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| | | Quote of the Day | | | "$1.9 million" – The cost of a Belgian racing pigeon. She's a breed of her own. | | | | | |
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| Where Are My Onboarding Docs? |
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The Story Experts warn a country without a clear transition of power could pose serious risks. What's going on? Media outlets declared Joe Biden the winner over a week ago, after a decisive lead in key states. Normally, a president concedes by this point and the federal gov starts handing over the keys to the next admin. But 2020 is full of surprises, isn't it? The Trump admin is refusing to recognize Biden as the projected winner. Instead, it's been taking unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud to the courts. Meanwhile it's been grinding the transition – a pillar of democracy – to a halt. Why is it so important? The presidential transition separates the US from authoritarian govs. It helps establish a new government, empowers new appointees, and allows the new president and his admin to restructure policy as promised on the campaign trail. No modern presidential election has gone on without a peaceful transfer of power (even the drawn-out, contested election in 2000 that sought SCOTUS's help). Now, experts are warning that there could be serious consequences if the Trump admin doesn't get on board with the Biden onboarding – especially for the following:
COVID-19...Yesterday, the US surpassed 11 million coronavirus cases. And the number continues to rise as nearly every state sees a jump in infections. On average, over 1,000 Americans are reportedly dying from the virus every day – a 50% rise from the past month. Dr. Anthony Fauci's encouraging a smooth transition, saying it "would be better" for the US if the Trump admin worked with Biden's team to address the pandemic. Biden announced his own intended COVID-19 task force and his advisers are expected to meet with vaccine manufacturers within days. But experts are warning a delayed handoff could be especially problematic during a public health crisis.
National security...Four years ago, Trump received his first intelligence briefing soon after winning the election. Now, it seems like his team is blocking Biden from getting the intel – despite some GOP lawmakers urging Trump to begin the transition. With Biden unable to access the security briefings, he could begin his term with a lot to catch up on. This all comes as Trump fired Defense Secretary Mark Esper last week. And some (think: former officials, Dem leaders, and Biden's advisers) are warning that a gap is putting Americans' national security at risk. History may agree. Back in 2000, the contested election delayed George W Bush's (and his national security team's) transition. The 9/11 Commission Report found that the delay left the Bush admin less prepared to deal with the September 11, 2001, terror attacks. theSkimm The inauguration is 65 days away and America isn't seeing a clear transfer of power. Without it, experts warn Americans' health and safety could be at risk. | | | | | |
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Where there's a hole in the government... Peru. Yesterday, the country's interim president, Manuel Merino, resigned after days of protests calling for him to step down. Merino took up the position last week after Congress ousted then-President Martín Vizcarra over corruption accusations. But Peruvians – who strongly supported Vizcarra – saw Congress's move as a power grab and took to the streets in anger. At least two people died, more than 110 were injured, and dozens of others went missing during clashes with police that lasted nearly a week. Now, Merino's calling for "peace and unity" as the country gets ready for a new interim president ahead of the April presidential election. | | | | | |
What's staying put... DACA. Over the weekend, a federal judge invalidated restrictions on the Obama-era program that protects over 640,000 young undocumented immigrants from being deported. In July, acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf issued a memo saying that new DACA applications wouldn't be accepted. And that renewals would be limited to one year, not two. The restrictions came after the Supreme Court blocked the Trump admin from ending the program. Now, the fed judge argues that Wolf was unlawfully appointed as acting secretary because he didn't follow the rules of succession. And because of that, Wolf's memo is worthless. Immigration rights groups hailed the decision as a victory for DACA recipients. Meanwhile, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson denounced the ruling and said officials are exploring their options to continue with a review of DACA. | | | | | |
What's saying 'trade ya'… Asia-Pacific countries. Yesterday, 15 – including China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand – signed the world's biggest trade deal. It's called the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and it's been eight years in the making. It covers nearly a third of the global economy (larger than the USMCA and the European Union). The deal will make it easier to import and export throughout the region without high tariffs – and supporters say it could help the economies recover amid the pandemic. But critics are worried it could give China even more of an economic leg up in the region. | | | | | |
What's saying 'wait for me'... SpaceX, to the International Space Station. Yesterday, SpaceX launched its first operational flight with NASA. Final destination: the ISS. Time of expected arrival: tonight. The four-member crew that's making history: a Japanese astronaut, a Space Force colonel, a Black pilot, and a woman who reportedly logged nearly 4,000 hours in space. | | | | | |
Who's hitting it out of the (ball)park... Kim Ng. Last week, the Miami Marlins hired Ng as their new general manager – making her MLB's first female GM. Ng was the league's senior VP of baseball operations for the past nine years, and had previously worked for the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers. She said this new job is "the honor" of her career. | | | | | |
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|  | | | Feeling stuck in a rut? Same. So we partnered with Mentos Pure Fresh Gum to bring you some ways to shake things up. Because Mentos is all about fresh ideas, fresh breath, and fresh perspectives. This week we're talking virtual first dates.
Set the scene. Aka avoid views of your messy bedroom. Find a place where your background and lighting will help you put your best foot (er, we mean face) forward.
Have an activity planned. Choose a game in advance, or decide beforehand that you'll make cocktails together. See ya, awkward small talk.
Stay confident. Keep Mentos Pure Fresh Gum next to your computer so you can give yourself a burst of freshness right when you need it most. Game, set, meet your match. | | |
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| | Currently at the North Pole: Santa's mapping a contactless delivery system, and Rudolph's looking for a mask that'll fit over his nose. No matter what holiday you celebrate, gift giving this year is gonna look a little different than usual.
Soooo we created a one-stop-shop with tons and tons (like...tons) of affordable gifts for everyone on your list. That'll make holidays at home feel magical. Don't change out of your PJs – it's time to shop from ho-ho-home. | | |
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| | Here are our favorite picks to help you take a break today...
1. 15 genius products that'll hack everyday life. Aka, things that'll save you time and money. And make life a bit easier. We've got patches that'll heal pimples, a boot brush to get out scuff marks, and a detergent cup holder to end spills. Phew.
2. 5 mindful habits that'll lead to a minimalist home. The bad news: you're going to have to say goodbye to the "I'll clean that up tomorrow" lifestyle. The good news: your kitchen counters will be spotless.
3. A podcast for when you're hungry. Which…is always, if you're us. "The Sporkful" has amazing guests (hi, Samin Nosrat and David Chang) and episodes devoted to topics like seltzer and the reckoning at Bon Appétit. Need we say more?
PS: Want more? Sign up to get weekly recs in your inbox. | | |
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| | For when you've tried everything and keep getting UTIs… You're not alone. This company's founder had eight in one year. So, she created a line of UTI relief and proactive urinary tract health supplements. And they've helped over 100,000 people so far. Psst…Skimm'rs get 25% off their first order. What a relief.*
For when it really hits you that the holidays will look different this year… Might as well embrace it. And Old Navy can help. They've got festive masks in holiday prints for the whole family. And they're made of breathable, washable cotton. Mask up.*
For when you are in charge of the wine list this Thanksgiving...
Blue Apron has your back. They broke down the perfect pairings for your Turkey Day feast. Plus which wines to go with if you're going the simpler 'bottle of red, bottle of white' route. (Almost) time to wine and dine.
For when you're prepping for a mouth-watering Thanksgiving dinner… Make sure you're ready. Whether you're cooking, hosting a small (and safe) gathering, or going to the home of a family member. This list has the ultimate apron, serving dishes, and cocktail syrups. Our eating pants are ready. | | | *PS: This is a sponsored post. | | | |
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| | In times like these, community matters more than ever. Let us know how you (or someone you know) is making an impact by helping others.
Healing minds...Adrienne A (MD). She founded A Beautiful Mind Foundation, a nonprofit funding orgs that provide culturally competent mental health services in communities of color. This month, it's encouraging supporters to practice good mental health and gratitude and donate to next year's grant cycle. Learn more.
Child's pose with...Amanda D (CAN). She's part of The Yoga Buggy, a nonprofit bringing yoga to kids. Due to the pandemic, most in-person classes have transitioned to Zoom or YouTube. More info here.
(Some) Birthdays...Lindsay Kane (NY), Gina Finizio (PA), Sarah Finn (NY), Jackie O'Shaughnessy (NC), Gabriella Rossi (NY), Jenna Levy (MD), Caitriona Brannigan (PA), Allison Wynant (MD), Heather Modicut (LA), Mirela Raic (UAE), Jessica Reagan (NC), Heather McCowen (IL), Kimberly Novosel (TN), Beth Zentmeyer (FL), Rachael Drake (KY)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured. | | |
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| | Skimm HQ's pulled out the winter coat. Share theSkimm with your friend who's in denial that winter's coming. | |  |  | | | Or use this referral link theskimm.com/?r=41fd50f9 | | |
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| Skimm'd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Niven McCall-Mazza, and Clem Robineau | |
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