The Daily Valet. - 12/16/22, Friday
✔️ How'd This Become a Thing?
A programming note ... This is our last daily newsletter of the year. We'll be back to our normal publishing on Monday, January 2, 2023.
Friday, December 16th Edition
By Cory Ohlendorf, Valet. Editor
I have neither the discipline nor the patience to do an advent calendar properly.
Today’s Big Story
Advent Calendars
How did these tiny-doored calendars become such a beloved holiday tradition?
You see them everywhere during the holidays now. Back in the day, Advent calendars were simple, often homemade affairs of felt or wood, maybe cardboard—they were filled with simple treats and a few pieces of chocolates. But in recent years, brands big and small, highbrow and low-end, have released their own offerings. In fact, they're so popular that the most coveted calendars have been hitting the market in as early as the first few days of fall.And they're certainly not just for kids anymore. Take, for example, Total Wine's popular calendar, (which includes 24 baby-bottles of vino) or candle-maker Voluspa’s $85 entry, cover only 12 days, though Advent typically refers to the roughly four weeks leading up to Christmas. My good friend was just telling me about the unique joy of popping out tiny jars of Bonne Maman jams and honey each day.The calendars tap into the nostalgia of the season—of anticipation and the joy of getting surprised with the simplest of trinket. I gotta say, I'm all for it. Even if I'm tempted to blow through a week to satisfy my curiosity (and sweet tooth). But how'd this happen? How did the Advent calendar become so popular?Caroline Moss, host of shopping podcast “Gee Thanks, Just Bought It!” told the Wall Street Journal that while novelty Advent calendars were firmly part of the retail landscape before 2020, their popularity exploded during the pandemic when, separated from loved ones and with little to do, many of us took comfort in old school holiday traditions.The season of Advent dates back to the fourth century. The four-week period begins on the Sunday closest to the feast day of St. Andrew the Apostle and lasts for the next three Sundays. Of course, these days, most Advent calendars don't technically cover the Advent season, but instead start on Dec. 1 and run through either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. The reason is practical, as Vox explains: The length of the Advent season changes from year to year, so it's easier to pick a set number of days for calendars that can be reproduced or reused every season.
FYI:
In the U.S., Advent calendars saw a massive boost in popularity after World War II.
U.S. Releases JFK Assassination Files
The National Archives Has released thousands of documents ... But not all of them
The National Archives on Thursday released more than 13,000 of previously classified documents collected as part of the government review into the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy.But it fell short of fully complying with the spirit of a 30-year-old law demanding transparency by now. According to NBC News, about 98% of all documents have now been released. Around 4,300 records remain redacted in part—with no record completely blacked-out—according to the agency, and experts say there's no justification for withholding them to protect national security or intelligence gathering.A 1992 law required the government to release all documents on the assassination by October 2017. Last year, President Biden asked the National Archives to conduct a one-year review of the documents before they were released. That one-year deadline expired yesterday. He also said in a memo Thursday that the Archives and other agencies have until May 2023 to review the remaining private documents.
FYI:
More than 70% of voters surveyed wanted Biden to release the secret records of Kennedy's assassination.
No More Pet Shop Puppies?
New York joins other states in banning pet stores from selling cats, dogs, rabbits
Here's some positive news to close out the week: New York on Thursday became the latest state to ban the sale of cats, dogs and rabbits in pet stores in an attempt to target commercial breeding operations decried by critics as “puppy mills.”California, Illinois, Maryland, Maine and Washington have already restricted the retail sale of pets. And state legislators in Massachusetts, New Jersey and Texas are considering similar prohibitions.By forbidding the sale of animals, officials are hoping to stop the pipeline of animals from commercial breeding operations that opponents argue raise animals that are often abused or ill, and then sold to consumers. The end result is a mix of animals that need special care and owners tackling unforeseen veterinary bills. As someone who volunteers at an animal shelter in my free time, I can assure you that there are plenty of fun-loving, healthy and adorable pets to adopt (for far less money) waiting for you right now.
FYI:
This won't outlaw private breeders, most of whom support the law because it allow buyers to be more conscious of where their pets come from.
Our Top 22 Products of ’22
The items our audience couldn’t get enough Of
Here at Valet., we’re constantly featuring new products. From high quality investment pieces and luxurious fashion to more affordable, everyday items for your home. Which ones were the most popular with you, the reader? We looked over the data and crunched the numbers. Here are the top 22 products of 2022—the items our readers clicked on and bought the most over the past year. And we've got to say, you guys have good taste.
2022 In Review:
In Other News
They would be a “legitimate target”.
Have you heard about ...
A Weekend Pairing
‘The Recruit’ + a Novel Spy Cocktail
Need a break from all those warm and fuzzy holiday films? Perhaps a fast-paced spy adventure is more your thing. The Recruit, an anticipated Netflix original series, releases its eight-episode debut season today. It stars Noah Centineo as Owen Hendricks, a young inexperienced lawyer who has just started his new job at the CIA.So much for getting up to speed. The newbie falls face-first into a life-threatening conspiracy. He soon gets caught up in dangerous international politics after getting mixed up with former asset Max Meladze (played by Laura Haddock). She has plans to expose the agency, unless they can help exonerate her from a serious crime. It doesn’t take long for Owen to become entangled in the drama of this absurd new world, as firmly-entrenched hierarchy and power politics play into proceedings. Putting his assignment first, Owen will travel the world in the hopes of instantly making his mark on the CIA.
Pair It With
I want something easy-drinking to pair with this show, but also with a twinge of espionage. The “Novel Spy” is a smoky mezcal-based cocktail that combines fresh citrus with a deep cherry brandy. Just try having only one.
Also Worth a Watch:
‘Avatar: The Way of Water’ in theaters, ‘Bardo’ on Netflix and ‘I Love My Dad’ on Hulu.
Shopping
Looking For a Last-Minute Gift?
We have 280 Stylish Suggestions
Still have some gifts to buy? You've still got time. In fact, today might be the last day that you could have items shipped and arrive on time for the big day. Or perhaps you're finished and are now looking for ways to treat yourself. In any case, we've got some stellar gift guides that are a pleasure to peruse. But don't take my word for it. Check them out.
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Morning Motto
Make sure to rest up over the holidays.
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