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October 25, 2021
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Quote of the Day

“I call them my golden seeds”– A farmer on growing a 2,000-pound pumpkin. Squashingthe competition.

Hollywood

The Story

The shooting involving Alec Baldwin has the film industry reeling.

Go on.

On Thursday, Baldwin fired a prop gun while on the set for his latest movie, “Rust.” Which accidentally killed 42-year-old cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injured the director. Normally, there are safety practices in place when handling firearms on set – even prop guns. While gun laws vary state by state, it's apparently up to studios and labor unions to set primary protection for film sets. In this case, precautions seem to have failed. The shooting left the industry grappling with how this tragedy could have happened. And who’s responsible.

What do we know?

The investigation is still ongoing. But the tragic loss camehoursafter the camera crew had walked out to protest working conditions–including over long workdays and safety concerns. Apparently, this wasn’t the first gun issue on set: there were at least two other instances of guns misfiring in the days leading up to the tragedy. And right before the fatal shooting, the assistant director handed Baldwin a gun he said was “cold” – indicating it had no live rounds. In all instances, the rule of thumb is to treatall prop guns – including those with blanks – as if they’re fully loaded.

So what happens now?

There are questions about who’s liable. From the armorer to the assistant director to Baldwin himself – anyone who came in contact with the gun could face charges. Experts say it’s unlikely that Baldwin could be charged if he didn’t know the firearm contained live ammunition – unless he was found to be negligent. But there could be lawsuits. And some critics reportedly say gunfire 'authenticity' is easily done in post-production and doesn't require real weapons.

theSkimm

There've been at least 43 on-set deaths from prop guns since 1990. Now, this high-profile tragedy is shining a spotlight on the need for a safe work environment in every industry.

And Also...This

Where things are escalating…

Sudan. This morning, the country’s military detained PM Abdalla Hamdok and other leaders in an apparent coup. After former President Omar al-Bashir was ousted in 2019, a new government was formed. And military and civilian leaders agreed to share power till elections could be held. But there’s been major tensions. And just last month, there was a failed coup attempt by Bashir-loyalists – putting Sudan on edge. Now, thousands are in the streets protesting the military’s actions. The internet has reportedly been cut off, the military has closed off bridges, and the airport in Khartoum is closed. And no one in the military has commented on the situation so far. 

  • The world reacts: The US said it is “deeply alarmed” by reports on the situation. And the EU expressed its “utmost concern.”

Where there's a status update...

Colombia. Over the weekend, the country's armed forces captured major drug lord Dairo Antonio Úsuga aka Otoniel. He’s the leader of the Gulf Clan – a major drug trafficking group and criminal organization. Otoniel’s accused of killing police officers, recruiting minors, sexually abusing children, and more. And has long evaded officials. Now, Colombian President Iván Duque is comparing his capture to the fall of notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar. And called Otoniel’s arrest – in a country that produces 70% of the world's cocaine – “the biggest blow” against drug trafficking this century. But experts are skeptical it'll affect Colombia’s drug conflict. And expect that a new leader will take over.

  • Coming to the States: Otoniel will be extradited to the US – where officials put a $5 million bounty on him. He’s been on the DEA’s most-wanted list for years. And is accused of importing tons of cocaine into the country for over a decade.

Where people want answers…

Oklahoma. Earlier this month, 21-year-old Brittney Poolaw was sentenced to four years in prison for having a miscarriage last year. The fetus was between 15 and 17 weeks – and was not able to survive outside the womb at this stage. A jury had convicted her of manslaughter amid evidence that she had used methamphetamine when she miscarried. But the autopsy reportedly said the miscarriage might have happened because of a congenital abnormality or the placenta detaching. And there was no evidence that the drug use caused the miscarriage. Now, Poolaw could appeal.

  • Not alone: For pregnant women, criminal cases have reportedly skyrocketed in recent years – with about 1,200 criminal cases in the past 15 years alone.

...Oh and speaking of women's health: Texas. Over the weekend, the Supreme Court agreed to fast-track its review of the state's controversial abortion law. And will hear arguments next week.

Who people are remembering…

James Michael Tyler. Yesterday, the actor – best known for his role as Gunther on “Friends” – passed away at the age of 59. He had been battling prostate cancer.

Who’s got the peanuts and Cracker Jack ready...

The Astros and the Braves.

Staying Connected

Game nights. Scavenger hunts. Bedtime stories. It turns out, family bonding isn’t just fun. Research shows it can help establish a foundation of security, boost self-esteem, and build social and emotional skills. 

More good news: Even if you aren’t comfy gathering with larger groups IRL as a(nother) unusual holiday season approaches, you can help your kids stay connected to relatives and friends. Yes, even virtually. Especially with help from Slumberkins. They design tools that foster interaction and reflection. Think: cuddly creatures, books, and affirmations. They’ve even got special heart-to-heart sets that help kids stay connected with loved ones near or far. Oh, and Skimm’rs get 15% off their first order. Check ‘em out.

Thing to Know

47%

That’s the percentage of American women who have life insurance, according to 2021 studies from research company LIMRA. A number that’s gone down five years in a row. The real kicker? 58% of American men currently have it. 

But getting insured can help you protect your loved ones after you’re gone. Ethos Life knows alllll about that. Their proprietary underwriting process quickly matches people with coverage that won't break the bank. And you just have to answer a few health questions online to apply. Read: no medical exams or blood tests. Plus, they're rated “excellent” by customers on Trustpilot and got an A+ from the Better Biz Bureau. Translation: It’s protection you can really trust. Learn more.

True or false: You can’t get pregnant while you’re on your period.

Go ahead and circle “false.” Because it is in fact possible to get pregnant from period sex. Particularly if you have an irregular cycle. But if you’re trying, your best bet is to get it on during your fertile window, aka the few days leading up to and during ovulation. For a refresher on what and when that is, we have a guide for that.

Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. Makeup that’s so good, it’s got 15K five-star ratings. That’s…a lot of goodness. This award-winning mascara lengthens lashes immediately and strengthens ‘em over time. So they miiiight get mistaken for extensions. Plus it’s now available in a gorg, deep blue hue. Here’s 15% off.*

2. A flexible vibrator that fits in the palm of your hand. Dame’s Pom (get it?) is made with medical-grade, waterproof silicone and a powerful but quiet motor. It’s also got five unique intensities. So you can customize to the (cli)max. PS: Skimm'rs get 15% off.*

3. Sugar-free†, plant-based protein made with handcrafted vanilla flavor. Aka the really delicious kind. This brand’s gluten-free protein powder is a perfect add-on to any daily diet looking for a lil’ extra support. Plus, Skimm’rs get 20% off their first month when they subscribe. Yum.*

4. Cozy fall clothes under $50 you can wear to work. Maybe it's been a while since you've been back to the office. And maybe pants with zippers now seem like a foreign concept. If so, you’re gonna want to check these out.

5. Meal plans for every type of eater. There are lots of kits in the sea and finding the one can be overwhelming. Here are our fave vegetarian, vegan, and meat-based options, plans for kids, and so much more.

6. Truly addicting reads we just couldn’t put down. We’re talking the ones you cancel all your plans to finish, the ones you stay up way too late to keep on reading, and the ones you complete in a single sitting by the fire. Page = turned.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

†Not a reduced calorie food.

Skimm'rs

We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.

Natural glow...Bonnie S (CA). She started an organic and fair trade skincare brand. Think: body butter that is packaged in recyclable jars and boxes. Check it out.

Breathe in...Kim A (NY). She opened Sacred Space Astoria, a yoga studio and healing space in NYC. Kim works with clients at all stages in life to help them feel better in their body. Take a look.

(Some) Birthdays...Donald Gardner (NJ), Shulamit Shain (MA), Melissa Brenner (NY), Nicole Sarno (IL), Anthony Allegra (IL), Meaghan Coyne (NY), Maggie Jonas (WI), Julia Zimmerman (CT), Angie Kellin (MN), Colette Vance Wright (CA), Missy Sams (GA), Foluke Tuakli (MD), Sarah Romano Fleury (SC), Shayla Givens (VA), Kathleen Craider (OH)

*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

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Last week on “9 to 5ish,” we spoke to Tarana Burke, activist, author and founder of the Me Too movement, on how she approaches burnout and why balance is so important for productivity at work.

And if you’re looking for other smart ways to spend your time...

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Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

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