The Daily Valet. - 8/13/21, Friday

✔️ A Closer Look

August 13, 2021

Friday, August 13th Edition

Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief of Valet.

The weekend is here. Treat yourself.

Cory Ohlendorf, Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf

Today’s edition is presented by

Today’s Big Story

Census Shows U.S. Is Diversifying

It reveals a more multi-ethnic, urbanized America

The U.S. is more diverse, more urbanized and growing slower overall than in past decades, according to data from the 2020 Census released on Thursday.

Why does the census matter, you might wonder. Well, according to Axios, it provides a snapshot of “the ever-changing demographics of the U.S.—and sets up the partisan fight over how states will redistribute electoral power for the next decade through redistricting.”

And what did it find? Almost all of the country's population growth occurred in large metro areas over the decade. For the first time, all 10 of the largest American cities have more than 1 million people.

This was also the first time that the white population nationwide has gotten smaller—shrinking from 196 million in 2010 to 191 million in 2020. However, white people continue to be the most prevalent racial or ethnic group.

However, some demographers cautioned that the white population was not shrinking as much as shifting to multiracial identities. The number of people who identified as belonging to two or more races more than tripled in the last decade.

The long-awaited release of the census kicks off the rush for states to redraw their political boundaries ahead of the 2022 midterm elections, reports CNN. All 50 states will use the new data to adjust their congressional and state legislature district lines to reflect the updated count of their residents.

↦ Dig Deeper: The Associated Press pulls out five key takeaways from the release of 2020 census data.

Rethinking Metabolism

Our metabolic rate remains stable all through adult life, from age 20 to 60 years old

Blaming those extra pounds on a slowing metabolism as you age? Not so fast. Science is here with a buzzkill ... or good news, depending on who you ask.

A new international study, published Thursday in Science, counters the common belief that our metabolism inevitably declines during our adult lives. Well, not until we're in our 60s, anyway.

Using data from nearly 6,500 people, ranging in age from 8 days to 95 years, researchers discovered that there are four distinct periods of life, as far as metabolism goes. They also found that there are no real differences between the metabolic rates of men and women after controlling for other factors.

According to the New York Times, the findings from the research are likely to reshape the science of human physiology and could also have implications for some medical practices, like determining appropriate drug doses for children and older people.

↦ FYI: One physiologist called the study “a pivotal paper that will be in textbooks.”

Partner

Want shoes that make you look and feel good? These stylish sneakers are not only sustainably sourced but also bought in small amounts to reduce waste.

Forget Flying Cars

The world’s first flying motorcycle is coming

We've waiting long enough, haven't we? It's time to be living in the future we've been promised. And that means flying vehicles.

Jetpack Aviation just announced a successful test flight of its jet-driven flying motorcycle prototype. According to Robb Report, the projected performance is Easy Rider-worthy badass, and best of all, the California company plans to produce two consumer versions for everyday users.

The Speeder will be electronically self-stabilized, much like a drone. The team behind the machine has spent the last 18 months building a new form of flight control software from scratch.

An updated Speeder 2.0 version of the prototype will undergo more intensive testing this summer and fall before construction wraps up. Testing is expected to begin early next year. The company puts the initial price for the consumer versions at $381,000. And they've already begun taking preorders—in case you're ready to fly.

↦ Meanwhile: Audi's new autonomous concept car is also sort of a Transformer.

A Weekend Pairing

Reservation Dogs + an Oklahoma Prairie Fire Cocktail

Taika Waititi co-created this Native American comedy set in rural Oklahoma and helmed by a team of predominantly Indigenous directors, writers and actors. Both playful and poignant, Reservation Dogs (streaming now on Hulu) follows a group of teens as they steal and save their way to California—not a specific city or town, just the state, which holds some ineffable allure.

The Atlantic says the show draws on familiar storytelling beats but feels completely new. “Each episode sees them learning useful lessons and pursuing youthful antics—stealing a truck, selling meat pies—that belie a deeper shared sadness over their friend's death a year earlier.” They're trying on new identities, learning from a community they thought they knew everything about, and renegotiating their approach to life and death.

↦ Your Pairing:I wanted something tasty, something that spoke to the location of the show … and perhaps something that remind when I was a tad too young to drink. The Oklahoma Prairie Fire is an upgraded Tequila Sunrise. Three types of citrus juice give it a bright pop, the chili powder rim brings a little heat, while Mezcal adds a smoky finish.

In Other News

↦ U.S. Is Starting to Evacuate Some Embassy Staff From Afghanistan With Military Help

↦ Britney Spears’ Father Agrees to Step Down As Conservator of Her Estate

↦ Inside HBO Max’s Scramble to Fix Its Glitchy App

Other Things We’re Talking About Today

Spider-Man moves

This wooden car

The Field of Dreams in Iowa

Partner

Walk, Don’t Run

These sustainable sneakers are made for a slower pace

Consider this a gentle reminder that life's not a sprint. Take your time. Enjoy the view and do it in the utmost comfort. That means in sneakers that not only feel great on your feet, but also make you feel responsible and conscientious. British footwear line Duke + Dexter does just that.

Since the brand launched in 2015, they've been challenging expectations of what an English shoe can and should be—striking a balance between modern styles, sustainability and familiar British charm. High-end fabrics and leathers are not only responsibly sourced from Italy but also bought in small amounts to reduce waste. Their packaging is made from organic cotton and recycled materials. Each and every shoe has been made by hand in England in the brand's workshop and finished with soothing details like memory foam padding and a zero-stitch heel.

If they look familiar, you might've seen them on Jonah Hill, Ryan Reynolds or David Beckham—all fans of D + D's footwear. And we scored you an exclusive discount for 20% off any order (with free shipping). Just enter VALETMAG20 at checkout.

Ritchie Gobi sneaker, $311 / $248.80

Ritchie Nelly sneaker, $311 / $248.80

Ritchie Rio sneaker, $311 / $248.80

Drake Clean White sneaker, $269 / $215.20

Drake Hiker sneaker, $269 / $215.20

Drake Clean contrast sneaker, $269 / $215.20

↦ Explore: Duke + Dexter's full collection

20 Under $20

Who said great things have to cost a lot? We're always keeping an eye out for quality products at an affordable price, and we've rounded up the Valet. team's favorite finds for under $20 bucks. Skip the latte and grab one of these products instead—trust us, they're worth it. All of the following items will have you looking and feeling good while leaving you plenty of cash in your pocket.

↦ Check It Out: 20 Under $20