The Daily Valet. - 9/11/23, Monday
✔️ Another Big One
Monday, September 11th Edition
By Cory Ohlendorf, Valet. Editor
I can’t believe just how long ago 2001 seems now.
Today’s Big Story
Earthquake in Morocco
The 6.8 magnitude earthquake on Friday killed more than 2,100 people and injured more than 2,400 others
The images are brutal. Survivors of Morocco's deadliest earthquake in more than six decades struggled to find food, water and shelter on Sunday as the search for the missing continued in remote villages and the death toll of more than 2,100 seemed likely to rise further.Scores of homes, as well as historical sites around the historic city of Marrakech, were destroyed after the 6.8 magnitude earthquake on Friday rumbled in the Moroccan High Atlas Mountain range, about 46 miles southeast of Marrakech, the U.S. Geological Survey said. With many homes built of mud bricks and timber or cement and breeze blocks, structures crumbled easily. According to Reuters, the damage done to Morocco's cultural heritage became more evident as local media reported the collapse of a historically important 12th century mosque. The quake also damaged parts of Marrakech old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site.Relief workers face the challenge of reaching the worst-affected villages in the rugged mountain range where settlements are often remote and where many houses crumbled. Survivors, faced with widespread electricity and telephone blackouts, said they were running low on food and water. Some bodies were being buried before they could be washed as Muslim rituals require.International and local help have been pouring into the earthquake zone, but efforts to send supplies and search teams to those hard-hit villages have been a challenge because of blocked or damaged roads. The U.K. government is sending 60 search-and-rescue teams, along with equipment and medical teams from the U.S. and France. Meanwhile, José Andrés, the Spanish American chef, restaurateur and philanthropist, said his not-for-profit organization, World Central Kitchen, is stationing food trucks in Morocco to deliver meals to people in hard-hit areas.“The next two to three days will be critical for finding people trapped under the rubble,” Caroline Holt, global director of operations for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, told Reuters. Healthy survivors have been lining up at local blood banks to donate. Morocco World News reports that the National Center for Blood Donation and Investigation in Morocco said 6,000 bags of blood were collected in a single day yesterday. It's a reminder that even in the worst situations, good people rise up and do what they can to help.
FYI:
There have been no reports of U.S. citizens killed in the earthquake; the U.S. Embassy in Rabat said a small number of Americans may have been injured.
Novak Djokovic Won the U.S. Open
The Serbian extended his record grand slam titles to 24
Novak Djokovic won the U.S. Open men's final on Sunday, giving him the most men’s Grand Slam titles and cementing his place as one of the sport's greatest players. At 36, around retirement age in tennis, Djokovic is the oldest man to win the tournament—and now matches Margaret Court's record for most all-time grand slam titles.But it wasn't easy. NPR reports that there were moments, particularly in the 1-hour, 44-minute second set that was as much about tenacity as talent, when Djokovic appeared to be faltering. After some of the most grueling points—and there were many—he would lean over with hands on knees or use his racket for support or pause to stretch his legs.And he did it on an Arthur Ashe Stadium court where he spent most of his career playing the villain in matches against underdogs or longtime crowd favorites like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Sunday was nothing like that. As the New York Times' Matthew Futterman put it, “the nearly 24,000 spectators welcomed him with a massive roar, then showered him with the biggest one when Daniil Medvedev dumped a shot into the net to give Djokovic the title that has been surprisingly hard for the greatest hardcourts player in the sport's history to win.”
Meanwhile:
The Ringer says the “legend of Coco Gauff begins now.” The 19-year-old phenom just won the U.S. Open, potentially just her first stop on her march toward greatness.
Has Ghosting Gotten Out of Hand?
Don’t Leave me (or others) hanging …
The term “ghosting” originated sometime in the early 2000s, typically referring to someone bowing out of a romantic relationship, never to be heard from again. But the term has evolved and now is the stand-in for whenever we're being ignored digitally. Like when your friend leaves you on read. Or the person you interviewed with never gets back to you. Have we all become too needy, or is ghosting really getting out of control?According to Esquire, the people who study this stuff say one of the reasons why people don't text you back promptly is because society has yet to agree upon a new set of rules for communicating in an era of 24/7 digital availability. In other words, technology has developed faster than etiquette, leaving people to wonder how long is too long to sit on an email, and if it's more rude to ignore a text or expect a reply.According to a new survey by Forbes, more than three-quarters of Americans have experienced (or ghosted someone themselves) and researchers have found that men and women are nearly equally likely to be offenders. But it's not without consequences. Because Bumble is cracking down on ghosting and will now count a “no-show” on dates as “bullying and abusive conduct.” That could seriously hurt your prospects, right?
Dig Deeper:
What are “parasocial” relationships? They've existed for thousands of years, but social media changed everything.
Hot Air Balloon Fests Reach New Heights
From coast to coast, it's apparently the perfect season to float up, up, and away
There are few modes of transportation as magical and romantic as floating in a hot air balloon. By yourself, with a partner or simply a friend, it's a relaxing yet awe-inspiring experience. And apparently, now is the time to jump in that basket and fly.According to Thrillist, September is the sweet spot: “Summer heat gives way to cooler breezes—preferable when you're standing next to literal fire. Skies are clear, evenings are crisp, and rain is rare. You may even see some leaves turning fresh hues of orange and yellow as you float above the world in your very own gondola.”Which explains why so many hot air balloon festivals are kicking off this month. Some double as county fairs with rides, plenty of tasty foods on sticks, and the ever-present car show, while others break world records and memorialize local history with their balloon flights. Check your local news or consult this list to find the nearest festival and leave your fear of heights at home.
In Other News
Instead of the traditional New York, Virginia or Pennsylvania events.
Have you heard about ...
The Long Read
Researchers believe that artificial intelligence may allow us to speak to other species
Trying to attach a recording device to a sperm whale is a bit like trying to joust while racing on a Jet Ski. The exercise entails using a thirty-foot pole to stick the device onto the animal’s back, which in turn entails getting within thirty feet of a creature the size of a school bus.”
- By Elizabeth Kolbert
Read It:
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Shopping
What We’re Buying
A rugged briefcase
Can Filson really improve on their iconic twill briefcase? Actually, yes. The brand's new Tin Cloth line is pretty much exactly what you'd expect—incredibly handsome, built to last and resistant to stains and inclement weather. The briefcase ($295), made from Tin Cloth waxed cotton and finished with leather handles and heavy-duty zippers, features a wide shoulder strap for easy carrying and plenty of pockets to keep your stuff organized.
want more?
The five stylish items you should be buying this week.
Morning Motto
Authenticity above all else.
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