News: Daily Skimm: Love is the strongest thing in the world

Tuesday, January 18, 2022

Daily Skimm: Love is the strongest thing in the world

January 18, 2022

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Quote of the Day

"He leaves the floss everywhere" — Katy Perry on fiancé Orlando Bloom's worst habits. Think it's something she better Legolas of.

Colleyville

The Story

The Jewish community has suffered another attack.

What happened?

On Saturday morning, a gunman entered Congregation Beth Israel in Colleyville, TX — in the Dallas-Fort Worth area — as services were being livestreamed. The nightmare scenario turned into a more-than-10-hour standoff. Four people, including the rabbi, were held hostage. One was released at around 5pm. And the rabbi describes that as the gunman became increasingly threatening, he and the other two hostages managed to escape. The incident came to an end after the gunman died in an FBI standoff. And it left many shaken, evoking recent anti-Semitic attacks like the 2018 Tree of Life shooting.

How could this happen?

The details are still being investigated. In this case, the suspect was a 44-year-old British citizen who demanded the release of a convicted al-Qaeda-linked terrorist. It comes as the Jewish community — which experiences the majority of religious-based hate crimes in the US — has seen a wave of violence recently, with an estimated one in four Jews experiencing anti-Semitism in the past year alone. Now, the incident is being investigated alongside British authorities as an act of terror. President Biden said the US will "stand against anti-Semitism" and "the rise of extremism in this country." The congregation's rabbi said "we are resilient and we will recover."

theSkimm

American Jews have been bracing for attack like this. The safe release of hostages came as a welcome relief. But many are still reeling from an attack they've been warning about for a while now…and worry a similar attack is only a matter of time.

And Also...This

What people want info on…

Tonga. A volcano eruption this weekend is believed to be the biggest on the planet in the past 30 years. And spurred a tsunami that left waves flooding Tonga's capital, Nuku'alofa. At least one person has reportedly died. And the crisis could leave water contamination issues for the Polynesian country of more than 100,000 people. Many are waiting for internet access to resume.

What's adding to the global warming debate…

Climate change. Six studies have found that rising temperatures are linked to premature birth and fast weight gain in babies. Scientists have been ringing the alarm on climate change for decades. Now, a group of scientists say that hotter temps are taking their toll on babies. And that these problems could lead to lifelong health effects. That's not all. The studies also found that smoke from wildfires — which have become worse in recent years — have doubled the risk of severe birth defects.

…Oh and speaking of the next generation, China's population growth rate has dropped to its lowest in decades. Beijing is issuing reforms to help parents.

Who's not making a slam dunk…

Chamath Palihapitiya. The minority owner of the NBA's Golden State Warriors is getting pushback for comments about Uyghurs. The Muslim minority population in China has faced years of crackdowns by Beijing amid reports of forced labor camps and sterilizations. The NBA has already received criticism throughout the years for not standing up to China. Now, the co-owner is trying to walk back comments made in a podcast over the weekend, in which he said "nobody cares about what's happening" to the Uyghurs. In response to backlash, Palihapitiya acknowledged the comments "come across" as "lacking empathy." And said that "human rights matter." Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors seem to be distancing themselves from Palihapitiya, calling him "a limited investor."

...Oh and speaking of sports people on the defensive, Novak Djokovic. Over the weekend, Australia deported the Serbian tennis star after a nearly two week back-and-forth over his vax status in the lead-up to the Australian Open. Case (Australian) Closed.

What we're all manifesting in 2022…

Being able to afford a space diamond.

Fit to Flare

Even though bell bottoms are synonymous with the 1960s and '70s, fashion historians say they actually debuted in the early 1800s. Sailors started sporting flared pants because they're practical for boat life (read: aren't extremely uncomfy or difficult to remove when wet). All aboard.

Psst…they can be great for land life, too. In fact, we're eyeing Athleta's sweat-wicking, quick-drying, Elation Flare Pant. Because our workout wardrobes are full of tight leggings. And our ankles could use some room to breathe. Did we mention the fabric is buttery soft and offers juuuust the right amount of support? See — and snag some — for yourself here.

SkimmU Well

Work-life balance is easier said than done. Which is why millennials have been dubbed the "burnout generation." Enter: SkimmU Well, presented by Fidelity, Eden Health, and Athleta. Our virtual event series and spin on higher ed is back. And this semester, we're focused on health and wellness.

We're kicking off our spring semester on Feb. 23 with four wellness courses that'll teach you the crucial lessons your alma mater never did. We're talking live courses with industry pros, Q&As, and exclusive content to help you live smarter (and healthier).

How to Skimm Your Life Challenge

Welcome to week three of our How to Skimm Your Life New Year's Challenge. You're doing great, honey. About that: Generally, people remember criticism more than praise. So make a "humblebrag" folder — on your Photos app, mailbox, or desktop — of nice stuff people have said about you. Include wins at work and in your personal life. And come back to it whenever you're having a bad day. Ready, set, screenshot, and save.

PS: Give yourself a W by signing up to get our challenges texted to you every weekday for the rest of the month. And FYI: You can find every challenge here.

Skimm Picks

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

1. Where to start your wellness journey. Or get help getting back on track. CVS has all the skincare, supplements, and home health products you could ever need. And they're giving shoppers extra rewards on certain $30+ purchases. Don't mind if you do.*

2. Our favorite board games and puzzles. Because we're in Season 3 of the pandemic and the temps keep dipping. So if you need fun ways to occupy your time at home, look no further.

3. Up to 40% off at Wild One, including some of their bestsellers. If you gained a pet over the holidays, you may be in need of some supplies. Pick up toys, carriers, walking essentials, and more. Oh, and Skimm'rs get an extra 10% off with code SKIMM10.

4. What you need to accomplish your reading goals this year. ICYMI: We have a thing for books. And if one of your resolutions is 'read more,' we've got ya covered with bookmarks, a neck light, and much more.

*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.

Following her heart…Priya P (GA). She made a successful career pivot from investment banking to social impact amid the pandemic and tough job market.

From a different lens…Regan F (DC). She's been documenting sex worker history for years. Next week, the org will be launching Old Pro Project — a coordinated effort by sex workers, historians, and artists to tell sex worker histories in New York, New Orleans, San Francisco, Seattle, and Portland. Learn more.

(Some) Birthdays…Dylan Shapiro (FL), Jennifer Davis (DC), Mark Desjardins (MA), Melissa Monte (NY), Kevin Patel (IN), Marisa Floriani (NY), Ashley Lucas (MI), Carolyn Barringer (FL), Karen Maggiacomo (RI), Lindsey Fixley (OK), Amy Morris (CA), Lacey Laird (FL), Barea Rajeh (TX), Andrea Watson (OR), Courtney Bowden (OH)

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

Skimm More

theSkimm is hiring. Interested in joining our team? Check out our career page for open roles.

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