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March 1, 2022
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Daily Skimm

Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

"T. regina" — Another potential species beyond T. rex that translates to "tyrant lizard queen." Get in loser, we're renaming dinosaurs.

Waiting

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The Story

Ukraine and Russia are talking...while the war continues.

Tell me. 

Yesterday, officials from Ukraine and Russia met at the Belarusian border. The talks — the first since Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine last week — lasted five hours. The good news: the two sides agreed to keep talking. The bad news: They didn’t agree to a ceasefire. Instead, the violence has escalated. And Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy isn't optimistic. As he reportedly put it, real negotiations "can only take place when one side is not attacking the other with rocket artillery."

What’s the latest?

Putin is still going full force in hopes of capturing Ukraine. Civilians spent the night in shelters as the assault on Kharkiv intensified. Satellite images show a Russian military convoy that stretches about 40 miles heading towards Kyiv. And Russia has reportedly used highly controversial cluster munitions in two civilian targets. A rocket attack in Kharkiv killed at least 10 civilians and injured dozens more — an act Zelenskyy labeled a "war crime." (Russia has denied targeting civilians.) But Russian forces have been met with fierce resistance from Ukraine — especially around Kyiv — and have yet to take over the city.

And what happens next?

Despite putting his nuclear forces on combat alert, there doesn’t seem to be movement on that front. So at least there's that.

theSkimm

It’s been six days since Putin invaded Ukraine. That's longer than many expected a country could hold up against the Russian Army. But with each passing day, the threat of escalation and further violence remains.

PS: Need a reminder of how Russia and Ukraine got to this point? We got you covered.

PPS: Here's how you can help.

The World Is Watching

It's almost a week since Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine. But many didn’t need that long to decide where they stand. Here's what that looks like with...

Countries: The EU is solidly behind Ukraine, with Germany breaking with precedent and sending weapons — and even neutral Switzerland issuing sanctions. And it’s not just the West. Tens of thousands of protesters across the world have turned out in support of Ukraine, with more than 2,000 arrested in Russia. Meanwhile, Belarus is firmly Team Putin. But Russian allies like China, India, and Turkey have pushed for negotiations or peace.

Non-state actors: Tech companies like Facebook, Google, and TikTok have been banning Russian state media. Elon Musk is propping up Ukraine’s internet. Disney, Netflix, and even Eurovision Song Contest are taking a stance. Russian athletes are on the outs from the World Cup and other international competitions. The world has rallied around Ukraine. And the sanctions on Russia are unprecedented. The support is also raising questions about…

Racism in War

Many have pointed out the discrepancy between the West’s treatment of white Europeans in this conflict and other refugees. Here’s a closer look at:

Open arms, closed arms: Last week, Poland said it would do "everything to provide safe shelter" for "everyone who needs it." Compare that to last year, when Polish troops used tear gas and water cannons on migrants from countries like Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria. And Poland's not alone: Hungary and Slovakia have also pulled a 180 on their treatment of refugees. The change comes amid reports that Nigerians and South Africans fleeing the war in Ukraine have been pushed to the back of the line.

Language: Over the weekend, CBS came under fire for a correspondent's comments describing Ukraine as more "civilized" than Iraq or Afghanistan. One French news commentator said, "we're not talking about Syrians fleeing bombs" but about "Europeans leaving in cars that look like ours." In case you missed it: all refugees are human beings.

And Also...This

While Russia’s trying to act like it’s the Soviet Union…

Let’s talk about the state of our union. Tonight at 9pm ET, President Biden will be delivering his first State of the Union address. You can catch 46's speech on all major news networks, the WH's website and, bless its heart, C-SPAN. He's expected to cover a wide range of topics including Ukraine, the next stage of the pandemic, his historic SCOTUS nominee, and that 'great asset' inflation. The speech comes as Biden's approval ratings have been hovering around 40%. And when it's all over, Gov. Kim Reynolds (R-IA) is ready to jump in with the GOP rebuttal.

PS: Here's what else you can expect from President Biden's first State of the Union address.

What’s not getting better…

Climate change. A UN report yesterday found an “unavoidable” increase in risk to humans over the next 18 years. And people in 2100 could experience four times the frequency of extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and heat waves. 

PS: Here’s more on how climate change could affect your wallet and health. Questions? Answers.

Who’s packing his bags…

An Estée Lauder exec. Yesterday, the beauty company announced John Demsey is leaving after getting flak for his Instagram post containing a racial slur.

Asking for a Friend

We know Skimm’rs have homebuying and selling Qs. So we tapped REALTORS® (aka members of the National Association of REALTORS®) to get some answers. Without further ado…

Q: Is there any time of year that gives buyers an advantage?

REALTORS®: The fall and winter seasons are traditionally less competitive for homebuyers. But that has not been the case lately. Instead of trying to time the market, try asking yourself: 

  • What’s the best time for you? 

  • Are you financially ready? 

  • Is rent becoming too high? 

  • Have you outgrown your current home? 

  • Would currently low mortgage rates help you better afford homeownership?

Psst…If you’re still not sure, you can talk with a REALTOR® who has the expertise to help you determine the right time to buy. Go get ’em.

Psst…REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS®.

Women’s History Month

Design: theSkimm

As a company founded by and for women, theSkimm highlights incredible women all year long. But this Women’s History Month, presented by Fidelity and Lilly Pulitzer, we’re taking it up a notch and celebrating the women who are rewriting society’s rules and inspiring you to do the same. Whether you’re changing the game like football coach Katie Sowers, flipping the script like film director Chloé Zhao or trading up like former Wall Streeter Lauren Simmons, every industry could use some change. For more inspo, visit our website and click through our interactive timeline. And remember: Rules are made to be broken.

Skimm Well

Will all the overachievers please stand up. Here’s your permission slip to take time off. TTK: About half of people who work remotely said they felt more stressed about calling out sick last year than in previous years (yikes). But stepping away from work can help you return feeling refreshed and ready to get sh*t done. If you need more convincing, we spoke to two experts about why PTO, sick days, and personal days should make regular appearances on your work cal.

Skimm Picks

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

1. The most relatable thing you’ll see all day. Raise your hand if you've ever been personally victimized by your own spending. We get it, and so does Fidelity. Watch our latest video here.*

2. Custom dog food that’ll unleash your pup’s true potential. This brand knows every pet is unique. Which is why they create (and ship) vet-recommended, personalized food based on each one’s specific needs. PS: Skimm’rs get 80% off with code SKIMM80.*

3. A podcast ep you’ve gotta hear. Our latest “Skimm This,” sponsored by Sephora, has an account from the ground in Kyiv. Plus updates on relaxed COVID-19 restrictions, a big equal pay win, and the rise of dating app scams. Don't miss it.*

4. Something to get the party jumpin’ jumpin’. Even if it’s just you in your living room. This portable bluetooth speaker can power up to 12 hours of uninterrupted dance breaks. Plus you can control it from an app on your phone. Shop now.*

5. A vitamin for growing kids. That’s not just candy in disguise. These one-a-day kids’ vitamins are made with 12 organic fruits and veggies, 15 essential nutrients, and zero added sugar. Oh, and Skimm’rs get 50% off their first order. Here you go.*

*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.

A sweet deal…Nila N (NJ). She’ll customize treats like marshmallows, stroopwafels, and graham crackers with any logo or photo. Selfies included. All you have to do is upload.*

(Some) Birthdays…Nancy Lane (NY), Leah Kessler (CA), Lucy Schulson (MA), Erica Nimensky (NJ), Dean Smith (MN), Georgia Perez (NV), Patricia Tower (MI), Anna Carpenter (FL), Jenna Jones (TX), Rachel Siegfried (OR), Julie Wichler (NY), Windi Brady (NC), Wendy Minkin (CA), Meg Stagaard (NJ), Megan Fleming (NY)

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

*PS: This is a sponsored post.

Skimm More

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