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December 7, 2021
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“This is what dreams are made of” – HAIM, on going on tour. HAIM now, HAIM now.

Calling It

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The Story

The US is giving Beijing the cold shoulder.

What’s this about?

Human rights abuses against the Uyghur population – a minority Muslim group there. Since 2017, the Chinese gov has cracked down on Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities, detaining more than 1 million in its northwest Xinjiang region. There've been reports that Uyghurs have been kept in forced labor camps – and that women have been sterilized. China has denied the allegations, calling them "reeducation camps." Still, earlier this year the US became the first country to call China's treatment of Uyghurs "genocide." And has sanctioned Chinese officials. Now, the Biden admin says it’s pushing against China once again. Yesterday, the admin announced a diplomatic boycott of next year’s Winter Olympics in Beijing.

Go on. 

US athletes will still be able to compete. But the White House said it’s not sending diplomatic orofficial reps to theBeijing Olympics and Paralympic Gamesin February and March,citing “ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity”in the country’s Xinjiang region. Traditionally, the US sends delegations – like the VP or first lady – to Olympic events in host countries. (First lady Jill Biden led the US delegation at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.)This time, American officials will be cheering their athletes from afar. It’s the first US boycott of the games since 1980,when the US kept all of its athletes out of the Moscow Olympicsafter the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan.

What are people saying?

Many supported the move. Lawmakers from across the aisle had pressured the Biden admin against attending the Olympics. And human rights orgs hoped the admin wouldn't turn a blind eye. But some said the move falls short of what's needed. Meanwhile, other countries (like Australia, Canada, and the UK) are considering their own boycott. But Beijing said "no one would care" if the US didn't come. (Ouch.) And that a potential boycott amounted to grandstanding.

theSkimm 

China has long seen the Olympics as an opportunity to throw around its weight on the global stage (see: its 2008 Opening Ceremony). But the problem with a big stage is that when the VIP seats are empty...people notice.

And Also...This

Who's stepping in...

The Justice Dept. Yesterday, it filed a lawsuit against Texas alleging over its new map. In October, the TX Republican-controlled legislature approved new congressional districts following the 2020 census results. Reminder: The census reflects the population's changes over the last 10 years.And gives states the opportunity to redraw their electoral maps based on it (aka redistricting). And in some instances, lawmakers can redraw maps to benefit a specific party or group (aka partisan gerrymandering). In Texas’s case, minority voters made up about 95% of the state’s 4 million new Texans. So the Lone Star State gets two new House seats.But after a review, the DOJ said 'hold on a minute' –alleging the state discriminated against Black and Latino voters by denying them "equal opportunity to elect representatives." Which violates the Voting Rights Act. Texas AG Ken Paxton (R) called the lawsuit “absurd” and said the changes will be “proven lawful.”

PS: Here's how redistricting works – and how it could impact your vote in 2022.

What’s changing up its defense strategy…

NYC. Yesterday, Mayor Bill de Blasio (D) announced a COVID-19 vax mandate for all NYC private-sector employees – calling the requirement the “first-in-the-nation.” About 90% of NYC's workforce is vaccinated. City workers and people at indoor restaurants, theaters, and gyms are already under vax mandates. But de Blasio’s saying ‘more has to be done.’ Especially amid warnings of a winter surge and the worrisome omicron variant. Now, employees at roughly 184,000 businesses will have to have at least one dose by Dec 27. Remote workers and those with religious or medical reasons can be exempted. The penalty for not complying is unclear. 

  • The kids also need to be alright: Starting next week, NYC will require kids ages 5-11 to show they’ve got at least one dose before entering a restaurant or sports and entertainment venues. Proof for those ages 12+ is already a requirement. 

PS: Check out how your vax status can pay off...or cost you.

Who people are talking about…

Medina Spirit. Yesterday, the horse that won this year’s Kentucky Derby died of an apparent heart attack. It happened after a workout at California’s Santa Anita racetrack – and months after the horse tested positive for steroids in a post-race drug test. The death follows a 2019 investigation into Santa Anita, where dozens of horses died during the racing season. And comes amid years of pressure on the sport from animal welfare activists.

While Drake is taking his hat out of the ring...

Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA)is also making career moves.

What’s reminding us what the world needs…

Dictionary.com.

Run, Recover, Relax, Repeat
Photo: theSkimm | Photo: On

Everyone knows the best part about working out is recovering afterwards. No, just us? If you still need convincing, how ‘bout these facts: Working rest days into your exercise routine can help you limit your risk of injury, avoid burnout, and keep your immune system at the top of its game. 

Want to do rest days in style? Then you’ll want some performance staples from On. Their super stretchy tights are ideal for foam rolling and couch-chilling. Prefer a brisk walk? Their all-weather jacket and merino beanie will keep you cozy. Psst...their gear also makes great gifts for the active enthusiasts on your list. Check it allll out.

Hair for the Holidays

Whether you’re (safely) partying IRL or video calling in to the fam festivities, one thing’s for sure: You’ll want your hair on lock. That’s right. We went there. But we’ll make it up to you with some product recs. Because QVC’s got everything you need to keep your mane as shiny as your sparkly ‘fits. We’re talking…  

Skimm Well

Ho ho-hum. 64% of people with a mental illness say the holidays make their conditions worse.

That’s according to a National Alliance on Mental Illness study. Whether or not you have a diagnosed disorder, you could still feel like it’s not the most wonderful time of the year. We asked a psychologist to make like Rudolph and shine a light on what’s going on, and give tips for managing holiday stress. 

Skimm Picks

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

1. An accessory that’ll help you get more luxurious shuteye. Even with all the holiday lights up. This weighted sleep mask is made from hand-washable silk. And filled with freezer-friendly beads so you can de-puff and de-stress. Psst...use code FOR-SKIMMRS for a discount. Nighty night.*

2. How to keep eyes on your packages when you’re not home. Aaaand exhale. Because SimpliSafe makes it easy to deck your halls (and doorstep...and patio) with sensors and cameras. So you can keep your valuables safe. Plus, Skimm’rs get 40% off a customized system.*

3. The post-vacation vacation you know you’re gonna need. Complete with all the spa treatments, ofc. Miraval takes R&R very seriously. And they’re giving Skimm’rs the chance to win a complimentary three-night retreat at one of their drool-worthy wellness resorts. Enter here.*

4. A smoooooth operator (and intense hydrator) for your skin. Add a little luxury to your self-care routine with PCA Skin’s HydraLuxe moisturizer. It keeps skin soft, plump, and hydrated with snow algae, peony, and chicory leaf extract. Plus, Skimm’rs get a free gift with $150+ purchases.*

5. A bra that feels like no bra at all. Aka our favorite thing. This brand’s no-wire collection includes allll your fave styles. Think: deep-V, push-up, and balconette. But zero pokey hardware. Oh, and Skimm’rs get 15% off their first purchase. Un-bra-lievable.*

6. The present your pup’s pining for this season. Say that five times fast. This brand crafts personalized, vet-approved food for every dog’s individual needs. And pet parents see a difference in their best friends’ health in just two weeks. PS: Skimm’rs get 80% off. Paw-rfect.*

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

PPS: Check out our selection of the best holiday gifts for everyone on your list.

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.

Scoring goals...Kristen C (MO). She’s working for the St. Louis CITY SC, the city’s Major League Soccer team. It’s her dream job. Check the team out here. 

Making it paw-sible...Zan R (FL). She founded ELLAS Animals INC, a nonprofit that teaches people with disabilities how to train their own service dogs. Their clients gain more freedom and flexibility. Learn more. 

(Some) Birthdays...Jon Tisch (NY), Melissa Danilow Kline (NY), Kara Herbst (IL), Laura Liddell (MA), Samantha Gottlieb (WA), Jane Taras (IN), Jordan Klimek (MN), Caitlin Pusateri (IL), Glenda Sandhouse (FL), Mallory Jones (AR), Shimra Barnett (OH), Nancy Bridges (MA), Alejandra Santos (TX), Tom Evans (PA)

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

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