News: Daily Skimm: Baby, are you coming for the ride?

Monday, January 31, 2022

Daily Skimm: Baby, are you coming for the ride?

January 31, 2022

Read in Browser

Daily Skimm

Skimm'd while earning a degree in wellness

Quote of the Day

"Willow" — The White House's newest addition. The cat has landed.

Facing the Music

The Story

A whole bunch of people are hitting 'skip' on Spotify.

Is this about Joe Rogan?

Yup. He's the host of "The Joe Rogan Experience" — a podcast exclusively acquired by Spotify in 2020, reportedly for more than $100 million. With an estimated 11 million listeners per episode, it's the streaming service's top show. In it, Rogan has questioned the need for healthy, young people to get vaccinated. But he says he's "not an anti-vax person." Last month, he chatted with a controversial doctor who has made false COVID-19 claims. YouTube took down clips of the interview for violating its guidelines. Now, other artists and podcasters are telling the streaming service 'it's us or Rogan.'

Tell me more.

Over the weekend, Joni Mitchell joined Neil Young and a chorus of other podcasters and musicians to condemn Spotify or even remove their content in protest. It comes after 270 physicians and scientists signed an open letter last month calling on Spotify to remove Rogan's interview with the controversial doctor. Since Young's music has been pulled, Spotify has reportedly lost more than $2 billion in market value. Buuut, the episode is still up.

What are people saying?

Some, like Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) are defending Spotify's decision to side with Rogan — saying "free speech is kinda important." #DeleteSpotify and #CancelSpotify were trending. And Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (who have a podcast deal with Spotify) are also saying 'not a fan.' Now, the Swedish company is trying to turn the volume of criticism way down...and failing. It said it didn't want to be a "content censor" and will instead add an advisory note to all episodes that mention COVID-19. To which critics said, 'maybe we got lost in translation...' Meanwhile, Rogan's promised to "balance out" controversial views.

theSkimm

It's the first month of 2022 and Spotify already wishes it could call it a wrap on this year. But until the company takes a stronger stand, it looks like this nightmare's on track to play on loop.

And Also...This

What people are keeping an eye on…

Ukraine. Senators are close to reaching a deal on "the mother of all sanctions'' against Russia. The situation in Eastern Europe has been heating up as about 100,000 Russian troops remain stationed at the Ukrainian border — showing no signs of packing up. President Biden has repeatedly warned Russian President Vladimir Putin of sanctions. Now, senators could green light sanctions later this week. The bill would target major Russian banks and sovereign debt. And more sanctions could reportedly follow if Russia officially invades Ukraine. And the US ambassador to the UN has said the Security Council has plans to push Russia today.

What's got sports bars packed…

Football. Yesterday, four teams faced off in the NFC and AFC championships for a chance to play in the Super Bowl. The Cincinnati Bengals took on the Kansas City Chiefs — who were looking to redeem themselves after last year's loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After going into overtime, the Bengals got the dub. And California must be drinking a special kind of Gatorade considering the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers said 'hut hut.' Now, the Bengals and the Rams will be vying for the Super Bowl title on Feb 13. All while the world waits to see if Buccaneers QB Tom Brady will be hanging up his cleats.

The Australian Open. Yesterday, Australia's Ashleigh Barty won the women's singles title — the first time in 44 years someone from down under has held the trophy. And Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal won the men's tournament, taking home his record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title. And

Who people are remembering…

Cheslie Kryst. Yesterday, her family confirmed she died, most likely by suicide. In 2019, Kryst won the Miss USA pageant — joining three other Black women who made history in major pageant titles that same year. Kryst was a correspondent for "Extra." And worked as a pro bono attorney who wanted to reform America's justice system. Her family remembered her as a "great light" who "inspired others around the world with her beauty and strength."

PS: If you or someone you know needs this, here's the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

Who's hitting refresh…

The University of Nebraska.

How to Skimm Your Life Challenge

Closinggg time. Today's the last day of our second annual How to Skimm Your Life Challenge, presented by Athleta, Fidelity, and Sephora. And time is of the essence. As in, you probably wish you had more of it to get stuff done at home and at work. Today, use this shortcut: Outsource. Pick one personal or professional task and put it on someone else's to-do list — or find a free app for that. Think: canceling a subscription, cleaning, cooking, admin work. Tap here, and scroll to Day 21 to read our guide to outsourcing. Then spend your newfound free time on something that makes you happy.

We've loved bringing the joy to January with you. Here's a list of all our challenges in case you're a procrastinator. Never too late to start the year off right.

Valentine's Day Gifting, Skimm'd

Design: theSkimm | Photos: Uncommon Goods, Dash/Amazon, The Bouqs Co.

It's time to start shopping for…V-Day. And showing your S.O. and your BFFs how much you love and appreciate them shouldn't be stressful. So we're here to make finding the best gifts for your crew, no matter your situation, much easier. We've got…

And for the rest of our Valentine's Day gift ideas, click here. Xoxo.

Download theSkimm App

ICYMI: The Winter Olympics kick off on Friday in Beijing. And we know you want to cheer on Team USA. That's why we Skimm'd the schedule so you'll know when major competitions are going down (think: skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, hockey). Download theSkimm App and sync with our calendar so you don't miss a single thing...or a double cork or a triple axel. That's a win in our books.

Skimm Picks

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

1. A one-stop shop for those multi-step resolutions. Like getting back into photography, getting through your streaming queue, or (literally) getting your steps in. Whatever your goals are, Walmart's got you covered. Plus Skimm'rs can shop all electronics now and pay over time, thanks to Affirm.*†

2. Clean beauty products you can count on. It seems like every brand calls themselves clean these days. But Sephora's doing the work to define what clean really means to the beauty industry. Learn more about their strict set of standards and innovation efforts here.*

3. A coffee alternative your barista will forgive you for. This chocolatey-chai blend's full of feel-good, 100% organic ingredients that'll keep your energy up and jitters down. Think: (you guessed it) chai, cacao, and adaptogenic mushrooms. Btw, Skimm'rs get 20% off with code BETTER22. Wakey-wakey.*

4. Something to help you get your cardio in that isn't the worst. We said what we said. And this brand gets it. Which is why they created a high-energy, low-impact workout program with 2,500+ — dare we say? — fun classes you can stream from anywhere. Learn more.*

5. An online therapy platform that can set you up for a successful year. Because it is in fact still January. This company can connect you with a licensed mental health professional. Whenever, wherever, from any device. PS: Skimm'rs get $100 off with code SPACE.*

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

†Subject to eligibility, your rate will be 10–30% APR. For example, a $250 purchase might cost $23.19/mo at 20% APR for 12 months. Payment options through Affirm are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. Options depend on purchase amount and a down payment may be required.

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.

Who can't be stopped…Catharine A (ME). She retired after more than 20 years in the US Army. Now, she's finishing her master's degree while working part-time.

The ultimate duo…H A S (DE). She's pairing recipes with some of her favorite romance novels in her cookbook. We'll have what she's having.

(Some) Birthdays…Jenna Forman (NY), Alex Biehl (GA), Cat Roberts (VA), Jenna Elson (NY), Mona Liddell (NC), Aly Glick (DC), Nairi Esayan (NY), Sue Gravas (ME), Elisabeth Shaughnessy (CT), Maureen Rich Wallace (NC), Terra Marshall (OH), Leah Forest (MD), Alix Tarnowsky (LA), Sierra Hoffer (UT)

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

Skimm More

We texted with Hilary Duff about her new show, "How I Met Your Father," and working with Kim Cattrall. And her opinion on the series-long love triangle from "Younger" (sorry, Team Charles). This is what dreams are made of.

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

Listen to our news podcast "Skimm This" for clarity on the biggest stories of the week.
Tune in to our career podcast "9 to 5ish with theSkimm" for tips to build your resume and "Pop Cultured with theSkimm" for the latest in entertainment and culture.
Subscribe to our "Skimm Money" newsletter to keep up to date with your wallet.
Sign up for our "Skimm Your Life" newsletter for curated shopping, reads, and entertainment recs.
Follow us on the gram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.
Download our app to get it all in one place.
Check out our career openings to join our team.