessed oven, you were spot-on! A big shout-out to everyone who cracked it.

Ready for today’s challenge? Here’s your Word Unscramble: C U B I I S T

Pop your guess into the forum! Everyone who solves it will be featured in our shout-out on Monday. Alright, my dear GrayViners, refill that cup if you need to, get cozy, and let’s jump into today’s stories: Automatic $500 checks rolling out, music legend’s Thanksgiving message, what happened in this year’s Macy’s Parade, and more!

Blue — Newsletter Writer


Social Security & MoneyNews & Finance



Breaking News SeparatorEditor's Picks

Festive Foods, Savings, & Fun

Feel Better, Live Smarter

Where to Invest $100,000 According to Experts

Investors face a dilemma. Headlines everywhere say tariffs and AI hype are distorting public markets.

Now, the S&P is trading at over 30x earnings—a level historically linked to crashes.

And the Fed is lowering rates, potentially adding fuel to the fire.

Bloomberg asked where experts would personally invest $100,000 for their September edition. One surprising answer? Art.

It’s what billionaires like Bezos, Gates, and the Rockefellers have used to diversify for decades.

Why?

  • Contemporary art prices have appreciated 11.2% annually on average

  • And with one of the lowest correlations to stocks of any major asset class (Masterworks data, 1995-2024).

  • Ultra-high net worth collectors (>$50M) allocated 25% of their portfolios to art on average. (UBS, 2024)

Thanks to the world’s premiere art investing platform, now anyone can access works by legends like Banksy, Basquiat, and Picasso—without needing millions. Want in? Shares in new offerings can sell quickly but…

*Past performance is not indicative of future returns. Important Reg A disclosures: masterworks.com/cd.


Fun & GamesFun & Games


CrosswordSudokuSolitaireTrivia

Today’s Trivia SeparatorToday’s Trivia

What is the nickname for the plane that carries the Pope?

Image source: Facebook/Vatican News

A. Shepherd One

B. Aeropope

C. Air Pope One

D. His Airness


Emoji’s Decoded SeparatorEmoji’s Decoded

Can you name the iconic children’s story from these emojis?

Image source: The GrayVine

Hint: This tale begins with a boy, some magic beans, and a giant surprise in the sky.


Yesterday’s America SeparatorYesterday’s America

How Many Classics Can You Recognize?

Image source: Reddit

Talk about a trip down memory lane! This cozy scene looks like someone opened a time capsule from the 1950s and spilled every childhood treasure right onto the living room floor. You can almost hear the wrapping paper tearing and smell the pine needles on the rug. So tell us: How many nostalgic treasures can you spot in this picture? Let's exchange stories from the past—which ones did you have growing up?


Today's (Grand)Dad joke SeparatorToday's (Grand)Dad Joke

One forgetful man gets an unexpected reminder during Sunday service, but it’s not the one you think. Got a joke that always cracks you up? Spread the laughter here!


Awww of the day SeparatorAwww Of The Day

Image source: Reddit

Tree-Side Snooze

Would you look at this little holiday settler? This kitty has decided that the soft “snow” under the Christmas tree is the warmest, fluffiest bed ever invented, and you can’t blame them. The twinkling lights and cozy stuffing beneath makes it a five-star winter getaway for this feline. Who needs wrapped presents when the best gift is already lounging under the tree? From tiny paws to big grins, share your cutest captures with us!


On this day in History SeparatorOn This Day In History - January 9, 2026

1895 - Frank Duryea won the first automobile race in the United States.

1994 - Notorious serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer was murdered in prison.

What else happened on this throughout history? Find out here!


Brain TrainingBrain Training


CrosswordSudokuSolitaireTrivia

Quote of the Day SeparatorQuote Of The Day

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
— Eleanor Roosevelt

When did you finally realize you didn’t have to take someone’s opinion to heart? Inspire others with your stories here!


Let's Save - Today's Deals SeparatorLet's Save - Today's Deals

SuperBeets Heart Chews $35.96 @ Humann*

Doctor-formulated heart health support.

Yankee Candle $14.99 @ Target​

For a home that smells warm and welcoming.

Frozen Crispy Chicken Breast Strips $9.49 @ Kroger

Solve dinner with minimal effort.

Found a good deal? Share it here! Note: Deals are not sponsored unless stated.

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Today’s trivia answer: A. 

The nickname for the plane that carries the Pope is “Shepherd One”.