The Daily Valet. - 11/5/19, Tuesday

✔️ Universal Thoughts and TV Overload

Tuesday, November 5th Edition

Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief of Valet.

Warning: This top story is gonna blow your mind a little bit.

Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf

Today's edition is presented by

Today’s Big Story

What Shape Is the Universe?

Our general understanding of the cosmos could be fundamentally wrong

Buckle up, because this is a wild ride. A paper published Monday in the journal Nature Astronomy argues that the universe may curve around and close in on itself like a sphere, rather than lying flat like a sheet of paper (as the standard theory of cosmology predicts). According to Quanta, the controversial data comes from the Planck Telescope, which aimed to take very precise readings of the shape, size and ancient history of our universe. It did this by mapping the sea of light left over from the big bang.

When the authors reanalyzed a major data set, they concluded that the data favors a closed universe with 99% certainty—even as other evidence suggests the universe is flat. The scientists says this represents a “cosmological crisis” that calls for “drastic rethinking.”

That's because up until just now, scientists have generally believed that the universe is flat. The "shape" of the universe affects some of our most fundamental understanding of existence, deciding the geometry of how the cosmos is assembled.

In a flat universe, parallel lines will run forever, as if you drew them on a sheet of paper. But if the surface isn't flat, they intersect—draw two parallel lines onto a spherical object like a basketball, for instance, they run into each other on the other side, reports the New Scientist. This would mean that if you were able to travel far enough into the universe, you could end up right back where you began.

The Bulletproof Vehicle Market Is Booming

Who wouldn’t want an armored car?

We're not just talking about royalty and heads of state. And we're not talking about dangerous places in the world like Brazil and Nigeria. According to Bloomberg, the demand for fortified cars here in the States is higher than ever. Sadly, it may be what provides peace of mind in this era of automatic weapons, riots and improvised-explosive devices.

On the upside, these things sound really cool. Range Rover's 2020 Sentinel, for example, can withstand a pipe bomb exploding from point-blank range and can weather rounds of bullets shot by AK-47s, AR-15s, and 9 mm pistols. It's got an escape hatch in the back and the 510-horsepower V8 engine can drive through deep water and hit speeds of 120 mph. That's an impressive feat considering the thing weighs in over 10,000 pounds—more than twice the weight of a standard Range Rover.

While such brands as Audi and BMW join Land Rover by offering in-house bulletproofing options, many private providers across the US say they've set market growth expectations near double digits, year-over-year, for the foreseeable future. Now that's strong.

↦ Tough Stuff: Road Show rounds up nearly two dozen bulletproof cars from around the world.

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Put this on and wake up more handsome. That’s pretty much how Onekind’s overnight retinol serum works. I’ve been using for two weeks and already see a difference in my skin.

Trump Serves Notice to Quit Paris Climate Accord

“A sad reminder of where the world’s former leader on climate change now stands,” one critic said.

The Trump administration notified the international community Monday that it plans to officially withdraw from the Paris climate accord next fall, reports the New York Times. It wasn't unexpected but it is a move that means the agreement will go forward without the cooperation of the world’s largest economy (and the second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases).

The action, which came on the first day possible under the accord’s complex rules on withdrawal, will kick off a yearlong countdown for world leaders and climate diplomats to reverse the decision or find other ways to preserve the agreement. (Quick refresher: Nearly 200 nations have pledged to cut greenhouse emissions and to help poor countries cope with the effects of an already warming planet.)

Andrew Steer, president of the World Resources Institute, told the Washington Post that leaving the Paris agreement is not only cruel to future generations, but the current American workforce as well. "They'll lose out on clean energy jobs, as other nations grab the competitive and technological advantages.” Put another way: if you don't participate, it's only a matter of time until others set the rules for you.

65 TV Shows Will Premiere This Month

Is it possible to keep up with this new “golden age of television”?

I was shocked to read that number when NPR's Linda Holmes tweeted it out yesterday. She then followed it up with "Basically none of them are on broadcast TV." And just to be clear, this is new series premieres only—it doesn't include seasons of existing shows, and it doesn't include movies or specials. With all the new streaming outlets and established ones like Netflix dropping an almost overwhelming amount of options to retain their place, the choices are staggering.

Of course, while I was surprised, it makes sense because I've been feeling lately like there's just too much good TV to keep up with. I'm only now getting around to the second seasonn of Mindhunter (have you seen it? If not, add it to your Netflix list immediately).

The good news is that when shows are streaming, at least you know that they'll be waiting for you. But the bad news is trying to decide what to watch in this veritable sea of programming. And how much of your precious time you're willing to devote to it.

↦ Your TV guide: Thrillist compiled a ridiculously comprehensive list of just about every television premiere date announced so far.

Other Things We’re Talking About Today

Coping with winter’s shorter, darker days

This perfect eulogy for Barneys

All the good yet bad haircuts in “The King”

Special Promotion

A Good Retinol Is the Secret to Good Skin

You want one that works hard but isn’t hard on your skin

If you're not using a retinol at night, you're missing out. Because this is a proven ingredient that refines and smooths skin while fighting fine lines. While some can be harsh on the skin, this new one, from Onekind—a new natural unisex line of products from the makers behind The Motley—is effective yet gentle. That's because it mixes the potent retinol and peptides with soothing birch bark extract and Vitamin E, which combat redness, irritation and dryness. What’s more, everything is plant based and free of synthetic fragrance, colors or parabens. I got a sneak peek before it launched and have been using it nightly for a little over two weeks now and am loving how well it works (better than products that cost three times as much).

↦ Shop Midnight Magic PM serum, $42 by Onekind

Growing Out Your Whiskers for Movember?

We’ve got the keys to healthy (itch-free) facial hair

The Movember fever of a few years ago might've calmed down a bit but it (along with No-Shave November) is still something of a Herculean hirsute movement. Millions of men have participated since its founding and last year alone, they raised nearly $75 million to support men's health efforts.

Are you freshly shaved and ready to grow some facial hair for a good cause? I, myself, am not participating this year but supporting several friends' attempts to master the mustache. But if you are growing (either a 'stache or a beard), you want to do it right, otherwise you're left with a scraggly, itchy mess. And that's bad for everyone. But fear not—we've got you covered.

↦ Expert Advice: Your Movember maintenance guide to healthy, itch-free facial hair.

Sales We’re Eyeing

Twill pullover$119.50 / $49

Right now, you can get up to 70% off a wide range of seasonal items during Club Monaco's massive fall sale. Which means you can score work-ready sweaters and blazers, along with off-duty staples and outerwear for some unheard of prices. And at the moment, there are plenty of sizes available—but we doubt it will stay that way.