The Daily Valet. - 5/31/23, Wednesday
✔️ This Is a Surprising Connection
Wednesday, May 31st Edition
By Cory Ohlendorf, Valet. Editor
What’s the first game you hit when you get to the casino? Mine is roulette.
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Today’s Big Story
Allergies Are on the Rise
The warm weather pollen boost is getting longer and has more serious consequences
Feeling sneezy and a little dopey? You're not alone. Estimates are that between 30 to 40% of the world's population now have some form of allergies. And medical anthropologist Theresa MacPhail tells NPR that allergic reactions—including everything from hay fever to eczema and asthma—are growing in the U.S. and around the world.MacPhail is an associate professor of science and technology studies at Stevens Institute of Technology. In her new book, Allergic: Our Irritated Bodies in a Changing World, she explores some of the theories behind the rise in allergies—including the theory that excessive emphasis on hygiene (and perhaps even showering) can contribute to the development of sensitivities.But it's not just us. Allergy seasons are becoming more intense and lasting longer, in part due to climate change. Warmer temperatures are fueling longer and more intense pollen seasons, studies have found. If those trends continue, places that typically have short or less intense allergy seasons could see them extend, experts predict. That means that spring's allergy season (which typically wraps up in early June) could stretch into the summer. And the fall allergy season, when ragweed pollinates, might now begin in August too, instead of September. It doesn't give those suffering much of a break, does it?And we're not just talking about the requisite sneezing, watery eyes, scratchy throat and coughing. The suffering often disrupts sleep and makes people feel more tired and groggy, says a Harvard Medical School allergist. “Plus, your body can become weaker as it fights the inflammation triggered by allergies, contributing to overall fatigue and making it harder to concentrate and focus.”What's more, a growing body of scientific studies now suggests that allergens could play a role in our mental health and mood disorders. For instance, if someone is allergic to tree pollen, and that pollen reaches the membranes lining the nose, it prompts the immune system to release a cocktail of substances that can create inflammation in the body's airways and brain. And those chemicals activate areas of the brain that regulate depression and anxiety. So we're not just talking about an annoying stuffy nose here.
Mythbusters:
Avoid these four bad pieces of allergy advice going around social media.
Debt Limit Deal Moves Forward
Despite a growing Republican opposition, which has promised a “reckoning”
The bipartisan deal to suspend the federal debt ceiling passed its first test Tuesday night, gaining approval from the Republican-led House Rules Committee and setting up a vote later today in the full chamber. The win came despite a rebellion by hard-right Republicans who said the party was squandering a chance to force fundamental changes in government spending.According to Axios, the House GOP's remarkable unity has been the story of this Congress so far. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has successfully navigated “one of the narrowest majorities in U.S. history, tamping down rebellions and defying his doubters at virtually every turn—until now.”However, McCarthy continued to express optimism that the legislation would pass, shrugging off any criticism and even fending off challenges to his leadership. Meanwhile, Biden is sending top White House officials to meet early this morning at the Capitol to shore up support ahead of voting. If the bill is passed by the House, it would then need to be approved by the Democratic-controlled Senate before the Treasury Department's deadline of Monday to avert a “calamitous default.”
FYI:
Even with this deal, the nation's budget deficit is still a multi-decade challenge for the U.S. government.
Partner
Treat your old man to the kind of no-nonsense grooming products that you yourself swear by. Because there's no better feeling than when your skin looks and feels its best, right?
Vegas Really Is Taking More of Your Money
The odds of winning big just went down
Las Vegas is stacking the deck, so to speak, in a bid to cater more exclusively to high rollers amid a flood of visitors to the gaming mecca. What that means is that casinos on the Strip are making it costlier to play and harder to win.According to a new report by the Wall Street Journal, it now takes more cash to play at many game tables. Making matters worse, payouts are lower for winning blackjack hands. And bets on some roulette wheels—my personal game of choice—are now riskier. In addition to smaller winnings, the costs associated with a Vegas trip have gone up. Prices for everything from hotel rooms to concerts to restaurants have surged in recent years.But so far, tourists haven't been deterred. Las Vegas Strip casinos took in nearly $8.3 billion in gambling revenue last year, a record that exceeded pre-pandemic revenue by more than 25%, according to state regulators. As Fortune puts it, the city is so awash in revenue, they can be picky with the kind of gamblers they want.
Dig Deeper:
The documentary film, Inside The Edge, offers a glimpse into the world of elite blackjack players as they take on casinos for millions.
2023 NBA Finals Predictions
Here's what to expect from the Nuggets-Heat showdown
The top-seeded Denver Nuggets are headed to their first NBA Finals in franchise history and will face the surprising eighth-seeded Miami Heat, who have surged back to the Finals via the play-in tournament.According to ESPN, Denver has plenty of momentum after plowing through LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers with a four-game sweep in the Western Conference finals. But by the time Game 1 tips off tomorrow night at Ball Arena, the Nuggets will have been off for 10 days. Some are wondering ... is that too much rest?If so, do the Heat have a chance to become the first No. 8 seed to win a title? CBS Sports says of course they do, even if their predictions all lean towards Denver. Of course, if I was a betting man, I'd put money on the Nuggets too. They're absolutely dialed in every aspect of the game right now, plus they're led by arguably the best player in the world, Nikola Jokic. But I don't know if I feel like gambling any time soon.
Score:
When a player hits a three-point shot during any of the matchups, Chipotle will drop a text-to-win code on Twitter, giving away up to 10,500 meals each game.
In Other News
It was supposed to put Pyongyang's first spy satellite into orbit.
Have you heard about ...
Partner
Upgrade His Grooming Routine
Lumin has what you need to treat your old man
Dads aren't typically the fussy type. But that doesn't mean they don't like looking their best. Which is why you should treat your old man to the kind of no-nonsense grooming products that you yourself swear by. Because there's no better feeling than when your skin looks and feels its best, right? Lumin is a California-based brand that was developed in South Korea (a country famed for their cutting-edge skincare and cosmetics). We've pulled some of their best-sellers, like their moisturizer and face cleanser, to consider gifting your old man, so he doesn't feel, well, so old. Plus, use the code 10VALET for 10% off sitewide.
Instant Redness Corrector, $10 / $9
Instant Dark Circle Corrector, $19 / $17.10
Dark Circle Defense Balm, $29 / $26.10
Charcoal Face Wash Daily Detox, $16 / $14.40
Anti-Fatigue Essentials Bundle, $76.50 / $68.85
Ultra-Hydrating Moisturizing Balm, $29 / $26.10
Want more ideas?
Shopping
What We’re Buying
A powerbank
Summertime is full of excellent weather and traveling. This powerpack can charge everything from your phone, tablet or laptop—ensuring everything is juiced up while on the road.
Get It:
Charge powerbank, $80 / $60 by BioLite
Morning Motto
Not everyone needs to get it.
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