News: Daily Skimm: Farewell, mortal bus boy

Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Daily Skimm: Farewell, mortal bus boy

October 27, 2021

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Skimm'd while supporting vaccine distribution around the world

Quote of the Day

"Nobody really wants to get into the gory details" – A SpaceX commander talking about a toilet issue in space. If it's up then it's stuck.

Night at the Museum

The Story

Western countries are returning looted artifacts.

Finally, some good news.

A long list of countries from the Soviet Union to Nazi Germany to the British Empire have used their power to take treasures and artifacts that don't belong to them. Goods have been stolen from Ethiopia, Afghanistan, India, Poland and many others during colonial times or wars. About 90% of Africa's cultural property (think: statues, paintings, and tablets) is in museums outside of the continent. Some items go through the black market before ending up on display. But in recent years, there's been a stronger push to get artifacts back to their rightful owners.

Tell me more.

Earlier this year, Germany announced it's returning a number of Benin bronzes (read: priceless artifacts) to Nigeria. Now, France – which has at least 90,000 artifacts from sub-Saharan Africa – is following suit. But only with a petite fraction (read: 26) of looted colonial-era treasures from Benin. Think: thrones, sacred altars, and royal statues. Meanwhile, in its biggest repatriation effort, Iraq's had some success in reclaiming 17,000 smuggled pieces from the US. Quite a bit of that was held by the family that owns Hobby Lobby. But the journey home isn't always easy.

Why not?

This week, Cambodia's culture minister said there's evidence that 45 artifacts at the Met Museum belong to the country. And has apparently called on the museum to explain how it was able to get ahold of dozens of Khmer Empire antiquities. The Met says it's working on it. And there's been growing calls for Western countries – like the UK – to return stolen goods. One official in Nigeria said it's important for the artifacts to come home so people can "see who we were." But many Western museums insist the artifacts were acquired legally.

theSkimm

Culture can be found in a country's food, music, traditions, and ancient artifacts. These treasures represent pivotal and historic moments that link people to their ancestors. And many want that connection – and what's rightfully theirs – returned.

And Also...This

What's got people on edge…

Needle spiking. UK police are investigating an alarming trend of women – and in some cases men – unknowingly getting spiked through injection. We all know too well the fears of drinks getting spiked at bars and nightclubs. But the latest concern is being targeted through injection. In the central county of Nottinghamshire, police are investigating 15 alleged cases of needle spiking. Police in Scotland are investigating a similar trend. Victims describe feeling fine one moment, then suddenly losing the ability to stand. While experts say getting your drink spiked is more prevalent than these needle spikings, women want action. 160,000 have signed a petition calling on clubs to search people as they enter. And tonight, many across the country are apparently boycotting nightclubs, in protests they're calling "Girls Night In."

On high alert: This comes as the UK's seen a series of violence against women. The deaths of Sarah Everard and Sabina Nessa dominated headlines. And rights groups are increasingly calling on the gov to make misogyny a hate crime.

What all your parent friends want for the holidays...

Vaccines. Yesterday, an advisory panel to the FDA gave a thumbs up to Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 5-11. A major concern has been whether the relatively small risk of myocarditis (heart inflammation) outweighs the benefits. After trials involving just a few thousand kids, the advisory group is saying 'worth it' – and that a lower dose of the vaccine (a third of the dose needed for adults) gets the job done just fine. Next up, the FDA and CDC give this a full review. And the vaccine could be ready for kiddos on an emergency use authorization as soon as next week. Get those "PAW Patrol" band-aids ready.

Where the attendance sheets are looking kinda thin…

Colleges. Yesterday, new data showed that US college and university enrollment is dropping at a historic rate. The number of undergrads has been declining since 2012. But with the pandemic, schools saw declines of more than 3% both this year and last. That means almost 500,000 fewer undergrad students enrolled in school this fall compared to last year. Now, experts worry the drop in enrollment could have huge impacts on the US economy, with fewer people looking for higher-paying jobs.

...Oh and speaking of pandemic-era trends that aren't going away: wanting to get out of the country. A record number of Americans are planning to cash in their PTO-time to leave the country. Finally time for a "Love Island"-style getaway.

Psst...if that's you, see if travel insurance will cover your plans.

Who's choosing love...

Princess Mako.

Who's not wasting anyone's time…

Keanu Reeves.

Pop Cultured

ICYMI, Netflix has been v busy lately. Their numbers just. keep. growing. But they've also had some major controversies. Think: an employee walkout over Dave Chapelle's latest comedy special. And social backlash over some culturally inaccurate dubbings in their mega-successful "Squid Game" series.

The newest ep of "Pop Cultured with theSkimm," sponsored by Gevalia, digs into what Chapelle's special and "Squid Game" have in common...and we don't just mean being the most talked about things on the internet. Consider this your green light to listen up. IYKYK.

Vesting schedule

The timeline that lays out when you're entitled to the things your employer has promised to give ya. Think: stock options and retirement matches. There are no take-backs, but you miiight have to stick around longer than you think to cash in.

Which is why it's a great idea to read the fine print on your benefits package. Oh, and not rely on an employer to set you up for the best possible post-work life. You'll probably want to do some saving and investing on your own, too. Psst...the Fidelity Spire® app makes it easy to open an individual retirement account (IRA). And track your progress as you work toward your goal(s). Check it out.

True or false: Health insurance never covers therapy.

Never say never. Actually, if you have insurance, there's a good chance therapy's an included benefit. Now the hard part: finding a therapist who takes your insurance, has openings, and is a good fit for you. Our guide can help you with all of that. So when you're ready to talk to someone, you can find the right someone.

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

1. The only tinted moisturizer you need. This cult-fave brand just dropped new shades of their award-winning broad spectrum SPF 35 cream. Which is packed with clean, skin-loving goodness. Like brightening licorice and hydrating hyaluronic acid. It's never discounted. But Skimm'rs get 15% off.*

2. A warm and cozy flannel you're gonna fall in love with. Sorry not sorry. This blanket shirt got its name for a reason. Probably because it's sustainably made with organic cotton that's so soft, you might never take it off. Here's 20% off.*

3. Luxurious sleep stuff that does a whole lotta good. In honor of breast cancer awareness month, this brand curated a collection of premium bedroom accessories in the chicest shades of pink (at 10% off, btw). Plus, Skimm'rs get an extra 20% off with code THESKIMM20.*

4. The best no-fail gifts for grandparents. Whether they're celebrating an anniversary or a birthday, or you want a gift that'll say 'I love you' just because. Grandma and Gramps can thank us later.

5. Our absolute fave items on Amazon. From books to last-minute gift ideas to colder-weather essentials, we've compiled all our recs in one place. Aka anything and everything you need to live your life (and shop) a bit smarter.

*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.

Kiln it...Laura W (UT). She is working on growing her pottery business. Laura hopes to leave her full-time job so she can work on her pottery. Have a look.

Reaching new bars...Alisha E (GA). As a mom of soon-to-be four kids, she was able to pass her bar exam. And is now working her dream job as an attorney practicing international family law.

(Some) Birthdays...Carmen Rincon-Linde (NY), theSkimm's Lianna Scott (NY), theSkimm's Lisa Dallenbach Burkitt (NY), Sophie Shain (NY), theSkimm's Kelly Schott (NJ), Michele Littenberg (NY), Carmen Rincon Linde (NY), Noël Largess (CA), Carolyn Breder (IA), Shannon O'Malley (IL), Mindy Miller (SD), Miranda Hamaker (TX), Christina Stamper (MI), Teri Douglas (MO), Briton Claridge (MA)

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

We know that sometimes your holiday budget can't...well...budge. So as you gear up for annual festivities, we've got you covered on how to navigate financial challenges, shipping delays, and more this season.

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

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