Skimm’d with the most popular gifts of the season
December 14, 2021
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Quote of the Day

"Spice World” – What was written on David Beckham’s 'ugly' Christmas sweater. If you wanna be our lover, you gotta get with the trends.

Sticking It 

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The Story

Gymnasts have notched a win. This time, off the mat.

What are you talking about?

The case with Larry Nassar. In 2016, former gymnast Rachael Denhollander came forward with allegations of abuse against the former USA Gymnastics doctor. Since then, more than 300 survivors have come forward. In 2018, Nassar was sentenced to up to 175 years in prison. But survivors also wanted justice from USA Gymnastics and the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee. That’s what yesterday was about.

What happened?

Survivors and orgs reached a $380 million settlement. It’s one of the largest settlements ever for a sexual abuse case. It not only covers those abused by Nassar – the money also reportedly goes to about 200 survivors of abuse from others with ties to USA Gymnastics. And it’s more than just a monetary settlement. The deal requires keeping at least one survivor on the board of USA Gymnastics moving forward. And sets up other policies to prevent future abuse. 

What are people saying?

As Denhollander put it, “no amount of money will ever repair the damage.” Many survivors have reported battling anxiety and depression. Others feel they had to relive the abuse during the trial. USOPC’s CEO said they’re “sorry for the profound hurt they have endured.” But there's hope that some of the policies will serve as the “gold standard” for how institutions handle sexual abuse.

theSkimm

Nassar didn’t carry out his extensive abuse in a vacuum. This settlement is an acknowledgement of the debt owed to survivors from those who enabled him and others like him. And serves as a reminder of how far the sports world still has to go.

PS. If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotlinehere or by calling 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

And Also...This

Where people are still hurting…

Kentucky. The death toll from this weekend’s storms is now at least 88 people, with 74 confirmed dead in Kentucky alone. 14 people have been killed across the other states hit. Meanwhile, tens of thousands are still without water or electricity – a problem Kentucky’s governor warned could extend for weeks. President Biden will travel to Kentucky tomorrow to see the damage for himself. And has said "we’re going to be there as long as it takes to help." 

  • Allegations: As many as 15 Kentucky workers (at the MCP candle factory) reportedly asked their managers to leave when the tornado sirens hit. But they were allegedly threatened to be fired if they did. The company has denied the allegations.

What isn’t going away...

Omicron. Yesterday, the UK revealed its first known death from the COVID-19 variant. Omicron has been blamed for skyrocketing cases in South Africa, with experts saying it could be the dominant variant in Europe as soon as this week. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has tested positive. Norway is under partial lockdown. And Denmark and the UK are bracing for the worst. It’s worth noting: omicron has been linked to a steep spike in cases, but it’s still not clear whether the variant causes more severe or mild cases. But public health experts are concerned about potential pressures on their medical systems.

PS: Here's what you need to know about the omicron variant.

What's saying 'the show must go on'...

The Golden Globes to...nobody. Yesterday, the awards organizer announced nominees with "Succession," "Belfast," and "Don't Look Up" getting some of the buzz. One hiccup: the show won't air on NBC after controversy over its lack of diversity. It's still not clear if or where the Golden Globes will air. But the 'save the date' still says Jan 9.

...Oh and speaking of announcements, Elon Musk was named TIME's Person of the Year. Musk be nice.

Who’s officially single and headed to the bar…

Kim K.

Transparently Beautiful
Design: theSkimm | Photo: Beautycounter

When it comes to the beauty industry, “clean” doesn’t always mean much. Because the FDA has yet to define what it takes to use that label. But female-founded and women-led brand, Beautycounter, has clearly defined what clean means to them. Hint: excluding 1,800 questionable or harmful chemicals from their products. We’re loving their…

PS: Skimm’rs get 20% off their first order with code SKIMM20. Go on. Make some swaps.

Skimm Money

Expense ratio  

How much of your investment into a fund goes toward actually running the fund. Like paying the analysts doing the research, the people handling the paperwork, and the marketing budget. Hint: Lower is usually better. 

Ratios are usually calculated annually and included in a fund’s prospectus or shareholder report. Taking stock (sorry, had to) of the ratios for all the funds you invest in can help you make sure your investments are working hard for you. Fidelity is about that life. They’ve got an app that lets you plan, save, and invest in one place. So you can keep the big picture in mind as you trade. Yes, please.

The Sleigh List
Design: theSkimm | Photo: Brittany Sturrett

Still have a few gifts left to buy for friends and fam (and furballs)? No need to panic: the Sleigh Listto the rescue. We’ve got you covered, no matter who you’re shopping for. This week we’ve got…

Psst...Want to cut to the chase? Here are the most popular holiday gifts Skimm’rs have purchased so far.

Skimm Picks

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

1. Something to help keep your air fresh while you cozy-fy your home. Bring a little extra merry to your space with these plug-in air purifiers. They come with a UVC light and ionizer. Aaaaand reduce funky odors. Shop now.*

2. A must-have for taking your IG content to the next level. Picsart makes it easy to create and touch up images, videos, and GIFs. No design school required. Plus Skimm’rs get a free 30-day trial. Hashtag done and done.*

3. A robust, reliable security system you can install in minutes. Cue brow-wipe. SimpliSafe’s got everything you need to keep tabs on your home and valuables. With professional monitoring services starting at $15 a month. Btw, Skimm’rs get 40% off customized systems. Trust.*

4. The perfect gift for your fave wine lover. Give ‘em something new to try with this female-founded brand’s zero-sugar canned wines. They’re crisp, refreshing, and have juuuust the right amount of fizz. Plus their gift-ready, two-day shipping is always on them. Here’s 20% off.*

5. A bra you might just forget you have on. This bra-bralette hybrid combines lightweight, wireless comfort with juuuust the right amount of support. Plus you can adjust it from classic to racerback to work with all your holiday lewks. Here’s 15% off your first purchase.*

6. Stylish stocking stuffers that give back. Spread a little extra cheer with this brand’s cozy socks, shirts, and underthings. For every purchase, they’ll donate one item to someone in need. Oh, and Skimm’rs get 20% off. Psst…order by midnight tomorrow for delivery by Dec 24.*

7. A budgeting explainer you’ll actually wanna watch. Because it involves cake. And confetti. And an easy-to-implement rule of thumb from our friends at Fidelity that can save you from micromanaging every penny (hiii, 50/15/5). Hit play.*

*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.

Speaking up...Kat R (GA). She prioritized her mental and professional health and found a new job. She also negotiated for extra vacation days and increased her pay. 

Getting it done...Tammy S-V (TX). She went back to school to get her masters. And will be graduating with a science degree in organizational development and leadership.

(Some) Birthdays...Danielle King (PA), theSkimm's Katie Boes (CO), Nancy Schulman (NY), Kari Dombroski (NJ), Hunter McAreavy (MO), Roxy Perkins (KY), Gabriella Ghanem (ON), Susanna Gates Rose O'Connell (NC), Chris Miller (CA), Reem Hassani (CA), Carly Schreiber (NY), Angela Ozar (OH), Sarah Ault (CO), Kanchan Sakhrani (FL), Shanel James (DC)

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

Skimm More

theSkimm is hiring. Interested in joining our team? Check out our career page for open roles.

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Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Kate Gilhool, William Horn, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

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