The Daily Valet. - 4/21/21, Wednesday

✔️ "A Milestone"

Wednesday, April 21st Edition

Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief of Valet.

Accountability is the word of the day.

Cory Ohlendorf, Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf

Today’s Big Story

Chauvin Is Guilty

Convicted of murdering George Floyd on all three counts

Derek Chauvin was convicted on Tuesday of murdering George Floyd, becoming the rare police officer convicted of murder for killing someone while on duty. Reuters called it a milestone and “a rebuke of law enforcement’s treatment of Black Americans.”

A 12-member jury found Chauvin, 45, guilty of all three charges of second-degree murder, third-degree murder and manslaughter in just 10 hours of deliberation—after testimony from 45 witnesses, including bystanders, police officials and medical experts.

The verdit, experts said, was due to an overwhelming case presented by prosecutors, who sought to fully sever Chauvin from policing, the job he held for nearly two decades. And Chauvin’s defense couldn’t overcome the trial’s centerpiece: video shot by a 17-year-old that contradicted the original police report.

After the decision was announced, crowds across the country celebrated, honking car horns, streaming through the streets with signs of Floyd’s face and breaking down in tears. But the joy was tinged with the realization that much work remains to be done to bring about lasting change.

“It was a murder in the full light of day and it ripped the blinders off for the whole world to see the systemic racism,” President Joe Biden said in televised remarks. “This can be a giant step forward in the march toward justice in America.”

Chauvin could now face up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced in about two months. While the system has long given leeway to police officers who use violence to subdue civilians, the jurors found that he crossed the line and used excessive force.

↦ In Photos: Across the country, the Associated Press documented tears, joy and calls for change.

How About That Apple Event?

The products being talked about today

After years of rumors, Apple officially announced its accessory for tracking things like keys, wallets and bags through the same “Find My” app you already use today to track your various devices when you lose them in the couch or leave them somewhere. (Personally, I like that you can have them engraved.)

The updated iPad Pro includes some changes in response to the challenges of pandemic life but may not be right for your pandemic budget. A new ultrawide front-facing camera has the ability to zoom and pan as you move around during video calls. (This function, the Washington Post says, is playing catch up to Facebook's Portal and Amazon's Echo Show.)

The brand also updated the Apple TV remote, but it seems most people are talking about the completely redesigned iMac that recalls the old candy-colors of the '90s. It's really thin, has a big screen, a 1080p FaceTime camera, and comes in seven different colors. It also includes with a new wireless keyboard with integrated Touch ID for authentication.

↦ Good News: Another newsworthy announcement? Apple TV+'s beloved Ted Lasso returns for season two in July.

Venmo Now Lets You Trade Crypto

The app supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin

After introducing cryptocurrency payment methods to its users back in March, PayPal is now driving its subsidiary Venmo towards the world of blockchain as well—launching a new service that'll allow members to purchase and trade cryptocurrencies directly on the app.

Starting today, Venmo will support trading for the four main cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin as well as Bitcoin Cash. On top of just buying and selling, the app will also provide guides for users to learn more about the crypto world.

The payment company hopes that this new initiative "demystifies some of the common questions and misconceptions that consumers may have," Darrell Esch, senior vice president and general manager at Venmo, said in a statement.

Bitcoin and other digital currencies have surged in price in 2021, but according to CNBC, not everyone is sold. Skeptical economists view it as a bubble waiting to burst.

↦ FYI: With more than 70 million users, Venmo is one of the most popular digital payment services in the U.S.

‘Vaxed & Waxed’ Is Summer’s Motto

But experts warn about the coming danger

In 2019 we said “Hot Girl Summer,” in 2020 we said “Stay Home, Wear Masks.” As fully vaccinated people plan to emerge from quarantine to safely reconnect with friends, family and beloved pre-coronavirus activities, the people have spoken—and “Vaxed and Waxed” is 2021's summer motto.

People are tweeting the phrase, sharing the vibe with group chats, and adding it to their dating app bios to let everyone know that not only are they fully vaccinated but they're ready to have some fun.

As writer Erin Taylor so eloquently put it: “CDC announced I can finally get railed again.” But before you start making up for lost time, let me kill your buzz, ever so slightly. Medical experts are actually bracing for a spike in sexually transmitted infections.

Just like more than half of COVID-19 cases are spread by people with no symptoms, many STIs—including chlamydia, gonorrhea and HPV—spread asymptomatically. So doctors hope you think of safe play like your mask. It's not as comfortable, sure, but it allows you to go out and have fun.

In Other News

↦ Tesla Is Just Asking to Be Investigated

↦ U.S. Will Boost ‘Do Not Travel’ Advisories to 80% of the World

↦ A 1998 Subaru Just Sold for a Jaw-Dropping $312,555. Here’s Why.

Other Things We’re Talking About Today

Mads Mikkelsen

Jumping rope

An old, funny Batman returns

This Summer: Sky’s Out, Thighs Out

Men haven’t been skipping leg day during quarantine

Pull off the pandemic sweats and let your legs really breathe. Because the topic of men's shorts has suddenly become very serious.

Why? Because they're getting shorter, seemingly by the day. First, the TikTok Teens had us believing that a five-inch inseam is the only length that matters.

But then guys started raising the bar—or rather, the inseam—with vintage Umbros like the ones sported by guys like Paul Mescal. And earlier this month, Milo Ventimiglia got everyone's attention with these very short shorts.

The New York Post called the thigh and shorts combo “dangerous” while People dubbed his legs “impressive.” Vox called it a vision for Thigh Guy Summer—which may embolden men who have been squatting and dead-lifting this entire pandemic to go shorter and offer up their legs for public appreciation. I'm up for it. Who's with me?

What We’re Buying

Noah is a brand that's as cool as it is conscientious. The New York label pledges 1% of its annual sales to grassroots environmental nonprofits, and is making recycled cotton feel like a luxury item. This week, when you purchase two of their recycled cotton tees, you get a third one for free with the code 1FREE. The fabric of these tees is soft-wearing while maintaining a slightly textured hand. And while they're not cheap, the code breaks down to about $32 a tee—not a bad deal at all.

↦ Get It: $52 at Noah