The Daily Valet. - 1/16/20, Thursday
✔️ Making Deals, Staying Healthy and Travel Intel
Thursday, January 16th Edition
How you sleep on a plane says a lot about you. I’m a “view finder” most flights.
Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Today's edition is presented by
Today’s Big Story
US and China Sign Trade Deal
It should bring relief to farmers and increase sales of American goods, but leaves most tariffs in place
The US and China signed a trade deal that officials say will lead to a sharp increase in sales of American goods, further open Chinese markets to foreign companies and provide strong new protections for trade secrets and intellectual property, reports the Wall Street Journal.
The eight-part agreement acts as a cease-fire in a trade war with one of the world’s largest economies that seemed like it might never end. But it leaves in place US tariffs on about $370 billion in Chinese goods, or about three-quarters of our imports from China. And it maintains the threat of additional punishment if Beijing does not live up to the terms of the deal.
As President Trump and China’s Vice Premier Liu He signed the “Phase One” trade pact, Trump said “Together we are righting the wrongs of the past.” Of course, the big question is: Was the trade war worth it?
From a short-term perspective, the deal doesn’t seem so great, according to Heather Long of the Washington Post. China’s additional purchases make amends for only a fraction of the trade war’s hit to the economy, analysts say. And the bulk of the purchasing in the deal could have happened in the summer of 2018 without Trump ramping up tariffs, many critics say.
But Neil Irwin of the New York Times counters that the resolution was bound to underwhelm after two years of rapidly escalating bluster and a world of pain for American farmers and companies reliant on Chinese imports. "But if you put aside some of the grandest presidential promises, you can see some ways in which the deal does represent progress toward achieving a more stable relationship."
Ultimately, with the president seeking re-election and the Chinese economy showing signs of slowing, both sides had too much to lose from the escalation and were willing to do whatever they needed to stop it. And this buys time for everyone involved.
↦ Go Deeper: Read the entire US-China trade agreement.
The Impeachment Heads to the Senate
With pomp and circumstance, House Democrats deliver impeachment articles
After weeks of rhetorical fire and a long-anticipated vote, a handful of US House members walked quietly across a hushed Capitol on Wednesday to deliver articles of impeachment to the Senate, paving the way for the trial of President Trump.
The Wall Street Journal reports that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that she stressed litigation experience in choosing managers to handle the trial over alleged presidential abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Senators are expected to be sworn in on Thursday, and the proceedings are scheduled to get under way in earnest on Tuesday.
The House vote to impeach Trump was basically along party lines. And many of his fellow Republicans in the Senate have made clear they view the impeachment as a political stunt.
As Carl Hulse of the New York Times puts it: "If recent history is any guide, President Trump’s impeachment trial will be an intensely partisan display that will make the polarization of the Clinton era look like a bygone period of political harmony."
↦ FYI: Who are the House's seven impeachment prosecutors? The Associated Press breaks down Pelosi’s team of managers.
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Your Flu Shot May Not Be So Effective
It’s only 58% effective against the most common virus out there right now
One of the best ways to prevent the flu from sidelining you this winter is to get the flu shot—which is why you already got yours way back in October, right? Which means you should be pretty much covered. Unless ...
According to the newest updated stats from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there's just a 58% match with B/Victoria viruses—aka, one of the most common viruses out there right now, representing almost 98% of circulating influenza B strains. “It’s not a very good match for B/Victoria," Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CNN.
Luckily, this year's flu vaccine is a 100% match with H1N1, which has accounted for about 82% of the influenza A out there. But here's the thing about the flu vaccine: It doesn't necessarily give you full protection against the virus—even if it's a good match.
But, the vaccine is still typically between 40% and 60% effective, slashing your odds of getting the flu practically in half.
↦ FYI: You can also kick your immune system into high gear, raising your defenses even further, with just a few simple techniques.
You Can Actually Boost Your Credit Score
Could your credit rating be higher? Probably.
The average FICO score in the US hit a record high of 703 last year, according to the 2019 Experian Consumer Credit Review. That's an increase of nearly 15 points since the start of the decade. What's more, 59% of Americans have a credit score of 700 or higher, which is the biggest percentage reported at that level ever.
If you haven't checked your credit score lately, do so immediately. Because the better your score is, the better your offers and interest rates are on everything from credit cards to car and home loans. Plus, it's free.
Once you know where you rank, you can make the call whether or not your score needs a boost. But we'd all prefer the highest possible credit score, right? And while raising your rating takes time and a consistent history of payments, there are a few proven ways to lift it higher and faster. And we've got them for our latest installment of “31 Days.”
↦ Read: Five proven ways to boost your credit rating quickly.
Other Things We’re Talking About Today
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Moral Code is currently hosting a Winter Clearance event, where you can score a wide range of leather goods and accessories marked down to move. And while there’s plenty to choose from, one of the most interesting items is the Alder backpack. Ideal for both travel and daily commutes alike, the roll-top feature allows you to eliminate any unused space for a streamlined look and feel. Made with soft, premium leather and lined with a cotton canvas interior, it’s also got surprisingly comfortable padded straps to shoulder heavy loads.
Aspen slim briefcase $348 / $279
Excursion weekender $428 / $343
Turner billfold wallet $58 / $49
Parker wallet $58 / $47
Oliver card case wallet $48 / $39
↦ Shop: The full sale at Moral Code
How Do You Sleep on a Plane?
By the Way counts all the ways ...
"When flying in economy, it’s no small feat to fall asleep, yet many travelers try their best anyway," writes Natalie B. Compton of By the Way. "We nestle into the small, unforgiving confines of our chair, despite the fact that the seat is surrounded by sneezing, coughing, talking strangers."
I'm a big sleeper on planes. Maybe it's the whirl of the engines, the lack of quality oxygen or the requisite drinks at the airport bar before takeoff, but I usually find myself dozing off despite whatever class I'm seated in.
But others will try anything—and any position—to get some shuteye before landing. This piece walks you through over a dozen popular positions (though some seem more realistic than others). Scroll through and find your go-to position or, perhaps, learn a new one. I'm a View Finder, but I'm not against trying the Power Stance.
↦ My Travel Kit: This list is an assortment of specialized gear and simple fixes engineered to keep you healthy, hydrated and happy.
Weekend Shopping Plans
From boots and belts to bags, our picks from three can’t-miss sales going on this weekend.
Up to 70% off select items
Suede boots $149.95 / $74.96
Up to 70% off select items
Ralph Lauren leather belt $135 / $54
Up to 65% off select items
Ranger backpack $245 / $99.90
Morning Motto
What will you do today?
↦ Follow: @positivevibesquotes
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