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Skimm for October 30th

Skimm’d over Pillsbury cookie dough

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“Can’t read the article because I don’t have a subscription” – Gov. Chris Christie (R-NJ) responding to yesterday’s New York Times editorial suggesting he drop out of the presidential race. #PaywallBurn

THINGS SWITCHING GEARS

CHINA

THE STORY

China’s Communist Party wants everybody to start making babies.

EXPLAIN.

Yesterday, China added a plus one to its one-child policy. Meaning, yup, Chinese couples can now have two children. The one-child rule has been around since the late ’70s to keep the country’s massive population in check. Critics point out it’s led to human rights violations like forced sterilizations and abortions. Fast forward to today, and China hasn’t had a change of heart on human rights...but it IS staring at an aging population and a cooling economy.

theSKIMM

Some are saying ‘too little too late’ — there aren’t enough people in the workforce to replace China’s retiring grandmas and grandpas. But this could be a big win for the global economy down the road.

CONGRESS

THE STORY

Yesterday, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) got a gavel and dodged an awkward hug from House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).

EXPLAIN.

Ryan was officially sworn in as the new speaker of the House. The former VP candidate is replacing John Boehner (R-OH), who was ‘strongly encouraged’ by far-right GOPers to retire early. Earlier this week, he gave Ryan a goodbye present when he pushed a two-year budget deal through the House. Aka no more debt ceiling showdowns or government shutdowns until 2017. Which should help everybody get along. For now.

theSKIMM

Ryan never wanted this job. Now that he’s got it, he could be a younger, fresher face for a party that’s hoping to hold onto power in Congress – and take the White House – in 2016. But first, he’s focusing on getting the House to do some trust falls and put the past in the past.

REPEAT AFTER ME...

WHAT TO SAY WHEN YOU CAN TELL YOUR FRIEND HAS SOMETHING ON HIS MIND…

Spit it out. Earlier this week, a Pentagon spokesperson said “we’re in combat” in Iraq. Which is interesting, because ever since the US-led coalition against ISIS started last year, President Obama’s insisted...and insisted...that US troops wouldn’t see combat. And that US soldiers are just there to advise and train Iraqi forces. But then last week, a US soldier was killed in Iraq for the first time since 2011. It happened during a joint raid with Iraqi forces fighting against ISIS. Which had everyone thinking ‘isn’t that called combat?’ Yesterday, the Pentagon said ‘yes, yes it is.’ Glad that’s cleared up.

WHAT TO SAY WHEN YOUR NEW CO-WORKER BRINGS DONUTS TO THE OFFICE…

You’re a welcomed addition. Yesterday, the EU’s parliament called on its member states to drop charges against Edward Snowden and be nice if he shows up at their door. Reminder: since revealing that the NSA could be spying on everyone , Snowden found asylum in Moscow where he’s been sampling vodka and building his fur collection. The current status quo is that EU countries will send back anyone facing US charges. Never mind. Yesterday’s move means the EU is starting to warm up to Eddie, but it’s up to member countries to decide how to handle it if he decides to take a Eurotrip. Meanwhile, yesterday the US gov said pinky swears should never be broken and its position on Eddie “has not changed.”

WHAT TO SAY TO YOUR FRIEND WHO’S OBSESSED WITH THE ROYALS…

You’re gonna have to be more specific. Yes, it’s October and two teams are still playing baseball. The Kansas City Royals and the New York Mets are battling it out in the World Series and so far it’s 2-0 Royals. Neither team has won a championship since the ’80s, so they both have something to prove. The series is best of seven, and game three is tonight in New York. Play ball.

WHAT TO SAY TO YOUR FRIEND WHO HATES HALLOWEEN…

Need a ride to work?

THING TO KNOW

Depreciating Asset: Look at your shoes, now look up. Assets, like shoes and cars, become less valuable over time, which can lead some people to lease vs. buy a car once they run the math. There are benefits to both depending on your personal situation.

SKIMM READS

“In a Dark, Dark Wood” by Ruth Ware

Reese Witherspoon’s making it into a movie, so read the book now. Before bed at your own risk. It’s about a writer who goes on a group weekend away in the woods. Fast forward to her waking up in a hospital bed, with no recollection of what’s happened...except that someone’s dead.

SKIMM WINE

Skimm’ologist says: this Cab goes well with your dark, dark read.

SKIMM LIFE

Skimm HQ is really, really, ridiculously ready for Halloween. Still need ideas? Check out #SkimmorTreat on Insta. Post your costume this weekend, and you might just win some Skimm swag.

SKIMM SHARE

SKIMM BIRTHDAYS

* indicates Skimm’bassador. Make a wish.

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