News: Daily Skimm: We have a book stylist pick out our books

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Daily Skimm: We have a book stylist pick out our books

August 19, 2021

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Skimm'd while getting MBA application tips from Dean Erika James

Quote of the Day

"I was in the spice aisle just looking for something to put on my chicken" – An Australian woman, who saw a python slither right out of the shelf. What a thyme.

Another Round

The Story

Americans are gonna need a boost against COVID-19.

More shots?

Coming right up. Over 168 million people (51% of the total population) in the US are fully vaxxed. But it's unclear how long that protection lasts. And contagious variants like delta have entered the chat – making up over 98% of new cases, driving up hospitalizations, and adding to breakthrough infections. Vaccines are still highly effective against preventing severe illness and death. But the CDC data's showing "very clear" signs that immunity from vaccines is waning over time. Especially when up against delta. Now, in order to "stay ahead" of the variant, health leaders are calling for another round of shots.

Where do I sign up?

Don't roll up your sleeves just yet. For now, the CDC's saying some immunocompromised individuals (think: those undergoing cancer treatments or with advanced HIV) get first dibs. Starting the week of Sep 20, a booster shot will be available for those who've gotten Pfizer or Moderna. As long as it's been eight months since their second dose. And they'll likely need the same brand. (So, no switching teams.) Just like the first round of shots, health care workers, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions are high priority. But J&J'rs will have to wait until there's more data on boosters for non-mRNA vaccines.

Forget sweater weather, it's inoculation time now.

That's the plan...but the FDA and CDC's panel of advisors still have to give boosters the go-ahead. That could happen in the coming weeks. But the World Health Organization's not happy about it, saying poorer nations need first doses in before wealthy countries can go in for thirds. The US says it's already spreading the vaccine wealth. And that the extra dose would help "maximize" Americans' protection. It comes the same day that President Biden said nursing home staff must get vaccinated – or risk losing federal funding.

theSkimm

This virus is evolving. And with signs that our best defense – vaccines – could weaken over time, the question now is how best to allocate the remaining jabs. The goal: to protect people from the worst this virus can wreak...and prevent the virus from mutating.

PS: Here's what you need to know about booster shots and breakthrough cases.

And Also...This

Where the world's still watching…

Afghanistan. Yesterday, the Taliban cracked down on protesters in the northeastern city of Jalalabad, reportedly killing three people. Earlier this week, the Islamist militant group took over Afghanistan's capital city, Kabul, as the US withdrew its troops. The protests came a day after the Taliban said it would protect women's rights and tried to show the world its legitimacy. But many are still wary of a regime that's used violence against its people – especially women. In protest, hundreds of Afghans reportedly marched, shouted, and flew flags of the Afghan Republic. Taliban fighters fired into the air to break up the crowd but it didn't work. Then things turned violent. The Taliban attacked protesters and journalists. And reportedly beat Afghans trying to get to the Kabul airport where some 4,500 US service members are securing the area.

Incognito: President Ashraf Ghani fled the country when the Taliban entered Kabul – fearing they'd kill him. Now, hiding out in the UAE, Ghani promised to return.
In plain sight: President Biden's promised to keep US troops in Afghanistan until all Americans are taken out – even if it's past the August 31 deadline.

Who people are talking about…

R Kelly. Yesterday, the singer's New York trial on his alleged sex crimes kicked off. It's the second time he's facing trial – the last ending in an acquittal of child pornography charges in 2008. After decades of accusations, Kelly's facing charges for racketeering, sex trafficking, and forced labor, among others. Kelly pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he faces 10 years to life in prison. Here's how things played out yesterday:

The prosecution: Attorney Maria Cruz Melendez called Kelly a "predator" who used his fame to groom and exploit girls, boys, and young women. And that he used his employees to cover up his wrongdoings – even paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in hush payments.
The defense: Kelly's attorney, Nicole Blank Becker, said he only had consensual relationships. And that the accusers "knew exactly what they were getting into." As for running a criminal enterprise, she reportedly asked, "where is the proof?"
What's next: The trial's expected to last about four weeks. But Kelly still faces more charges in Illinois and Minnesota.

What's ringing alarms…

T-Mobile. Earlier this week, the cellphone carrier said hackers stole the private info of over 40 million current, former, and prospective customers. The hacking included people's first and last names, Social Security numbers, and info on driver's licenses. But no phone numbers, account numbers, or passwords were taken. T-Mobile said it "immediately closed" the loop that the hackers could access. But breaches for T-Mobile aren't new. (See this, this...and this). But it wants to make things right, saying it'll provide two years of free identity protection to those at risk from this latest cyberattack.

Psst...here's how to protect yourself if your data is exposed.

What's drifting to a theater near you…

Another "Fast & Furious" movie.

ICYMI, a lot of us have been facing new levels of uncertainty lately. That can mean big feelings. Not just for adults, but kids too. One thing experts suggest trying? Self-affirmation. Because declaring your value activates areas of the brain that make you feel good about yourself.

Since research shows children develop self-esteem by age five, starting early can be key. Slumberkins knows alllll about that. They make early education tools that encourage interaction, connection, and reflection. Helping parents raise caring, confident, resilient children. Check out their books, furry friends, skill-building activities, affirmations, and resources here. Psst...Skimm'rs can get a free comfort corner complete with backdrop, posters, and feelings flashcards. (And new customers get 20% off.) Brb, cozying up.

Asking For A Friend

Q: How did you budget when you were paying off $32,000 of debt in 18 months?

Meriam Seboka: When I first started budgeting, I budgeted by month. [But] I found that method didn't really work for me as I continued to overspend in certain categories, and I found it more difficult to make my money stretch the entire month. I then pivoted to budgeting by paycheck. That means every time I get paid, I allocate money to groceries, gas, self-care, and my other other expenses. And I usually allocate anywhere between $1,000 to $1,800 to debt per month.

Watch to hear more about how Meriam hit fast-forward on paying off debt – even after taking a pay cut to switch careers. And for more money tips, sign up to get our Skimm Money newsletter in your inbox every Friday.

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

1. A push-up bra that feels like no bra at all. Dreams really do come true. This brand's got deep V, lacey, and wireless styles for when you want some natural lift. Sans digging or unnecessary padding. Psst…Skimm'rs get 15% off their first purchase.*

2. Cookware you won't mind cleaning. Because it's cute, non-toxic, and so non-stick, the food slides right off. This brand's four-piece cookware set has all the essentials (including a storage unit). And comes in six Insta-worthy colors, like sage green and marigold yellow. Here's $50 off.*

3. Staple jeans for (literally) every occasion. Madewell's got allll the best washes and styles to add to your summer-to-fall wardrobe. (Hellooooo, Perfect Vintage Straight Jeans). Oh, and Skimm'rs get $25 off their $150+ purchase with code SKIMM25.*

4. An award-winning device that gets under your skin in the best way. This NASA-backed brand infuses ingredients (think: collagen) 20x deeper than traditional skincare products via their micro-mist tech. PS: Skimm'rs get 20% off new devices. Talk about a mist-have.*

5. Can't-live-without accessories that'll make travel easier. Say 'see ya' to exploding toiletry bottles, neck aches from car naps, and a suitcase that looks like a tornado hit. We gotchu.

6. A birthday candle that's personalized to you. Astrology lovers, unite. This candle consults the stars for a fragrance specific to your day of birth. All you've gotta do is input the day, and the scent and label will be fully customized. Psst...this candle also makes a great gift.

*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.

Jump to it...Taegan E (CO). Her adult cheerleading team raised funds for local LGBTQ+ charities and performs for people in the community. Learn more.

Her true self...Lilly M (WA). She decided to switch careers from accounting. And will go back to school this fall to become a mental health therapist.

(Some) Birthdays...Satya Nadella (WA), Sally Ellis (MI), David O'Tousa (IN), Cristina Barden (AL), Tara Gaffney (NY), Nell Knox (MS), Neha Abassi (TX), Kristin Jacobsen (MN), Hannah Gettleman (IL), Chelsie Cummings (KY), Mindy Bentley (GA), Victoria Waldo (DC), Christiane Gotter (OR), Sarah Hintermeyer (MN), Joshua Casaos (MD)

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

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