Daily Skimm: Mirror, mirror on the wall

Skimm'd with last-minute gifts that'll arrive in time

December 20, 2021 Read in Browser

Daily Skimm

Skimm'd with last-minute gifts that'll arrive in time

Quote of the Day "The competitive juices, they're never going to go away" – Tiger Woods, on finishing second place with his son Charlie. And that's on genetics.

Are New Yorkers Ok? Getty Images The Story It feels like everyone in New York has COVID-19.  It does. What are the facts? That more than 8% of COVID tests there are coming back positive. By the time you read this that could be higher. Cases are doubling about every two days. Delta still accounts for a share of the surge, but Omicron could reportedly become the dominant variant as soon as this week. Dr. Anthony Fauci is warning it will cause record-high hospitalizations and deaths. The departing NIH director says the US can expect as many as 1 million cases per day.   This is a lot to handle. It is. Here's what we know: vaccines are down to around 30-40% efficacy at preventing infection. But boosters like Pfizer's and Moderna's may reduce cases of symptomatic disease by as much as 75%. That still means we can expect breakthrough cases. But every bit helps. And big venues are taking action, fast. The NFL, NHL, and NBA are postponing and canceling games. The Rockettes are saying 'see you next year.' So same, same as 2020…but different.  What can I do when everyone in the group text says 'I tested positive?' Get tested. Easier said than done when CityMD lines look like last year's lines at Trader Joe's. At-home rapid tests aren't always easy to find. If you're experiencing symptoms, take care of yourself and try to protect others. The evidence isn't yet out on whether Omicron is milder than other variants. In NYC, hospitalizations are reportedly up 64% in just two weeks. And rather than take medication advice from TikTok, talk to your doctor about your options. theSkimm No one wants to be back here. But as the most populous city in the country, New York tends to serve as a warning sign for what's to come elsewhere. Stay safe, NY, and for everyone else: take notes.  PS: With Omicron cases rising, we're still learning details about the variant. Here's what we know so far.

And Also...This Who's just not feeling it… Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV).* Yesterday, Manchin said he "cannot vote" for President Biden's roughly $2 trillion spending bill. The announcement throws a wrench into Dems' plans for the bill on everything from free pre-k to paid family leave to efforts to curb carbon emissions. Manchin said he was most concerned that the bill was adding to the more than $28 trillion national debt. Also, that it could fuel already skyrocketing inflation. WH press secretary Jen Psaki called Manchin's position a "breach of his commitments to the President and the Senator's colleagues." Now the bill goes back to the drawing board — just as Congress is OOO for the holidays. And it comes as Manchin is threatening to block a change to filibuster rules that would allow Dems to pass their voting rights bill. Where times are changing... Chile. Yesterday, leftist Gabriel Boric won the country's presidential runoff election. The 35-year-old — who ran on increasing corporate taxes and reducing the environmental effects of mining — will be Chile's youngest-ever president. His win signals the country (which has seen many anti-gov protests in the last two years) is headed away from the right-wing wave that swept across South America (see: Brazil, Colombia). And could be a sign of what's to come for the region. Where democracy isn't taken for granted... Hong Kong.* Yesterday, Hong Kongers turned out to vote in the territory's "patriots-only" legislative election. It is the lowest voter turnout since China imposed a national security law last year that lets police crack down on the territory's pro-democracy protests. And after a separate measure, only "patriots" are allowed to stand for election and hold political positions. Critics say the law weakens democracy. But Hong Kong officials say it's ensuring stability after protests in recent years. Who we're saying farewell to… Former Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA). Yesterday, the long-time senator died at the age of 76. Isakson had served in Congress for decades and helped overhaul the veterans' health care system. And was known to work closely with both sides of the aisle. He resigned in 2019 citing health concerns from Parkinson's disease. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) said the Peach State "lost a giant" and that he was "dedicated to making his state and country better than he found it." Voting rights activist and GA gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams said he "served the whole of Georgia with attention and fairness." When there's "No Way Home" for the holidays... At least Spider-Man made it to the box office. *PS: Not a Washington Post subscriber? Check out their exclusive offer just for Skimm'rs.

Starry(-eyed) Nights A really big ball. Cups of kindness. Midnight kisses. New Year's Eve is just around the corner. And if you wanna ring in 2022 with your eyes as bright as your future, meet Thrive Causemetics. Skimm'rs get 15% off their vegan, cruelty-free beauty products. Here are some of our faves:  Gravity-defying eye cream that instantly lifts, tightens, and brightens. Plus provides soothing, line-smoothing hydration.  A brightening eyeshadow stick that'll make your eyes pop. This best-seller adds the perfect wash of shimmer. Aaand long-lasting glow. Ultra-lengthening mascara that makes lashes look like extensions. The kind that will make your friends jealous. And has over 15K five-star reviews. PS: For every product purchased, Thrive Causemetics donates to nonprofits helping women thrive. Start shopping (with 15% off) in 3, 2, 1...

Use It or Lose It Health FSAs (read: flexible spending accounts) can help you save serious money on out-of-pocket costs. But over $500 million in unspent FSA funds are forfeited every year. *Shudders.* So our new motto is "no cent gets left behind." And that means using all our tax-advantaged contributions before the end of the plan year. Aka before any remaining cash goes back to our employers. FSA Store can help with that. They've got a shop-by-price tool and over 4K guaranteed eligible essentials — from menstrual cups and contact solution to heating pads and broad-spectrum sunscreen. Plus, Skimm'rs can save $30 on $250+ purchases before EOD New Year's Eve (hint: just in time for the 12/31 deadline) with code THESKIMM. Happy shopping.

The Sleigh List Design: theSkimm | Photo: Brittany Sturrett The clock is ticking...and if you're scrambling to finish up holiday shopping, the Sleigh List has thoughtful recs for everyone you still need to find that perfect gift for. While plenty of items can still make it in time with expedited shipping, we've also got some last-minute ideas you won't need to pay extra for — plus the comfiest clothes for ringing in 2022 in style. Check out: Exciting experiences to gift anyone who lives life to the fullest The best stocking stuffers under $15 Last-minute holiday presents that aren't gift cards  New Year's Eve party outfits that are actually comfortable Psst: Shop theSkimm's Virtual Holiday Village, our 3D, interactive experience, for even more gifting inspo.

Skimm Picks Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life… 1. A credit card you can share with anyone you call family.* Apple Card Co-Owners can combine credit lines to make large purchases together.† Plus, everyone on the account can earn cash back on their own purchases. All without paying any fees.† Sound good? Apply now. 2. How to start the new year speaking a new language. Need some resolution inspo? Try this app. It can help you master words and phrases from over 10 different languages in just three weeks. Through lessons, podcasts, games, and live online classes. Here's 65% off.* 3. Daily wellness inspo made juuuust for you. Noom's online program takes your goals, lifestyle, and thought processes into account. All to help you build better habits that'll actually stick. No wonder it's got millions of fans. Psst...try it risk-free for 14 days.* 4. A mess-free, stress-free boozy brunch essential. This brand's original canned mimosas™ (yes, you read that right) are made with 100% real fruit juice, premium sparkling wine, aaaand 80% less sugar than regular 'mosas. Plus they ship right to your door. PS: Skimm'rs get 25% off.* 5. The coziest coat we ever did see. Let alone feel. This Athleta sherpa jacket is perfect for hiking, climbing, and walking in a winter wonderland. Oh, and the fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles. Bundle up.* *PS: This is a sponsored post. PPS: Check out our selection of the best holiday gifts for everyone on your list. †Terms apply

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. Picture perfect…Sara D. She's raising awareness and funds to support LGBTQ+ youth. Her independent bookstore, Picture Book, co-hosted a visit with the author of the children's book "When Aidan Became a Brother." Sara is donating 10% sales of the beautiful story about a trans boy to the WJCS Center Lane LGBTQ Youth Center. Give back while adding to cart. Informing and inspiring…Babita P (NY). She publishes kahani, a print magazine of stories for girls, by girls from around the world. The mag aims to inform, elevate and inspire.  *Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.

Skimm More Cooler temps mean curling up by the fire (or by the beach, if you're lucky) with a good book is officially in season. We Skimm'd a list of books to unwind with while taking some end-of-year R&R. 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 "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, Mariza Smajlaj, Clem Robineau, and Julie Shain

Skimm'd something we missed? skimmthis@theSkimm.com Issues? help@theSkimm.com Copyright (c) 2021 theSkimm, All rights reserved. TheSkimm, Daily Skimm, and all Skimm-based marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of TheSkimm, Inc. Our mailing address is: theSkimm Inc. 50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B New York, NY, 10010, United States See our full sponsor agreement Unsubscribe