The Daily Valet. - 7/8/22, Friday

✔️ The Streaming Wars Continue

July 08, 2022

Friday, July 8th Edition

Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief of Valet.

What was your go-to ice cream truck treat? I was a Choco Taco kid, because it felt worldly and sophisticated. Which tells you what a weird kid I was.

Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf

Today’s Big Story

The Streaming War Continues

This is the future of American entertainment

The average U.S. household currently pays for four streaming services. I don’t want to say how many I currently subscribe to (mainly because I probably don't know for sure) but let’s just say I’m embarrassingly above average.

The American media diet has changed dramatically over the past few years since the term “streaming wars” came into the public consciousness. Cord cutters are shelling out small paycheck chunks for access to streamers, each with its own unique entertainment offerings.

Of course, a war has to start somewhere. And that somewhere was Netflix—but the once unstoppable platform’s grasp on the streaming crown is clearly slipping. But this fall from grace hasn’t happened in a vacuum: Rival platforms such as Disney+ and HBO Max are using their deep libraries of beloved IP to snag subscribers and the pop-culture spotlight.

Other streamers, like Apple TV+, are focusing on new categories like sports and critical acclaim to bring people in. On Thursday, the Hollywood Critics Association announced that Apple had received a record 53 nominations.

In reality, it’s hard to keep up sometimes and locate a show that’s got everyone talking. I figured The Bear was on HBO given the way it was being spoken about and was surprised to find in on Hulu, where I mostly watch true crime docs and mini-series.

But no matter who comes out on top, the real winner of this war is the viewer. Because unlike cable, most streamers let you try out their product before you have to fully commit. You usually get a week, but according to Vulture, some platforms have been giving away an entire month of service as competition heats up. And if you’re looking for something to watch, we’ve got a recommendation a little later down in today’s newsletter.

↦ FYI: These are the best free streaming TV apps that you’ve probably never heard of.

COVID Carries On

The most transmissible variant yet of the virus is threatening a fresh wave of infections

This week, a scary-sounding article with the headline Get Ready for the Forever Plague went viral. “Just one infection can destabilize your immune system and age it by 10 years,” it claimed. “As a consequence it is now possible to be reinfected with one of omicron's variants every two to three weeks,” and “each reinfection confers no immunity.”

First, let's get this out of the way: None of that is true. The article was roundly criticized by numerous experts as irresponsibly error-ridden and hyperbolic. But it clearly struck a nerve, because it taps into legitimate concerns about the stage of the pandemic we're in.

A subvariant of Omicron known as BA.5 is now dominant, accounting for nearly 54% of the country's COVID cases (along with BA.4), according to the CDC. They say there is no evidence that either is inherently more severe than other Omicron subvariants, but when more people become infected, the number of people hospitalized because of the virus may also rise.

And there's no doubt about it: Reinfections are not only possible but common now. You can be reinfected even if you've also been vaccinated and boosted—that is, “super immunity” against infection is no longer so super.

Is Kanye Really Making a Car?

The Donda Foam Vehicle may be Ye’s most ambitious project to date

Love him or hate him, Kanye West has proven time and time again that there isn't any sector of any market that he isn't afraid to tap into and possibly dominate.

Tucked into the announcement of former adidas designer, Steven Smith, being named head of Donda industrial design earlier this week was a teaser for the Donda Foam Vehicle. A single profile image shows a tank-like vehicle that fits in well with West's automotive choices over the past several years.

CarScoops tried to break down some of the details they could pick up from the concept image and said the pill-shaped auto was tough to swallow. “The gigantic wheels seem to support airless tires and if the scale is accurate, they look like they're bigger than the windows. Compare that to the average automotive wheel and window today and we're guessing that you're looking at something in the neighborhood of a 30-inch wheel.”

According to Vibe, the Tesla-like silhouette seems to have gotten social media buzzing with a suspicion that Ye's longtime buddy Elon Musk will help bring the concept to fruition. What do you think? Ye or nay?

Rocket Pop Is the Flavor of Summer

The childhood favorite is blasting its way into seltzers, beer and energy drinks

Summer is a simple time. No need to take things too seriously, which is why we like easy hallmarks of the season. They help us distinguish one summer from another. Each year has its own song, its defining movie, etc.

It might not be as ubiquitous as the summer when hard seltzer took over, but suddenly “rocket pop” is popping up everywhere. The old school tri-colored popsicle (which has been around since 1955) has become the flavor du jour.

According to Thrillist, a whole lot of companies, all at once, have combined those nostalgia-laden flavors of cherry, lime and blue raspberry into a single drink.

Mighty Swell and Urban South distilled it into a spiked seltzer, Boulevard Brewing and Sam Adams made beer, while Hudson North made cider—all inspired by the patriotic treat. And it's not just alcohol ... there's even a pre-workout supplement bursting with the bomb pop flavor.

↦ Meanwhile: According to a new study, drinking beer might actually improve our gut health.

In Other News

↦ Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe Was Shot and Killed D uring a Campaign Speech

↦ Scandals, Chaos and Lies: The Politics That Define Boris Johnson Finally Catch Up to Him

↦ Why Brittney Griner Pleaded Guilty to Drug Charges in Russia, and What’s Next for the Detained WNBA Star

Other Things We’re Talking About Today

James Caan

Swapping clothes with a friend

The world’s first floating city

A Weekend Pairing

‘Black Bird’ + a Prisoner’s Dilemma Cocktail

Adapted from the memoir In With the Devil and based on actual events, Black Bird is the latest limited series from Apple TV+, streaming today. It stars Taron Egerton as James Keene, a cocky, smooth-talking criminal serving a ten-year sentence who's given the chance for a break if he can befriend and coax a confession from an alleged serial killer (played perfectly by Paul Walter Hauser).

There's a lot going for this. It's a thrilling cat-and-mouse game. It's Ray Liotta's last on-screen role. And the reviews, so far, are raving. The Hollywood Reporter called it “moody, methodical and unnerving.” The New York Times says it's reminiscent of David Fincher's killer stories and delivers on the true-crime we're all craving at the moment while Game Rant's Raven Brunner says the show is “brilliantly paced, well written, and balances blush-worthy sincerity with a level of creepiness that'll leave viewers gagging.” Consider my interest piqued.

↦ Your Pairing:Did I pick this pairing solely based on its name? Yes. But does it sound incredibly tasty, too? Yes. The Prisoner's Dilemma is mix of rye whiskey with bitter Cynar and coffee liqueur gets a touch of sweetness from a splash of red wine. Something tells me these will be incredibly sippable.

The New Shoes on Our Radar

It's a fine line between something being comfortable but also having a utilitarian capability as well. The Easymoc ($265) does just that. Both a house slipper and everyday shoe, it's designed for ease and comfort. Handcrafted in Maine, they are stitched from start-to-finish using North American leather. They feature the brand's unique slide-in design for easy access, plus a Vibram sole for indoor or outdoor use. Wear these from the moment you get out of bed to building a fire at your nearest campsite.

↦ Want More? 5 new shoes on our radar