The Daily Valet. - 11/27/19, Wednesday
✔️ Why You Should Eat Whatever You Want
Wednesday, November 27th Edition
The countdown to stuffing and pie has begun.
Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf
↦ We’ll be eating (and napping) with the rest of you tomorrow.
↦ But we will be sending out a special email early on Friday to help you score the best Black Friday deals.
Today’s Big Story
Eat Whatever You Want
Gluttony is a virtue that should be embraced on Turkey Day
When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, most of us fall into one of two categories: Either you believe it's your patriotic duty to pile your plate sky-high, or you spend the entire day worrying about all the calories and wrestle with the self-loathing and guilt of over-indulging.
If you're in the first camp, read on with smug satisfaction or feel free to skip to the next story. For the rest of you, here's some good news: You don't need to worry. At all.
Yes, the typical Thanksgiving dinner weighs in at around 3,000 calories, according to the Calorie Control Council. And sure, that's more than what most people need to consume in a single day. But those extra calories aren't converted to fat overnight—one measly meal won't actually result in pounds gained. In fact, it's scientifically impossible to gain more than one pound in a day. And even that would require downing more than 5,500 calories.
Remember, someone (or likely many people) worked hard to make this meal. It's no easy task ensuring a literal feast comes together, so the least we can do is eat it without complaining about calories or portion control. Want to make the cook really happy? Ask for seconds.
So embrace the food. Savor it. As nutritionist Laura Cipullo tells Self, food guilt is a waste of time. And honestly, it makes you seem like you can't just have a good time. If you want to feel like you've got some control over the calories, get in a good workout on Friday and take it easy on the leftovers. That way, there's extra stuffing left for the rest of us.
↦ Another Endorsement: This Thanksgiving, have a cocktail while you cook (or while you wait for the food to be ready).
United Nations Says Drastic Climate Action Is Needed
“We need to catch up on the years in which we procrastinated.”
A United Nations report released Tuesday is not mincing words. It all but admits that we'll likely pass the point of no return in terms of climate change. The commitments countries pledged to limit the building climate crisis are nowhere near enough to stave off record-high temperatures. And carbon footprints of the wealthiest nations are still growing.
“The summary findings are bleak,” the report reads, noting that because reduction goals have been missed, “deeper and faster cuts are now required" in order to prevent the most catastrophic outcomes from climate change. Delaying change any further will make it impossible to reach the desired temperature goals.
Already, the past year has brought devastating hurricanes, relentless wildfires and crippling heat waves in record numbers that scientists say are either caused or exasperated by climate change. The concern has prompted protests in the streets (and even football fields) to demand more attention to a problem that seems increasingly urgent.
What the U.N. made clear in this report is that incremental change is no longer enough to stall off the potentially devastating effects of a changing climate. What the world needs now, they say, is "rapid and transformational action."
Fool-Proof Conversation Starters for the Dinner Table
A few helpful icebreakers to keep things moving
Unless you feel like you've really got a good read on the room, you probably want to steer clear of climate change talk at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Besides, it's kind of a downer. Save the politics for Twitter, right?
Whether you only see one side of your family on these days or are tagging along to your better half’s Thanksgiving, the holidays are a prime time for awkward conversation. This is when the art of making small talk pays off. If you don't want lulls in the conversation or aren't looking forward to hearing the same family tales over and over again, here are few simple conversation starters:
Ask the table for their top bucket list travel destination. Inquire about the food—what's the oldest family recipe being used? Ask a grandparent how they celebrated Thanksgiving when they were your age. Ask anyone what was the best movie you saw or book you read this year? Want to lighten the mood? Ask which person at this table would make the best news anchor (and why)? Or have the kids name the first thing they would buy with a million dollars.
↦ The Old Standby: There's nothing wrong with getting everyone at the table to say what they're most grateful for.
Are You Traveling for Thanksgiving?
If so, good luck ...
"There is no sugarcoating it: Thanksgiving is a terrible time to travel," writes Natalie Compton of By the Way. "While a large portion of Americans will face road rage, others will brave airports, where a different kind of chaos reigns."
The Transportation Security Administration is expecting more travelers than ever this year to be passing through its airport checkpoints. And according to AAA, more than 55 million Americans will kick off the holiday season with a trip away from home this Thanksgiving of 50 miles or more.
And winter storms are already wreaking havoc on everyone's travel plans, with roads closed and hundreds of flights canceled nationwide. Nearly 600 flights have been canceled, according to flight tracking service FlightAware.
Over 21 million people are currently under a winter weather advisory nationwide, reports CNN, as dual storms are expected to bring near-hurricane-force wind, freezing rain, and heavy snow from coast to coast in the coming days.
↦ The Good news? Most major airlines have waived flight change fees.
Other Things We’re Talking About Today
+
Special Promotion
Essential Gifts for the Smartphone Obsessed
What to get the selfie-savvy people in your life
Our lives are lived with a smartphone in hand. And some are more dedicated to their devices than others. For those who never let their phone leave their hand, give them a gift they'll truly appreciate. From smart accessories that help them take better photos and videos, to wireless speakers and powerful sanitizing tools.
Smartphone UV sanitizer,$79.95 by PhoneSoap
Bluetooth earbuds,$179.99 by Jabra
Osmo Mobile 3 gimbal,$119 by DJI
PhoneSoap Shine,$29.95 (for a five-pack) by PhoneSoap
↦ Shop the complete smartphone accessories gift guide
This Holiday Was Made for Movies
A trip to the theater is a welcome one on long holiday weekends
Thanksgiving is about getting together with family and catching up with loved ones over yams and turkey. But when the bonding gets to be a bit too much, the quiet respite of a dark movie theater can be just what you need. If you're not forced to take the kids to see Frozen 2, here are the two I'll be trying to take in this weekend.
Knives Out: Acclaimed writer and director Rian Johnson pays tribute to mystery mastermind Agatha Christie with this modern-day murder mystery. When a renowned crime novelist is found dead at his estate just after his 85th birthday, an inquisitive and debonair detective (played by Daniel Craig) is mysteriously enlisted to investigate. The movie features dysfunctional family members that are all suspects—meaning it’s the perfect film to make you feel better about your own family's problems.
Queen & Slim: A sub-par first date turns into a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde as minor traffic-stop creates a fatal interaction that is then followed up by a viral video of the act. The couple flees, goes on the run and unwittingly becomes a symbol of trauma, terror and pain for people across the country. Melina Matsoukas, the director of the stylish thriller, said she hoped the film would create a dialogue about what the black experience is—especially when it comes to dealing with police.
↦ Crowd Pleaser: If you haven't seen it yet, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood has it all, from the universally beloved Tom Hanks and a relatable story of redemption to a politics-free message of kindness.
Early Black Friday Deals
Some of your favorite brands are already on sale.
Expires 11/27
Expires 11/29
Expires 12/2
Expires 11/29
Expires 12/2
Expires 12/2
↦ Want More? See all 81 sales
Special Promotion
Make your travel kit what it needs to be this year. Moral Code’s Network bag is a traditional Dopp kit that can also be used to organize all of your tech accessories in a tasteful way. The outside of the bag is made from premium full-grain leather, and the inside has a plush water-resistant lining. And for today only, you can score 30% off.
↦ Get It $78 / $54.60 today w/code NETWORK30 at Moral Code
Morning Motto
Want your long weekend to feel even longer?
↦ Follow: @oliviasantnerdesign
That’s all for today...
...but we could use your help.
The more people who know about The Daily Valet., the stronger it can become. So grab your unique referral code below and start sharing with your friends, family and coworkers to earn some exclusive discounts to our favorite brands and cool stuff you'll actually want (not just throw-away “swag”).
Your Unique Referral Code:
↦ Want to Learn More? Check out your personal Valet. Ambassor page for program details and get a closer look at the available rewards (and how many referrals are needed to score them).
Valet Media LLC350 Lincoln Road, 2nd FloorMiami Beach, FL 33139[email protected]