The Daily Valet. - 8/13/20, Thursday
✔️ How Do You Stack Up?
Thursday, August 13th Edition
When all is said and done, will I have a special drawer just for my masks?
Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Today's edition is presented by
Today’s Big Story
How Does Your Mask Stack Up?
You ARE wearing a mask when you leave the house, right?
It seems like the face mask is now part of my daily routine: keys, wallet, phone, mask. I don’t leave home without them. But the number of coronavirus cases in the U.S. continues to rise, and there are still people who are protesting face masks, reports Digg.
In some states, it’s now a felony to assault a retail worker who is enforcing face mask rules. While in other states, local officials are actually banning them altogether.
And while the CDC has called for Americans to wear masks to curb the spread of the coronavirus, there’s a difference in efficacy, say, an N95 mask and a neck gaiter will provide, according to a recent study conducted by researchers at Duke University.
Per the study, the N95 mask is the most effective face mask, with “no droplets at all” escaping during testing, according to study co-author Warren S. Warren. Surgical masks are also relatively effective at stopping droplet transmission, along with cotton polypropylene masks. Neck gaiters, however, ranked the worst—even compared to going maskless.
Speaking of going without a mask, previous studies have suggested that men are less likely to wear masks than women, but now there’s solid scientific research suggesting a connection between a man’s maskless-ness and misogyny.
According to Vox, the humble face mask has become caught in the eternal battle of men versus their own masculinity. Researchers from Washington University found that men who hold sexist beliefs are among the most likely people to reject pandemic precautions. But let’s be smart, gents. Man up and wear the mask. Is it weak to wear a condom or a seatbelt? There’s nothing feeble about protecting yourself and others.
↦ FYI: The large number of people already infected with COVID-19 in the U.S. has begun to act as a brake on the spread of the disease in hard-hit states.
🤔 Everyone knows to wash their mask regularly, right?
Digitizing Burning Man
Get ready for a virtual burn in the multiverse
For decades, Burning Man has represented an escape from the current reality. An event for free spirits to rethink new age ideals in the desert oasis where art, music and partying reign supreme. Sounds pretty nice these days, right?
Of course, the festival, like so many other large public gatherings in 2020, was cancelled due to COVID-19. That's a bummer, but it's got serious consequences for the art community. You see, the event at Black Rock City is just one part of Burning Man's mission. The rest of the year is spent distributing artist grants and promoting programs that help emerging artists.
Determined to keep the vibe alive, they've decided to host a digital version. With just a few weeks before the event is set to kick off, the organization is bringing together a group of technologists with backgrounds in virtual reality, blockchain, hypnotism and immersive theatre to create a web of hacked-together social products that they hope will capture the atmosphere of Burning Man, reports Tech Crunch.
↦ Dig Deeper: Before it was announced that 2020 would be held virtually, architect John Marx was working on a unique concept for the event, the ‘Museum of No Spectators.’
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Kanye’s Been Meeting With Kushner
The rapper/designer has been having ongoing conversations with the president’s son-in-law
One month and several lifetimes ago, Kanye West announced that he would no longer shock people by supporting President Donald Trump, opting instead to shock people by running for president himself.
As his campaign evolved from Twitter sideshow to potential spoiler—the billionaire rapper released a website and tried to get on the ballot in pivotal states—while those around him increasingly worried about his mental health issues.
On Wednesday, the New York Times reported that Jared Kushner and his wife, Ivanka Trump, met with West last weekend in Colorado. But according to further reporting by Forbes, the connection goes much further. West speaks with Kushner “almost daily,” calling him “my boy.”
But as The New Republic asks, why is Trump's son-in-law meeting with a rival presidential candidate when instead he has been tasked with “bringing peace to the Middle East and saving America from the coronavirus?”
Feds Seize $4 Million Worth of Fake Sneakers
The shipment included more than 1,800 pairs of the limited-edition Dior x Jordan 1s
U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas port of entry revealed that they have seized a shipment of counterfeit sneakers valued at more than $4.3 million, reports Complex.
Officials say that the counterfeit packages contained more than 1,800 fake pairs of the popular Dior x Air Jordan 1s, along with other fake shoes. According to the report from the CBP, the shipment was made up of 60 boxes originating from Hong Kong and declared as “Ball Golf” items.
Jesus Haynes, a supervisory customs and border protection officer who was involved with the seizure, told Input that after the original inspection the CBP worked with Christian Dior to confirm that the shoes were indeed counterfeits. “Therefore, the items seized will be destroyed.”
And while Customs agents are getting smarter about spotting knockoffs, the fakes industry isn't slowing down anytime soon. Last year, the Department of Homeland Security agencies seized counterfeit footwear worth more than $37 million.
↦ Meanwhile: Foot Locker is booming because people have been spending their stimulus checks on sneakers.
In Other News
Other Things We’re Talking About Today
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Weekend Shopping Plans
From stretch chinos to home furnishings, our picks from three can’t-miss sales going on this weekend.
Extra 60% off sale items w/code CANNONBALL
Stretch organic cotton chinos $98 / $27.20
Up to 70% off (w/free shipping) during the warehouse sale
Classic work shirt $69.50 / $20.97
Up to 40% off home furnishings
Midcentury nightstand $199 / $159
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Morning Motto
A little fear can be a good thing.
↦ Follow: @weareggroup
That’s all for today...
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