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March 1, 2021

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Skimm'd while celebrating Women's History Month

Quote of the Day

"A democratic process" â How goats decide where to go, according to a recent study. Democracy at its farmiest.

American Crisis

The Story

Another woman has accused NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) of sexual harassment.

Fill me in.

In December, Lindsey Boylan, a former Cuomo aide, accused the governor of sexual harassment. Last week, she wrote about it in a detailed Medium post. She said Cuomo harassed her on multiple occasions from 2016 to 2018, often commenting on her appearance and going out of his way to touch her lower back, arms, and legs. Boylan says she was told by her boss that Cuomo had a "crush" on her. She said he asked her to play strip poker on a gov plane, and that he once kissed her without her consent. And she is not alone.

Go on.

Over the weekend, Charlotte Bennett also accused the governor of sexual harassment. She was an executive assistant and health policy adviser in Cuomo's admin at the height of New York's battle with COVID-19. Bennett said Cuomo asked her a bunch of questions about her personal life, including whether she had ever slept with older men. And that he told her he wanted a relationship with a woman in her 20s (she's 25). She also said that Cuomo had made it clear to her he was lonely amid the pandemic â comments she saw as hinting at a sexual relationship.

Has Cuomo responded?

He denied the allegations, but said his "interactions may have been insensitive or too personal." And that his comments may have been "misinterpreted as unwanted flirtation." The three-term governor requested an independent review of the allegations against him. After much back and forth on who should lead the probe, NY Attorney General Letitia James (D) said her dept will take it from here. The White House said it would support the independent review. This all comes as Cuomo is already facing backlash about his admin underreporting nursing home deaths.

theSkimm

In the years since the #MeToo movement kicked off, Americans have witnessed more and more powerful officials get called out for their alleged behavior toward women (like former President Trump, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and current President Biden). But it's always a coin toss how seriously the allegations will be taken...and whether there will be consequences.

And Also...This

What didn't mince wordsâ¦

This intel report. On Friday, it said Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) approved the 2018 killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi. In response, the Biden admin issued visa restrictions against 76 Saudis â calling it the "Khashoggi Ban." But guess whose name wasn't on the list. Critics from across the aisle say the Biden admin's reaction barely registers as a slap on the wrist. And that the US should have held MBS personally accountable.

Hypocrisy much: In 2018, Biden called out the Trump admin for not taking action against MBS for Khashoggi's murder â calling the decision "embarrassing" and "dangerous."
Can't touch this: Admin officials say that sanctioning MBS was never on the table since it would have been too damaging to US military interests.

Where concerning things are happening...

Myanmar. Yesterday, at least 18 protesters were killed and dozens injured in clashes with police. It's the deadliest day since the military took power last month â arresting civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi and declaring a state of emergency. Demonstrations have been ongoing throughout the month as protesters called for Suu Kyi's release. Now, the UN is saying that the police deployed water cannons and tear gas, and shot rubber bullets against peaceful protesters. The UN condemned the "escalating violence" and called on the military to stop using force against the demonstrators. Today, protesters returned to protest despite yesterday's violence.

Who's singing 'feeling good, like I should'...

Johnson & Johnson. Over the weekend, the FDA gave emergency approval to the J&J vaccine, making it the third available COVID-19 vaccine to Americans. Unlike Pfizer's and Moderna's vaccine, it only requires one dose and doesn't need to be kept in freezing temps, making it easier to ship and store. The vaccine is 85% effective against severe COVID-19 symptoms 28 days after vaccination. The gov's hoping to ship 4 million doses this week. And Dr. Anthony Fauci is saying 'don't stress' â he's encouraging Americans to get whatever vaccine is available to them.

What could have been an email...

The Golden Globes. Last night, many of Hollywood's biggest names red-carpeted from home â kids, dogs, and WFH attire included. "The Crown" got all the crowns. Anya Taylor-Joy said 'checkmate.' And Sacha Baron Cohen wa wa wee won the funny awards. Chadwick Boseman's wife said that she doesn't "have his words" â but hers were perfect. And ChloÃ© Zhao is the award show's second female best director, ever. But the awards were not without controversy. This year, it came out that the judges have no Black members. Jane Fonda isn't having it. And someone needed to unmute Daniel Kaluuya.

Who's walking Chris Harrison out...

Emmanuel Acho.

Habit Loop

That's the psychological pattern that turns a behavior into a habit. It goes a little something like this: cue > routine > reward. The cue is basically a trigger. If you're trying to become a person that runs in the morning (respect), it could be your alarm. The routine is the actual behavior. As in, the part where you put one foot in front of the other a bunch of times. The reward is...you guessed it, the outcome of the behavior that will make you want to keep doing it over and over again. Reminder: endorphins make you happy. No matter where you're starting from, WW (Weight Watchers Reimagined) can help you build healthier habits and get moving toward your best self. Take the new personal assessment to get going.

1. An online fitness membership with tons of options. As in, more than 2,400 expert-led workouts that range from stretching and meditating to toning, sculpting, and cardio. Skimm'rs can try it all free for 60 days. Move it, move it.*

2. How to meal prep a week's worth of freezer-friendly meals. Because you don't have time (or energy) to take on "Chopped" challenges after a long day of Zoom meetings. Put in the hustle now. And eat all the payoffs later.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter lifeâ¦

1. Something delicious that can help curb sugar cravings. This female-founded brand's best-selling super powder is made with an herb that regulates blood sugar and cortisol. So you won't feel the urge to snack on sweets...as much. Add to cart now to get 20% off.*

2. Spring-ready bras, bralettes, and bathing suits. This female-founded brand makes "leisurÃ©e" (hint: leisure plus lingerie) that looks and feels good. Get 15% off your first order â and never go back.*

PS: Tonight's newsletter is all about celebrating women. We've got streaming and book ideas (obvi), things to add to cart from our fave small businesses, and more. Sign up so you don't miss out.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimmârs

This last year has been one for the books. Let's not wait 'til 2040 to celebrate women who are making history in big and small ways right now. Got someone in mind? Tell us here.

Goals...Meg M (MN). She recently received her Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership â a long-term goal of hers. And she did it as a single mom of three and working full time.

Eating it up...Sylvia L (NY). She realized she didn't know much about her neighbors before the pandemic, so she started Poom, a free website for home bakers and bread makers to connect with their neighbors looking for a treat. Check it out.

(Some) Birthdaysâ¦Nancy Lane (NY), Leah Kessler (CA), Lucy Schulson (MA), Erica Nimensky (NJ), Dean Smith (MN), Georgia Perez (DE), Sarah Clancy (MI), Patricia Tower (MI), Anna Carpenter (FL), Jenna Jones (TX), Rachel Siegfried (OR), Julie Wichler (NY), Windi Brady (NC), Wendy Minkin (CA), Meg Stagaard (NJ)

PSâ¦we've also got a video wall to shout out a woman in your life who's making an impact on you. Check it out.

Tax season is here. Our guide breaks down what you need to know about credits and deductions. So you can keep more $$$ in your wallet.

And if you're looking for other smart ways to spend your timeâ¦

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