The Daily Valet. - 4/13/21, Tuesday

✔️ About Last Night

April 13, 2021

Tuesday, April 13th Edition

Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief of Valet.

Ramadan Kareem to all my Muslim friends and readers.

Cory Ohlendorf, Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf

Today’s edition is presented by

Today’s Big Story

Another Night of Unrest

Minnesota killing adds to the anger, and the stakes, as Chauvin trial nears its end

Police fired tear gas and stun grenades Monday night as a crowd gathered for a second night to protest the killing of a Black man by a police officer in the Minneapolis suburb of Brooklyn Center.

Protesters were “launching bottles, fireworks, bricks and other projectiles at public safety officials,” according to Operation Safety Net, a joint effort of local entities to ensure the safety of the public during the trial of Derek Chauvin, which is being held about 10 miles away.

The officer who fatally shot 20-year-old Daunte Wright during a traffic stop mistakenly confused her gun for a Taser, police officials said on Monday, quickly releasing body-cam footage as they tried to ease tensions in a state already on edge. In the footage, after Wright struggles with police in his car, an officer can be heard saying “Holy s--t. I just shot him.”

Apprehension over the potential fallout from the Chauvin verdict, which is likely to come this month, had already reached considerable heights. Minneapolis is still grappling with the chaos that erupted following the killing of George Floyd last year. The city’s center is locked down because of the trial of Chauvin, who is accused of Floyd’s death. Local officials have said they are spending $1 million on security, bringing in waves of law enforcement and erecting fences topped with barbed wire.

The Minneapolis Police Conduct Oversight Commission questioned why Wright—who the police said was stopped for driving a vehicle with an expired registration—would have been pulled over at all, during such a tense time for the area.

An autopsy revealed that Wright died from a single shot to the chest. The killing caused an immediate outcry across the state, with protests and looting—and recognition by President Biden, who called for an investigation. “We do know that the anger, pain and trauma amidst the Black community is real,” he said at the White House. “In the meantime, I want to make it clear again: There’s no justification—none—for looting or violence. Peaceful protest? Understandable.”

↦ DIG Deeper: What is the ‘police Bill of Rights’ and why is its repeal a victory for social justice?

Disney’s Got a Real Lightsaber Patent

And here’s how it works

Disney is not only one of the world's largest entertainment companies, apparently, it is also now a leader in experimental weapons tech, if reports are to be believed.

During an exclusive press conference, the company showed off what many are claiming is a working lightsaber. Well, “working” as in it appears and retracts quickly, not like it can actually burn through anything. The catch is though, nobody outside this event has seen it—and Disney is in no rush to show the Star Wars item off.

But the clever minds at The Verge have pieced together some clues, and have examined a recent patent for a “sword device with retractable, internally illuminated blade.”

Then VR developer Ben Ridout explained and illustrated the concept, likening it to a basic tape measure design: “Imagine connecting two tape measures together so each tape faces in on each other when they are extended. Connect the ends of the tapes with a circular cap.” And there you have it.

↦ FYI: No word whether it’ll be a prop for actors in Disney Parks or a very cool, but overpriced toy.

Partner

Spring is in the air, and we're ready for some new clothes. Upgrade your basics, so they're not so … basic.

The Robot Dog Is Getting Around

Boston Dynamics’ Spot really can do a lot

We've all seen the spooky videos of Spot, the quadruped robot built by Boston Dynamics, opening doors and generally making us think of the dystopian future where we run from robot overloads.

The company, however, is keen on distancing its products from military applications for obvious reasons. But France's foremost military school, École Spéciale Militaire de Saint-Cyr, has announced a recent combat training exercise utilizing the robot in offensive operations.

But in a less terrifying turn, YouTuber Michael Reeves got his hands on one, and of all the things he could've done with it, he turned it into a beer-whizzing robo-dog. He actually wrote some code to make Spot recognize an empty cup on the floor, position itself over it, and spray beer into it.

Of course, the saddest development is that another turn a handful of these robots, don't dance or act like dogs. They've gotten thankless warehouse jobs.

Are British Pubs Really Dying?

2,500 have closed up shop in the past year

There was a lot of chatter on Monday about the death of the English pub as establishments welcomed back customers after three months of strict lockdowns. But that doesn't necessarily mean a return to normal.

You can't just stroll in anymore like you used to. You can't order from the bar. According to InsideHook, pubs were forced to transform into table-service restaurants, and it's likely they'll remain this way after lockdown.

Meanwhile, an estimated 2,500 pubs throughout England closed down in 2020. Like the famous eateries and bars of New York City or California's movie theaters, no institution is pandemic-proof.

For those that have survived, the social distancing restrictions mean that businesses that open will only be able to make 60% of their usual sales until the lockdown ends completely—which won't happen before June 21. It's a shame, really ... especially when so many of us could use a drink.

↦ FYI: As of December 31, 2020, 28% of British adults stated that they visited a pub once a fortnight for food and drinks. (A fortnight is England's word for two weeks.)

In Other News

↦ Your True Crime Obsession Could Be Hurting Your Mental Health

↦ Inside the ‘Jeopardy!’ Guest Host Rotation

↦ Uber CEO Says Company Could Get Into Cannabis Delivery

Other Things We’re Talking About Today

Reinvention

This super skin care ingredient

Tesla’s juvenile humor

Partner

Back to Basics

A foolproof list of wardrobe essentials

Spring is in the air, shots are going into arms and we’re ready for some new clothes. But that doesn't mean we're abandoning the pieces that we know and love. It does, however, mean we might be due for a refresh of the classics in our wardrobe. Those infallible garms that never let you down. Invest in those because they're the pieces we wear and love the most. When you spend on quality, even the simplest item has a way of making you look like a guy with great style. Sturdy chinos, an old school sweatshirt and a chambray button-down—paired with either sneakers or suede Birks, depending on the vibe or the setting—these are the upgraded essentials you need right now.

Your Spring Basics

Clockwise, from top left:Clubmaster square-frame sunglasses, $150 by Ray-Ban; Aros cotton-drill chinos, $195 by Norse Projects; Loopback sweatshirt, $130 by Reigning Champ; OG Old Skool LK canvas sneakers, $75 by Vans; Cotton-jersey tee, $75 by Mr P.; Arizona oiled-leather sandals, $125 by Birkenstocks; Chambray shirt, $270 by Officine Générale and Japanese knitted cotton-blend socks, $65 (for 3-pack) by Mr P.

↦ Shop: Spring wardrobe essentials at MR PORTER

What We’re Buying

Drew Barrymore Flower Home Wood Lean Mirror

A quick and easy interior design trick to make a room appear larger is to add a mirror. The optical illusion adds depth to a wall, making it feel like you've got more space. This wood framed mirror has a modern, yet warm, look and stands nearly six feet tall—making it ideal for fit pics or a final check before you head out the door. Plus, now it's on sale and ships for free.

↦ Get It: $149 / $125 by Flower Home