News: Daily Skimm: You can still be with the wizard

Monday, November 8, 2021

Daily Skimm: You can still be with the wizard

November 8, 2021

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Daily Skimm

Skimm'd while making sense of financial planning

Quote of the Day

"Undergarments" – NASA on what astronauts have to make do with while their toilet isn't working. One step back for man.

Astroworld

The Story

Many are still reeling after the Travis Scott concert that turned deadly.

Tell me.

On Friday, about 50,000 people attended the famous rapper's sold-out Astroworld music festival in Houston, TX. When Scott showed up on stage, concertgoers said things went "haywire." Some described being squeezed so tightly that people couldn't breathe or move. Over 300 people suffered injuries – some from being trampled. At least eight people died – including kids as young as 14 and 16 years old. And more than two dozen were hospitalized. It comes two years after three people suffered injuries at the same festival – when fans climbed over fences and barricades to get inside.

How is this possible?

The event is evoking memories of a long list of similar concert tragedies. In this case, concertgoers reportedly say barricades keeping people in their ticketed sections made it especially difficult to escape. It's not clear what exactly started the crowd surge at Astroworld – authorities are still investigating. But the Astroworld tragedy is now one of the deadliest live music events in US history.

What are people saying?

Houston's mayor gave his condolences and said he's working on getting to the bottom of how this tragedy happened. Meanwhile, Travis Scott is receiving pushback. Scott, festival organizers, and fellow performer Drake have been sued, including for what one attendee reportedly called a "preventable" tragedy. The concert seems to have continued for about an hour after the tragedy first began. In reaction to the criticism, Scott took to Instagram, saying he's "devastated" and that he's praying for the families. His partner Kylie Jenner added that they weren't aware of any deaths until after the concert. A county judge is calling for an independent investigation.

theSkimm

Many have looked forward to concerts as a return to some sort of normal amid a painful and isolating year and a half. But what should have been a celebration of music has left fans rattled and fearful. Now, families are left mourning – and wondering what safety measures could have prevented this.

And Also...This

Who's bridging some divides...

Congress. On Friday, the House voted 228-206 to pass a $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill. In August, the Senate gave the legislation a thumbs up, which included $550 billion in new spending to fix roads and bridges, revamp the electric grid, and more. But negotiations stalled for months as progressive Democrats tied the passage of an infrastructure bill to the passage of a more-than-$1-trillion social safety net package. Now, President Biden's saying 'a win's a win.' And that he'll sign the infrastructure measure after lawmakers return from recess next week – regardless of what happens with the spending package.

It's not over: The social safety net package could include money for paid family leave – something the US is lagging behind every other industrialized country on. It'll go through the Congressional Budget Office to see how much the price tag is.

PS: theSkimm's co-founders and co-CEOs Carly Zakin and Danielle Weisberg are putting a spotlight on how the lack of paid family leave has an impact on America. Help spread the word by using #ShowUsYourLeave on social media.

Where people are on edge…

Iraq. Yesterday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi survived an assassination attempt after armed drones targetted his home. It's unclear who's behind the attack. But it comes amid rising tensions over last month's parliamentary elections. Iraq has a power-sharing gov that aims to balance religious and ethnic interests. And Shiite Muslim cleric Muqtada al-Sadr's party won the most seats. But supporters of Iranian-backed militias, who lost more than half of their seats, have been protesting and calling for a recount. Now, Iraqi security forces are taking "necessary measures" tied to the failed attempt. The international community – including US, UN, and Iran – have condemned the attempted assassination.

Who's being benched…

Aaron Rodgers. The Green Bay Packers QB is facing a wave of criticism over his approach to COVID-19 and vaccines. NFL players do not have to be vaccinated. But they are subject to extra restrictions (think: more social distancing rules, masks). In August, Rodgers told reporters he was "immunized." But last week, he tested positive and it came out that he was unvaccinated. Rodgers is defending his language, saying he's allergic to an ingredient in the mRNA vaccines. And that he came up with an alternative regimen he wanted the NFL to treat as vaccinated. He also said he turned to a podcast host for treatment of the virus. The news launched a wave of criticism against Rodgers for allegedly lying to reporters, endangering teammates, and spreading COVID-19 misinformation. The NFL is investigating Rodgers, who could face fines if he's found to have violated the league's policies.

PS: COVID-19 misinformation can be dangerous. Read more info here and here.

While this is "Wicked" awesome…

So is the USNS Harvey Milk.

Skimm Well

You probably remember Earth is about 71% water from fourth grade. But did you know humans are up to 60% water? Follow-up fun fact: babies are typically 'wetter' than adults. And men tend to have more water in their bodies than women.

So it's not really a surprise that staying hydrated is so important. If you'd like some help with that, try Hydrant. Their electrolyte drink mixes are designed to hydrate faster and more efficiently than water alone. And they just launched some of their best-sellers in Earth-friendly recyclable tubs. Plus, Skimm'rs can get a bundle of the no-added-sugar lemonade, vitamin-packed immunity booster, and Zzz-inducing sleep formula for 45% off for the next 24 hours. Drink up.

So Green, So Clean

Sometimes, it is easy being green. Especially when you have help. And according to the US Dept of Energy, new washing machines use 70% less energy than they did in 1990.

If you're looking for an eco-friendlier upgrade for your laundry room, meet this LG top-load washer from Best Buy. It can clean up to five cubic feet of laundry (think: a comforter and king-sized bed sheets) per load. And it uses 30% less energy and half the amount of water compared to other washers. No wonder it's ENERGY STAR® certified.

Btw, Skimm'rs can save 10% if they get one before November 18. Same goes for all qualifying LG kitchen and laundry appliances. Translation: It's go (green) time.

Skimm Picks

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

1. The answer to your financial planning questions. Prudential can help you create a unique financial game plan to fit your needs and goals. They have over 90 years of experience in everything from investing to retirement and insurance. Learn more.*

2. How to stock your pantry and give back in the process. Without leaving your home. This brand delivers high-quality groceries to your doorstep. And donates a membership to someone in need when you sign up. Here's a $20 gift card and a lil' gift.*

3. Jeans that feel secure and supportive. Like your best friend...in denim form. This brand's new Sky High Slim pairs are made from organic and recycled yarns. And have a vintage look, with modern stretch. Bestie, is that you? Add to cart.*

4. How to know if you're experiencing migraine disease. It's way more common than you'd think. With help from our friends at Nurtec® ODT (rimegepant), we did a deep-dive into the triggers, symptoms (like sensitivity to light and nausea) and treatment approaches. Give it a read.*†

5. A sex toy that does more than vibrate. Dame's Aer uses pressure-wave tech to create suction pulses riiiight where you need 'em. Plus it's waterproof and has five different intensities. And Skimm'rs get 15% off. The pleasure is all yours.*

6. The biggest sitewide sale for a cookware brand that never does sitewide sales. Get your kitchen holiday-ready with this brand's pots, pans, and prep tools. Plus they just dropped new colors for their IG-famous pan (lavender lovers, assemble). Shop now before the sale ends Nov 29.*

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

PPS: Check out our selection of the best holiday gifts for everyone on your list.

†Nurtec® ODT 75 mg orally disintegrating tablets is a prescription medicine for the acute treatment of migraine attacks and the preventive treatment of episodic migraine in adults. Do not take if you are allergic to Nurtec ODT or any of its ingredients. The most common side effects were nausea (2.7%) and stomach pain/indigestion (2.4%). Please visit nurtec.com for full Prescribing Information, Patient Information and Important Safety Information. US-RIMODT-2100927 10/27/2021

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.

Bilingual goals...Stephanie S (NE). She's created children's Spanish/English journals that deal with emotions and Spanish learning. And a gratitude and focus journal for adults. Check them out.

Getting down to bees-ness...Mar D (WI). She handcrafts pure Wisconsin beeswax candles and signed on as a supplier of them for a chain of six stores. And she's got a documentary episode in the works. Buzz to it here.

(Some) Birthdays...Amanda Stackman Stein (NY), Nino Magliocco (NY), Sallie George (NJ), Krista Johnson (NY), Nancy Brown (CA), Misty Gillette (FL), Lisa Roman (WI), Gene Schlossberg (FL), Debby Baker (CO), Amanda Tolento (NY), Holly Landaker (OR), Shivam Kohls (CA), Hayley Baker (PA), Terry Stevens (FL), John McDonough (CA), Jake Miller (TN)

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

Skimm More

Decision fatigue is real. So this year, we rounded up the lists of gifts (and checked them twice) that your friends, family, and colleagues will *actually* want. Enter: The Sleigh List. Let's get shopping.

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

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