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 QUOTE OF THE DAY  |
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"Each day holds a new luxurious surprise" – Tiffany & Co is selling an advent calendar for the holidays that costs $112,000. Ho ho holy crap that's expensive.
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THINGS DC’S TALKING ABOUT
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Impeachment inquiry
The Story
House Republicans aren't pleased with the Democratic-led impeachment inquiry.
Gasp. Tell me more.
Yesterday, about two dozen Republican lawmakers stormed a secure room for closed-door hearings, delaying a Defense Department official from testifying. Most of them aren't part of the committees conducting the inquiry – aka they weren't authorized to be there.
So why'd they do it?
Because some have said that Dems are being too secretive by holding private hearings and that they have the right to know what's going on. They've also complained that the inquiry isn't legit because the House never held a formal vote to launch it, as it typically has done in the past.
And the Dems' defense?
That closed-door hearings can be crucial for information gathering, and they prevent witnesses from coordinating their statements. And that transcripts will be made public in due time.
theSkimm
This impeachment inquiry has become a partisan battle on the Hill. And earlier this week, President Trump said that Republicans need to take a stronger stand against it. How'd they do?
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Libra
The Story
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg spent his hump day on Capitol Hill.
I'm sure he 'liked' that.
We see what you did there. If there's one thing that brings lawmakers together, it's criticizing (and barely being able to understand) Facebook. So it's not surprising that they're skeptical of its planned digital currency Libra. Facebook thinks the estimated 1.7 billion adults around the world who don't have access to a bank account could benefit from it. Lawmakers have been worried about a giant tech company getting more influence. So they invited him to the Hill for a chat.
How'd it go?
Not great. Zuckerberg admitted that companies like Visa and PayPal dropped out of Libra because it was a "risky project." And that Facebook won't move forward with the project unless US regulators give it the thumbs up. Other topics of conversation: Russian interference, the company's diversity problems, and fighting child exploitation online.
theSkimm
Libra has a lot more work to do before it plans to launch next year. But lawmakers are outdoing themselves to show they don't want the billions of people who use Facebook or its other services (think: WhatsApp, Instagram) to get roped into something risky.
$: What's your money got to do with it? Here's what Libra could mean for your wallet.
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Where people have taken to the streets…
Bolivia. Earlier this week, people in the South American country voted on whether to re-elect President Evo Morales for a fourth term. His supporters like the economic growth under his leadership. But many are concerned about gov corruption, his influence over the press, and his seeming to ignore a 2016 referendum on term limits. At first, the election looked like it could've headed to a runoff between him and the leading contender, former President Carlos Mesa. But then, things took a dark turn...literally. Election officials went dark on sharing results for about 24 hours. When they came back, the results showed a wider lead for Morales, causing many to say 'rigged, much?' This led to protests and calls for a runoff. Meanwhile, Morales has used the opportunity to declare a win and announce a state of emergency.
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What's not facing the consequences...
Turkey. Yesterday, President Trump announced he was lifting the sanctions imposed as punishment for Turkey's offensive in northeastern Syria. This week, Turkey said it stopped advancing into the area after coming to an agreement to share patrol duties with Russia. Trump gave the US "and nobody else" credit for brokering what he calls a permanent cease-fire. But many see the whole situation as a big foreign policy fail, starting when Trump seemed to give Turkey the green light to attack the US's Kurdish allies.
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What's saying 'Google me, b*tch'...
Google. The company says it's reached peak "quantum supremacy." Google Translate: it can solve a problem in 200 seconds that would take a top-notch supercomputer 10,000 years to solve. IBM's saying 'OK Google, what's the definition of exaggeration?'
PS: GV (formerly Google Ventures) is a minority investor in theSkimm.
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Your savings account called. It thinks you might be ready to buy a house. We broke down the basics of what you need to know if you want to add 'homeowner' to your resume. Do your (home)work here.
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WORDS WITH AUTHOR FRIENDS
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We talked with Julie Andrews. No, we're not kidding. She's opening up about her career in Hollywood, her best advice, and yes, her favorite things. PS: we asked about Genovia too. Check it out here.
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For when you're stocking up on hot chocolate...
'Tis the season to stay warm. Enter J.Crew. They have coats, parkas and puffers made with eco-friendly filling. So you can look good and stay toasty 'til spring. PS: Skimm'rs get a special offer. And yes, it can be used on top of other sales. Take a peek.*
For when you're wearing black all season...
Accessorize. This company makes jewelry that's designed for layering. Think: colorful gemstones, interesting textures and a gold finish. PS: Skimm'rs get an exclusive sale…up to 30% off select styles, and a free gift with purchase. Add to cart.*
For when it seems like just being a female person is expensive…
That's the pink tax talking. Say 'not listening' with this company. They sell high-quality razors, minus the extra cost. Psst...Skimm'rs get an exclusive discount for one day only. Go go go.*
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*PS This is a sponsored post.
**PPS Don’t miss our monthly Smarter Pack newsletter for more of our favorite picks. Sign up here.
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Spotlight on…Alyssa S (NY). She traveled the country this past year gathering personal stories about opioid addiction, loss, and recovery. With these stories, she produced a 40-minute documentary called "Gateway" to raise awareness about addiction to opioids after surgery.
Can't stop, won't stop...Jane S (PA). She's running more than 150 miles in six days with the goal of raising money to stop MS, inspired by her sister who was diagnosed with it.
(Some) Birthdays...Dani Mazza (NY), Judy Berkowitz (NY), Misha Sharp (NY), Shelley Papa (NY), Emily Ellsworth (UT), Alexis Menias (IL), Emma Zieverink (GA), Madeline Umali (KS), Brandy Trefren (ID), Samantha Schulte (ME), Brian Tucker (FL), April Lefever (PA), Angie Abera (TX)
*Paging all members of theSkimm. Reach out here for a chance to be featured.
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theSkimm50 West 23rd Street, Suite 5B; New York, NY, 10010, United States Update Profile
