The Daily Valet. - 1/9/20, Thursday
✔️ Some Good News, Finally
Thursday, January 9th Edition
I’ll be trying these time-slowing techniques this weekend ...
Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Today’s Big Story
Some Rare Good News About Cancer
The US cancer death rate drops by largest amount on record
The cancer death rate in the US dropped by over 2% from 2016 to 2017, the largest single-year drop ever recorded, according to the latest report from the American Cancer Society. Since 1991 the rate has dropped 29%, which translates to approximately 2.9 million fewer cancer deaths than what would have occurred if the mortality rate had remained constant, reports the New York Times.
The drop is largely driven by progress against lung cancer, though the most rapid declines in the report occurred in melanoma.
Falling smoking rates have also played a big role in the decline in lung-cancer deaths, cancer doctors say, as well as improvements in detection and treatment.
But unfortunately, the rising rate of obesity among Americans is why the decline in breast and other cancer death rates has begun to taper off, or why the decrease in rates of prostate cancer have halted entirely.
The American Cancer Society predicts that in 2020 there will be about 1,806,590 new cancer cases and 606,520 cancer deaths.
On the bright side, exercise has just been linked to a reduced risk for seven types of cancer, and the more physical activity the better, according to a study published last month. Among men, increased exercise was linked to up to a 14% reduced risk for colon cancer. Among women, more physical activity was associated with up to a 10% lower risk for breast cancer and up to an 18% lower risk of both endometrial cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Two-Thirds of Puerto Rico Is Without Power
And powerful aftershocks continue after Tuesday’s 6.4-magnitude quake
After the worst earthquake in more than a century killed one person and triggered an islandwide blackout in Puerto Rico, over 80 aftershocks have continued to rattle and damage the island—with more expected throughout the week.
The Washington Post reports that hundreds of families were rendered homeless, some because their homes were wobbly and others because they are afraid of what might come next. They were sleeping outside in tents and in hammocks and in cars, hoping to survive should another earthquake hit in the night.
On Wednesday, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority said it restored power for nearly 500,000 customers—about a third of the company’s 1.5 million customers, according the Wall Street Journal. And while large transmission lines remained mostly intact, the grid could be unstable for a while given the severity of the earthquake and aftershocks.
↦ FYI: The quakes destroyed Punta Ventana, a natural stone arch popular with travelers and locals.
Meghan and Harry’s Royal Uncoupling
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex step back from the official duties of the royal family
One of the world’s most famous couples is turning away from the monarchy and the glare of the celebrity spotlight. Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, the Ducess of Sussex, announced Wednesday that they would "step back as senior members of the Royal Family, while continuing to fully support Her Majesty The Queen."
The couple said in their announcement that they are going to “work to be financially independent” while focusing on their charity projects and plan to spend more time in North America.
According to the BBC, no other royal—including the Queen or Harry's brother Prince William—were consulted before the surprise announcement. And Buckingham Palace's terse two-line statement Wednesday evening did make it sound like the couple’s plans had caught the family off guard, if not totally blindsided it.
I get it. After a few too many days with family over the holidays, I understand the need for a break. And it certainly takes guts to break with tradition and forge your own trail, on your own dime.
You Can Slow Time
We actually found a few ways to keep life from passing you by
Remember how long holiday breaks or summer vacation felt like when we were kids? Now, we leave the office on a Friday evening only to be jolted into the realization that it's now Sunday night and we barely recall anything from the weekend. Entire years seem to speed by so fast nowadays, right?
Turns out, there's some science behind this phenomenon and actually does have something to do with how old you are. For today's installment of “31 Days”, we get some help from a few neurologists and neuroscientists who call time "a rubbery thing" that changes based on mental engagement.
We also provide you with three ways to make your life richer and more memorable, thus allowing your time to expand.
↦ Read: Three proven ways to slow down your perception of time.
Other Things We’re Talking About Today
+
Roundtrip to Europe for Less Than $250?
Want to travel? Now’s the time to book
I'll be honest, I wasn't familiar with Norwegian Air until I heard about their just-launched New Year sale. But I'm definitely considering booking a quick trip to London—at these prices, it's hard to pass up.
According to Afar, the Scandinavian airline is known for its no-frills, low-cost flights across the pond. With the sale, it’s possible to get a flight from Los Angeles to Barcelona for only $159. Flyers departing from Chicago can get to London for only $140 and New Yorkers can fly to Rome for $134.
Travelers can also find flights leaving from Boston, Miami, Florida, Austin, Denver, San Francisco and Seattle. And the destinations are just as varied, with flights available to London, Paris, Amsterdam, Madrid, Oslo and Rome, just to name a few.
So, what's the catch? Well this is definitely a "no-frills airline." So things like a checked bag, an in-flight meal and a seat assignment will cost extra. But I just priced out my flight to London and while the lowest it could be is $320 roundtrip, the premium business level seat (with all the amenities) was only $835—still a bargain for a transatlantic flight. Just know, these prices are only good until Sunday, when the sale ends at 11:59 pm EST.
↦ Our Take: Here's why you want to travel during "shoulder season."
Weekend Shopping Plans
From sneakers and shirts to a big denim discount, our picks from three can’t-miss sales going on this weekend.
20% off site-wide
Blanket plaid shirt $148 / $118
Up to 65% off sneakers
Nike Air Max 270 React $150 / $84.97
Additional 50% off sale items w/code BIGDEAL
Corduroy sherpa jacket $128 / $51.49
Special Promotion
Wake up to better skin. Onekind’s Dream Cream nighttime moisturizer is a super-charged hydrator that goes to work while you sleep. Squalane and rosehip oil lock in moisture while antioxidants and natural extracts combat inflammation and irritation. Especially during the winter, this is a real skin saver. Plus, you can get it for nearly half off with this exclusive code.
↦ Get It $38 / $23 w/code VALET15 at Onekind
Morning Motto
Who wants to be like everyone else, anyway?
↦ Follow: @quotesbychristie
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