The Daily Valet. - 10/28/19, Monday

✔️ Nighttime Raids and Biking Dangers

October 28, 2019

Monday, October 28th Edition

Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief of Valet.

Anyone else feel like Halloween is over already?

Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf

↦Good News: Starting today, we’ll feature three of our team’s favorite sales to check out down below, each day.
↦Bad News: We accidentally sent out an erroneous reminder email to a handful of faithful subscribers over the weekend. If you received one in error, we’re sorry about that.

Today’s Big Story

The ISIS Leader Dies in Raid

A daring nighttime raid by US Forces led to the death of the Islamic State’s leader

President Trump announced on Sunday that Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the elusive ISIS commander, died during a US military operation in Syria. It was the culmination of a five-year international manhunt, claiming a significant victory even as American forces are pulling out of the area.

In what the president called a “dangerous and daring” nighttime operation, helicopters dropped a team of Special Ops troops into a volatile area of northwest Syria, where they began an assault on a militant compound. Baghdadi fled into an underground hideaway and was chased into a “dead-end tunnel,” Trump said. The militant leader then detonated an explosive vest, killing himself and three of his children.

According to the Washington Post, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), whose troops have fought alongside US forces, provided intelligence for the operation.

The raid came at a time when Trump is facing criticism for abandoning the Kurds, along with an ongoing impeachment battle. But instead of creating a solemn moment when a divided public could come behind a military success, the focus swiftly turned back to the president and his vivid and gory account of the raid at a press conference. While alluding to his feuds with the intelligence community and the media, Trump also praised a conservative television network for its coverage and dismissed the need to brief Congress ahead of time on his plans because “Washington is a leaking machine.”

↦ A Closer Look: See where the raid took place, in an unexpected part of northwest Syria.

Houston Won Game 5 in the World Series

The Astros move within one win of another title

The World Series continued on Sunday with Game 5 at Nationals Park in Washington, DC. The stakes were high: Of the 45 times the World Series has been tied at 2-2 (as it was last night), the winner of the fifth game has gone on to win the title 30 times.

The game was supposed to be a rematch of Game 1’s premier pitching matchup: Gerrit Cole of the Astros versus Max Scherzer of the Nationals. In that game, Scherzer and the Nationals prevailed, 5-4. But late in the day, the Nationals made a stunning announcement: Scherzer would not start because of spasms in his neck and his upper back.

Joe Ross, a former starter who pitched mostly out of the bullpen this season, took the mound instead. And while he pitched decently for Washington, they ultimately fell to the Astros, 7-1, after Cole gave up just one run in seven innings—tilting the series in Houston’s favor. Will the historical statistics hold up? I think a betting man would put his money on the Astros.

↦ Did you catch This awkward moment during the game last night?

Bike to Work? Wear Your Helmet.

2018 was the deadliest year for cyclists in three decades

More and more cities across America are encouraging their residents to commute by bicycle. I actually ride into the Valet. office most days, myself. Cycling is, of course, better for the environment in terms of reducing pollution from car-dominant streets, and it’s a healthier way to travel as well.

But cities gaining new cyclists are quickly (and tragically) finding that they do not have the proper infrastructure to keep bike riders safe. According to Car and Driver, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a report outlining the statistics on fatal motor vehicle accidents that occurred in 2018. Its major findings? While most vehicle occupant fatalities decreased from the year prior, both pedestrian and bicyclist deaths increased.

Cyclist fatalities have gone up 25 percent across the U.S. since 2010, and up 10 percent in 2018 itself, while all other traffic fatalities have decreased. The data shows that this is largely a problem in urban areas, highlighting the need for better bicycle infrastructure and protected bike lanes across cities. The US may always be a car dominant country, but it's reports like the that will hopefully make necessary improvements that will ultimately save lives (while reducing pollution).

↦ FYI: Biking to work has increased 60 percent over the last decade, according to the Census Bureau.

Kurt Cobain’s Sweater Sells for $334,000

It set a new record for the most expensive sweater ever sold at auction

Over the weekend, Kurt Cobain's cardigan worn during Nirvana’s legendary 1993 MTV Unplugged appearance sold for $334,000—becoming the most expensive sweater ever sold at auction. The winning bidder scored the sweater bidding over the phone and wishes to remain anonymous.

According to Rolling Stone, the sweater has never been washed and is “a blend of acrylic, mohair and Lycra with five-button closure (one button absent) and a cigarette burn hole.” It was part of Julien's Auctions' Icons & Idols Rock 'n Roll auction and wasn't the only item of Cobain's to sell. His custom-built Fender Mustang guitar, used by the Nirvana frontman on the “In Utero Tour,” sold for $340,000.

Other Things We’re Talking About Today

Ellen’s envious watch collection

Scary movies to stream

Religious experts on Kanye’s “Jesus is King” album

Who Makes the Best 2-in-1 Workout Shorts?

Our writer put them to the test at the gym

"More and more brands have been refining the two-in-one workout short," writes our own Ethan Thomas. "One part short, one part compression liner, they are no longer two items that have to be bought and dealt with separately."

These tight-fitting liners are a serious step up from standard performance gear, offering the sweat-wicking, anti-chafing properties you won't get in your regular underwear. We had Ethan try a handful of the most popular brands and he came back with his report on the best options for various workouts.

↦ That's Tight: Road-testing the most efficient workout shorts on the market.

What We’re Buying

Newhey Weekender Convertible Garment Bag

When you want to keep your clothes looking crisp on the road, nothing beats the superiority of a garment bag. But a smart upgrade is a garment bag that becomes a weekender bag. This two-in-one carry-all works a lot like popular versions from Hook & Albert or Herschel Supply, but at an economy class price. It fits a full suit, has a separate shoe compartment and is well-reviewed for its durability. Really, at this price, what do you have to lose?

↦ Get It $55.99 / $43.86 at Amazon