The Daily Valet. - 5/18/23, Thursday
✔️ Can This Really Last?
Thursday, May 18th Edition
By Cory Ohlendorf, Valet. Editor
What is it about the way old books smell? There’s actually some science behind the attraction.
Today’s Big Story
Montana Bans TikTok
It becomes the first u.S. State to completely outlaw the video-sharing app
Is this the first domino? Or just more of a stunt that won't go anywhere? The governor of Montana, Greg Gianforte, signed a bill on Wednesday to ban TikTok from operating inside the state. It's the most extreme prohibition of the app in the nation and one that will almost certainly be challenged in court.Lawyers from organizations like the ACLU of Montana have already announced their opposition. There's some time for the legal wrangling too. The ban doesn't officially take effect until January 1, 2024.The new rules in Montana will have more far-reaching effects than TikTok bans already in place on government-issued devices in nearly half the states and the U.S. federal government. There are 200,000 TikTok users in Montana as well as 6,000 businesses that use the video-sharing platform, according to company spokesperson Jamal Brown.According to the New York Times, the legislation prohibits mobile app stores, like those run by Apple and Google, from offering TikTok within the state. A trade group funded by Apple and Google has said in recent months that it is impossible for the companies to prevent access to TikTok in a single state. But under this new legislation, the app could face fines if it continues operating in the state, as could Apple and Google if they allow people to download the app.But can they really enforce this? Would Montanans be able to drive across state lines to download TikTok (like buying elicit fireworks)? Cybersecurity experts say that, other than avoiding the fine, there's nothing incentivizing the companies involved to comply and it will be extremely difficult—if not impossible—to adequately enforce the law.
Meanwhile:
TikTok just launched a new fund for mental health organizations in honor of May's Mental Health Awareness Month.
Record Heat Is on the Way
The Planet is likely to see hottest year on record in next 5 years, the U.N. warns
There is a 66% probability that global average surface temperatures will exceed the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C target in the next five years, the U.N.'s World Meteorological Organization warned Wednesday. The new report, which is based on computer modeling and climate forecasters' input, also concludes it's a near certainty that one of those years will be the warmest on record.Why does that matter? Well, even small increases in warming can exacerbate the dangers from heat waves, wildfires, drought and other disasters, scientists say. Elevated global temperatures in 2021 helped fuel a heat wave in the Pacific Northwest that shattered local records and killed hundreds of people.The WMO cites the likely occurrence of El Niño as one reason for the high odds, because it would boost already elevated global average surface temperatures. For example, the current record-holder for the warmest year is 2016—which coincided with a strong El Niño. And, as one climate scientist told the Associated Press, because of that shift, “where there were floods before, there will be droughts and where there were droughts before there might be floods.”
Currently:
A deadly combo of extreme heat and air pollution has gripped parts of Southeast Asia.
We have seen batters attempt to induce pitchers to violate the pitch timer regulations by creating the appearance that they are in the batter’s box and alert to the pitcher with more than eight seconds remaining on the clock when, in actuality, they have not fully entered the batter’s box.”
- The MLB memo on the sport's new trickery
Libraries Look to Build Relevance
they're taking to social media to find community
I might be admitting to being a little nerdy growing up, but I loved the library when I was a kid. It had all the magazines I couldn't afford to subscribe to, endless opportunities to discover new things and as long as I had that card, I could check out whatever I wanted. So I'll always support this as a public good. And, it turns out, they need our help.As state governments encroach on educational freedoms and nationwide book ban attempts reach record highs, defunding efforts are also threatening the stability of local libraries. Thankfully, social media engagement efforts are working to convince Americans that these public resources are vital.In an attempt to reach younger audiences and establish themselves as a viable “third space” for teens and young adults, libraries are looking to trend on TikTok, reports Mashable. Savvy library workers are using socials to show off what modern libraries offer local citizens, including the ability to check out things like 3D printers. They definitely didn't have that when I was a curious kid.
FYI:
Author Salman Rushdie just spoke out against the “extraordinary attack” on children’s literature and “the idea of libraries themselves” in the U.S.
Clear Sound
Beats’ Translucent Studio Buds+ Are a Nod to Apple’s Most Iconic iMac
The Beats by Dre brand often seems to get treated like the kid brother at Apple, but no longer. The new Beats Studio Buds+ introduced on Thursday have been given an extra shot of style, thanks to a new transparent design that harkens back to the sharp, see-through iMac G3 of the early aughts.Are translucent personal electronics coming back? First it was the Nothing brand and now this. And it's a good thing you can see into the casing, since these earbuds have been completely redesigned on the inside with almost all new components, reports CNET.Gear Patrol calls them “major internal upgrades” over the standard Studio Buds. These improvements begin with bigger and better mics and (up to) 1.6x times more noise-canceling functionality. This provides a more immersive listening experience, complemented by the Dolby Atmos spatial audio. Two active noise-canceling listening modes allow users to personalize their listening experience further.
Meanwhile:
A former Apple engineer allegedly stole the entire source code of the company's self-driving project.
In Other News
But the billion-dollar Patriot air defense system is still intact.
Have you heard about ...
How to Prevent Ingrown Hairs
And how to treat them if they pop up
Any man who’s suffered from ingrown hairs will know what a pain in the neck they can be—literally. Caused when a hair curls back under the skin and begins growing sideways, they can lead to irritation, inflammation and unsightly bumps.Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to prevent them. And in the unfortunate event that you find yourself suffering from one, here's how to treat it fast, according to grooming experts and dermatologists.
Smooth:
Shopping
What We’re Buying
A Rugged Italian-made watch
You don't want to mess with the well-tested concept of a basic tool watch by adding too much to it. Their simplicity is a virtue and the team at Huckberry understands that. Their new collaboration with Italy's Unimatic retains everything you love about the brand's watches while giving it just enough twist to make it feel unique. Limited to just 75 pieces of each colorway and individually numbered, these handsome U4-S watches are inspired by the colors and textures found in nature. The dial is textured, the stainless steel case is sandblasted for a ruggedly refined appearance and the Swiss-made Sellita SW200-1 movement is reliable and self-winding.
Get It:
U4S-HG “Redwood” watch, $1,057 by Unimatic x Huckberry
Morning Motto
Let’s strive for wisdom.
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