Daily Skimm: He'll never love you like I can

Skimm’d while signing up for SkimmU Well January 25, 2022[Read in Browser]( [SkimmU Well A series of four, free virtual courses to help you get smarter about your mind-body connection.]( Daily Skimm Skimm’d while [signing up for SkimmU Well]( [Quote of the Day] Quote of the Day “Plowy McPlowface” — [A famous snowplow]( in Minnesota that could have some heavy lifting to do this week. Every day he's shovelin'. mailto:?body=Plowy McPlowface might be working overtime this week #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23qotd On Standby Getty Images The Story US soldiers are on standby for [possible deployment](. Ukraine? Yes. Things between [Russia and Ukraine]( have been complicated since the '90s, when Ukraine voted to become independent. But the Kremlin still sees them as “one people.” The game of tug-of-war reached its peak in 2014 when Ukrainians booted their Russian-backed president from office and Russia annexed Crimea. Now, over this past summer, Russian President Vladimir Putin penned an [essay]( arguing that Russia has a historical and cultural claim to Ukraine. Since then, Russia has been amassing more than 100,000 troops along the border. What’s happening now? A lot. Western countries are worried Putin could be planning an invasion…soon. And are warning the Kremlin of “severe economic consequences” if that happens. But Russia’s not happy either. Kyiv’s spent the past few years trying to join NATO — something Russia has called a “red line.” The Kremlin has reportedly asked for [legal guarantee]( from the US that Ukraine won’t do it. But now, things are still escalating. [NATO allies]( are sending ships, fighter jets, and putting forces on standby. The US also has 8,500 soldiers on alert — waiting for an order to deploy if needed. Denmark, Spain, France, and the Netherlands are planning or considering sending troops. The [US]( and [UK]( have told some people at their embassies in Kyiv to head home. And what if there’s a full-on war? [Other countries]( could get roped in. Think: Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Everyone is trying to take the diplomacy high road before things go too far — but no word on how well that’s working. Yesterday, President Biden had [a call]( scheduled with European leaders. Russia has consistently denied claims it’s planning an invasion. And is instead blaming the US and NATO’s reactions for raising the temperature. NATO says it will “take all necessary measures” to protect Ukraine. theSkimm 2021 marked the year the US pulled out of Afghanistan. And 2022 could mark the year the US and Russia face off over Ukraine. All eyes are on Biden as he continues to threaten economic consequences and weighs sending in US troops. Skimm More: [Here's]( what you need to know about Russia and Ukraine's complicated relationship. mailto:?body=All eyes are on Ukraine and Russia #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%23on-standby And Also...This Where there’s turmoil… [Burkina Faso](. Yesterday, the army announced it ousted the president and seized control of the West African country. The country was largely peaceful until 2015 when violent attacks by Islamist insurgents began taking place. In the past year alone, 1.4 million people have been internally displaced and reportedly 2,000 have been killed. The army is blaming the democratically elected president for not uniting the nation against an [Islamist insurgency](. Now, the military has dissolved the government, closed borders, and suspended the constitution. The UN has condemned the coup and called on the army to “ensure the protection” of the president, whose whereabouts are unknown. - [Coup d'état](: If this sounds familiar, you’re right. There have been coups in other countries in the past year. Think: [Guinea](, [Sudan](, and [Mali](. mailto:?body=The army has overthrown the gov in Burkina Faso #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%2301-25-2022-aat-1-burkina-faso Who people are talking about… [Pope Benedict XVI](. Yesterday, the former pope admitted he had attended a meeting in 1980 discussing a priest who was accused of abusing boys. That priest was later allowed to continue working in pastoral roles. Last week, an [investigation]( found that Benedict had mishandled allegations of sex abuse involving priests. And confirmed that Benedict had attended the ‘80s meeting. He initially denied the allegations. Now, he’s blaming the denial on “an error in the editing of his statement.” It’s the latest in decades of child sex abuse and cover-ups that have been a [systemic problem]( in the Catholic Church. mailto:?body=Pope Benedict XVI is addressing an inquiry into the Catholic Church #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%2301-25-2022-aat-2-pope What’s got people talking… [Affirmative action](. Yesterday, SCOTUS agreed to hear two cases involving race. One lawsuit accuses Harvard of discriminating against Asian American students by setting a higher standard for them. Think: reportedly judging them on additional, subjective — and often racially charged — traits like "likability" or "courage." A separate lawsuit alleges that UNC favored Black, Hispanic, and Native American applicants over Asian and white students. UNC has denied the allegations. While Harvard says it takes a “holistic” admissions approach. The program has helped to [expand diversity in higher education]( in recent decades. Now, it's up to SCOTUS to decide if it stays. That decision could come by next year. - [The footnotes](: SCOTUS has defended affirmative action in the past. But a new conservative majority court could agree with critics who say it's unconstitutional. mailto:?body=Affirmative action in college admissions could be on the chopping block #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%2301-25-2022-aat-3-affirmative-action What’s dropping like it’s hot… [Stocks](. Yesterday, the market had its worst week since March 2020. Its 1,100-point drop came days before the Fed is expected to discuss raising interest rates to counter record-high inflation. mailto:?body=Stocks are dropping like it’s hot #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%2301-25-2022-aat-4-stocks Who’s saying ‘you get an N95 mask, you get an N95 mask’... The gov. [Here’s]( where to get them (and those COVID tests, too if you haven’t done it yet). mailto:?body=The gov is saying ‘you get an N95 mask, you get an N95 mask’ #theSkimm%0A3Ftype%3Demailurl%26r%3DSKIMM%26utm_source%3Demail%26utm_medium%3Ddsshare%2301-25-2022-aat-5-masks Just Keep Swimming Short days and low temps got you dreaming about tropical trips? Then you’ll need to know about Andie. They make supportive, stylish, well-fitting swimsuits designed with every occasion and body in mind. And they’re giving new customers 15% off for a limited time with [code SKIMMYDIP](. Here’s what we’d go with: - [Their signature maillot, aka the little black dress of bathing suits ($95)](. Which also comes in navy, white, and red. Psst…maillot is French for sexy bathing suit, basically. - [A deep-as-you-want V-neck that can double as a bodysuit ($95)](. This one goes from sexy to sporty in a snap — literally. Talk about versatile. Psst…find more of their top sellers (and other great styles we think you’ll love) riiiight [here](. How to Skimm Your Life Challenge In recent years, more than half of Americans have left PTO on the table. For Day 17 of our [How to Skimm Your Life challenge](, we challenge you to buck that trend and actually take vacation. And no, working from home doesn’t count. Neither does ‘just checking in’ when you’re supposed to be checked out. Today, submit a request for some PTO and then start daydreaming about all the places you’ll go. Need that extra push: [We Skimm’d]( why vacay is essential for your mental health. PS: Like being OOO, our challenges will bring you all kinds of joy. Check ‘em out [here](. Skimm Picks Here are today’s recs to help you live a smarter life… 1. Newly launched, winter-friendly kicks that are already taking over the internet. For good reason. [This brand](’s cult-fave, 100% vegan, suede sneaks are chic, water-repellent, and insanely comfortable. (Shearling lining ftw.) Oh, and they never discount. But Skimm’rs [get a verrrryyy special offer](.* 2. An easier way to get through your grocery list. Without having to remember your reusable bags. [This online market]( has over 6,000 products. And they’ll deliver your picks to your door via carbon-neutral shipping. Psst…[here’s 40% off your first purchase](, plus a special gift.* 3. How to learn more about your metabolic and hormonal health. [This brand](’s on a mission to help women get to the root cause of unexplained symptoms. Their comprehensive at-home test measures hormones, insulin, and inflammation — and includes a virtual doctor's visit. [Here’s a Skimm-special discount](.* 4. Beauty products that double as skincare superfood. [This kit]( includes full- and travel-sized rose cleansing balms and facial oils. So you can keep your skin feeling fresh at home and on-the-go. Plus, it happens to be [on sale right now](. Get (sk)in there.* 5. A personal massager turned late-night best friend. Stay with us. [Dame’s new wand vibrator]( has a veryyyy powerful motor. You can use it anywhere on your body. But they’ve got a few suggestions. Btw, Skimm’rs [get 15% off](. The pleasure is all yours.* *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 helping hand…Sarah K (MO). She helped launch Reviewed's [accessibility category]( dedicated to product recommendations and insights for the disabled community and their caregivers. Moo-ve over…Rosalyn A (PA). She’s trying to make the perfect steak without slaughtering cows. [Well done](. (Some) Birthdays…Shelby Alpert-Waldman (CA), Leslie Saewitz (DC), Alexandra Penkava (NY), Julie Adelman (OR), Kristen Gray (PA), Taryn McLaughlin (GA), Carrie Coffee (NY), Bea Dizon (NY), Suzan Sherburn (TX), Jennifer Kay Ryder (TN), Wendy Walker (TX), Cindy Adams (CA), Kirsten Walley (MA), Cindy Adams (CA), Emily Poole (TX) *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, Kate Gilhool, Julie Shain, and Mariza Smajlaj Skimm'd something we missed? skimmthis@theSkimm.com Issues? help@theSkimm.com Copyright (c) 2022 theSkimm, All rights reserved. TheSkimm, Daily Skimm, and all Skimm-based marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of TheSkimm, Inc. 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