Daily Skimm: Living simply makes loving simple

Skimm'd while sporting our new fave leggings

December 16, 2021 Read in Browser

Daily Skimm

Skimm'd while sporting our new fave leggings

Quote of the Day "I was hungry" – Keanu Reeves sharing the real story behind the "Sad Keanu" meme. Should've had a Snickers.

Omicron Getty Images The Story Omicron is exploding across the US. Already? Yes. Other countries are ahead in their curves: Yesterday, the UK reported its highest daily count of COVID-19 cases, ever. The variant is expected to be dominant in the EU and US as soon as next month. Considering omicron was first ID'd late last month, you can imagine how fast it's moving. This week, a picture is starting to emerge on how effective vaccines are against it. Tell me. All three US-authorized vaccines seem to be taking a major hit at preventing infection (think: down to around 30-40% efficacy). So if you were hoping to just coast by with that one dose, think again. But two doses of Pfizer may still provide robust protection against hospitalization. And a booster can help…a lot. Research from the UK and Israel indicates that three doses may reduce cases of symptomatic disease by as much as 75%. And there's more good news. Go on… This week, Pfizer said that a clinical trial showed its COVID-19 treatment pill (Paxlovid) can reduce hospitalization and death by 89% if administered within five days of symptoms. And sent it over to the FDA for approval. More good news: Pfizer says lab data shows it might also be effective against omicron. But time will tell. And time is of the essence, with the variant racing across the globe. theSkimm There's still a lot we don't know about omicron. With only one documented death, it may end up being more mild than past variants. But given how fast it spreads, even a mild variant of COVID-19 could put pressure on medical systems – just as the flu and delta remain a threat.  PS: Here's what we know (and don't know) about the omicron variant.

And Also...This Who's finally acknowledging what happened… Derek Chauvin. Yesterday, the former Minneapolis police officer pleaded guilty to violating the civil rights of George Floyd. It marked the first time Chauvin admitted to putting his knee on Floyd's neck in May of 2020, killing him – and sparking a national reckoning over systemic racism. The plea means Chauvin avoids a life sentence. Instead, he faces 20 to 25 years in prison, which he could serve at the same time as the 22.5 years he's now serving. Chauvin also pleaded guilty to a separate case dating back to 2017, when he similarly put his knee on a 14-year-old boy's neck even as the boy was handcuffed. Based on the sentencing, the earliest Chauvin could be released from prison is around 2042. Who's making history... Keechant Sewell. Yesterday, Mayor-elect Eric Adams announced Sewell will become the city's first female police commissioner. Sewell has served with the Nassau County Police Department on Long Island for decades and was promoted to chief of detectives last year. Now, she's breaking the barrier as NYPD's first Black woman to take on the nation's largest police department – amid a rise in violent crime. The decision comes at a critical time when America's policing has been put under a microscope and as calls to defund the police have grown louder. Sewell said she is committed to making sure NYC's police dept "looks like the city it serves." Who will be missed… bell hooks. Yesterday, Gloria Jean Watkins – the acclaimed author, poet, feminist, and professor behind the pen name bell hooks – died at her home in Kentucky. The 69-year-old wrote around 40 books – including "Ain't I a Woman? Black Women and Feminism" and "All About Love" – that explored race, feminism, and capitalism. Tributes poured in from across the literary world, with Ibram X Kendi saying the loss "hurts, deeply" and Roxane Gay calling the loss "incalculable." What's saying 'keep up'... The Fed. Yesterday, the Federal Reserve said it's going to end pandemic-era bond purchases by March 2022 to curb rising inflation. And told everyone they expect three rate hikes next year...and apparently three more in 2023 and two more in 2024. Stock markets said 'yup, sounds about right' – and bounced up on the Fed's news. PS: Here's a refresher on inflation. And another on how the federal funds rate affects your savings, debt, and homebuying plans. What's got people saying 'imagine the delivery fee'... Uber Eats.

Fact or Fake Misinformation has become a part of daily life. Which is...not great. And spotting it online isn't always easy. So we partnered with Pfizer to debunk some of the most dangerous fake news stories that have been spreading since before the COVID-19 pandemic began.  First up: 5G infrastructure is connected to the coronavirus. Unsurprisingly, that's untrue. And conspiracy theorists have been claiming high-speed internet networks harm human health before the coronavirus was even a thing. Despite having zero scientific proof.  PS: Our new guide can help you identify what's fact and what's fake as you browse the web and scroll social media. It's also got tips for reporting misinformation and approaching fam and friends who might be part of the problem.

Thing to Know Amygdala The brain's emotional center. It plays a role in how we make choices, especially when there are big risks or rewards at stake.  If you wanna put yours to work and start making healthier choices, meet Noom. It's a digital platform rooted in behavior change psych. And it can help you better understand yourself, your brain, and the 'why' behind your decisions. So you can get — and stay — in control. Oh, and break any bad habits you can't seem to shake. Take the free quiz to get started.

Skimm Money True or false? Price tags for things like rent, cable, and medical bills aren't written in Sharpie. If you said 'true,' you win…some of your own money back. We Skimm'd what you need to know to negotiate your bills and save more each month. And that's our best and final offer.

Skimm Picks Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life… 1. People management 101 with Care.com's Sheila Lirio Marcelo. In our latest ep of "9 to 5ish with theSkimm," sponsored by Gevalia, the start-up CEO and Harvard Business School grad talks about what it takes to be an effective leader. Listen up.* 2. How to score round-trip tix to Miami for $91. Or Spain for $243. This club sends its (ahem, 1 million+) members alerts for majorly discounted flights. It can help you save up to $2K in 2022. Join for just $1 in the next 12 hours.* 3. A card you can apply for in minutes.* Really. Apple Card is already accessible from your iPhone. So you can start shopping — and earning Daily Cash — the second (yes, second) you're approved.† Apply with no impact to your credit score. 4. The clean beauty buys you need in your life. Because they can help you look — and feel — your best. From brightening serum to ultra conditioning lip gloss, we rounded up our fave Beautycounter makeup and skin care products juuust for you. Check 'em out.*  5. A money move that could save you some serious cash. Quicken Loans® takes all the guesswork out of refinancing your home. ‡With real-time quotes, 24/7 access to your loan status, and a speedy application process. Answer these short questions to get started.* 6. Stylish staples for those last few giftees on your list. No panic-shopping here. Vineyard Vines has chic loungewear, party wear, and everything-in-between-wear. Not to mention stocking stuffers for days. Plus, shipping's on them with any $200+ purchase through 12pm ET on Dec 22. Yes please.*  *PS: This is a sponsored post. PPS: Check out our selection of the best holiday gifts for everyone on your list. †Terms apply. ‡NMLS #3030

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's on the wellness wagon…Cristin E (HI). After two years of work and studying, she is officially a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach. And she's expanded her massage therapy business. Check it out. Customize with…Daisha MH (MI). She has an Etsy shop featuring custom wire jewelry on precious stones and crystals. She's grown her brand all while taking care of her three kids. Shop here. (Some) Birthdays…Claire Oetinger (NY), Jill King (PA), theSkimm's Sarah Hong (NY), Bernadine Bednarz (CA), Natalie Lenz (WI), Natalie Snow (FL), Kelsey Noone (IL), Callie McQuaig (MS), Caroline Meyerson (TX), Maureen Levy (IL), Aaron Kopolow (NJ), Shastina Torres (CA), Mary-Ann Gallo (OK), Niti Ajmeri (NY), Flo DeMayo (NJ) *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. Want more from theSkimm? 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.

Skimm'd by Rashaan Ayesh, Maria del Carmen Corpus, Kate Gilhool, William Horn, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

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