The Daily Valet. - 9/14/23, Thursday

✔️ The Ever-Evolving Airport Lounge

Thursday, September 14th Edition

By Cory Ohlendorf, Valet. Editor

What’s your go-to Hudson News snack before a flight? For me, it’s usually a Snickers bar.

Today’s Big Story

Ever-Evolving Airport Lounges

From its earliest incarnation as a private club, the airport lounge is now bigger, better and more essential Than Ever

The airport can be a brutal place. Time works in strange ways and people lose all sense of decency when dressed in pajamas, drinking a beer and wearing a neck pillow ... at two in the afternoon. Which could be why airport lounges are exploding in popularity.As passenger traffic rebounds to pre-COVID levels, the airport lounge sector is witnessing a bonafide boom, anticipated to reach record growth in terms of both membership and bigger, better facilities. Analysts say airports across the globe are proactively enhancing their offerings now by “introducing novel concepts and expanding services within existing ones, strategically luring more passengers to indulge in premium lounge experiences.”For example, this summer, Qantas opened a reimagined lounge in Hong Kong, with a seating capacity of 290 passengers and overlooking Hong Kong's famous Sky Bridge. According to Forbes, Qantas is investing $100 million in upgrades to its airport lounges. Meanwhile, American Express is expanding its Centurion Lounge network, where its latest outpost at Newark boasts live music and a terrace. And just this week, United announced the opening of its largest United Club in Denver—the stylish industrial space spans three levels and has over 600 seats.It's definitely a different vibe from the new Delta Skyclub at JFK. The tony lounge is anchored by a 360-degree marble bar serving seasonal cocktails and features soundproof booths for taking calls or relaxing and a covered patio overlooking the airfield. Of course, that's still nothing compared to the luxe accommodations around the world, like Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific lounge (with temperature-controlled cabanas, each boasting a large bath and rain shower) or Dubai's Emirates lounge (outfitted with a wine cellar, two cigar lounges and in-house spa). With more people popping in than ever, these new lounges have to work ever harder to maintain the calm, comfortable atmosphere they were designed to provide. Originally dreamed up by American Airlines Chairman C. R. Smith in 1939, the “Admiral's Lounge” at the New York Municipal terminal (now LaGuardia) was only available to invited guests. It proved to be so popular the airline was forced to abandon the private club—too many people were clamoring to get in. But by 1967, American reopened the clubs to anyone paying annual dues of $25. Lifetime memberships went for $250. And soon, other airlines followed. Now, your best way to get into one is by flying business or first class, buying a day pass (which is only available at some) or utilizing an airline's credit card, which often comes with lounge privileges.

Get a Priority Pass:

Here’s how to obtain complimentary membership to the world’s largest independent airport lounge program.

House Will Begin an Impeachment Inquiry

Biden’s words from 2020 campaign are what is fueling the GOP’s impeachment push

It's not exactly surprising: For the third time in four years, the House has moved forward with impeachment proceedings against an American president. Some say that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's sudden decision to launch an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden was to show those on the far right of his conference he was listening. He may've also thought it could help fund the government and avoid a shutdown at the end of the month. NPR says that's not likely.The allegations against the president are tied his son Hunter and his finances. Republicans have accused President Biden of profiting from the foreign business ventures of his son while he served as vice president from 2009 to 2017. According to Axios, Republicans are “risking a political backlash if the inquiry doesn't discover anything concrete other than Biden made false or misleading statements while campaigning for president.”And while many thought this whole effort could ultimately fall apart in a closely divided House (McCarthy has only around five GOP votes to spare), the Associated Press reports that the Speaker opened and closed a private meeting Wednesday of House Republicans justifying his reasoning for the inquiry sought by former President Trump, which could've won over even the most reluctant Republicans. But the Washington Post's analysis found that several notable members have said they worry in general about another impeachment, but also that there isn't really enough evidence—even for the inquiry.

Meanwhile:

Mitt Romney announced on Wednesday he won’t seek reelection as he calls for a ‘new generation of leaders.’

Have You Heard of ‘Screen Apnea’?

Laptops, phones and tablets are literally taking our breath away

I don't mean to alarm you, but since you're reading this on a screen—be it your phone or computer—I feel a duty to remind you to breathe. In and out ... that's it. Okay, good. Because while we've all been worried about how little we stand lately, health experts are now concerned with how little we're breathing.You see, when checking email or refreshing Slack, or reviewing spreadsheets before a meeting, we tend to unconsciously hold our breath, sitting there in a stressed, stock-still coil. It's called “screen apnea,” and, unsurprisingly, it's not great for your health. If the idea sounds vaguely familiar, InsideHook says the term was once referred to as “email apnea,” stemming from a viral 2008 report.And it's only gotten worse. Speaking to the New York Times last month, Dr. David Spiegel, director of the Center on Stress and Health at Stanford Medicine, says that it's particularly common when we're stressed. If you catch yourself breathing shallowly or not at all, try sighing audibly, Dr. Spiegel said. Studies suggest that can be a quick and easy way to reset breathing patterns. Dr. Spiegel and his team found that while many breathing techniques are valuable, cyclic sighing—in which the exhale lasts longer than the inhale—is particularly effective for improving mood.

Airstream’s Off-Road Adventure Van

The Littler Off-Grid Camper packs its big brother’s features into a smaller, more “affordable” platform

When it comes to high-end camping, you don't get more iconic than the riveted aluminum trailers made by Airstream. But did you know that the legendary brand has been in the camper van market since 2004? On the heels of its adventure-ready Interstate 24X off-grid van in 2021, the company now introduces its Interstate 19X, a shorter, more nimble version built into a Mercedes Sprinter.Gear Patrol says it's no longer than a Ford F-150 pick-up truck. But inside, a modern and intuitive floorplan invite adventures to relax and rejuvenate with a full kitchen and bathroom, sleek lighting and a convertible sofa that doubles as a queen bed. True to Airstream, you'll find aluminum walls, ceiling and window trim.Despite its bountiful array of side and rear windows that ensure good light, Airstream maximizes storage with netted overhead compartments, under-seating storage, and an L-track on the ceiling, floors and walls. Motor Trend says one particularly interesting feature is a galley window screen (that's separate from the sliding door).

FYI:

When Wally Byam (the founder of Airstream) built his first trailer, he published an article with the plans for it – and quickly sold over 15,000 copies for $1 each.

In Other News

The Escaped Pennsylvania Killer Was Captured

The fugitive was found in the woods after an intense, two-week manhunt.

‘Feedback’ Is Apparently Too Harsh Now. The New Word in Corporate Lingo Is Feedforward …

It’s Time to Retire the ‘Hope You’re Doing Well’ Text to Your Ex

Is the Future of Energy ... Pouring Water on Hot Rocks in the Ground?

Have you heard about ...

Our childhood, cast in ceramics

McDonald’s ditching self-serve soda

Artificial intelligence stylists

The Long Read

The uncomfortable truth is that many women today are drinking too much

Few successful women would willingly get hooked on Valium, but large numbers today are dosing their discomfort with alcohol. Gradually, booze has become the 21st-century ‘mother’s little helper.’”

- By Olga Khazan

Read It:

S tress Drinking Has a Gender Divide

Shopping

What We’re Buying

A casual street sneaker

Ready for a break from your all-white summer sneakers? These are great shoes to transition into fall. New Balance's modern performance technology brings superior comfort to a running shoe from 2010 that's been reborn as a casual street sneaker. Impact-resistant cushioning means you can walk (or stand) for hours in these without ever feeling a thing. And the tonal beige colorway will pair with anything you wear through fall and winter.

Get It:

2002R sneaker, $140 by New Balance

Partner

Hold Your Bills, Lose the Bulk

Slim down in style

Hennessey Performance 23 Ridge Wallet, $150

How's your wallet feeling? A little bulky, unwieldy and uncomfortable to sit on? Slim things down with a Ridge Wallet. The brand's minimalist accessories are built to last and slim down your pockets while organizing all the cards and cash you need to carry. They even include modern features like RFID-blocking technology and handy AirTag attachments should you want to keep tabs on things. And right now, the brand is hosting an epic summer sweepstakes—which means that every dollar spent is a bonus entry (and chance to win) a souped-up Ford Bronco.