The Daily Valet. - 4/5/21, Monday
✔️ A Coming Wave?
Monday, April 5th Edition
Mondays are better with leftover Easter candy, right?
Cory Ohlendorf, Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Today’s edition is presented by
Today’s Big Story
A Fourth Wave?
Experts seem to disagree
When it comes to the data, there’s good news and bad news: After weeks of decline, the average number of new coronavirus infections reported each day is higher than it’s been in a month. But the U.S. set a new daily record for number of vaccines administered on Saturday, with more than four million doses given—bringing the seven-day average to more than three million a day.
And even as highly contagious virus variants spread, several state leaders are relaxing safety precautions. If this sounds familiar, it’s because we’ve seen this pattern before. Only this time, the country’s leading epidemiologists disagree about what to call our current situation: Are we on the cusp of a “fourth wave”? Or are we finally seeing the last gasps of a crisis in its 14th month?
Politics may not drive science but it can definitely drive what science the politicians call attention to. More contagious COVID variants have become the hook for reinforcing a social-distancing message that the public is understandably tired of hearing.
Michael T. Osterholm, an adviser to President Biden’s coronavirus task force, said on NBC’s Meet the Press that the next two weeks will bring “the highest number of cases reported globally since the beginning of the pandemic.”
At the same time, former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb told CBS News’ Face the Nation, that young people were driving new coronavirus outbreaks in many states, but that vaccination efforts should prevent a true surge.
“We really need to keep fighting for a few weeks,” a respected disease modeler tells NPR. “We see that light at the end of the tunnel and it’s just a matter of keeping things together for a few more weeks. It’s a matter of choice at this point.”
↦ FYI: There’s also a theory that if COVID is only effecting the young and restless, it might help turn the virus into something we can actually live with.
The Final Four’s Final Game
Is Gonzaga vs. Baylor a historically great national championship matchup?
If something felt wrong about penciling in the Gonzaga Bulldogs and Baylor Bears for the national championship of your 2021 March Madness bracket back on Selection Sunday, it's only because the NCAA tournament has traditionally given us so many surprises.
It couldn't have been because anyone doubted the abilities of the Zags or Bears—the nation's best two teams back in November—who finally get to meet for the national championship tonight in Indianapolis.
ESPN says this feels somewhat unique because we're watching a matchup that could have been played last year if the NCAA tournament had not been canceled. Since Nov. 8, 2019, Baylor has lost just five games. Gonzaga has lost two during that stretch.
“There is one game left in the men's college basketball season, and it is indisputably perfect,” writes The Ringer. “We love upsets in this sport, but a championship game like this is rarer—and better—than pretty much any upset.”
↦ Meanwhile: Stanford won the N.C.A.A. women’s basketball title for the first time in 29 years.
Partner
Working remotely can be tough on your body. A few simple stretches can sort you out and give you a much-needed boost of energy.
All Eyes on Georgia
Again ... there’s mounting pressure on both sides of the political spectrum
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp criticized Major League Baseball on Saturday for announcing to move its All-Star game outside the state due to opposition to its new elections law.
President Joe Biden supported the move. Former President Barack Obama praised it. Kemp said MLB “caved to the fears and lies of liberal activists” by moving the game away from Atlanta's Truist Park.
MLB has not yet announced which city will host the 2021 All-Star Game on July 13. But former President Donald Trump suggested those upset about MLB's move should boycott baseball and the any “woke companies” that have taken a stand against the law.
And in case you're wondering what's exactly in the controversial law, the New York Times analyzed the 98-page law and identified 16 key provisions that will limit ballot access, potentially confuse or dissuade voters and shift power from the Secretary of State to the state legislature.
Here Comes the Hummer EV SUV
It can drive diagonally, with an impressive 300 mile range
Last year, LeBron James introduced GMC's revived (and newly electrified) Hummer at Super Bowl 2020, and he returned for the supertruck's electric SUV debut over the weekend.
With a significantly shorter wheelbase than a standard pickup, this should deliver even better off-road performance thanks to its smaller size. Not to mention, features like Crab Walk, which can let the Hummer rotate all four wheels to drive diagonally at low speeds. And Extract Mode, which can use the air suspension system to lift the entire vehicle six inches off the ground to get over large obstacles.
Hummer SUV production is slated to begin in early 2023, with the vehicle going on sale for the 2024 model year. But reservations can be made online now. There will be more information available later today, when the vehicle has its official unveiling.
GM retired the Hummer brand in 2010. At the time, the boxy behemoth had become a symbol for pre-financial-crisis excess that was made famous by its inclusion in rap videos and television shows like The Sopranos and Entourage. But once the global recession hit, and fuel prices stared to rise, Hummer sales dropped and the vehicle was shelved.
In Other News
Other Things We’re Talking About Today
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Partner
Stretching Is a WFH Essential
Loosen up or suffer the consequences later
When you're working remotely—even in the best home offices—you'll likely notice that your body feels a bit different. That's because prolonged sitting sessions can wreak havoc on your body. You tighten your hip flexors while slumping your shoulders and your posture pays the price. But if you start to incorporate a few vital stretches into your daily routine, not only will you feel the difference but you'll start to notice positive changes in your body too.
According to the American Council on Exercise, stretching has been found to enhance athletic performance, while decreasing stress levels and improving blood flow and circulation. By minimizing wear and tear on your joints, you'll boost your muscular function, reducing your risk of injury. So give yourself a mid-day break, pull on some new performance gear and stretch yourself out. We've got some suggestions or do whatever feels good. A little stretching goes a long way.
Our At-Home Stretching Kit
Metal Vent Tech 2.0 melange stretch-jersey tee, $90 by Lululemon
Santal body lotion, $70 by Le Labo
Reversible yoga mat, $70 by Lululemon
Stride 2-in-1 flex and mesh Dri-Fit shorts, $55 by Nike Running
Utility camouflage-print Dri-FIT therma tights, $70 by Nike Training
TechLoom slides, $100 by APL Athletic Propulsion Labs
↦ Shop: Exercise gear at MR PORTER
What We’re Buying
When we're all itching to spend more time outdoors these days, a light breathable layer is key. And who better than The North Face to provide you with a durable piece that will get you through anything? Cut from lightweight recycled polyester fleece, the four-button placket allows for easy on-and-off action while the classic styling will pair comfortably with anything from shorts and chinos to track pants.
↦ Get It: $59 / $35.40 at Nordstrom
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Morning Motto
Mind over matter ...
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That’s all for today...
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