The Daily Valet. - 1/3/22, Monday
✔️ Don't Call It a Comeback
Monday, January 3rd Edition
Did you miss us? Because I definitely missed you.
Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Today’s Big Story
Dry January’s Comeback
‘Sober curious’ Millennials and Gen Z are driving a return to teetotaling
Do you take part in “Dry January”? After indulging over the holidays and likely drinking too much on New Year’s Eve, it makes for the perfect time to reset and give your body a break.
Initially started in 2012 as an initiative by British nonprofit Alcohol Change UK, it has since grown into a global phenomenon. But last year, the Capitol insurrection and pandemic stress caused some Americans to ditch a dry month. A survey conducted by the American Psychological Association in March found more than 25% of adults reported drinking more this past year to manage their stress.
But while the boozing is up, that doesn’t mean Dry January is ruled out entirely. In fact, about 18% of adults who regularly drink alcohol are planning to abstain this month, reports Insider. After all, experts will tell you that there are other ways to fight off stress.
Besides, Dry January speaks to the growth of a larger, “sober-curious” movement that is growing in popularity among young people. As Nielsen reported in November, non-alcoholic beverage sales surged 33% to $331 million last year.
Millennials and Gen Zers have been consuming less than older generations in recent years. Research also suggests that more Millennials participate in Dry January in larger numbers than their older counterparts, with alcohol purchases decreasing at the beginning of the year and increasing by February.
Me? While I doubt that I’ll be dry the entire month, I am trying to ease off the sauce a bit while I refocus on my health. And I just heard about this new canned margarita mocktail that combines broad-spectrum hemp and balancing adaptogens with a heavy hit of fresh lime. Sounds pretty damn satisfying, right?
↦ Dig Deeper: There are some real benefits to taking a break, if only for a few weeks. Here’s the science behind what happens to your new alcohol-free body.
COVID Continues
Much has changed, but the pandemic is still screwing with our lives
As 2022 dawns, it's beginning to look a lot like March 2020—so much so that President Biden sought to reassure Americans they would not return to those dark days, instead promising a future made safer by vaccines and tests.
But COVID continues to interfere with our lives. The rise of new infections to record levels in recent days has driven thousands of canceled flights, prompted retailers to train available employees on new jobs, and closed some stores altogether, reports the Wall Street Journal.
Anthony Fauci said Sunday that U.S. health officials are considering recommending that Americans get tested for the coronavirus before going back to work—acknowledging the backlash over the CDC reducing the recommended isolation period after a positive coronavirus test from 10 days to five.
Because of Omicron's infectiousness, record numbers of Americans are testing positive. But Fauci said the U.S. should shift its primary focus away from case numbers to hospitalizations.
↦ FYI: This chart shows how much protection people have against Omicron after 1, 2, or 3 shots of vaccine.
Legacy Blackberrys Will Stop Working
The end of a technological era
BlackBerry will discontinue service for its classic devices on Tuesday, the company reminded users in a recent statement.
That means any legacy phones or tablets running BlackBerry's own software—BlackBerry 7.1 or earlier, BlackBerry 10, or its tablet operating system BlackBerry PlayBook—will “no longer reliably function,” says the company. Whether on Wi-Fi or cellular, there'll be no guarantee you can make phone calls, send text messages, use data, establish an SMS connection or even dial 9-1-1.
You'll note the reference to legacy devices. That's because BlackBerry has a tendency to make comebacks; last year, that included news of an Android-powered BlackBerry slated for launch in 2021. As The Verge pointed out in its report, however, there hasn't been much in the way of news since then.
BlackBerry phones were once status symbols among celebrities and CEOs and permeated many facets of pop culture. According to NBC News, the brand peaked in 2012, but as technology moved away from the external keyboard of the BlackBerry and toward the full screen of the smartphone, so too did pop culture.
VW Confirms the Electric Camper Van
But will it come to America?
It's not exactly a surprise that Volkswagen plans to build a camper van version of the upcoming ID. Buzz electric van.
Camping has been entwined in the model's DNA since before it was even approved for production—the original 2017 concept was loaded with camper-friendly features. Dubbed the ID. California, retro inspiration and futuristic tech promise to combine to make an instant classic. And a camper that helps protect the remote, pristine spaces campers enjoy most.
We don't know much about the ID. California beyond the name. Using “ID” suggests it will run on VW's MEB electric car platform. Of course, it will be an EV throwback to the classic VW Bus. And it'll be able to level up to a 110 kWh battery pack and deliver nearly 300 miles of range.
But here's the rub: Volkswagen currently builds several cool cars that don't come to America, reports Gear Patrol. It has been nearly 20 years since VW stopped selling campers in the United States—the sales numbers then didn't justify the cost of bringing them to the American market. VW has been reticent to offer certain EVs in America. But hey, one can still dream.
↦ Meanwhile: Here are 10 cool camper vans that will let you hit the road in comfort and style right now.
In Other News
Other Things We’re Talking About Today
+
Are You Up for a Challenge?
31 Days is back ... for Volume 14
As we cross into another year, that means one thing for Valet., 31 Days is back. This is the time when we ask ourselves, “Who do I want to be? And what do I want to change or improve?”
Last year was brutal, but it taught us that life is in the present, not in the tomorrow. Of course, the challenge is finding ways to optimize the present to work smarter, live healthier and hopefully have a little more fun without feeling so bogged down.
And that's just what this annual series is all about. Taking control of your life and showing up for yourself. Over the weekend, we discussed harnessing your anger for good and developing healthy habits.
Today, our own Leon Hedgepeth has talked with a few in-demand barbers about what we need to know about having great hair in 2022. New year, new ‘do?
↦ Read: What barbers suggest for better hair in the new year.
What We Want
This piece is definitely a wardrobe essential. Alex Mill's Frontier Shirt ($135) is an unpretentious version of an all-American classic. The brand made their chamois the old fashioned way, with a brushed flannel that's been given a special garment-wash to give it a worn-in, ultra-luxe feel. It's available in three rich shades, but the “thyme” green is the one to beat.
↦ Want more? 5 Stylish Items to Buy This Week
Morning Motto
It may not go as fast as you like, but all forward movement is progress.
↦ Follow: @op_e___n
That’s all for today...
Valet Media LLC535 S. Curson Ave. #8GLos Angeles, CA 90036[email protected]