The Daily Valet. - 8/12/20, Wednesday

✔️ Some Big, Historic News

August 12, 2020

Wednesday, August 12th Edition

Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief of Valet.

I’d definitely spend the night in an old Blockbuster. Would you?

Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf

Today's edition is presented by

Today’s Big Story

A Historic VP Pick

Joe Biden taps Kamala Harris to be his running mate

After much speculation, former Vice President Joe Biden named Senator Kamala Harris of California as his vice-presidential pick on Tuesday, embracing a former rival who sharply criticized him in the Democratic primaries but became just as a vocal supporter of Biden’s and a prominent advocate of racial-justice legislation, reports the New York Times.

The selection makes Harris the third woman and first Black and first Asian American candidate to be nominated for vice president by a major political party. And the two are expected to appear together in Biden’s hometown of Wilmington, Delaware later today.

For all the firsts that Harris represents—first Black woman, first Asian American woman, first Indian American woman, first Jamaican American woman—her record as California attorney general and district attorney has some people worried.

But according to the Associated Press, she declared herself a “progressive prosecutor” who backs much-needed law enforcement reforms.

A fierce debater, a lot of chatter on Tuesday centered around the fact that Harris will go head-to-head later this fall with the mild mannered Vice President Mike Pence.

According to Fox News, the president lashed out against the Democratic senator shortly after the announcement, calling her “nasty” and tweeting out a video labeling her as “phony.” Of course, she can’t be that bad. Both Trump and his daughter Ivanka donated to Harris twice when she was running to be California's attorney general.

↦ Watch: Maya Rudolph learn of the news and discuss her return as Harris to Saturday Night Live.

Kenya Reopens to American Travelers

It’s one of the few places we can go these days

Kenya, the east African country that usually draws two million visitors each year, reopened its borders on August 1st to international tourists, including Americans, reports Afar.

Well, there is a catch: If you're coming from California, Florida or Texas, you’ll have to stay put and quarantine for 14 days, says the U.S. Embassy in Kenya.

But still, this opens up the classic safari destination at a time when much of the world's borders remain closed—and you may see wildlife in Kenya as it was decades ago. “By twist of fate, as lockdown lifted, so did the migration season,” says Nicky Fitzgerald, owner of Angama Mara. “We've got tens of thousands of animals heaving over the Mara. You're going to have the migration to yourself.”

Since it looks like things won't be improving in the States anytime soon, perhaps we should be considering it. After all, how much can airfare really be at this time?

↦ Meanwhile: The White House is considering blocking Americans from entering the U.S. if suspected of having the coronavirus.

Special Promotion

Treat her to a great time. This modern wellness brand can deliver plenty of bang in the bedroom.

Weaponizing Citrus Against Insect-Borne Diseases

The first new insect repellent approved in 11 years smells like grapefruit

A new type of insect repellent will be making its way to drugstore shelves for the first time in over a decade, reports NBC News. What's more, it smells like grapefruit and is safe enough to eat.

In fact, the chemical (called nootkatone) is an oil derived from cedar trees and grapefruits, and has been used by the food and perfume industries. But unlike other organic repellants, such as citronella or peppermint, nootkatone has a long-lasting effect.

This week, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that it had approved nootkatone as a potent repellent that kills mosquitoes and ticks. Apparently, it's important to introduce new chemicals to help fight resistance to more common bug sprays encountered by insects today.

In registering the new ingredient, the EPA is acknowledging that it is safe and effective, and formally giving the greenlight for companies to use nootkatone to develop new products for people and pets.

↦ FYI: Diseases caused by the bites of ticks, mosquitoes and fleas have tripled in the United States in the last 15 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a 2018 report.

Could This Be the Ultimate Movie Night?

The last Blockbuster in the world will soon be available to rent on Airbnb

As a kid, I loved Blockbuster. The anticipation, the joy of finding your chosen film in stock and that smell—a unique mix of stale popcorn, plastic and industrial carpeting.

Now all that could be yours again, for a night. The last Blockbuster in the world will soon allow stays at the Bend, Oregon, establishment through Airbnb, the company announced on Tuesday.

The fully-operational store is still stocked with movies and throwback snacks. And it's now kitted out with a pull-out couch and bean bags for you to kick back and enjoy some favorite films (on VHS tape) from the '90s.

According to CNET, only three “quarantine pods” of four people are going to get to experience whatever this is, as the Blockbuster is only available on Airbnb for three nights in September.

↦ ALSO: Airbnb plans to confidentially file to go public this month.

In Other News

Other Things We’re Talking About Today

This worthy investment

Why shorter showers are better

Michael Jordan’s ’96 Mercedes S600

Special Promotion

This Small Package Packs a Big Bang

Is it time for an intimacy upgrade?

By now, you're likely familiar with Promescent. The popular sexual wellness brand has made a name for itself with a line of cutting-edge products that are backed up by years of scientific and medical research. The collection includes a line of modern condoms along with delay sprays and a smart supplement engineered to increase your stamina—both in life and in the bedroom. But one of their most popular items is the Female Arousal Gel.

The slippery gel is a hybrid combining the best properties from both silicone and water-based lubes, designed to be used with a partner or solo. It's made to target her most sensitive areas while heightening her arousal and pleasure. But what's it really feel like? Well, the company says it provides a gentle buzzing sensation that you begin feeling within five minutes of application. What's more, a little goes a long way. You'll need just a pea-sized amount, so this tiny tube can get up to 75 uses. And then there's the 100% satisfaction guarantee. So there's really no way you won't be satisfied.

↦ Get It: $19.95 / $16.95 w/code VALET15 at Promescent

What We’re Buying

There are few things better than scoring a great deal on a pair of jeans that you can wear all the time. A&F isn't typically known as a jean powerhouse, but the wide range of fits, colors and styles ensure you'll walk away in some denim that'll fit you just right. The skinny taper jean is still their signature slim fit, but redesigned to taper from the knee down with a slightly shorter length, all so your ankles aren't swimming in too much denim.

↦ Get It $79 / $39.50 at Abercrombie & Fitch