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| | | Quote of the Day | | "I ate 40kg of chocolate" â The 21-year-old, who just became the youngest woman to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. And here the rest of us are, eating the same amount of chocolate and struggling to go outside once a day. | | |
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The Story Protests in Myanmar have turned deadly. What's going on? Earlier this month, the Myanmar military arrested civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, declared a state of emergency, took power, and temporarily shut off the internet. The junta (aka the country's military) claimed this was all in response to last year's alleged fraudulent elections. And charged Suu Kyi with illegally importing walkie-talkies (yes, walkie-talkies) and breaking coronavirus restrictions. Citizens have taken to the streets in peaceful protest â including using things like balloons, pots, and pans to express their discontent. Over the weekend, protests there took a turn after security forces shot and killed two people â raising the death toll to at least three. All of this has only added to Myanmar's troubled history. Go on. For nearly 50 years, Myanmar (aka Burma) was under oppressive military rule. But in 2011, the military ended its control, opening the door to a civilian gov. The country, which had seen high rates of poverty and longstanding conflict between the military and the country's ethnic minority groups, began to try its hand at democracy. But the military still maintained control over parts of the gov (25% seats in parliament and total control of Defense). In 2017, things took another turn. Why's that? After an attack by a Rohingya insurgent group, the military cracked down on Rohingya Muslims. Thousands were raped, killed, and their villages burned down, forcing more than 700,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee to neighboring Bangladesh. The UN described the violence as ethnic cleansing. But Suu Kyi defended her military's actions in front of the International Court of Justice â the UN's highest court. She called the allegations "misleading" and stood by the junta. Now, after a decade of democracy, Myanmar is back under military rule. What are people saying? The international community has condemned the violence. Earlier this month, President Biden ordered sanctions, targeting junta leaders and limiting the military's access to $1 billion of Myanmar gov funds being held in the US. And he and the UN have called for Suu Kyi's release. But the military's saying 'this isn't a coup,' and that the country's constitution allows them to step in during an emergency. They say the state of emergency will stay in place for at least a year, and they will hold new elections but didn't give a date. theSkimm After decades of military rule, many thought the country was moving toward democracy. But the military coup seems to be upending that. Now, the military's treatment of protesters has turned violent and has the international community worried. | | |
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Where Americans are stil struggling... Texas. The state is in recovery mode after last week's storms left more than 30 people there dead. An estimated 10 million people still do not have access to drinkable water. Thousands are without power. And some who do are being charged thousands of dollars for basics like heat. On Saturday, President Biden approved a major disaster declaration for dozens of Texas counties. It opens up federal dollars that can be used toward home repairs, temporary housing, and property losses. But there's more: Toxic air: When some of the US's largest oil refineries shut down, they reportedly released more than 330,000 pounds of toxic gases into the air (think: carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, and sulfur dioxide). It's raising environmental concerns. Accountability: Texas's attorney general has launched an investigation into the power outages, energy pricing, and more. And there are at least two lawsuits pending against the state's main power operator. | | |
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Where there are COVID-19 updates... The US. This week, the country's coronavirus death toll could reach 500,000 people â a grim milestone that no other country is even close to. Already, the death toll from COVID-19 has surpassed American lives lost in WWII and the Vietnam War combined. But it comes as the country is seeing new cases decrease and amid the largest vaccination effort in history. Despite all that, Dr. Anthony Fauci said it's "possible" that Americans will still have to mask up next year, especially amid more contagious coronavirus variants.
Israel. Yesterday, parts of its economy hung up the 'open' sign as malls, gyms, hotels, and theaters welcomed customers in. But the gov's saying 'show me your vaccine pass.' Nearly half of Israel's 9 million citizens have received at least one dose. And the gov found that Pfizer prevents nearly 99% of coronavirus deaths or hospitalizations among people who got both doses. Now, Israel's taken one big step toward getting to a new normal, and is aiming to reopen more of its economy in the coming weeks. It comes as the country has faced criticism for prioritizing its own citizens over people in Palestinian territories. | | |
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Who people are talking about⦠Malcolm X. On Saturday, his family released a letter alleging that the FBI and NYPD were involved in his death. In 1965, the Black civil rights leader was shot to death in Manhattan. Three men were convicted of his murder, but two have maintained their innocence and scholars have raised doubts about what really happened. Last year, the NYC district attorney said it would review Malcolm X's case, following a Netflix docu-series on his death. Now, the family's citing an alleged letter written by a deceased former NY police officer, who claimed authorities conspired in Malcolm X's assassination. The Manhattan DA's office said their review is "active and ongoing." But the NYPD said 'we gave you all the info we got,' and the FBI has stayed silent on the news. | | |
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| | | Basal Ganglia That's where neuroscientists say habits live. These brain structures store the instructions for activities that you do on auto-pilot, like brushing your teeth. And free up precious space for processing new info, making decisions, and solving problems.
Speaking of habits, Noom can help you stay motivated to form â and stick to â healthy ones. Their wellness program uses psychology and tech to help you learn the 'why' behind your choices. And provide support. The best part: Skimm'rs get a free 14-day trial. Take the onsite evaluation to get started. It's a no-brainer. |
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| If our email sometimes goes to your spam/promotions tab, there's a solve for that.
Add skimmhq@theskimm.com to your contacts to make sure you receive the latest emails. If you use Gmail, drag this email to your "Primary" tab. They don't call us techies for nothing. |
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| 1. Eye makeup that'll give you that 'I got 9 hours of sleep' look. This best-selling duo of mascara (which has over 11,000 five-star reviews, btw) and highlighter will get you glowing no matter how late you stayed up. PS: Skimm'rs get $8 off.*
2. Must-read books about Black history and identity to add to your bookshelf. We've got a National Book Award winner, a Pulitzer Prize winner, and more. Consider these essential during Black History Month and beyond.
3. 8 ways to actually reduce food waste. For anyone who's still unclear: green is the new black. So here's how to make sure your eating habits aren't hurting Mother Earth. | | *PS: This is a sponsored post. |
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| Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life...
1. A cash-back credit card with lots of perks and no annual fee. Perks like up to 5% cash back on categories you'll actually spend on. And unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Learn more.*
2. A super polished everyday bag that's made to last. Hammitt's soft leather satchel has a removable strap, exterior phone pocket, and interior credit card slot. Plus, you can shop now and pay later. Add to cart.*
3. A dog food subscription to help your pup stay healthy. This company designs personalized, nutritious recipes to keep your fur baby's skin, digestion, energy, mobility, and weight in check. Take the quiz to get started, and save 60% on your first order.*
PS: Our weekly newsletter drops tonight at 5pm ET. This week's theme is all about life hacks that'll make you say 'oh wow, I need this.' Make sure you're signed up to get it. | | *PS: This is a sponsored post. |
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| 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.
Stocking up change...Anaika F (NY). Last year, she began Hashtag Lunchbag Brooklyn, an org that makes sandwiches, writes notes of kindness, and designs brown paper bags. Because of the pandemic, she had to pivot the org's effort and launch two community fridges to help fight hunger.
Got her license last week...Meagan W (UT). She's officially become a licensed professional engineer after getting her master's degree in civil engineering and working three years in the field.
(Some) Birthdays...Michelle Berman (NY), Jess Levin (NY), Dare Schenck (IL), Dorie Smith (NY), Mary-Rachel Leach (TN), Caitlin Edwards (OH), Cynden Amrose (CO), Kelsey Bennett (OH), Melinda Schneck (PA), Hannah Shirley (MO), Katarina Gay (OH), Kathy Estrin (FL), Stephanie Hutchinson (WA), Phyllis Reiss (NY), Lauren Berry (PA), Avian Avena (OH), Trudy Ordeñana (NY), Keli Honsberger (CA), Julie Crowell (TX), Britney Jarvis (UT), Aly McTaggart (MI), Elise Welch (CO), Elise Welch (CO), Erin Bradshaw (NJ), Monika Barrett (IL)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured. |
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| Having the money talk with your partner can be awkward. Our guide breaks down how and when to bring it up. Plus, talking points to get you started.
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 "Skimm'd from the Couch" for tips to build your resume. Subscribe to our "Skimm Money" newsletter to keep up to date with your wallet. Sign up for our "Press Pause" 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. |
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| Friends don't let friends get bogged down in headlines. So click that share button to send theSkimm to your network. Because, as they say, sharing is caring. | | | | | | Or use this referral link theskimm.com/?r=98d063bf |
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| Skimmâd by Maria del Carmen Corpus, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain |
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