The Daily Valet. - 7/14/23, Friday
✔️ Not So Sweet News
Friday, July 14th Edition
By Cory Ohlendorf, Valet. Editor
I can only try so many new apps at a time … let’s slow down, huh?
Today’s Big Story
Not So Sweet News
The W.H.O. Says Aspartame Is ‘Possibly Carcinogenic.’ But What Does That Mean?
Say it isn't so. A committee of 25 international experts has determined that aspartame may “possibly” cause cancer in people, according to a report released Thursday by the World Health Organization. Keep in mind, this new classification, which is based on a review of “limited evidence,” simply demonstrates a clear need for further high-quality research, according to the United Nation's health authority. And it does not change the recommended limit on the daily intake of everyone's favorite artificial sweetener. However, there's bound to be countless news stories about this.According to the New York Times, a second W.H.O. committee has held steady on its assessment of a safe level of aspartame consumption. By some calculations using the panel's standard, a person weighing 150 pounds could avoid a risk of cancer but still drink about a dozen cans of diet soda a day. Which is roughly about how many the average Diet Coke addict drinks, I believe.These days, aspartame is found in literally thousands of sugar-free products—everything from energy drinks and yogurt to condiments, gum and microwave popcorn. It was invented back in 1965 by a chemist for G. D. Searle and Company (now a subsidiary of Pfizer) and approved by the F.D.A. for use as a sweetener in the U.S. in 1974.But for all its popularity, there have long been skeptics and critics, and in recent years, small studies suggest that artificial sweeteners may increase food cravings in some people and alter the microbiome. In addition, a few recent studies point to potential cancer risks, which is why the World Health Organization set out to review all the data.To say it's a bit confusing is an understatement and makes me want to reach for an ice cold Coke Zero. But the F.D.A. said Thursday that “aspartame being labeled by the W.H.O. as 'possibly carcinogenic to humans' does not mean that aspartame is actually linked to cancer.” Of course, the W.H.O. tends to be ahead of most other agencies, which sometimes come around later, like in the case of Roundup weed killer. So maybe just be mindful of how much artificial sweeteners you're downing until we get more information.
Alternatives:
Ready to break up with diet soda? Here are 11 aspartame-free alternatives.
F.D.A. Approves Over-the-Counter Birth Control Pill
The pill is expected to be available in early 2024, but how much will it really cost?
Federal regulators Thursday approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill available in the United States, a milestone in a decades-long effort to make oral contraceptives easier to obtain—especially by young people and women who don't regularly see a doctor. A recent study found that four out of 10 women of reproductive age say they would take OTC birth control.The drug, called Opill, is a “mini-pill” that uses only the hormone progestin. Its manufacturer, Perrigo, called the F.D.A. action a “milestone” and a “giant leap for women's empowerment ” in a statement. The plan is that Opill will be available over-the-counter in stores in early 2024. No word on the cost yet. And while the Affordable Care Act requires health insurers to cover at least one prescription contraceptive as part of their benefits, there's no such stipulation for any over-the-counter medication. However, the company has said it would provide assistance to those who may struggle to pay the list price.When it finally arrives on shelves, the U.S. will join more than 100 other countries that already allow for certain contraceptives to be sold over the counter. The approval comes after the Supreme Court's controversial Dobbs decision and amid the fiercest public debate over reproductive rights in a generation.
FYI:
Almost half of the pregnancies in the U.S. are unplanned, according to the C.D.C.
Combined Strikes Bring Hollywood to a Grinding Halt
Welcome to #HotLaborSummer
SAG-AFTRA, the union representing Hollywood actors and performers, has officially voted to go on strike against major studios. The decision to order a work stoppage of around 160,000 members—from the biggest stars to background actors—made history, constituting the first double strike of both performers and writers since 1960. Union president Fran Drescher (yes, the same one from The Nanny) said in a press conference that it was time for studio executives to “wake up and smell the coffee.” Speaking to the Hollywood Reporter, she said “Somebody has to draw the line and get every other labor force behind us, and we're the best, most likely suspects because we are high-profile people ... we get people like you to talk about these grievances that are happening everywhere.”Both the Screen Actors Guild and Writers Guild are asking for better pay, a fair share of profits, improved working conditions and protection against artificial intelligence or AI taking their jobs. SAG has also asked for actors to be compensated for auditions. A big concern for both actors and writers is the drop in payments known as residuals—these are payments received by performers from re-runs of their films and shows. Residuals have all but disappeared because streaming sites do not disclose their audience figures and pay a flat rate as residuals instead.
DIALOGUE:
Social media, to the surprise of absolutely no one, had a lot to say about the historic move.
First New Twitter, Now New Insta?
Retro is a new photo app that puts an old idea front and center in your feed: your friends
Just as Twitter is getting a rethink and a serious rival with Threads, a new app is emerging to challenge Instagram. According to Wired, the app's founders left Meta last spring to incubate a bunch of products that would actually bring family and friends back into your social photo feed, instead of brand marketers and celebrity reels. The result is Retro.If Instagram is now a publicly performative photo app, and your private messages are a messy mix of text, tapbacks, and the occasional photo, Retro is trying to thread the space between the two. It's private by default; people must request to follow (and ultimately co-follow) each other. Users are prompted to first share select photos from their phone's camera roll in order to view others' photos.The Information says it seems to operate with an ethos similar to that of Threads—positing that maybe new social apps don't need to innovate. Perhaps they just need to recreate something we once loved. (Hey, they don't call it “Retro” for nothing.)
Meanwhile:
GQ's new columnist, Chris Black, makes the case for why Twitter is now better than ever.
In Other News
Aging houses of worship must sell, redevelop, or pray for a miracle.
Have you heard about ...
A Weekend Pairing
‘Bird Box Barcelona’ + a Spanish Red
Netflix's adaptation of author Josh Malerman's post-apocalyptic novel Bird Box was a sensational hit for the platform in 2018—which might make this sequel seem ridiculously overdue. But here we are. And as IGN points out, Bird Box Barcelona is less a direct sequel and more a simultaneous-yet-unconnected anthology chapter, now set in Spain. There's no Sandra Bullock, no American backdrops, and almost no connection to Malerman's follow-up novel Malorie.The film centers on former engineer Sebastián (Mario Casas), a survivor navigating the streets of Barcelona while trying to avoid eye contact with the mysterious force decimating humanity by prompting violent suicides. Sebastián tries to protect his daughter while others fear that these deaths may be the work of a certain heavenly Father, making for a cultural divide that threatens just as much as the death and destruction surrounding the characters. Variety calls the film “slick and more expansive in many ways, with bigger action sequences,” while other reviews praised the cinematographer Daniel Aranyó, who conjures an “atmospheric dystopia of blasted buildings and ruined roadways.”
Pair It With
Why not pour yourself a glass of Tempranillo from Rioja, Spain’s legendary wine region? This is one of its most underrated and affordable bottles. Beronia's Crianza shimmers with juicy cherries and plum flavors finished with a kick of peppery spice and hazelnut aromas.
Also Worth a Watch:
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ season 5 on Hulu; ‘Till’ on Prime Video
Shopping
What We’re Buying
A jacquard camp shirt
One of Gitman Vintage's standout pieces for the summer season is this rippled jacquard fabric from Japan. The tension from the yarn and weave structure gives a one-of-a-kind texture and is lightweight enough for the heat.
Get It:
Ripple jacquard camp shirt, $240 / $168 by Gitman Vintage
Morning Motto
Please yourself, first and foremost.
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