Yeo Lake is a crottin-style cow's milk cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It is made on a small alpine farm where the makers age it for 35 days, until the cheese develops a yellow, red, and blue rind. As it ages, the cheese's flavors become more "piccante," but the cheese retains its creaminess. In other words? It's an awful lot like this newsletter. Today's 'sletter opens with an objective examination of the best idea ever, congestion pricing in New York City. Then I start to throw in my personal opinions more, which I know you love. Who, given the choice, would live in rural America? Answers on a postcard, please. —Matt Davis, Need2Know Chedditor |
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"It's not just a massage chair, it's a full-body wellness system." — Kate Kozuch |
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1. Congestion Pricing Begins in New York City: Please Discuss |
In between burning $100 bills for amusement, I tell a hilarious joke to all my friends at the many Eyes Wide Shut parties I attend on an average weekend. "I can't leave my luxurious apartment in Manhattan without spending $50," I chortle. Ha ha ha. So, the least you can do is pay $9 for the privilege of driving into the bottom half of my borough. (That is not a euphemism.) That's the thinking behind my exclusive new "congestion pricing" plan, proles.
Strangely the Metropolitan Transit Authority seems intent on claiming it was their idea. But whatever. New York City welcomed the dawn of a new era on Sunday with the launch of its "groundbreaking" new program. It's so groundbreaking that three other major cities did it years ago (bravo, London, Stockholm and Singapore).
Despite the icy temperatures gripping the city, a determined assembly of around 100 sad sacks congregated at the corner of Lexington Avenue and 60th Street on Sunday at midnight. Supporters chanted "pay that toll!" with an enthusiasm that contrasted sharply with the solitary sounds of a cowbell wielded by a lone opponent. Presumably that is because all Mr. Cowbell's friends were out having fun like normal people do on the weekend at midnight, at Eyes Wide Shut parties, presumably.
The policy has finally materialized after enduring decades of debate and dodging legal challenges — notably, a last-minute lawsuit from the "state" of New Jersey. At its core, congestion pricing is designed to encourage a shift toward mass transit by levying a daily charge on most passenger vehicles entering the congestion zone, delineated from 60th Street down to the southern tip of Manhattan, where I live. The MTA says the program will funnel much-needed funds into the city's weary public transportation system. The tolls are expected to generate approximately $15 billion a year, which should just about pay for my weekly tab at the bodega.
MTA officials said a read on vehicle and traffic data showing the initial impacts of the new toll should begin "taking shape" this week, with hopes that it can curb congestion and change driver habits. Early analysis by a variety of sources suggests it's "meh," so far. But don't expect that to kill it. The MTA plans to maintain a public online dashboard to highlight what is being learned from congestion pricing. I would hold your breath for that, if I were you. Read More |
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2. Amazon Prime to Release Melania Trump 'Documentary' |
This past weekend a Pulitzer-winning cartoonist resigned from the Washington Post after her editors declined to run a cartoon showing Post owner Jeff Bezos fawning at the feet of President-elect Donald Trump. Bezos, earlier, had declined to endorse a candidate in the recent presidential election and has recently written a sizable check to Trump's inauguration fund. Now, Bezos's Amazon Prime Video will air an exclusive documentary focusing on Melania Trump, directed by Brett Ratner: Yes, he of the Rush Hour series, starring Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, and survivor of allegations he denies, and over which he was never charged, surrounding sexual misconduct during the early days of the #MeToo movement.
The film promises an intimate "unprecedented behind-the-scenes look" at the life of the United States' former, and once again, First Lady. With a self-titled "memoir" already "gracing" bookshelves, Melania's story is, well, it's something.
A particularly private First Lady, Melania Trump's subtle presence has "intrigued" the public throughout her husband's political journey. Her aloofness and dedication to her "Be Best" campaign, along with her focused motherhood to Barron Trump, give her a distinct identity within the political landscape. Yet, with the demands of her role about to intensify, the documentary could be the key that unlocks the profound, enigmatic mystery of Melania Trump. Or not.
If you'd like to watch it with me, come on over. We can get some popcorn in and live tweet it. Just be sure to pay the congestion charge? (And bring a mask.) Read More |
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| Robots are getting a lot less stiff and a lot more human. 🤖👀
Powered by battery-operated water pumps and valves, Clone Robotics' Torso mimics the human torso with artificial bones and muscles. The company plans to use this tech for robots in assembly lines, household tasks, and even telehealth. Also, maybe, murder. |
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3. Steel Companies Sue Biden Administration for Not Letting Them Merge |
Start the steel! U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel have initiated legal action against the Biden administration, challenging the decision to block their $14.9 billion merger on national security grounds. The companies contend that the blockage resulted from an unfair national security review influenced by political motives rather than genuine security concerns. They are seeking a reversal of President Biden's decision via the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to allow for a new, unbiased review.
The legal move comes after a contentious period beset by bipartisan opposition to the deal and claims of undermined due process. The companies argue that the national security review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States lacked integrity.
When both political parties and a congressional committee have told you "no," it's unlikely that a court appeal is going to get you what you want. But if you're an attorney working for either firm, you could string out millions in fees. Read More |
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4. We Went to Las Vegas to Learn About, Uh, New Health Products at CES |
Every year my father-in-law goes to Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show and he's there again, right now. Also there? Tom's Guide managing editor Kate Kozuch, who explored some buzzworthy new health products!
One of the standouts is the hilariously named Bodyfriend massage chair. "It's not just a massage chair, it's a full-body wellness system," Kate said. "With a built-in scale and sensors, it can analyze your weight, body composition, and mobility. It can even take you through stretching movements and detect potential heart issues with a wireless EKG."
Another innovative product is the Y Omnia Smart Mirror scan concept. "This smart mirror with an integrated display and scale can track your activity, sleep, weight, body composition, heart rate, blood pressure, and more," Kate said. "It can even sync your data to an app so you can share it with your doctor." Who will tell you what Bodyfriend already knows: You're overweight and about to die.
For those looking to reduce their salt intake, the Electric Salt Spoon is a unique solution. "It uses a mild electric current to make your food taste saltier, allowing you to enjoy the taste of salt without the health risks," Kate said. Although you would need a serious electric current to make your food salty enough to satisfy my father-in-law. Like, just Taser yourself in the mouth? Read More |
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5. 'The Brutalist' & 'Emilia Perez' Win Big at Golden Globes |
The 82nd Golden Globes—or as host Nikki Glaser called it, "Ozempic's biggest night"—saw two relatively unknown films taking home the hardware.
The evening was triumphant for two cinematic marvels that shattered conventional storytelling. "The Brutalist"—Brady Corbet's 215-minute film starring Adrian Brody, who won Best Actor, as a Holocaust-surviving architect—won Best Director. Glaser pointed out that Brody also played a Holocaust survivor in "The Pianist" at the turn of the century, but if a man is good at something, should he not repeat himself?
"Emilia Perez," Jacques Audiard's transformational trans musical about a Mexican cartel leader who enlists a lawyer to help her disappear and achieve her dream of becoming a woman, won Best Film in the Comedy or Musical category. Demi Moore won Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical with "The Substance." On LinkedIn yesterday I saw some slop posts saying this is why middle-aged women are amazing and powerful now, but as we all know, Demi Moore still looks 25 thanks to the Substance, and women's bodies remain a battleground.
Fernanda Torres won for Best Actress in a Drama with "I'm Still Here," playing a grieving mother of five who is coping with the forced disappearance of her husband, a former leftist politician, during Brazil's military dictatorship. Definitely one for the holidays. And "Wicked," directed by Jon M. Chu, won for "cinematic and box office achievement," a.k.a. making the most money. Dorothy, 99, has offered a fantastic take on "Wicked" on Instagram.
Kieran Culkin won for Best Supporting Actor in Jesse Eisenberg's "A Real Pain." "Shōgun" and "Hacks" also cleaned up in the television categories.
Here's some interesting context. "The Brutalist"'s budget was less than $10 million, or one-fifteenth the marketing budget for "Wicked." And yet it won seven golden globes compared to "Wicked"'s four. Discuss. Read More |
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