Skimm’d while keeping up with what’s been going on at Netflix
October 29, 2021
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“Vampire fish”– What an Aussie man's been trying to find for 20 years. Where's Edward Cod-llen when you need him?

Build Back Cheaper?

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The Story

President Biden announced a slimmed down version of his spending plan. 

How’d we get here?

Earlier this year, Biden announced a $3.5 trillion wish list to upgrade the US. Think: expanding Medicare and Medicaid, addressing climate change, paid family leave, and more. While Democrats have a narrow margin of control in Congress, two senators aren't on board with the bill's price tag. We're talking about Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ). They've made things complicated. So yesterday, Biden said ‘let's try this again.’ And unveiled a cheaper (read: $1.75 trillion) spending plan.

Which includes?

Money for universal preschool, subsidized child care, and extended child tax credit. It also includes roughly $555 billion to fight climate change. Biden wants to expand Medicare coverage to include hearing services and $150 billion for affordable housing. There’s also $100 billion set aside to reduce immigration backlogs. He plans to pay for it with a 15% minimum tax on corporations that make over $1 billion in profits. And a new tax surcharge for America’s wealthiest. But in order to get some things through, Biden had to make cuts. 

Like?

Free community college,lower prescription drug costs,and paid family leave were all crossed off the list. Because apparently, the US doesn't mind being one of six countries in the world (and the only rich country) to tell new parents 'you're on your own.' Less than 25% of US workers have access to paid family leave. That leaves the rest of the population to decide between their paycheck or their ability to bond with their child. So that's what Congress is up to. Next up: the blueprint heads back to the House.If it passes, the 50-50 Senate takes it up. And we could start this "Groundhog Day" nightmare all over again. 

theSkimm

President Biden came in hot thinking he could take a pen to health, the environment, and pretty much every social program under the sun with Dems holding both chambers of Congress. The reality check is hitting him hard. But it's parents and caregivers who once again stand to suffer from gridlock. 

Psst…since the gov isn’t helping, here’s how to financially prep for parental leave.

And Also...This

Where there’s little progress...

Italy. Earlier this week, the Senate there blocked debate on a bill that would’ve made violence against the LGBTQ+ community and women a hate crime. Italy approved of civil unions in 2016. But still lags well behind other EU countries when it comes to protecting LGBTQ+ citizens. And advocacy groups have recorded hundreds of hate crime and discrimination cases every year which often go unpunished. But conservatives and the Vatican argued the bill would restrict freedom of expression. And that it promoted “homosexual propaganda in schools.” Now, lawmakers are saying the bill is essentially dead.

  • Turn far-right and keep going: The Senate’s decision comes as the country’s been dealing with a growing far-right movement. And months after a video reportedly shows hundreds marching in Italy using a neo-Nazi salute.

When you've never meta someone who’s tried so hard to stay relevant...

Enter: Facebook. Yesterday, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced its new company name: Meta. The name provides a new umbrella term for the companies the Artist Formerly Known as Facebook owns: Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and yes, Facebook. And Zuckerberg chose “Meta” to reflect the company’s focus on the “metaverse” – a place that’s half VR, half real-time avatars. And 100% material for a “Black Mirror” episode if we’ve ever heard one. Zuckerberg’s calling it the “next frontier.” But Twitter users were quick to respond with the jokes. 

  • About the current frontier: The rebrand comes amid a media firestorm over document leaks showing that Facebook knew it was harmful for teens and that it fueled hate, misinformation, and political unrest. The corporate name change has critics saying ‘ha, can’t fool us.’

  • New stock symbol, who dis?: Starting December, the company will trade under the stock symbol MVRS. So far, it looks like investors are into the rebrand: FB’s stock was up 1.5% yesterday.

Who’s being held accountable...

Andrew Cuomo. Yesterday, the former New York governor was charged with a misdemeanor criminal complaint. In August, an investigation found he sexually harassed at least 11 current and former state employees. Cuomo eventually resigned after growing pressure. But has continued to deny the claims. Now, the complaint says Cuomo forcibly placed his hand under a victim’s blouse last year. He will appear in court next month. And could face up to a year in prison. 

Why stopping climate change matters…

We can't lose this plant.

Talk It Out

Things you should be on the same page with your sexual partner(s) about: preferences, boundaries, and whether you want to have babies right now. 

Psst...contraception for straight couples could include condoms, pills, patches, and rings. But, real talk: Plan A doesn’t always pan out. That’s where Plan B One-Step® can come in. It’s emergency contraception that helps prevent pregnancy before it starts when taken within 72 hours after unprotected sex. The sooner you take it, the better it works. Oh, and it won’t interfere with regular birth control methods or make them any less effective.  So you can go back to your normal birth control routine right after you take Plan B. The more you both know.

Thing to Know

10,000

That’s about how many hair follicles you have on your head. And we have good news for each and every one of them: Cult-fave skincare company Augustinus Bader just launched five game-changing hair formulas. We know. It’s big.

And yes, we’re talking about the same Augustinus Bader that was voted The Greatest Skincare of All Time by industry experts and beauty insiders after less than four years in the biz. Translation: These aren’t your typical hair care products. They’re backed by over 30 years of scientific research, powered by proprietary tech, aaand clinically proven to support natural hair growth, combat signs of damage, and refresh the scalp. So you can say ‘bye’ to shedding, frizz, split ends, and breakage. And ‘heyyy’ to healthier, longer, luscious-er locks. Really. Cue hair flip.

Skimm Reads

“Carefree Black Girls” by Zeba Blay

Started with a hashtag, now we here. Blay, who’s a writer and cultural critic extraordinaire, first used #carefreeblackgirl back in 2013. Now, for her debut book, she’s going deep on the subject and grappling with what it's like to be online and offline, seen and unseen, as a Black woman in today's culture. She blends candid personal memoir with razor-sharp essays about legendary figures and the impact they've had on the world — covering everyone from Mel B, and Cardi B, to Josephine Baker and Lizzo. You’re not gonna want to miss it. Trust.

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

1. An award-winning security system you can set up in literal minutes. SimpliSafe just released a wireless outdoor camera. So you can extend your protection even further. It’s got crisp, high-def visuals (yes, even at night). And Skimm’rs can get 40% off today. Lock it down.*

2. A sustainable way to shop designer clothes. Without designer price tags. This brand lets you browse thousands of high-end looks and rent your faves for one flat monthly price. With free shipping and returns. Psst...use code SKIMM100 for $100 off their eight item plan. Hello, gorgeous.*†

3. Teeth aligners that’ll have you cheesin’ extra hard. Because they’re on suuuuuper sale before Black Friday. This brand’s FDA-cleared impression kit also includes free professional teeth whitening. And access to their professional care team every day of the week. Smile bright like a diamond.*

4. Purr-fect items to celebrate National Cat Day. Like this advent calendar to gift your friend with a feline. Or this self-groomer brush that'll be a win for you and your cat. Pawesome. 

5. Affordable and unique candles you’ll wanna have on display. This list has tapered ones, funky shapes, and options that make great gifts this holiday season. Burn, baby, burn.

*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.

Spreading the joy...Jodie F (FL). She and her friend teamed up to record an original song called “Believe.” It’s about staying positive and not losing hope during the pandemic. Headphones in.

Going pro...Palanda B (CA). She is celebrating the one-year anniversary of her online magazine, AmPopsy. It aims to help women of color level up their careers and finances with tips and resources. Read up.

(Some) Birthdays...Catie Birmingham (NY), Bri Maas (WI), theSkimm's Avery Carpenter (NY), Marga Marshall (CA), Leila Deolall (NY), Kevin Stuczynski (OH), Quinn Cole (WA), Rosie Conary (ME), Amy Stevens (UK), Anna Ramundo (TX), Marissa Krieg (MO), Diane Huber (NJ), Cathy Sondheim (CT), Cara Miller (MA)

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

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Next Tuesday is an election day. Voters in VA and NJ will help determine some close governor’s races. We’ll also see how much enthusiasm there is for police reform in some major cities like Minneapolis, Cleveland and Seattle. Get an overview of the issues at stake on this week’s ep of “Skimm This.”

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

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Skimm’d by Rashaan Ayesh, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

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