News: Daily Skimm: Little miss fancy fingernails

Thursday, August 26, 2021

Daily Skimm: Little miss fancy fingernails

August 26, 2021

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Quote of the Day

"It's something that in just two minutes will happen" – A woman on cutting her hair for charity after growing it for 17 years. Shear commitment.

For the Fans

The Story

OnlyFans is backtracking.

I'm gonna need some background.

OnlyFans is a subscription-based platform that lets people sell or pay for content on its site. Some for free, others for a fee. It includes things like creative writing and dinner recipes. But is best known for its adult content. Since its launch in 2016, the UK-based OnlyFans has reached at least 130 million users and 2 million creators. It soared in popularity during the pandemic, reportedly raking in $375 million in net revenue last year. And is expected to bring in $2.5 billion next year. Last week, the site announced it would ban all sexually explicit content by October 1. Now, it's reversing course.

What happened?

Originally, the CEO blamed the ban on "banks." (One bank allegedly "flagged and rejected" OnlyFans wire transfers.) There've also been reports that OnlyFans struggled to find investors. (Some venture capital firms even have something known as "vice clauses" – forbidding them from investing in companies that deal with things like sex, drugs, or firearms.) And that credit card companies may have had something to do with it. (Mastercard, Visa, and PayPal have already cut ties with other adult sites like Pornhub – amid reports of child abuse and rape on its platform.) But the ban sparked outrage among creators and users who helped OnlyFans grow. Yesterday, the company said it had 'figured out' the whole money problem, and that the planned ban's been scrapped. But OnlyFans may have lost its fans.

That sucks.

Well, the company's being accused of hanging its content creators out to dry. And many are saying 'not okay,' considering they've brought the company success and tens of thousands of dollars. OnlyFans takes 20% of the profits made by its creators. And after the announcement, some reportedly lost hundreds of subscribers. Others started deleting content that would've violated the policy. And advocates feared it could turn many creators away from the platform and towards "riskier" work options. While the reversal is welcome news for creators and well...fans, people are still wary of the company that almost cost many their primary source of income.

theSkimm

Sex work has moved to the online world in recent years. And has given sex workers more agency and control over how their content is made and shared. But the industry still faces an uphill battle in establishing legitimacy while combating stigma.

And Also...This

Where there are updates…

Afghanistan. Yesterday, State Sec Antony Blinken said there are about 1,500 Americans left in the country – down from 6,000 on Aug 14. The gov's only made direct contact with about 500 of them. Since the Taliban gained ground in Afghanistan, more than 82,000 people have been airlifted out of the country. And the US is scrambling to get thousands more out by Tuesday. Not helping: surprise visits from congressmen. Earlier this week, Reps Seth Moulton (D-MA) and Peter Meijer (R-MI) had a super quick "secret" trip to the Kabul airport. The Iraq War vets said it was "to gather information" on the evacuations – claiming the Biden admin lacked transparency. But US officials, furious, said the two wasted time (and resources) that should've gone to people on the ground.

Feeling strapped: Afghans with no way out are facing rising prices and are running out of money. It comes as the Taliban has reportedly restricted people from taking dollars out of the country, most banks remain closed, and ATMs run dry.

Whose origin story is still unknown...

COVID-19's. Earlier this week, the US intelligence community reportedly briefed President Biden on the virus's origins. TL;DR: it's still TBD. In May, Biden gave the intel community 90 days to dig into the source of the outbreak. It came after the World Health Organization's probe said the virus "most likely" originated in animals. But that's all theories – including that the coronavirus leaked from a lab – are reportedly "still on the table." Now, the US's investigation is apparently saying 'there aren't any clear answers.' A declassified version of the review could take days to be released to the public. China's already dismissed the report, calling it "political."

Who's taking action...

Spencer Elden. Earlier this week, the 30-year-old man sued Nirvana for alleged commercial child sexual exploitation. He was the naked baby on the rock band's famous 1991 "Nevermind" album cover. Elden, who's an artist, has recreated the image several times as a teen and adult. But has recently said the album cover caused him emotional distress. Now, he's suing for $150,000 in damages, saying the cover was produced as "child pornography." And that his parents didn't authorize the image's release.

What's taken on a stage name...

Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. As part of its full FDA approval, the vaccine's getting a name change. Meet Comirnaty: a combo of "COVID-19 immunity" and "mRNA."

...Oh and speaking of changes, Krispy Kreme's saying 'two is better than one' – doubling its free doughnut giveaway to those vaxxed. Sweet.

What's better than a shooting star...

The "Einstein Ring."

Thing to Know

Pan Am smile

The term for a smile that doesn't reach your eyes. Fun fact: It got its name from the now defunct Pan Am airline, which trained their flight attendants to smile even when there wasn't anything to be happy about. Relatable.

We're all guilty of giving a fake flash of teeth every now and then. But if you want yours to look a little better, meet Byte. They've got products to help you align and whiten your teeth...from home. Delivering guaranteed-for-life results, fast. And now through Friday, Skimm'rs can get their Impression Kit for less than $15. Plus enter for the chance to win $1,000 cash or 100% free custom aligners. Say cheeeeese.

There's a lot of confusion about the new child tax credit. Like whether you could have to pay any of it back and who might want to say, "no thanks" to the monthly payments. So we phoned a friend, tax expert Kelly Phillips Erb, to get some clarity. You're welcome.

PS: For As to all your money Qs, sign up to see Skimm Money in your inbox every Friday.

In honor of Black Breastfeeding Week, let's talk about why Black moms are 2.5 times less likely to breastfeed their babies compared to white moms. A few reasons: Black women might get less lactation support compared to other new moms, and are more likely to have to return to a job with inflexible hours shortly after birth. All that (and more) can make breastfeeding inaccessible (not that it was easy to begin with). Our guide digs into the cultural, emotional, and physical reasons that breastfeeding can be challenging. Read it then share it.

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

1. A simpler way to manage your team's business expenses. The days of collecting employee receipts are over (raised hands emoji). Uber for Business lets you share vouchers with your team and clients for things like rides and meals for delivery. Plus, signing up is free.*

2. How to find your new staple jeans. Madewell created this denim quiz to help you find your perfect pair. Whether you need 'em for back-to-school, back-to-the-office, or just back to wearing real clothes again. Psst…here's $25 off your $150+ purchase with code SKIMM25. O-M-jean.*

3. How to tackle allergies this fall. And all year long. This brand knows that not every allergy is the same. So their expert allergists developed a quiz to get you a personalized treatment plan that'll tackle your worst symptoms. Oh, and Skimm'rs get 50% off.*

4. Breakfast cereal with all the nostalgia. But without all the sugar. This brand's bringing back your fave childhood cereal flavors like frosted, fruity, cocoa, and peanut butter. But surprise: they're keto-friendly, gluten-free, and packed with protein. PS: Skimm'rs get $5 off. Yes, we're cereal.*

5. 6 new-ish books we're loving on Audible right now. There's no better time to queue up a soppy romance or creepy thriller than during your weekly grocery-store run. These books are a download away — get ready to dive in.

6. A ton of deals at Chewy in honor of National Dog Day. Like spend $100 and get a $30 e-gift card. Cat owners, fret not: If you spend $75 on select products, you'll also get a $15 e-gift card. Two paws up.

*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.

Story time with...Miguel H (TX). She's written and self-published children's books on Amazon. Including the "Culture Kids" series, which focuses on educating and teaching multiculturalism and diversity. Book it here.

Add to playlist...Sarah K (VT). She recorded an album, "The Hour," during the pandemic with the help of producers who worked with The Lumineers. Now, she's wrapped up her first tour and is focusing on her music career. Jam out.

(Some) Birthdays...Shari Ager Michaels (IL), Kendall Carpenter (MA), Jamie Yezzi (GA), Kelly Kerschner (NC), Kayleigh Brickman (VA), Micaela Branecky (TN), Jennifer Burnley (NJ), Meghan Erdman (DE), Alyssa Bass (TX), Genera Nelson (MD), Kelsey Moe (MI), Rosalind Franks (CA), Steph Jeffirs (SC), David Dockery (AL), Steph Jeffirs (SC)

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

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