The Daily Valet. - 12/13/22, Tuesday
✔️ A Genuine Breakthrough
Tuesday, December 13th Edition
By Cory Ohlendorf, Valet. Editor
I just learned how a white elephant exchange works and now I need to be invited to one.
Today’s Big Story
Nuclear Fusion Break-through
Scientists are expected to say they made a major advancement for future energy sources
This could be really big. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm is set to announce a “major scientific breakthrough” today in the decades-long quest to harness fusion—the energy that powers the sun and stars. It promises almost limitless carbon-free power without the dangerous waste from traditional fission reactors.Since the 1950s, physicists have sought to harness fusion, but no group had been able to produce more energy from the reaction than it consumes—a milestone known as “net energy gain”, which would help prove the process could provide a reliable, abundant alternative to fossil fuels and conventional nuclear energy.Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California successfully produced a nuclear fusion reaction (using the world's largest laser to bombard a tiny pellet of hydrogen) resulting in a net energy gain, a source familiar with the project confirmed to CNN.Such a development would improve the ability of the United States to maintain its nuclear weapons without nuclear testing and could set the stage for future progress that could one day lead to the use of laser fusion as a source of carbon-free energy. Beyond the climate benefits, promoters say it could help bring cheap electricity to impoverished parts of the world.Huge amounts of public and private funds have been funneled into the fusion race worldwide. And while this would be a huge first step, Axios points out that showing conceptual viability “would be just one stop on the long scientific, technical and financial road to commercializing this long-elusive holy grail.”
Dig Deeper:
How exactly does fusion work? CBS News takes a closer look at this “game-changing” process.
Things Won’t Be So Expensive Next Year
The U.S. Treasury secretary says she's hopeful prices would greatly decrease in 2023
U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said she expects “much lower” inflation in 2023. Her comments come just before tomorrow's Federal Reserve meeting in which officials are expected to slow down the pace of interest rate increases.The nation's top Treasury official emphasized that U.S. policymakers learned “a lot of lessons” about the importance of curbing spikes in consumer prices following the inflation surge in the 1970s. She noted that shipping costs are now lower than earlier this year and gas prices were “way down,” and expressed optimism that the U.S. labor market would remain healthy.The Consumer Price Index is also due out today—following last week's release of another key inflation measure, the Producer Price Index, which showed PPI was up 7.4% for the 12 months ended in November. That's down from 8.1% in the year ended in October —the lowest reading since May 2021.
FYI:
Yellen just became the first female Treasury secretary to have her signature on U.S. currency.
Twitter Dissolves Trust and Safety Council
Let's just Insert the “This is Fine” meme Here
On Monday night, Twitter abruptly dissolved its Trust and Safety Council. It's the latest sign that Elon Musk is unraveling years of work and institutions created to make the social network safer and more civil.The advisory group—made up of about 100 independent civil, human rights and other organizations—was formed in 2016 to address hate speech, child exploitation, suicide, self-harm and other problems on the platform. They were set to meet with Twitter representatives last night. But Twitter informed the group via email that it was disbanding it shortly before the meeting was to take place.The council members, who provided images of the email from Twitter to The Associated Press, spoke on the condition of anonymity due to fears of retaliation. And those fears aren't unfounded. Twitter's former head of trust and safety has fled his home due to an escalation in threats resulting from Musk's campaign of criticism against him.
Meanwhile:
Twitter Blue is relaunching, but it will now cost you $11 per month if you use an iPhone.
A Bourbon Boom
In an uncertain economy, Whiskey giants are opening new distilleries and increasing production
Whiskey is resilient. It's proven to be recession-proof, as well as pandemic-proof. And earlier this year, the spirit was even able to overcome inflation.And it's not stopping, despite concerns about the economy. The Sazerac Company just announced plans to invest $600 million to build 20 barrel warehouses and expand Robinson Stave and Cumberland Cooperage in London, KY. It's the largest distilled spirits-related investment in Kentucky's history, according to the Governor's office.They also noted that bourbon was a nearly $9 billion “signature industry” in Kentucky—generating more than 22,500 jobs with an annual payroll exceeding $1.23 billion. And according to InsideHook, those numbers could get even bigger. Three other distillers (behind Willett, Buffalo Trace and Jefferson's) have all announced similar multi-million dollar investments to boost production. Of course, it's a pretty safe bet, considering some estimates suggest bourbon could be a $25 billion global industry by 2026.
Tip:
Want to know how to read a whiskey bottle label? Here's what to look for (and what it means).
In Other News
After U.S. authorities filed criminal charges.
Have you heard about ...
The Best Subscriptions to Give
The perfect last-minute gift (that keeps on giving)
Perhaps the recipient is hard to shop for. Maybe you feel like time is ticking away and you need a last-minute gift. Or you just want to keep the presents going all year round (or for however many months you'd like). Subscriptions and memberships have entered the group chat. Whether you're shopping for the grill master, skincare savant, or coffee lover, we have you covered. These sets and monthly drops are even great for yourself—if you've been itching to try something new or have some holiday cash burning a hole in your pocket.
Clockwise, from top left to right:
Men's candle subscription, from $40 by Musk Co.Japanese snack box, from $39.99 by BokksuCoffee subscription, from $40 at Trade
Clockwise, from top left to right:
DIY kit, from $24 by KiwiCoExplore 4 wine subscription, $99 by SommSelectFragrance subscription, from $58 / $48 by Scentbird
Want More IDeas?
Partner
For the Nature Lovers on Your List
The Parks Project
If you've got adventure-seekers, overlanders and hikers in your life, consider getting them something from Parks Project. They've got a range of rugged and stylish gear—like the iconic percolator pictured above—that all supports their mission to promote, protect and preserve our national parks better than we find them today. To date, they've contributed over $2.5 million to projects that restore habitats in parklands from coast to coast.
Night Shrooms trail sherpa, $175
Want more gift ideas?
Morning Motto
Don’t let a little self-doubt stop you.
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