Wednesday, July 7, 2021

Daily Skimm: I took a walk around the world

July 7, 2021

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Skimm'd while feeling hormonal and wanting to know why

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Quote of the Day

"A 'pinch' in the area of his genitals" – Authorities on what a man felt after a python bit him while on the toilet. New fear uncocked, er, unlocked.

No JEDI


The Story

The Pentagon's force is no longer with Microsoft.

What do you mean?

Yesterday, the Pentagon announced it canceled its cloud-computing contract with Microsoft – aka the Joint Enterprise Defense Infrastructure (JEDI). In 2019, the tech company beat out Amazon, IBM, Oracle, and Google to win the $10 billion contract. It would've helped the Defense Dept update its cloud-computing systems, store lots of classified data, and ramp up its AI game. Important, as the US tries to compete with China. And necessary, since portions of the military reportedly still use computer systems from the '80s and '90s – costing the Defense Dept billions. But Amazon sued, claiming then-President Trump's rocky relationship with former CEO Jeff Bezos (who also owns The Washington Post) cost them the deal. Now, the Pentagon's going (Han) Solo...for now.

So does this mean Amazon (Obi)won?

No. The Pentagon did a lot of introspection during the pandemic and decided to go in a different direction. So it said 'goodbye' to the (last) JEDI. And 'hello' to Joint Warfighter Cloud Capability (JWCC). It will allow multiple companies to join in on (and share) the cloud project. The OGs Microsoft and Amazon will get the first shot at securing the deal – which is expected to last up to five years and to be worth billions. But other companies, like Oracle, could also qualify. This comes as the US continues to struggle with its cybersecurity. And as officials warn of growing cyber threats to US infrastructure.

theSkimm

The race is on for tech companies. But the US military's tech seems to be stuck in the stone age amid cybersecurity threats and constant hackings. And it's up to the DOD to protect the country.

And Also...This


What people are talking about...

Israel's citizenship law. Yesterday, PM Naftali Bennett's gov failed in its effort to extend a controversial citizenship law for the first time since 2003. The law banned Palestinians in the West Bank or Gaza married to Israeli citizens from getting citizenship or residency. Supporters said the law would help protect national security and the Jewish state. Critics called it a racist policy that divides families. The bill requires a simple majority in Parliament for renewal every year. But yesterday, far-right leader Bennett couldn't bring his coalition gov to seal the deal. That's in part because members of former PM Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party broke with their previous support of the law and voted against it. The goal? To embarrass Bennett.

  • Next steps: The Knesset (Israel's parliament) could put the law up for a new vote but it's unclear when that'd be. But since it's still up to the gov to grant citizenship, the law's failure to pass does little for thousands of Palestinian families.

Where history's being made…

Canada. Yesterday, PM Justin Trudeau named Inuk leader Mary Simon as governor general. She will be the first ever Indigenous person to take on that role. She'll represent Queen Elizabeth II in Canada and will outrank Trudeau. Her appointment comes as Canada faces its dark history of systemic abuse of Indigenous communities. Since May, Indigenous peoples have discovered about 1,000 unmarked graves at former residential schools often run by the Catholic Church. Now, Trudeau says Simon will help "build a brighter tomorrow." Simon called her appointment "an important step forward" toward reconciliation.

  • Boiling tensions: In the past weeks, at least 10 Catholic churches have either been burned or vandalized – at least four of them were on Indigenous land. No arrests have been made. Residential school survivors and Indigenous officials are calling for it to end, reportedly saying "we do not destroy people's places of worship."

Who's officially not on the roster…

Sha'Carri Richardson. Yesterday, the US's track and field team chose not to send the running star to the Tokyo Olympics. Last week, the US's anti-doping agency suspended Richardson for one month and disqualified her from the 100-meter race after she tested positive for marijuana. (Richardson apologized and said she used it after the death of her mother.) The US team could still have let her run in an Olympic relay race set to begin after her suspension. But it chose not to, saying that doing so would take a hit on its credibility for enforcing rules.

Who people are talking about…

Eric Adams. Yesterday, the former police captain and Brooklyn borough president won the Democratic primary for NYC mayor. Now, he's the favorite to win the general election in November, which would make him the city's second Black mayor.

Whose class will probably have a waitlist...

Nikole Hannah-Jones'. Yesterday, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist said she's accepted a tenured position at Howard University – officially leaving the UNC drama behind.

What may help college students with their hangovers...

Robot-delivered grub.

Skimm Well

Together with Dame

Thanks to a certain blonde lawyer, we all know endorphins make us happy. But they aren't the only pleasure chemicals our bodies make. There's also norepinephrine, which is partially responsible for the giddy, restless energy you get when you see someone you're into. Plus oxytocin, which is known for reducing stress and strengthening bonds after kissing, hugging, and having sex. Oh, and prolactin. That's the one that makes you sleepy and cheery after you orgasm.


Dame (psst...a woman-owned, woman-centered sexual wellness company) can help you get more of those feel-good moments more often. Their flexible, waterproof Pom vibrator gives broad or targeted stimulation with its five patterns and intensities. Btw, Skimm'rs get 15% off. Oh, yes.

Skimm'Picks

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


1. Groceries that could (actually) change the world. This online marketplace wants to be the first climate-positive grocery store. And go fully plastic neutral by 2021. They're helping the planet, one recipe at a time. Oh, and Skimm'rs get $20 of free shopping credit.*


2. Insta-famous hand soap to up your bathroom game. This brand created refillable (cute AF) glass bottles and planet-friendly soap tablets in unique scents. Think: Lily Mint and Satsuma Mandarin. No wonder it's got over 10K five-star reviews. PS: Skimm'rs get 15% off with code Skimm21.*


3. Sunscreen 101: What to know, what to buy, and how to use it the right way. Not all sunscreens are created equal. We chatted with a derm to give us the deets. Here's your ultimate explainer so you can (safely) soak up the sun.


4. Things to make your beach trip a bit easier. We've got a mini portable table, a blanket that won't trap sand, and a tool to help with bug bites. Shades on and relax.


5. An anti-chafe bar that'll become a savior this summer. Use it between your thighs, on your heels, and where shoulder straps rub. It won't clog pores, either. Just long-lasting comfort even in humid weather. Phew.

*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.


Epic move...Laura S (IN). She's a Latina writer who published her first poetry book, "I, Too, Bloom." It's a collection that shows healing and growth. And represents Latina womanhood. Book it.


Cheers...Abby D and Alaina I (MO). They started a bourbon podcast two years ago as a way to educate and bring more women into the industry. They're expanding their reach and will be announcing their first female bourbon retreat this year. Bottoms up.


(Some) Birthdays...Nancy Oelbaum (FL), Anja Sherry (FL), Lindsey Dorman (NY), Alexandra Loizzo-Desai (NJ), Ann Peters (PA), Ardina Colby (TX), Brianna Weiss (WI), Dana Gumm (VA), Dervela O'Brien (NJ), Eleda Plouch (MI), Elise Englander (NY), Eve Beth Tilley-Coulson (CA), Ilene Nedelman (TN), Jen Freesland (DC), Julia Rettig (CA)


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

Skimm More

Meet: Tierra. She began struggling with an eating disorder at 16. We spoke to her about her recovery journey, and how it led her to become an advocate for others. Plus, how her experience inspired her to study public health and publish a children's book on body image.


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

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Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain


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