Skimm’d while checking off gifts for everyone on your list
December 6, 2021
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Holiday Gifts
Daily Skimm

Skimm’d while checking off gifts for everyone on your list

Quote of the Day
Quote of the Day

"Keep going" – A Kansas woman who just turned 100 years old, on the key to longevity. Also the secret to getting through a Monday.

Putin It Out There

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The Story

Russia may have 'invade Ukraine' as a New Year's resolution.

Is that a joke?

Unfortunately, no. Tensions between the two have been building for years. In 2014, Russiaannexedthe Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea. Since then, Russian President Vladimir Putin has been trying to tighten his grip on the former Soviet country – offering Russian citizenshipto Ukrainians,building up a military presence along the border,and warning NATO to stay back. Now, new US intel says Putin’s planning to ring in the new year by invading the whole country.

Not quite the fireworks we're looking for.

Nope. On Friday, a US intel report was leaked on the situation at the Ukrainian-Russian border. There are already believed to be anywhere between 70,000 and 94,000 Russian troops stationed there. And US intel says the number could go up to 175,000 in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the Kremlin's using disinformation campaigns (like it does) to paint Ukraine and NATO in a bad light. All of this could be signaling a potential imminent attack – one that Russians could be influenced to blame Ukraine for.

What’s being done?

The Biden admin’s penciled in a Zoom meetingwith Putin for tomorrow.And has said it’ll make it “very, very difficult”for Russia to takemilitary actionagainstUkraine. That could mean issuing sanctions or getting allies involved. And the EU has previously approved a resolution to cut Russian businesses from the global financial system if Ukraine is invaded.We'll find out more on how the chat unfolds tomorrow. Putin’s reportedly expectedto tell the US that it’ll play nice as long as it doesn’t helpUkraine join NATO – a goal of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s.

theSkimm

Tensions betweenRussia andUkraine appear to be reaching another inflection point. Now, the world’s eyes are on the US as it tries to put Putin back in his place. 

And Also...This

Who people are remembering...

Bob Dole. Yesterday, the former US senator passed away at the age of 98. He died in his sleep. But had also been battling advanced lung cancer for months. The World War II veteran was widely known in the halls of the Capitol for his wit. He represented Kansas in Congress for a total of 35 years. And was the Republican Senate majority leader in the ‘80s. Dole also tried his hand at the White House three times — including a run against former President Bill Clinton in 1996. He helped push the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 across the finish line. He stayed loyal to the GOP and endorsed then-candidate Donald Trump in 2016. But reportedly criticized the party for being too conservative. Now, flags at the White House and public buildings will fly at half-staff to honor Dole. 

  • Tributes: President Biden described Dole as an “American statesman like few in our history.” And Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) remembered Dole’s “character and his profound patriotism.”

What people are talking about...

Myanmar. This morning, ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi was found guilty of violating pandemic rules and inciting unrest. In February, the military led a coup, declared a state of emergency, and arrested Suu Kyi — claiming election fraud. Suu Kyi has been on house arrest since. And faces a total of 11 charges that could put her in prison for more than 100 years. It sparked major protests. And one group estimates the junta has killed more than 1,300 people and arrested 10,600 others. Now, Suu Kyi has been sentenced to four years in prison. She has continued to reject the charges.

  • Reactions: Amnesty International said the charges are the latest example of the military trying to "suffocate freedoms." And the UN condemned the "sham trial" and called for the immediate release of Suu Kyi.

Who's officially out of a job...

Chris Cuomo. On Saturday, CNN announced it had “terminated” the anchor — effective immediately. Just days ago, the news company suspended him after the NY AG released documents revealing his involvement in advising his brother. Former NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) had been accused of sexual harassment by 11 women, and Chris used his media contacts to look into the survivors. Now, Chris himself has also been accused of sexual misconduct. He denied the allegation. But CNN said they saw "no reason" to delay taking action. Critics are saying 'that's interesting.' And that they've been calling CNN out for months over the conflicts of interest between Chris and Andrew Cuomo.

Where there are updates…

Michigan. Over the weekend, the parents of the 15-year-old suspect in a deadly high school shooting were arrested and pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges. It came after an hours-long manhunt. But the couple's lawyer says they weren't on the run. Last week, their son shot and killed four students at a Detroit-area high school. Authorities say the parents failed to act when their son showed troubling signs or safely store the handgun he used. A judge has set the couple's bond at $500,000 each. Experts say the move to charge the parents in the shooting is almost unheard of.

Sustainably Stylish

Changing trends are tough (sending love and light to our skinny jeans). But they’re even tougher on the planet. Case in point: 85% of textiles wind up in US landfills every year. 

If you’re looking to update your closet sustainably, Hass® Apparel from Avocado Green Brands has your back. Their clothes are made in California from natural, biodegradable, and renewable materials, using less energy and water than clothes made of synthetic fabrics in typical factories. Plus, they donate one meal to City Harvest in New York or Food Forward in LA for every purchase. So you can look good, and feel good about how good you look. Aka live the dream. Start shopping.

The Sleigh List
Design: theSkimm | Photo: Brittany Sturrett

The holiday season is in full swing. And maybe you haven’t finished (or, hey, even started) shopping for presents. We’re not here to judge — only to help you check off allll the people on your list. That’s where our curated selection of thoughtful gifts comes in. Here’s what made the Sleigh List this week:

Psst...shop theSkimm’s Virtual Holiday Village for even more ideas. See ya never, holiday stress.

Skimm Picks

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

1. Five-star makeup to complete your five-star holiday looks. Over 15K reviewers say this best-selling mascara is a must-have. Probably because it makes lashes so long, your friends will swear you got extensions. Plus, it strengthens and lengthens ‘em over time. And Skimm’rs get 15% off.*

2. How to kick sugar cravings to the curb. But keep the season sweet. This female-founded wellness brand’s Metabolism Super Powder helps ease bloat, decrease puffiness, and (yes) curb sugar cravings. Plus, Skimm’rs get 20% off. Happy holiday-ing.*

3. How to keep your home safe with sound. See what we did there? This motion-activated floodlight from HSN has an HD video cam, two-way intercom, and built-in siren to scare off unwanted visitors. Plus you can manage it all from your phone. Peace of mind = secured.*

4. Something that’ll make working out more joyful. Stay with us. Peloton's award-winning Bike+ gives riders access to motivating and — dare we say? — fun classes. Plus real-time performance metrics. Bring it ho-ho-home for the holidays for as low as $59 a month† with Affirm.*

5. The truth about fake news. That’s right.We’re going there...with some help from our friends at Pfizer. Our interactive infographics can help you spot misinformation in the wild, whether you’re surfing the web or scrolling your social feed. Check it out.*

6. An A+ gift for the man on your list. This brand’s premium manscaping kit comes with their Weed Whacker nose and ear hair trimmer. Aaand their Lawn Mower 4.0 (for down-there hair). Aka everything he needs. Get 20% off and free shipping with code SKIMM20.*

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

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

†All-Access membership separate. Get the Peloton Bike+ for as low as $59/mo over 43 months at 0% APR. Based on a full price of $2,495. Peloton All-Access Membership for $39/mo, accessories and taxes separate. Not available outside the U.S. Delivery restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Subject to credit check and approval. In cases of partial approval, a down payment may be required. Offer subject to change at any time. Previous purchases are ineligible. Payment options through Affirm are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. See www.affirm.com/faqs for details.

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.

Future MD...Ria T (MA). They spent the past two years on the frontline of the pandemic as an EMT and immunology researcher. Now, Ria’s got plans to start medical school next fall.

Helping hand...Emily G (DC). She founded 11:11 Wellness just before the pandemic hit. Her company supports schools and other orgs to survive their current reality while thinking about what education can look like. Learn more.

(Some) Birthdays...theSkimm's Allie Greenwald (CA), Alyssa Schimel (NY), Andreas Santoso (NY), Igal Ben-Gal (NC), Adam Vojdany (NY), Philip Annacone (NY), Andrew Brennan (OH), Margie Fiverson (FL), Mary Virginia Scherer (OH), Whitney Lavaux (FL), Susan Lucas (AZ), Jeanie Eberhardt (NJ), Dragana Magas (IL), Camille Simms (PA), Tyra Newman (NC), Constanza Chavoya Ingallina (CA)

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

Skimm More

Ring the bell. Because we’re texting with “Selling Sunset” stars Chrishell Stause and Mary Fitzgerald about their dream celebrity clients, current song on repeat, and what to expect from Season 4. Check it out.

And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your time…

Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

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