“Procedural error” - How a Dutch fertility center is referring to a possible sperm mix-up. Looks like about 26 women may have the wrong baby daddy. Scrambled eggs.

PEACE OF MIND

THE STORY

Yesterday, US Sec. of State John Kerry got candid about the future of the Mideast peace process. Israeli PM Netanyahu did not appreciate it.

WAIT...BACK UP.

For decades, Israelis have been building settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. But millions of Palestinians also live in these areas, and see the land as part of their future state. The UN has been trying to vote to stop Israel from building settlements, saying that they make a peaceful two-state solution (where both Israelis and Palestinians would have their own states) a lot more difficult. But the US - which has veto power at the UN and is one of Israel’s biggest allies - has always blocked these types of votes. Until last week. The US and Israel have been in a diplomatic screaming match ever since.

SO WHAT’S THE LATEST?

Yesterday, Kerry gave what will probably be his last word on the issue. He said Israeli settlements are making it clear that Netanyahu and his “extreme,” “right-wing” party want a one-state solution. He also said that even though President-elect Trump has hinted he feels otherwise, the Obama administration thinks the two-state solution is the only way for there to be peace. Kerry has reportedly wanted to give this speech for years, but the White House didn’t want to rock the boat with a major Mideast ally. Netanyahu considered it a “great disappointment.” Trump said the US has treated Israel with “total disdain and disrespect.” Message, not received.

theSKIMM

Reaching a lasting peace deal has been one of Kerry’s top priorities in office. It didn’t happen. Now, Trump will be the 10th US president to give it a try.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

WHAT TO SAY TO YOUR FRIEND WHO’S OBSESSED WITH “HALLOWEENTOWN”…

Goodbye Debbie Reynolds. Yesterday, the actress died at age 84 after being rushed to the hospital for a possible stroke. This came just a day after Reynolds’ daughter, actress Carrie Fisher, died. Reynolds is best known for singing and dancing with Gene Kelly in “Singin’ in the Rain.” She also picked up an Oscar nom for starring in “The Unsinkable Molly Brown.” And she was in all of the “Halloweentown” movies. There was also a lot of offscreen drama. Reynolds and her first husband Eddie Fisher broke up after he had an affair with Elizabeth Taylor. Those two later married. And divorced. Yesterday, Reynolds’ son said that the stress of losing her daughter “was too much,” and that “she’s now with Carrie.”

WHAT TO SAY WHEN YOUR FRIEND SUGGESTS GOING ON A RAW FOOD DIET TOGETHER…

Not happening. That’s what Amazon is saying. Earlier this week, it came out that Amazon refused to give up data from one of its Echo devices connected to a murder investigation. The suspect in the case says he invited his friends over for football one night…and the next day found one of them dead in his hot tub. He was later charged with murder. Police found an Amazon Echo at the suspect’s home. Echo’s Alexa - Siri’s competition - records and stores everything it’s asked. And the police say that data could give them some clues about what exactly went down that night. But Amazon’s saying ‘nope, can’t have it.’ Making the ‘Zon just the latest tech company to go up against lawmakers when it comes to personal info (see: Apple vs. the FBI). And since more people are living that Smart House life, it probably won’t be the last.

WHAT TO SAY TO YOUR CO-WORKER WHO KEEPS MISSING DEADLINES...

Sensing a pattern. Yesterday, it came out that a transgender boy was kicked out of a Cub Scout troop - part of the Boys Scouts of America - in New Jersey. Last year, the Boy Scouts finally got around to ending a ban on gay and lesbian troop leaders after lots of scrutiny. And now, this. The Boy Scouts say that its program is for kids who are identified as boys on their birth certificates. And that sexual orientation and gender identity aren’t related. The Boy Scouts told the boy’s mom that he can participate in co-ed programs instead. She said ‘no thanks,’ but she does want an apology.

WHAT TO SAY TO YOUR FRIEND WHO’S ALREADY PLANNING FOR APRIL FOOLS’ DAY…

Watch your back. That’s what President Obama’s saying to Russia. As soon as today, Obama’s expected to explain how he will respond to Russia’s interference in the US presidential election. In case you somehow missed it, during the campaign the US intelligence community said that Russia did things like hack the DNC network and the Clinton campaign’s emails. Then after the election, the FBI and the CIA agreed it was all to try to help Trump win. The White House apparently knew about Russia’s role in the hacking before the election, but never did anything about it because they didn’t want to look partisan. Now, it looks like the Obama administration will be hitting back at Russia with things like sanctions. Revenge is a dish best served with vodka shots.

THING TO KNOW

Scrotox: Exactly what it sounds like. Botox for men. Down under. Because some people really can’t handle a wrinkle no matter where it is.

SKIMM LIFE

Skimm HQ has a holiday hangover. We’ll all be in bed until New Year’s Eve. Specifically, this one. Mattress, sheets, pillows. Check, check, check. Psst...theSkimm got you a little discount on the mattress. 

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SKIMM BIRTHDAYS

* indicates Skimm’bassador. Pop bottles.

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