The Daily Valet. - 1/30/23, Monday
✔️ Calls for a Serious Change
Monday, January 30th Edition
By Cory Ohlendorf, Valet. Editor
I think I'm really gonna miss that big 747.
Today’s Big Story
Calls for Change in Police Culture
Protesters across the US decry police brutality after Tyre Nichols’ death
We've seen it before, unfortunately. An unarmed Black man dies after a videotaped beating by police. As the Associated Press points out, Tyre Nichols' fatal encounter with police officers in Memphis, Tennessee, recorded in video made public Friday night, is a glaring reminder that efforts to reform policing have failed to prevent more flashpoints and tragic deaths.Demonstrators marched through New York City, Atlanta, Boston, Baltimore, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Portland, among other cities across the nation on Saturday and Sunday—raising signs bearing Nichols' name and calling for an end to abuses of authority. “All of these officers failed their oath,” Nichols' family attorney Ben Crump told CNN. “They failed their oath to protect and serve. Look at that video: Was anybody trying to protect and serve Tyre Nichols?”According to retired police who spoke with NBC News, it was an egregious example of a longstanding problem in policing in which officers physically punish civilians for perceived disrespect or disobedience. “It's just such a throwback to ancient police procedures,” one former cop said. “There are policies that prohibit things, then there are unwritten policies that occur and everybody knows about.”The New York Times reviewed the available footage and found that officers shouted at least 71 commands during a 13-minute period before they reported over the radio that Nichols was officially in custody. When he could not comply—and even when he managed to—the officers responded with escalating force. Crump said the family hopes Nichols's death would be a watershed moment in forcing changes in regulations and laws. They're calling on Congress to pass stalled legislation aimed at combating police misconduct.
Meanwhile:
The parents of Tyre Nichols have accepted an invitation from the Congressional Black Caucus to attend the State of the Union next week.
Another Benefit of Electric Vehicles?
Nissan is Exploring Using EV Batteries As Backup Generators
We all know that electric is the way of the future when it comes to cars. But this is a really smart idea that I hope spreads throughout the rest of the auto industry. Nissan is reportedly looking to create an EV battery that could also function as a backup for household energy needs in the event of an emergency.According to Autoblog, Nissan was able to keep a nine-person elevator running for 10 hours (albeit at slower than usual speeds) by using a single Nissan Sakura. Currently, most EVs can only accept charges, not be charged and charge other things as well. That said, if this technique can be brought to market, it could be a lifesaver—literally.As the Wall Street Journal reported last year, a growing number of American homeowners were purchasing backup power systems for their houses. It isn't hard to see why; power grids are being disrupted by both extreme weather and malicious attacks, increasing the need for a backup power source.
In the market?
Starting in 2023, buyers of certain used electric cars can receive a $4,000 tax credit. Here are the best models that qualify.
In a country where each generation has been more overweight than the one that came before it, a marvelous medication seemed to fall out of the sky.”
- The Atlantic on a Weight-Loss-Drug Revolution
The Final 747
The “Queen of the Skies” is having its final send-off
For decades, the Boeing 747 has been a hallmark of aviation. It was the world's first jumbo jet, and helped usher in the modern era of air travel. But its reign as “Queen of the Skies” will officially come to an end this week as Boeing prepares to roll out its very last of the iconic aircraft.Reuters reported that the last 747 plane, a 747-8 freighter, will be delivered to cargo airline Atlas Air on Tuesday, more than 50 years after the first 747 took off. It's fitting, considering that the enormous jets also made it easier to fly air cargo around the world.The 747 was instantly recognizable thanks to its wide body and iconic hump that made up part of a second deck. The groundbreaking plane cost Boeing over a billion dollars to develop (equivalent to $6 billion in 2021 dollars) and nearly bankrupted the company. Through the decades, it remained a notable symbol of luxury in the skies. But only 44 passenger versions of the 747 remain in use since airlines now prefer more modern and efficient twinjet planes.
FYI:
Boeing is currently modifying two Boeing 747-800 aircraft that will serve as the new Air Force One.
‘The Simpsons’ Renewed Through 2025
That means it will pass 800-episode mark
Fox has handed early two-season renewals to three of its animation mainstays — The Simpsons, Family Guy and Bob's Burgers — taking them through the 2024-25 broadcast cycle, Deadline reports.That means that TV's longest-running scripted primetime television series isn't going anywhere—except into seasons 35 and 36. The upcoming season 34 finale will serve as the 750th episode, and factoring in a handful of additional installments already in reserve, the oft-quoted animated comedy will pass the jaw-dropping 800-episode milestone with this extension.“Eight hundred episodes—not even The Simpsons could have predicted this,” executive producer Matt Selman told Entertainment Weekly. And while the show has experienced a ratings decline (like most veteran network shows over the years), it continues to perform strongly in the 18- to 49-year-old demo and has found new life streaming on Disney+, where the vast and valuable Simpsons library now resides.
DId You Know:
The show’s theme song was written by noted Hollywood film composer Danny Elfman. He’s called it the most popular piece of music of his career.
In Other News
They'll provide information to lawmakers about potential risks to national security.
Have you heard about ...
Search Out New Experiences
Five proven ways novelty improves your life
Life is full of new and exciting things, right? Everyday is a new adventure! But okay, not really. We're not living some Eat, Pray, Love existence in perpetuity. We're living our lives, going to work, paying our bills, doing our laundry. At the end of a hard day, ordering takeout from your regular spot and firing up that movie you've seen a dozen times is comforting. It's familiar. That's okay.But there's a real benefit to stepping out of your comfort zone. In fact, visiting new places, trying things for the first time and socializing with people whom we've never spoken to before actually makes us happier and healthier. Even if it feels a little uncomfortable and cringy at times. Think about the last trip you took. Inevitably, there were things out of your control—you didn't know where to eat, you weren't sure what was in that shop, you'd never snorkeled before. But you said, “what the hell, why not?” And now you're glad you did, right?That's because there's a genuine connection between novelty and happiness, says Dr. Laurie Santos, a cognitive scientist who teaches Psychology and the Good Life, one of the most popular courses at Yale. Put another way, your brain is actually supercharged by new experiences. When you feel tired of living, overwhelmed by every day chores, and confused about the next step, do something new.
Read:
Shopping
What We’re Buying
A Leather Camera Strap
If you take your camera seriously, you probably want a serious strap too. One that's as handsome as it is functional. We've seen quality leather straps before, but this one ($94), from Clever Supply Co., has a much-needed modern upgrade. It's hand-crafted from full-grain leather cut to a perfect ½” width and you can get it in adjustable lengths and five different colorways. But the modern touch is that this version features black PVD brass rivets and Peak Design anchor links to connect your camera. They allow you to quickly and securely attach and detach with ease.
Want more?
The five stylish items you should be buying this week
Morning Motto
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