The Daily Valet. - 6/25/21, Friday

✔️ In Theory

Friday, June 25th Edition

Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief of Valet.

Warning: this newsletter may encourage snacking later.

Cory Ohlendorf, Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf

Today’s edition is presented by

Today’s Big Story

Critical Race Theory

Why you’re hearing so much about it lately and why Americans are so divided over it

Have you been hearing a lot about Critical race theory lately? CRT—often a graduate-level framework examining how the legacy of slavery and segregation in America is embedded in its legal systems and policies—has become the source of a political flashpoint across the country.

Especially when it comes to how to teach young people about race, justice and equity in America, reports NPR. The concept has been around for more than 40 years, according to Education Week, but it has become a major programming theme in conservative media only in recent months.

Over the past six months, Republicans in more than two dozen states have proposed bills that aim to stop educational discussions about race, racism, and systemic oppression in the U.S.—potentially eliminating the conversations altogether. And on Thursday, Texas Republican Sen. Ted Cruz introduced a bill that would ban federal funding to any recipient who teaches critical race theory during workplace training.

Even though court experts told Vox that many of these bills are likely to be shot down on free speech grounds, hysteria around the term “critical race theory” has already caused chaos in local school boards, parent organizations and for educators who want to teach students all of American history—even parts about systemic oppression that may cause discomfort.

What is critical race theory exactly? According to the Washington Post, it’s an academic framework centered on the idea that racism is systemic, and not just demonstrated by individual people with prejudices. The theory holds that racial inequality is woven into legal systems and negatively affects people of color in their schools, doctors’ offices, the criminal justice system and countless other parts of life.

One sociologist told The Hill that the Republican party’s arguments seem to be less about the theory itself, and more about simply discussing race and American history. “But not teaching race in American history is revisionist,” she says. “It takes courage to teach hard, uncomfortable history.”

↦ FYI: Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, issued a passionate explanation to lawmakers this week about why members of the military are taught critical race theory.

Snacks on the Horizon

Industry insights and trend predictions from the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo

The National Confectioners Association has identified four top trends on display at the 2021 Sweets & Snacks Expo, being held this week in Indianapolis, Indiana.

This convention is where the top candy and snack companies showcase their newest products and if we are what we eat, then how we snack certainly says something about us.

According to one trade publication, as consumers focus more on their health, companies continue to develop smaller pack sizes containing 200 calories or less. Functional ingredients are popular as well: antioxidant blueberries, mood-elevating flowers and vitamin-rich mushrooms. And after a year locked away inside, tropical flavors will also be abundant.

The Takeout reports that snackers should expect excitement in their foods: international-flavored potato chips, multi-textured gummies (like the Nerds Gummy Clusters, which just won Best In Show at this year's Expo), new hybrid flavors like pink pineapple (sweeter than the original, with a slight fermented note), and a smelly sticker called a Tasty Tab that you stick on top of a can of soda so that the aroma enhances the flavor of what you're drinking.

Partner

Don't fall for bad protein bars. You don't want the ones loaded with too much sugar and not enough nutrients. You want these.

Self-Healing Concrete?

Adding an enzyme found in your blood gives concrete regenerative powers

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute developed a self-healing concrete that could extend the life of concrete-based structures, eliminating the need for expensive repairs or replacements.

Concrete has a massive carbon footprint, so technologies that boost its performance and enable it to last longer could have profound benefits for the environment.

Tiny cracks that form in concrete might not pose an immediate problem, but as water gets in and the rupture spreads it can lead to trouble. This self-healing concrete can intervene in this process while the cracks are still tiny.

The scientists took inspiration from how the human body processes carbon dioxide. Using the same enzyme that transfers CO2 from cells into the blood stream, when it's added to concrete powder, it helps the material turn CO2 in the atmosphere into calcium carbonate crystals to seal cracks.

↦ FYI: If the concrete industry was a country, it would be the third largest climate polluter in the world.

A Weekend Pairing

F9 + a Sidecar Cocktail

Even in a seemingly endless sequel-happy era, not many movie series reach nine entries. According to AV Club, the Fast & Furious vehicle has been rebuilt, re-customized, and re-polished multiple times over the past two decades, with that B-movie engine remaining as its only original part. Well, that and Vin Diesel.

The latest film takes an unexpected turn with a cerebral examination of street crime ... okay, not really. F9 looks like it will continue the pattern the series has followed for years: adding cast members and going for bigger (and louder) moments of vehicular mayhem—including at least one promised scene in space. Will this bring vaxxed crowds back to theaters? It looks like it's really going to try.

↦ Your Pairing:What better to pair with a show full of gearheads than a classic Sidecar cocktail? Liquor.com has a recipe from Hyde Sunset Kitchen + Cocktails in Los Angeles for a Honey Sidecar, which adds a little more depth to the easy-to-make citrus and cognac tipple.

In Other News

↦ Here’s What’s Included in the Infrastructure Deal That Biden Struck With Senators

↦ Many Feared Dead After Florida Beachfront Condo Collapses

↦ For Just $125,000, You Too Can Take a Balloon Ride to Space

Other Things We’re Talking About Today

Shower mistakes

‘Sexy Beasts’

These rugged slides

Partner

Protein Bars That Cover All Your Bases

IQBAR is a no-worry snack that delivers everything you need

There's a reason why protein bars are so popular. They're convenient and satisfying and (hopefully) offer you plenty of nutrition in an efficient, easy-to-carry package. But too many bars these days are masquerading as health food when really they’re more like candy bars—full of sugar or artificial sweeteners and lacking in nutrients. Which is why we skip those in favor of IQBAR.

You've probably read about them on Valet. before and that's because these are the bars the team eats the most. Why? Because they have whatever you’re looking for: They're high in protein, but low in sugar. They're keto and paleo-friendly. And they not only feed your muscles, but increase your focus and concentration with brain-boosting nutrients. They're one of the few snacks that actually help you hit your goals while taking the edge off your afternoon hunger pangs.

Of course, other staffers simply grab them because they taste good. With flavors like Wild Blueberry, Almond Butter Chip and Banana Nut, they're packed with actual fruit, nuts and high quality dark chocolate. Really, what's not to like?

↦ Get It: 7 Bar Sampler pack for $14.99