The Daily Valet. - 11/2/20, Monday

✔️ Here We Go ...

November 02, 2020

Monday, November 2nd Edition

Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief of Valet.

I really didn’t feel that extra hour of sleep ...

Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf

Today's edition is presented by

Today’s Big Story

Just One Day to Go

The country preps for an Election Day like no other

With less than 24 hours to go until Election Day, Americans have already cast a record-breaking 94 million early ballots as of Monday morning, putting the 2020 race on track for historic levels of voter turnout.

What's more, the number of young people (ages 18 - 29) voting early have skyrocketed, according to NPR. Particularly in states that will be critical for Joe Biden and President Trump to win, from Michigan and Florida to Texas and North Carolina.

It’s inspiring to see how engaged Americans are getting in our elections—something we’ve long been accused of ignoring. But there’s also a hovering sense of uncertainty and anxiety. Trump has refused to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he loses to Biden, and said Sunday that he’s sending in his lawyers as soon as the election ends to review swing state votes.

Meanwhile, law enforcement and other officials have attempted to inject calm while simultaneously warning of dire consequences for those who would disrupt voting. The New York Times reports that the post-election period may be even more tumultuous—especially if no clear winner emerges.

National Guard units were being called out in various states and police in large cities are being trained for mobs of angry crowds and possible riots. A federal law enforcement source told NBC correspondent Geoff Bennett that beginning today, crews will build a “non-scalable” fence to secure the White House complex, Ellipse and Lafayette Square.

But if you’re planning on heading to the polls today or tomorrow, you could very well encounter some good as well. There are several initiatives across the country that are rewarding those exercising their civic duty with snacks, celebrity appearances and live music.

↦ Dig Deeper: The Washington Post looks at how Americans surmounted a pandemic and dizzying rule changes so their voices would be heard.

England Prepares to Lock Down Again

European leaders try to protect healthcare systems without derailing an economic recovery

After weeks of resisting calls to impose stricter coronavirus restrictions, England's Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced plans to shut pubs, restaurants and most shops for a month starting on Thursday, effectively establishing a national lockdown.

Residents will be allowed to leave their homes only for essential reasons, such as education, work, shopping and exercise. All non-essential businesses will be closed. And restrictions could be extended if infection rates do not fall rapidly enough.

Germany and France imposed similar partial shutdowns. Bloomberg reports that leaders across the region are seeking to beat back the virus surge before the end-of-year holiday season in Europe, where more than 215,000 have died and nearly seven million have been infected.

↦ Meanwhile: As the U.S. reports a record surge in new coronavirus cases, President Trump is suggesting he might fire Dr. Fauci after the election.

Special Promotion

Is your place feeling a little dull? Liven it up by bringing the outside in.

Are You Ready to Fly?

Because the airlines are trying hard to get you back

Airlines are resorting to a new tactic in navigating the pandemic-inspired collapse in travel: They are giving seats away, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Would you be willing to travel if you got a free companion ticket when you booked a flight? That's what airlines are hoping. Others, like American, are now offering comfortable lie-flat seats on some surprising domestic routes.

Meanwhile, United Airlines announced last week that it will offer free coronavirus testing to travelers on select flights between Newark, New Jersey and London beginning next month—part of an effort to boost passenger confidence in air travel at a time when passenger numbers have plummeted.

↦ FYI: Here's how to secure empty middle seats—even if an airline isn’t blocking them.

Remembering the Late, Great Sean Connery

The gentleman was an icon of effortlessness

Sean Connery died over the weekend—peacefully, in his sleep, in the Bahamas, at the age of 90 and surrounded by loved ones, reports the BBC.

It's exactly what you would expect of someone so cool and effortless, right? According to The Ringer, there are some actors who win you over by making everything look easy, and in that group, Connery was the warmest presence, the most natural, the most welcoming.

He was born into a working class Edinburgh family and through talent and sheer hard work, became an international film icon and one of the world's most accomplished actors—and knighted by the Queen at Holyrood Palace in 2000.

Of course, what's really interesting is that the man who introduced the world to James Bond was not the first choice for the role. Bond's creator Ian Fleming preferred David Niven for the role. But in the years since then, Connery has emerged as the gold standard for a certain class of action hero. Equally at home with a witty turn of phrase and a lethal maneuver? Check. A willingness to traverse the globe? Check. And an onscreen persona that contained within it a trace of the antihero? Check.

↦ Dig Deeper: Connery is the reason we have action-movie wisecracks, according to Vulture.

In Other News

Other Things We’re Talking About Today

The McRib’s long-awaited return

The most comfortable shoes

Traveling via book

Special Promotion

Liven Up Your Coffee Table

The best plants and blooms to send yourself

The Dorado, $95

As the seasons change, it’s a good idea to change up your own personal environment as well. Why not rearrange your coffee table? Weed out the magazines and switch out your coffee table books. Light up a new candle, and yes consider treating yourself to a plant or bouquet of flowers.

You could go for something classic, like a jade plant. Or something simple that requires next no maintenance like an air plant in an already stylish geometric pot. Perhaps you want something seasonal and textural like a black calla lily plant—stylish yet spooky. UrbanStems, the modern man's choice of florists, has a range of plants and bouqets to liven up your coffee table or entryway. Their fall collection of rich amber and caramel-colored arrangements, featuring fragrant lavender and eucalyptus stems, make a statement whether for you or as a gift. Remember, Thanksgiving is coming up.

Personally, I think you really get your money's worth with their new dried bouquets. The artfully dried stems are also easy to care for (no water) and a great value, considering that they'll never die. Meaning they'll continue to look good no matter how much you neglect them.

The Catskill, $90

Mimosa, $80

The Louie, $68

The Marcella, $35

↦ Get It: UrbanStems' fall plant collection

What We’re Buying

If you're anywhere remotely chilly right now, it's about to get a hell of a lot colder. So you need to be prepared. A heavy down parka is exactly what you'll want. This version from Threadbare is heavily discounted at the perfect time, plus it has multiple pockets and a snap-on hood with faux-fur trim. The insulated tailored jacket will keep you warm with nearly any item of clothing underneath.

↦ Get It $146 / $70 at ASOS