The Daily Valet. - 3/12/20, Thursday
✔️ Things Are Escalating
Thursday, March 12th Edition
Honestly, I was not prepared for all the news alerts I got yesterday.
Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Today’s Big Story
Things Are Escalating
The world scrambles to contain the coronavirus
We all know someone with the coronavirus now. Tom Hanks and his wife, Rita Wilson, tested positive for the virus. Both were down in Australia for the pre-production of Baz Luhrmann’s untitled Elvis Presley film, reports Deadline.
And that wasn't the only surprising news that hit. The coronavirus outbreak spreading across the world was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization as the global death toll rose above 4,300 and the number of confirmed cases exceeded 121,000 on Wednesday.
The NCAA hoops tournaments will be played without fans in the stands, reports ESPN. And the NBA suspended the rest of the season to determine the necessary next steps after a player for the Utah Jazz tested positive for the coronavirus.
Meanwhile, a United flight was diverted after passengers became disruptive because someone was sneezing.
Late Wednesday night, the president addressed the nation from the Oval Office. He said the US would suspend nearly all travel from Europe starting Friday. But the 30-day restriction will not apply to permanent residents and will not affect travel from Britain. He also said health insurance companies had agreed to extend insurance coverage to cover coronavirus treatments as well as waive related co-payments.
Later on Wednesday night, the State Department issued an advisory telling Americans to “reconsider travel” to all countries because of the global effects of the coronavirus. It is the department’s second-strongest advisory, behind “do not travel.”
↦ FYI: It's important to remember that the vast majority of those who've contracted COVID-19 suffer mild symptoms and recover fully.
Time For Social Distancing?
It seems like everyone is talking about it. Here's how it works.
The World Health Organization's declaration that the outbreak is now a global pandemic means the coronavirus is spreading outside containment measures in multiple countries around the world.
One of the biggest measures public health officials have urged countries to adopt in order to change that course and halt the spread of the virus is called social distancing—a somewhat vague term that is suddenly popping up everywhere in news stories.
According to Time, this is not the same as self-quarantine or isolation, two other practices being utilized to minimize the coronavirus spread. Per the CDC’s recommendation, social distancing involves “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance” whenever possible to limit the ability of the virus to spread.
Put simply, social distancing involves staying away from other people in order to avoid catching or spreading a virus. It’s a fancy term for avoiding crowds. That could mean working from home rather than catching a train to the office, avoiding concerts or weddings, or skipping that half marathon you’ve been training for.
↦ FYI: Remember, this not only protects you, but more importantly, helps stop the spread to vulnerable folks (such as the sick and elderly).
Harvey Weinstein Is Going to Jail
He was sentenced to 23 years in prison for rape and sexual assault
The sentence was handed down by Judge James Burke on Wednesday morning, after emotional testimony by the two primary victims in the conviction, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Weinstein broke his courtroom silence with a rambling plea for mercy in which he professed to be "totally confused" by the #MeToo movement that eventually led to the Hollywood producer's downfall.
Before issuing his sentence, the judge told Weinstein that he will be formally registered as a sex offender. The 67-year-old, who arrived at the courthouse in a wheelchair and was taken to the hospital after the hearing due to chest pains, is obviously not in the best of health.
The BBC reports his lawyers had appealed for leniency, saying even the minimum sentence of five years could be a "life sentence". But prosecutors argued Weinstein should be given the maximum possible sentence given his "lifetime of abuse" towards women and "lack of remorse" for his actions
The New Ford Bronco Is Nearly Here
Check out the revived SUV before you're supposed to see it
Over the past week, several images started leaking of the coming revival of Ford's iconic Bronco. The truck-based SUV is returning as a midsize off-roader complete with retro-inspired exterior styling for maximum nostalgia.
The classic off-roader is due to debut in the next few weeks after a 24-year hiatus. But photos were published online of the nearly finished car. And well, we're all in need of some good news, right?
I've got to say, I'm pretty stoked to see this one in person. It seems as if Ford actually listened to the wishlists of enthusiasts (which is more than it seems Land Rover did with the new Defender).
According to Inside Hook, Ford has neither confirmed nor denied whether these are the real deal, but one of the websites updated a forum post where leaked photos appeared with the statement, “Pics and content have been removed by request of Ford.” That's a good sign.
↦ FYI: Reports currently indicate the new Bronco will get a 2.7-liter turbo V6 engine, mated to a 10-speed automatic gearbox.
Other Things We’re Talking About Today
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More Bad News ...
A common artificial sweetener might be making you fatter and sicker
Fair warning: This isn't great news if you're drinking some coffee with Splenda in it and eating some form of bread.
A new study published in the journal Cell Metabolism by a group of Yale researchers found that the consumption of the common artificial sweetener sucralose (found in Splenda, SucraPlus and other brands) in combination with carbohydrates can actually increase your risk of weight gain and type 2 diabetes.
What's troubling, according to Consumer Reports, is that the sweetener has found its way into more than just diet sodas and those little yellow packets. It's now used in thousands of baked goods, condiments, syrups and other consumer packaged goods—almost all of them containing carbs.
The finding, which researchers noted has yet to be replicated in other studies, raises new questions about the use of artificial sweeteners. Personally, I've switched to stevia. I figure, it's more natural and less likely to cause any damage down the road. But only time will tell, right?
↦ FYI: NPR has provided a helpful guide on how to read food labels, from free range to fair trade.
Weekend Shopping Plans
From high-end sunglasses and watches to home TV projectors, our picks from three can’t-miss sales going on this weekend.
Up to 70% off designer sunglasses
Tom Ford sunglasses$415 / $159.97
Up to 50% off select items
MK1 steel chronograph$139 / $109.99
Up to 49% projectors
Yaber indoor/outdoor HD projector$199.99 / $101.99
Morning Motto
You've got to take the good with the bad ...
↦ Follow: @successfulmaster
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