News: Daily Skimm: I like you the way you are

Monday, September 13, 2021

Daily Skimm: I like you the way you are

September 13, 2021

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Quote of the Day

"You bloody fool" – What Australians apparently taught a duck to say. If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and talks like a duck...

Rolling Back the Clock

The Story

The Taliban's editing the lesson plans for Afghan women in higher education.

This doesn't sound good.

It's not. In the late-1990s when the Taliban last controlled Afghanistan, women were banned from going to school and work. And couldn't leave their homes without a male chaperone. They could be killed if they didn't follow the rules. But things changed when the US toppled the Islamist militant group in 2001. Since then, women have reportedly made up at least 25% of the student population at public universities, sitting side by side with their male peers, no dress code required. Now, the Taliban's rolling things back.

Go on.

Yesterday, the group said women can continue to study at universities. But it'll be under the Taliban's strict interpretation of Sharia (Islamic law). Women will be segregated from male students. And can only be taught by female teachers. They'll also be required to wear a hijab in the classroom. (It's unclear if they'll be required to wear a headscarf or full face covering.) Oh, and the Taliban's reviewing the subjects taught in universities to reportedly make sure that they're in line with "Islamic, national, and historical values."

What are people saying?

Over the weekend, several hundred women turned out at a Kabul university carrying pro-Taliban signs. But the presence of Taliban fighters there had people wondering whether the event could have been staged. Meanwhile, critics are pointing to a shortage of resources for women, including facility space and female teachers. And there are several women who've been protesting daily, calling for equal rights. Often, they're putting themselves at risk of the Taliban's violence.

theSkimm

The Taliban may want extra credit from the international community for allowing women to continue getting an education, even as they restrict what they study, how they dress, and who they sit with. It's got many saying Afghanistan's women deserve better.

And Also...This

What hasn't given much closure…

An FBI 9/11 report. On Saturday, the bureau released its first declassified document from its 9/11 investigation. The document – which came out on the 20th anniversary of the attacks – looked into allegations that Saudi officials helped two hijackers with logistics. But it doesn't provide evidence that senior kingdom officials were complicit in the attacks. And in 2004, the 9/11 Commission said it found "no evidence" that the Saudi gov funded al-Qaeda. President Biden had ordered for records to be declassified amid pressure from victims' families who are suing the Saudi gov for their alleged support. More docs could come out in the next six months. Meanwhile, the Saudi Embassy in Washington maintains that allegations against the kingdom are "categorically false." A family member of a 9/11 victim said that the release "accelerates our pursuit of truth and justice."

Where the new laws are apparently bigger...

Texas. Last week, Gov. Greg Abbott (R-TX) signed a bill banning social media companies from removing users or posts "based on their political viewpoints." And requiring companies to create reports on the content they've taken down. Abbott's the latest Republican lawmaker who has accused social media companies of censoring conservative voices. And says social media has become a "modern-day public square" where info "should be able to flow freely." But legal experts say it could violate companies' First Amendment rights. (Yup, they have those.) Now, citizens will be able to sue social media companies that violate the law. But the new measure – scheduled to go into effect in December – could come across some legal trouble after a judge blocked a similar law in Florida.

Who's making quite the racket…

Emma Raducanu. Over the weekend, the 18-year-old British tennis player beat 19-year-old Canadian Leylah Fernandez, taking home her first Grand Slam title. (Even getting the Queen's attention.) Meanwhile, 25-year-old Russian tennis player Daniil Medvedev beat tennis champ Novak Djokovic, winning his first major title.

...Oh and speaking of firsts, Maia Chaka became the first Black woman to officiate an NFL game. End zone dance.

Who's ready for even more vaccine mandates...

Dr. Anthony Fauci. We talked to him after the government's recent roll out of requirements for federal workers and companies with over 100 employees. His stance on whether that will one day extend to airlines and public schools is here.

Who's singing 'all eyes on me in the center of the ring'...

Britney Spears.

Coming Clean

Brunch. School drop-off lines. Date night. No matter what you're getting "back to" this fall, Thrive Causemetics' 100% vegan makeup can help you put your best face forward. Sans parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. Meet their best-sellers:

Mascara that makes lashes look like extensions ($24). No glue required. Bonus: the formula nourishes lashes so they get healthier – and longer – over time.

A cream-to-powder eyeshadow stick that brightens and opens eyes ($24). Perfect for nailing that "I got a full night's sleep" look. Pick from 13 shades.

Waterproof, smudge-proof eyeliner that lasts all day ($22). For bold, defined color that glides on smoothly. And sets in 30 seconds.

Psst...for every product purchased, Thrive Causemetics donates to nonprofits helping women thrive. Oh, and Skimm'rs get 15% off. Get glowing.

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

1. A stress-free way to shop for insurance. Yep, you read that right. Policygenius makes it easy to compare home and auto rates in one place...for free. (You read that right, too.) See what you could save.*

2. An on-the-go snack for any time of day. This chocolatey super bar's got plant-based protein to help build lean muscle, increase energy, and boost your metabolism. No wonder it's sold out twice before. Surprise: it's back in stock and Skimm'rs get 20% off.*

3. Accessories that'll put the finishing touches on your outdoor lounge space. Add a little pop to your setup with this ceramic planter and this weather-resistant Adirondack chair from Walmart. They're both chic, durable, and ideal for making late summer nights last. Shop on.*

4. Problem-solving products that'll upgrade your bedroom. We're over fitted sheets that pop up while we sleep and disruptive noise from street traffic. Six hours just ain't cutting it anymore. Here are some solutions.

5. Patterned disposable face masks if you're bored of the standard blue. It's still the hottest accessory of the year, especially when traveling. So grab some that add to your outfit. These floral masks have three protective layers and are individually wrapped so you can toss an extra in your bag without fear of dirtying it.

*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.

Stronger together…MaryJo C & Jen Y (OH). They founded 100 Women Strong, an org whose mission is to bring together women to impact community causes in Northeast Ohio. Check them out.

Sprinting and spritzing...Ruby C (MN). She's a 15-year-old entrepreneur who created mask sprays so kids could enjoy wearing their face coverings. And is giving teachers a full display of her oil sprays for their students. Show your support.

(Some) Birthdays...Skimm Baby Gabriel Ashe Heller (NY), Colin Greebel (NY), Will Schragis (NY), Bonnie Tisch (NY), David Gelles (NY), Pamela Stevens (DC), Peter Kane (NY), Casey Labbancz (NY), Michael Melnitzky (NY), theSkimm's Jill Gibala (NY), Sriram Krishnan (CA), Joe Yiu (NJ), Chelsey Weiss (NY), Will Preziosi (NY)

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

We rounded up the best gifts for the special guy(s) in your life. Like Allbirds sneakers, whiskey glasses etched with his favorite city, and a leather wallet.

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

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