Daily Skimm Issue

November 3, 2021

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Daily Skimm

Skimm’d while prepping for Cyber Monday

Quote of the Day

“Will be skipped” – A Texas bar refusing to play Mariah Carey’s iconic holiday jingle before Dec 1. The queen of Christmas cannot be silenced.

Losing Face

The Story

Facebook, err Meta, is cleaning out some of its servers.

What’s on its mind now?

It’s no secret that the company’s PR woes have been flooding news feeds for weeks now. There are the leaked internal documents. The whistleblower’s testimonies. And countless exposés about the company’s impact on Americans and foreign govs. Through it all, Meta has said reports are painting “a false picture.” But now, the company appears to be trying to save face by losing face(s).

What’s the update?

Yesterday, the company said it’s closing a chapter in its book by shutting down its facial-recognition software. The decade-old program has allowed users to easily tag all their FB friends. You know, the square box that goes over your friends’ faces in photos. Meta has apparently built one of the world’s largest archives of digital pics in part because of the program. But it’s raised privacy concerns and led to a $650 million settlement in a privacy lawsuit. Now, FB is hitting ‘delete’ to over a billion face scans in the coming weeks. And deleting a system that impacts about a third of daily active users. But not everyone’s hitting the ‘like’ button.

Why’s that?

People with visual impairment or who are blind will lose out on getting photo descriptions using the FB service. And privacy advocates reportedly say Meta should do more to keep companies from using FB photos. That’s because software companies like Clearview AI – used by law enforcement – have built their own facial recognition tech in part from FB photos. But Meta says this is the best move to address “growing societal concerns” around privacy. And that there isn’t enough regulation on it yet. Still, facial recognition tech can be used to help people access their accounts. And Meta hasn’t completely ruled out its use in future projects.

theSkimm

Meta isn’t the only tech company to limit facial recognition (see: Amazon and Microsoft). But retailers and governments (the US and foreign ones) haven’t stopped giving it a thumbs up. Meaning, facial recognition won’t be just a Facebook memory.

PS: We Skimm’d everything you need to know about Meta and its recent PR nightmares, including the Facebook Papers.

#ShowUsYourLeave

The US is one of only six countries in the world not to guarantee paid family leave.And last week, efforts to change that failed in Congress. Our co-founders and co-CEOs Carly Zakin and Danielle Weisberg are amplifying the conversation around parenthood in America. In an op-ed published this week, they’re shining a light on how paid family leave, or lack thereof, has an impact. Help spread the word by using #ShowUsYourLeave on social media.

And Also...This

Where there was Big Election Energy…

All over the US. Yesterday, millions of Americans headed to the polls to vote for several local or state positions. But all eyes are on Virginia as Glenn Youngkin (R) won, defeating Terry McAuliffe (D). Youngkin's set to become the first Republican governor of VA since 2009. It's got Dems shaking in their boots, seeing as President Joe Biden won the state by double digits last year. And could spell trouble for them as they try to maintain control of Congress next year. But things also happened in...

New York: Where retired NYPD captain Eric Adams (D) won NYC’s mayoral race by a landslide. And will be the second Black mayor in the city’s history when he takes office in January.
Boston: Where voters said 'see ya' to the tradition of having white men as mayor. Enter soon-to-be Mayor Michelle Wu, the city's first woman and first person of color elected as mayor.
New Jersey: Where Gov. Phil Murphy wants to be the first Democratic governor to get reelected in 44 years. He's found a tough contender in former Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R). But it's still a nail-biter.

...Oh and speaking of big things on the ballot, Minneapolis voters said 'no thanks' to replacing the police department with a Department of Public Safety (which includes mental health professionals). It could be a blow to the "defund the police" movement.

What’s looking up…

Vaccinations. Yesterday, the CDC formally recommended Pfizer’s low-dose COVID-19 vaccine for children 5 to 11 – making the vaccine available for some 28 million little ones. While kids are at a much lower risk for hospitalization than adults, over 6 million have still tested positive for the virus. And more than 100 have died in the 5-11 age bracket. Now, the CDC’s saying ‘it’s go time.’ And that most parents can start making appointments soon. President Biden’s called the move “a turning point” in the fight against COVID-19.

Prepping the shipments: The White House has enough vaccines for every single kid in the age group. And said that 15 million doses are being shipped to pediatricians’ offices ASAP. For appointments starting next week. (Just in time for the holidays.)
What you need to know: CDC data estimates that vaccinating 5- to 11-year-olds this month could prevent 600,000 cases of COVID-19 by March. And that it “would dampen, but not eliminate” the chances of a new variant emerging.

Who didn't make a Blooper...

The Atlanta Braves. Yesterday they beat the Houston Astros in Game 6 to take home their first World Series championship since 1995.

What to do if you're stuck in a windowless dorm...

Look out for mirages.

The Dalton Rule

Fact: Your skin works hard. 24/7, it does its best to keep irritants out. Research actually suggests healthy skin barriers don’t let anything over 500 daltons (read: a tiny unit of mass) in. Psst...collagen molecules — which can prevent fine lines and wrinkles — are 150K daltons. In other words, skincare often sits on your skin vs. getting in.

Enter: two MIT-trained scientists. They invented NASA-backed, award-winning tech that turns derm-approved skincare (like their collagen formula) into submicron droplets that can get 20 times deeper than traditional serums and moisturizers. With Droplette, you can actually improve the appearance of your skin. Fast. PS: Skimm’rs can get 40% off new devices today as an early Cyber Week treat. Go, go, glow.

Pop Cultured

The Latin Grammys are about two weeks away. And our latest ep of “Pop Cultured with theSkimm,” sponsored by Gevalia, can help you prep. It dives into the controversy surrounding one of Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin’s latest songs, “Perra.”

Critics say the lyrics are sexist and the video (which has been taken off YouTube) is racist and sexist. And a lot of people aren’t buying Balvin’s apology. The Colombian VP even weighed in with her thoughts. To say this ep is a must-listen is an understatement. Headphones, in.

Nighty Night

Feeling sleepy during the day? Annoying. Not feeling sleepy at night? Even worse. To start feeling sleepy when you want to (and not when you don't), try a consistent bedtime routine that includes setting your phone to dark mode and diffusing essential oils like lavender and chamomile. Oh, and Beam’s Dream powder.

It’s packed with Zzz-promoting ingredients, like CBD, reishi, magnesium, l-theanine, and melatonin. And, as of *checks watch* today, it’s available in a limited edition white chocolate peppermint flavor. Just mix with warm milk or hot water for a delicious, wintry cocoa. Then keep calm and sleep on. Btw, Skimm’rs get 35% off their first month if they subscribe today and 15% off one-time purchases.

Skimm Picks

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

1. Winter-friendly staples that are cute and not at all cumbersome. Step aside, large puffers. This brand’s activewear essentials can help you stay cozy while you’re movin’, groovin’ or couchin’. Psst...we’re loving the eco-friendly sherpa fleece jacket. Here’s 20% off.

2. Unique financial guidance you didn’t know you needed. Thanks toPrudential. They’ve got practically everything you need to invest, insure, and create your personalized financial game plan. Aka planning for the future in the best way. Learn more.*

3. A tasty vitamin C boost that’s great for your skin. This brand created on-the-go packets that are full of vitamins and antioxidants (hiiiiii, elderberry superfood complex). For soft and dewy skin that straight glows. Plus, Skimm’rs get 10% off sitewide and a free sampler pack.*

4. A must-have subscription if you still have Halloween candy in your teeth. This electric toothbrush comes with six unique cleaning modes, a four-week battery life, and a built-in timer. Aka everything you need to combat that leftover taffy. Take $20 off with code BRUUSH20.*

5. Cozy home decor finds under $80. The time has come to transform your space into a comfy lil’ cocoon. We’re talking pillows, throws, twinkling lights, and more. Hibernation is just around the corner.

6. A portable sound machine so you never have to deal with unwanted noise. Maybe you're traveling for work or heading out on a well-deserved vacay. Either way — the last thing you wanna hear is a noisy neighbor. This machine has 36 sounds and six fans.

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

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.

Full of purpose...Bridget O'C (TX). She’s launching Studio Qila,a Native-owned digital fitness studio on November 15th in honor of Native American Heritage Month. Qila was named after the Alutiiq (her Alaskan tribe) word for spirit. Sign up.

Friends for life...Kate S (CO). She is the co-founder of Amigas in Action, a nonprofit that is celebrating the 10th year anniversary of its Adopt-A-Family program. They sponsor students from a Title 1 elementary school to provide holiday gifts to families in need. Learn more.

(Some) Birthdays...Terri Rockovich (NY), Stephanie Swensen Buza (NY), Alan Franklin (NY), Sophie Lin (RI), Beth Schenkel (TX), Sandy East (NC), Heather Kistler Kinz (CO), Heather Ayer (TX), Erin Ferrell (MT), Eli Singer (MN), Selena Thor (MN), Coleen Berlin (CA), Rachel Butler (GA), Megan McKeon (NV), Linnea Nordgren (MA)

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

Skimm More

If you’ve seen pictures of Hillary Clinton (hi, who hasn’t) chances are you’ve seen Huma Abedin nearby. Abedin has been a trusted aide at the highest levels of government for over two decades. So she knows a thing or two about giving career advice. On this week’s ep of “9 to 5ish,” she shares everything from having to organize the White House bathroom at the start of her career to what it’s like having Hillary Clinton as a manager. Tune in.

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

Listentoour news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week.
Tune in to our career podcast "9 to 5ish with theSkimm" for tips to build your resume and “Pop Cultured with theSkimm” for the latest in entertainment and culture.
Subscribeto our "Skimm Money" newsletter to keep up to date with your wallet.
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