The Daily Valet. - 3/18/20, Wednesday
✔️ Who Couldn't Use More Cash?
Wednesday, March 18th Edition
I’m currently debating trying a new home workout or dipping into the “emergency” Oreos.
Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Today’s Big Story
The Gov’t Might Send You a Check
“We’re looking at sending checks to Americans immediately”
Faced with an unprecedented economic crisis caused by the coronavirus outbreak, the Trump administration is considering sending most American adults a check for $1,000 (or more) as part of a $1 trillion stimulus package to boast the economy and help workers whose jobs have been disrupted by business closures because of the pandemic, reports the Wall Street Journal.
“Americans need cash now, and the president wants to get cash now ... and I mean in the next two weeks,” Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said at a White House briefing Tuesday.
The idea took off Monday when Sen. Mitt Romney called for every American adult to receive a $1,000 check “immediately” to help tide people over until other government aid can arrive. By Tuesday, there was bipartisan support for the idea, including the president. The White House even suggested the amount could be over $1,000, acknowledging just how big of an economic crisis this is becoming.
It would definitely help, right? A new poll finds nearly one in five US workers have lost their jobs or hours due to the effects of the coronavirus.
In addition to direct cash payments, the White House wants the forthcoming legislation to include support for small businesses and aid for the airline industry, along with a range of other measures.
But before you get too excited, the Washington Post notes that the money probably can’t go out in two weeks, as the White House proposed. An expert says it's more likely to be sometime in April.
↦ FYI: The US has done this twice before. During the Great Recession, the federal government sent about every adult a $300 to $600 check (plus $300 per child). The same thing happened in 2001, when most Americans received a $300 check.
Biden’s Lead Grows
The former VP cleaned up in the Florida, Illinois and Arizona primaries
Former Vice President Joe Biden kicked off Tuesday's Democratic presidential primaries with huge victories that account for over 370 delegates.
Turnout was reported to be low in some places owing to coronavirus caution, though a good portion of votes had already been banked in the early voting period. Ohio postponed its primary at the last minute, reports NBC News.
In Florida and Illinois, the two biggest prizes on the map Tuesday, Biden decisively won across the board—men and women, white and non-white voters, college graduates and non-college graduates, liberals and moderates, married and unmarried voters.
Bernie Sanders' defeat in Illinois was particularly disappointing after he came within two points of a victory there in 2016. It raises the question of when (not if) Sanders will drop out to help unite the Democratic Party.
↦ FYI: Biden started receiving Secret Service protection Tuesday, according to CNN.
Amazon Warehouses Are Only Accepting Essential Supplies
An unprecedented move that will help get necessities to people in need
Amazon is suspending all shipments of nonessential products to its warehouses in response to the surge in orders as the coronavirus spreads across the US, reports Wired.
As millions of us are now largely confined to our homes, many have turned to Amazon for household staples, groceries and medical supplies. I, for one, just ordered a bag of dog food.
This move by the company will certainly affect millions of third-party sellers and vendors, who have come to rely on Amazon's warehouses to get their products into the hands of consumers. But in return we can expect greater availability of things like soap and diapers, and possible shipping delays when it comes to less pressing items like clothing or electronics.
↦ FYI: It's nearly impossible for the virus to pass from a cardboard box to you. But, to be safe, wash your hands immediately after you open any package.
José Andrés Is Opening Community Kitchens
The chef’s shuttered restaurants will offer to-go meals for people in need
Time and time again, following one disaster after another, José Andrés has been on the ground when disaster strikes to calm frayed nerves and offer both answers and comfort food for hungry people.
Following Haiti's massive earthquakes in 2010, he founded the World Central Kitchen, a coalition of chefs to assist in relief efforts to places in need. They were there in Puerto Rico, in the Bahamas, even in Washington during the partial government shutdown.
Now, the Michelin-starred chef is is transforming eight of his acclaimed restaurants in New York City and Washington, DC into community kitchens for those who are struggling to make ends meet in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, reports the Washington Post.
The to-go only meals cost $7 for guests who can afford it (and free for those who can't), and the entry line will space people safely six feet apart. Andrés poignantly reminded everyone, "In this moment, loving each other means staying away from each other. Each of us has a responsibility to act for others, not just ourselves."
Other Things We’re Talking About Today
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Let’s Read a Book
We’ve got recommendations for the best new titles and classics
Now is the time to crack a book. We're not going anywhere ... maybe for a while. If you're like me, you've been meaning to read more. Did you know that reading (and reading fiction particularly) is scientifically proven to make you a better person? It is.
Besides, there's only so much bad TV you can stream to make yourself feel better. A good book will transport you out of this current mess, if only for a bit. I'll be starting with a book I bought with the best of intentions a few months ago, which has been sitting on my nightstand, unopened, ever since.
But I'm ready for some quality reading time about now. And I bet you are too. To help get you started, the Valet. team has rounded up some of the latest titles on our radar, along with classics that are always worth revisiting.
↦ FYI: When you read a book, your attention becomes focused on the story and your stress levels are reduced by up to 68%.
What We’re Buying
Honestly, when it comes to sleek, minimal and functional design, who does it better than the Japanese? Yamazaki, often referred to as the Ikea of Japan, offers everything you need and nothing you don't. Case in point: this handsome side table/nightstand the combines black steel and natural wood with sleek storage. Huckberry is selling it (with free shipping) along with a tidy selection of other Yamazaki items at a discount.
↦ Get It $95 / $79.98 at Huckberry
Special Promotion
Why settle for just one scent? The Motley’s handcrafted cologne collection features six mini bottles that are poured in Los Angeles—each one taking sensory inspiration from locations around the world. From the fresh, citrusy notes of the Mediterranean coast to the smoky, sensuous aromas of the Middle East, there’s a cologne to fit every mood or occasion. It’s your own personal fragrance minibar and a great way to find a new unique scent.
↦ Get It The Motley cologne collection
Today’s Deals
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Morning Motto
Keep it clean ...
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