The Daily Valet. - 7/6/22, Wednesday

✔️ Nostalgia Is Huge Right Now

July 06, 2022

Wednesday, July 6th Edition

Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief of Valet.

I’d like a Jeep. And even if it doesn’t have doors, I’d like it to have A/C.

Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf

Today’s Big Story

Nostalgia Is Huge Right Now

Is that a good thing or a bad thing? It all depends on who you ask.

Gen Z is bringing back everything from Friends to cassette tapes. Retro reunion/revival shows are on the rise. Will Smith and Tom Cruise are some of the most talked-about celebrities of the year. So it’s safe to say that nostalgia is reaching a fever pitch at the moment.

It’s a bit of a double-edged sword. I’m at an age where I can lean into the sentimentality of it and reminisce about what feels like “simpler times.” But at the same time, knowing that they’re making That ’90s Show—and to young people it’ll feel and look like what That ’70s Show felt and looked like to me is, well, a little jarring.

Our current infatuation with nostalgia and retro pop-culture is fueling a rash of biopics and sweet coming-of-age stories. Some are better than others—trying to recapture the magic of bygone times can come across as merely surface-level aesthetics or it can make a truly meaningful impact on us and remind us to slow down.

According to the Hustle, this has led to the rise of the “kidult,” which they describe as those who remain young at heart by using their free time—and their grownup paychecks—to revel in the culture of their youth.

The pandemic no doubt helped this along too. A 2021 Toy Association Survey found that 58% of adult respondents had purchased a toy for themselves. According to Bloomberg, kidults are buying so many scooters, dolls, skateboards and tabletop games for themselves that they’ve helped sales surge 37% in two years. And on TikTok, #AdultMoney videos of adults buying toys for themselves, “and having zero regrets about it,” have nearly 4 billion views.

In the past, nostalgia was often viewed negatively (for example, homesickness), but according to Psychology Today, more and more research suggests nostalgia is associated with positive outcomes, such as increased feelings of belonging and connectedness, and improved self-esteem and well-being. In fact, they say that it’s a key component to a healthy relationship, strengthening commitment and increasing satisfaction. So go ahead and look back as much as you’d like.

↦ Feeling Young At Heart? You might want to check out an adult summer camp, complete with craft cocktails in place of Kool-Aid.

Parade Shooting Details Emerge

The suspect bought 5 weapons despite past threats of violence

The death toll from the tragic Fourth of July shooting in Highland Park, Illinois has risen to seven, authorities said Tuesday. They also announced that Robert Crimo III had been charged with seven counts of first-degree murder.

Eric Rinehart, Lake County's state's attorney, said at the press conference that he expects Crimo will face dozens of charges for each of the victims, many still in the hospital.

Officials have said the weapon he used was a high-powered rifle but have not specified what type. They confirmed that the gun dispersed “high-velocity rounds similar to an AR-15” and that he was able to fire off more than 70 rounds into the crowd in just a matter of minutes.

According to the Associated Press, Crimo legally bought five weapons, including the rifle used in the shooting, despite authorities being called to his home twice in 2019 for threats of violence and suicide.

Europe’s New Tech Laws Could Cause Big Waves

The European parliament backs ‘historic’ reboot to EU’s digital rulebook

The European Parliament has given a final stamp of approval to two major pieces of regulation which will update the European Union's rules for digital businesses and require online platforms to do more to police the internet for illegal content.

The Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA) could represent a seismic shift in the way large tech companies like Amazon, Apple, Google and Meta/Facebook operate around the world. It comes at a time when companies are facing rising pressure from American citizens and legislators who are concerned about the effects of misinformation and the collection and sale of their personal information.

According to TechCrunch, the incoming regulations were proposed by the Commission at the end of 2020 so adoption has been swift—reflecting broad consensus by lawmakers around the bloc on the need for tougher and tighter rules for online services. The regulations are expected to start applying early next year after the formal adoption process is completed.

It's being called “a major boon for third-party developers” because the legislation also limits what “gatekeeper” tech companies can pre-install or promote on their own systems. It will also better protect user data. Of course, with deep-pocketed companies, it becomes an enforment issue since some are willing to take the fines to keep doing what has always worked for them.

↦ FYI: The Verge explains how one senator’s broken hip may put net neutrality at risk.

All Jeeps Wranglers Now Come With Air Conditioning

Wait ... they didn’t before?

I'll be honest, I'm a total wuss when it comes to cars. I love classic convertibles and vintage Defenders, but I want them to have the creature comforts I rely on in modern cars like power steering, Apple Car Play and most importantly, air conditioning.

So I was shocked to learn that up until now, you could still buy brand new Jeep Wranglers so bare bones that they'd come sans A/C. According to Motor Trend, there are still stubborn buyers who just want a Jeep—not a fancy car weighed down with every option.

But times are changing. Maybe it's the climate, or maybe it's just that air conditioning—in the age of a V-8-equipped fully loaded $80,000 Wrangler—simply qualifies as base trim. And it's not slowing down sales, that's for sure.

But don't worry if you're old school. You can always leave the A/C off and crank down that manual window. Because a new 2023 Wrangler Sport can retain standard manual windows, along with manual door locks and a manual transmission. You can even go way back and opt for the Smoker's Group option, complete with a removable ash tray and a cigar lighter. Seriously.

↦ Meanwhile: Apple CarPlay could soon be used to pay for fuel, right from your car’s touchscreen.

In Other News

↦ Crypto’s Free Rein May Be Coming to a Close

↦ How Dinner Parties Became the Fuzzy Blanket of Adulthood

↦ Rihanna Is America’s Youngest Woman Self-Made Billionaire

Other Things We’re Talking About Today

Keanu Reeves is a class act

Bees

‘Barbie’ movie chatter

Keep Your Shades in Peak Condition

The latest from our Summer Survival Guide

Summertime calls for sunglasses. We could tell you that they're the perfect finishing touch to any warm weather outfit. We could talk about the importance of protecting your eyes from dangerous glares and UV radiation. Or we could acknowledge that they make you look really freaking cool. But you know that already.

What you may not know is how to keep them in good condition throughout the next few months. Especially when you shell out good money for a quality pair, you want to make sure you treat them right, clean them properly and prevent any long-lasting damage

We spoke with some experts for their guidance on how to take care of your shades. From the best way to clean and store them to fixing damage and tightening loose hinges, we've got you covered.

↦ Read: How to keep your sunglasses looking good.

Old School Polos Have Never Been Cooler

Polo Ralph Lauren Iconic Mesh Pique Polo

Iconic mesh piqué polo,$95 by Polo Ralph Lauren

Polos are an essential menswear item, but you already know that. So let's take a deep dive into the best fabric for your summertime polos—piqué cotton. Although piqué seems a bit heftier than its thinner jersey counterparts, the basketweave texture makes it the most breathable of them all. The tiny waffle-knit absorbs moisture to help wick sweat away while letting in air, so it's really more like a performance fabric. Which explains its history on the tennis court and golf course.